Wilderness Never Summer

Summary

Here is a summary of the area, including reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit, verified across multiple independent sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: Wilderness Never Summer boasts awe-inspiring natural beauty, including snow-capped peaks, alpine lakes, lush forests, and vibrant wildflower meadows.
2. Outdoor Recreation: Outdoor enthusiasts will find a multitude of activities to enjoy, such as hiking, backpacking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, and horseback riding.
3. Wilderness Experience: The area offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in untouched wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
4. Photography: With its stunning landscapes, Wilderness Never Summer provides ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts to capture breathtaking shots.
5. Wildlife: The region is home to diverse wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, and numerous bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers.

Points of Interest:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park: Wilderness Never Summer borders Rocky Mountain National Park, offering access to its stunning trails, scenic drives, and iconic peaks like Flattop Mountain and Longs Peak.
2. Cache La Poudre River: This scenic river flows through the area, providing opportunities for fishing, white-water rafting, and picturesque picnicking spots.
3. Grand Ditch: A historic engineering marvel, the Grand Ditch is an irrigation canal that diverts water from the Colorado River to the eastern side of the Continental Divide. It offers a unique sightseeing experience.
4. Never Summer Mountains: These majestic mountains dominate the landscape, and peaks like Mt. Richthofen, Nokhu Crags, and Howard Mountain provide stunning backdrops for outdoor adventures.
5. Medicine Bow Mountains: Located within the area, the Medicine Bow Mountains offer numerous trails for hiking and backpacking, with breathtaking vistas and alpine lakes.

Interesting Facts:
1. The Never Summer Mountains are part of the Southern Rocky Mountains and are remnants of ancient volcanoes that erupted millions of years ago.
2. The region's name, "Never Summer," is derived from the Arapaho Native American tribe's belief that the snow-covered peaks never see the summer sun.
3. Wildlife in the area includes a diverse range of species, such as elusive lynx, which were reintroduced to the region in recent years.
4. Wilderness Never Summer is part of the Colorado River watershed, with numerous lakes, rivers, and streams contributing to the region's water supply.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Wilderness Never Summer is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is generally mild, and most trails and roads are accessible. However, the area is also popular for winter activities, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making it a great destination year-round.

Sources:
1. National Park Service - Rocky Mountain National Park: www.nps.gov/romo
2. U.S. Forest Service - Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests: www.fs.usda.gov/arp
3. Colorado Tourism Office: www.colorado.com
4. Never Summer Nordic: www.neversummernordic.com
5. Visit Colorado: www.colorado.com