Huston Park Wilderness

At some point, the folks that gave European names to stuff in the Rocky Mountains decided big meadows should be called ‘parks’. South Park is the most famous such geological feature, for dubious reasons.

Huston Park is central to this, the only, wilderness tucked atop the Sierra Madre. There are a few other notable parks within the wilderness—Long Park for one. The wilderness has a chill, wild feel… like a place where wildlife actually lives. You don’t get that feeling if you only visit the high and rocky places of the West.

Most folks see Huston Park while putting one foot in front of the other in their walk down the country’s spine. The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) bisects the wilderness. It remains a great way to get a feel for the place, though I recommend you check out an aerial and visit interesting features just off the CDT.

One fine weekend in 2026, we decided to visit Huston Park despite weather incoming. We hiked in the rain and slept in the rain and it was quite lovely. If you can’t sleep, set up a cozy tent somewhere it will drizzle all night long. Huston park has plenty of nooks that will do the trick.

Access

Easy access (a paved road) can be had from Battle Pass to the north of the wilderness. The CDT trailhead works well. There are dirt roads that get near the wilderness from other directions. Hiking in from Hog’s Park is also an option.

Safety

Nothing unique to this area. Since the CDT goes through the center of the wilderness you may see more people than in other areas. Keep that in mind if you hunt here.

Infrastructure

Numerous miles of trails lay within this wilderness. Enjoy.

Inspiration

Resources

• Huston Park Wilderness — Medicine Bow NF — A nice trip report by Emilene Ostlind
• GeoWyo: Battle Pass Byway — Good info on the geology of the area. This talks about the whole Battle Pass Byway just north of the wilderness.