Neota Wilderness

[Neota National Wilderness Area. Photo: eenwall] Situated west of Fort Collins, the Neota Wilderness is relatively small in size. It contains only around 9,900 acres and very few trails and roads are maintained within the wilderness.

The Neota Wilderness was designated as a Wilderness Area by the United States Congress in 1980. The wilderness is managed entirely by the Forest Service as it’s located in the Roosevelt and Routt national forests.

It’s bordered by several more notable wildernesses as well. To its east is the Comanche Peak Wilderness; to the northwest is the Rawah Wilderness, and the Rocky Mountain National Park Wilderness borders it to the south.

Activities

Elevations can rise pretty high in the Neota Wilderness. As such, ice and snow takes a while to melt in the wilderness.

To the southwest of the wilderness is the Iron Mountain which stands at over 12,000 feet. From its summit, one can view the three main drainages of the Neota Wilderness. These are the Trap, Corral, and Neota Creeks. Along these bodies of water are a variety of abundant wildlife. Deer and elk inhabit the area and one can even spot a moose occasionally,

Because the Neota Wilderness has so few maintained roads and trails, this wilderness is not recommended for casual visitors. Hikers, campers, or climbers should have at least intermediate skill before attempting to explore the Neota Wilderness. Still, the chance for peace and quiet in the Neota Wilderness would make the trip worthwhile.