Thompson Divide
Comprising roughly 250,000 acres of public land stretching from the lower Roaring Fork Valley to the upper North Fork Valley, the Thompson Divide has captured the hearts of western Coloradans from all walks of life for its abundance of treasures — wild forests and a massive complex of Inventoried Roadless Areas; some of the most sought-after hunting units in the West; grazing allotments that have sustained local ranching operations for generations; and top-notch hiking, skiing, fishing and camping.
Hidden Secion
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Wilderness
The wild forests of the Divide include 12 Inventoried Roadless Areas, making it one of the largest roadless complexes in the state of Colorado without permanent protections. Just outside of Carbondale lies the Assignation Ridge Recommended Wilderness, which is full of undisturbed woods ranging from cottonwood to ponderosa pine to aspen. Assignation Ridge has been proposed for wilderness designation many times in the Colorado Wilderness Act.
Wildlife
The Divide is predominantly mid-elevation, high-value habitat. The landscape provides important migration corridors for the threatened lynx, as well as for moose, elk, deer, bear and mountain lions. The Divide links wildlands east of Grand Junction to the mainstem of the Rockies in the Elk Mountains.
Water
Dozens of drainages begin in the Thompson Divide and provide important water to local communities, wildlife and agricultural operators. Waters from the Divide flow into the Crystal, Roaring Fork and North Fork of the Gunnison Rivers — and Divide Creek flows directly into the mighty Colorado River.
If You Visit
You’ll enjoy quintessential Colorado backcountry with diverse vegetation ranging from oak and sage at lower elevations, through vast stands of aspen, and into the alpine along Huntsman Ridge. You might enjoy camping under some of the starriest skies Colorado has to offer, making fresh tracks in backcountry powder, or hiking along Perham Creek Trail through the Assignation Ridge proposed wilderness. No matter what adventure you choose, you’ll likely encounter wildlife, along with a cowboy or two.
Explore the Wild For Good Landscapes
Protect what you love. Act today.
Proactive work to protect our local public lands is more important than ever. Please join us in this important work. Together, our community can keep our treasured public lands and waters…Wild for Good.
