English: The Ferris Mountains WSA, in combination with its relatively large size, diversity and ruggedness, contains outstanding opportunities for a primitive and unconfined type of recreation. The WSA’s ridges, canyons, valleys and meadows offer outstanding opportunities for hiking, hunting, camping and backpacking. These opportunities are further enhanced because the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is proposed to run through a portion of the WSA. A climb to Ferris Peak offers an exceptional hiking experience, where visitors must pick their own routes because there are no trails to the top. Hunting within the WSA is considered exceptional and the scenic values are unique to the region.

The Ferris Mountains WSA encompasses 22,245 acres (9,002 ha) of BLM-administered land and one private inholding of 160 acres. The study area is steep and rugged, providing unusual and spectacular scenery. Ferris Peak is the highest point in the Great Divide Basin at 10,037 feet (3,059 m) and rises some 3,000 feet (910 m) from the valley floor. Large stands of Douglas fir, interspersed with grassy parks create an alpine setting.

Known locally for the zigzag "racing" stripe of white limestone on its southern face, the mountains offer unusual and spectacular scenery. Elk, bighorn sheep and mule deer call the WSA home, and golden eagles and prairie falcons nest on its cliffs. The entire WSA was recommended for wilderness designation in the 1992 report to Congress.

For more information visit: www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/programs/nlcs/wsa/hdd/ferrismtn.html

Photo: Bob Wick, BLM