The cover of Colorado's state road map alludes to a land of grand scenery and adventures, which aptly describes the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Initially formed with the 1964 Wilderness Act, additional acreage has since been incorporated and now tops 150,000 acres. The wilderness area, located in the Park Range and split by the Continental Divide, is characterized by fast flowing mountain streams and dotted with glacial lakes. This Rocky Mountain land ranges from 7000 to 12,000 feet elevation and its high-point is the wilderness namesake, Mount Zirkel. The entire area, north of Steamboat Springs, has been plagued with beetle infestation, and this mountain lake reflection shows that some of these subalpine firs are under attack by the dreaded bug.
   A striking glacial lake scene, part of the Seven Lakes area, shows the reason for its popularity. Too bad trout anglers have placed an ever increasing pressure on Colorado's mountain lakes, burdening the state fishing and game personnel with an additional task of aerial restocking. Apart from fishing, the Zirkel Wilderness is covered in spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, lush mountain meadows and wondrous mountain peaks.

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