Elk Mountains Backcountry Alliance is a dedicated nonprofit committed to protecting, promoting, and enhancing human-powered recreation throughout the beautiful Gunnison Valley. We’re a community of outdoor enthusiasts who value the physical and mental health benefits of exploring wild places under our own power. From the tranquility of untouched trails to the challenge of backcountry adventures, we believe everyone deserves the chance to experience the restorative magic of solitude in nature today and for generations to come.

Our mission is rooted in advocacy, collaboration, and preservation. We actively participate in land-use planning to ensure public policies support quiet recreation, partner with organizations and agencies that share our vision, and fund important research through Western Colorado University’s environmental programs. Through outreach and community involvement, we strive to protect wilderness areas and foster a deep appreciation for the peaceful, self-powered outdoor experiences that make the Gunnison Valley so special.