WSP09642 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

001)986 Dollar Highway," splits the East Section. The Highway began as a wagon road built by famed pioneer engineer Otto Mears, while in search of a railroad route. A trip along this Highway offers the visitor a glimpse of the mining history and scenic attractions within the East Section. This serves as a magnet for outdoor recreationists from Colorado, the Nation and the World. People are attracted by the historic mystique of early gold and silver strikes in and around Telluride, Ouray, and Lake City, and the ghost towns of Red Mountain, Chattanooga, lronton, Sneffels, and Mineral Point. The wide assortment of historic relics present are increasingly sought out by photographers and those interested in our cultural heritage. Many old mining wagon roads and trails are now four-wheel drive vehicle roads (139 miles), or all purpose roads (95 miles), which provide visitor access. Some 275 miles of developed trails, as well as numerous other game trails and ways, are used by hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. One-third of the recreation use is by auto and four-wheel drive enthusiasts. Commercial four-wheel drive tours serve over 20,000 people a year. The significance of vehicle access is apparent. Four developed campgrounds are located within the Section, none of which are within the Primitive Area. Two picnic grounds, 65 campgrounds and 6 back area camp sites are inventoried as suitable for development within the Section. Also, numerous undeveloped sites and hunter camps are available. Mountain climbers frequent the higher peaks and climbing areas year- round. On a typical summer day, as many as 50 people may be climbing Uncompahgre Peak. Some visitor information displays covering man's "conquest" of the mountains are in place along travel routes and at developed recreation sites. There is opportunity for additional interpretation of the unique recreation and tourism message of "how the West was won" and "men against mountains" in a setting of history and beauty. The non-developed portions of the Primitive Area, and contiguous areas have limited potential for expanding developed recreation site opportunities. Opportunities for enjoyment and study of the wilderness resource is a dominant characteristic of these areas. The remaining roaded and developed lands in the Section provide the greatest potential for expanding recreation opportunities for more people. This area contains existing and potential access routes, developed recreation sites, potential recreation sites of over 700 acres, and more hunting and fishing opportunities. -15-