From the trails, the Wilderness appears to be nothing but trees until the forest gives way to abundant alpine tundra along the southern boundary near Comanche Peak. Beyond Comanche to the south, lies Rocky Mountain National Park. The Cache la Poudre River tumbles over cascades or runs quietly in pools for over 10 miles to the north and west. The interior of the area, however, is quite accessible, with few spots more than five miles from a trailhead. The Big South Fork of the Cache la Poudre River is largely responsible for draining Comanche Peak, and it joins forces with the Little South Fork to form Colorado's only Wild and Scenic River drainage.
Trout fishing can be good on the rivers, as well as in several lakes and streams.
A large elk herd roams the area, and lucky visitors might catch a rare glimpse of moose. This Wilderness receives heavy human use.