Fossil Ridge Wilderness is located in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests.

Fossil Ridge became one of Colorado's newest Wildernesses in 1993. Here is a small but almost perfect mountain kingdom, with raw granite towering above several beautiful shallow lakes and long valleys carved by ancient glaciers and replete with pine, spruce, fir, and aspen. The limestone ridge rises above 13,000 feet, climbing well beyond the tree line, and contains the fossilized remains of numerous prehistoric sea creatures. Square Top Mountain, approximately 12,500 feet high and about an hour's worth of climbing above Lamphier Lake, allows a virtually unparalleled view of almost half of Colorado's fourteeners.

Elk and deer abound, but the truly fortunate catch glimpses of a small group of mountain goats or a larger herd of bighorn sheep. The lakes are stocked with trout. There are about 22 miles of maintained trails.

• To truly experience Fossil Ridge Wilderness go for a backcountry adventure. Stop by a ranger station in Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnsion National Forests to get trail guides.
• Make the hour's climb from Lamphier Lake to Square Top Mountain's (12,500 feet) summit, where you will find a virtually unparalleled view of almost half of Colorado's fourteeners.