Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness

Infobox_protected_area | name = Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness
iucn_category = Ib

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caption =
locator_x = 65
locator_y = 30
location = Montana, USA
nearest_city = Missoula, MT
lat_degrees = 45
lat_minutes = 57
lat_seconds =
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 113
long_minutes = 28
long_seconds =
long_direction = W
area = 158,615 acres
(642 km²)
established = 1964
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
governing_body = U.S. Forest Service

The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area is located in southwestern Montana, in the northwestern United States. It runs for 40 miles (65 km) along both sides of the crest of the Anaconda Range, covering almost 250 square miles (640 km²). To the north are the Sapphire Mountains, and to the south is the Big Hole Valley. Elevations range from about 5000 feet (1525 m) up to 10,793 feet (3290 m) at West Goat Peak. West Pintler Peak, located in a more commonly visited area, rises to 9894 feet (2895 m). Visitors can most easily access this area via trailheads at Pintler Lake to the south, and at Lutz Creek and Moose Lake to the north.

This segment of mountains was designated as a Primitive Area in 1937, and reclassified as a Wilderness Area in 1964. It is administered jointly by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests. It is named for both the Anaconda Range and Charles Ellsworth Pintler, an early settler of the nearby Big Hole. The forest north of Pintler Pass, including Johnson Lake, was heavily burnt by the Mussigbrod and other fires of 2000.

Recreational opportunities abound. The mountains of this wilderness area and the excellent trail system make it a prime destination for peak baggers. West and East Goat Peaks, Warren Peak, Mount Evans, and Fish Peak are just a few of the 10,000 feet plus peaks that can be scrambled with no technical equipment. Many lakes in this wilderness area are well-stocked with trout and are popular fishing destinations. Popular lakes include Upper Seymour, Edith, and Johnson Lakes. Wildlife watchers can see mountain goats, Rocky Mountain big horn sheep, and pika.

External links

* [http://www.explorethebitterroot.com/anaconda_pintler_wilderness.htm Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Information & Maps]
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* [http://www.ecorover.blogspot.com Peak Bagging in the Pintler Wilderness]