Colorado Trip Help

[raptor510]

Hello everyone!
I’m going to spend 2 weeks in Colorado next month in August with a friend. We are really wanting to visit all 4 NPs and try to stay off road in between them as much as possible. For those of you who know Colorado we are trying to find campsites that are trail side but also as near to high alpine lakes or rivers as possible. We are not all that familiar with BLM rules (we’re from the East) but any locations, tips or info would be greatly appreciated! I’m beginning to think BLM land isn’t like in the movies where you drive out wherever you feel like, set up camp and shoot 50cal rifles at targets lol. Maybe someone can clarify the rules as far as Colorado goes? We do already understand the fire ban principles and have bought propane fire pits that are burn ban permitted.
Thanks!

 

[K12]

BLM is generally pretty simple. You can camp just about anywhere unless it is posted otherwise, BUT you cannot make your own trail/path etc. There are a lot of campsites and areas along the trail that are quite obvious. If it looks questionable its probably not a campsite, most will have a rock fire rings. You can stay in a single spot for no more than 14 days in a 90 day period (which I dont think will be an issue for you) Other than that its all normal things, pack in pack out, leave it better than you found it, respect the trails/sites so others can use them too.

 

[JOERYNO]

For campsites near high alpine lakes or rivers, you might want to check out places like Brainard Lake Recreation Area or the East Portal Campground near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Both offer beautiful scenery and are relatively close to trailheads.

As for BLM land in Colorado, you're right, it’s not quite like the free-for-all you might imagine. BLM lands do have specific rules, especially regarding camping and shooting, so it’s a good idea to check local regulations and guidelines before you go.

If you end up needing a break from camping, I’ve found that some great spots like westgate resorts in Branson offer a nice mix of outdoor and indoor relaxation.

 

[FishinCrzy]

Not specific to Colorado but my method is to search google maps in the area I am looking to explore. Scroll in to get details and then look at the satellite view to see what else it looks like. Streams show as blue lines. Looking at other maps can give additional info on terrain, etc. I am presently planning trip for August. Found some new spots to explore in addition to some old favorites. I generally look at National Forests and BLM. Parks don't offer the same dispersed camping opportunities.

Colorado seemed a bit tougher to find dispersed camping near water than say Wyoming. Just found some sweet looking spots in southern WY near Encampment. WY is a lot easier with less restrictions seems to me. That's just my limited take.

 

[raptor510]

Thanks for the info, everybody!

 

[FishinCrzy]

Talked to a nice BLM young lady today at my campsite up on a tributary of the Salmon R., Idaho. I had a good idea that I was on BLM land but there was no signage that indicated it was actually a designated campsite as it was. She gave me BLM map and FS map. We had a nice conversation and I told her about the fish I caught an the bear that walked between me and my truck while I was on the river. She thought 150 bear was big? I think I coulda wrassled him. Some USFS land above me was designated 10 day stay and move more than thirty miles after then. She was first person I talked to in three days. Damn, I love these remote sites! They are on somebody's map but not everybody's. And, there aren't always signs to help you finger it out. That's part of the fun and keeps the sheeple away! 99% of the private land up here is fence or posted in some way.

Went to a remote boat landing on the Salmon R. today that had gates through private land. No signs telling one not to do much of anything like camping. Just keep the gate shut. The usual don't go off designated roads, etc. Nice big gravel bar so I pulled my truck into the river and brushed it off. 2500 miles of mud and dirt was getting me dirty every time I had to work around the truck.

Flying in to the F. Church Wilderness tomorrow to fish for six days and do some low end glamping. I know this outfit can cook. Learned a few things last time about Dutch oven cooking. And. apparently there are no bears up there? Not sure I believe that but probably not many. There are some sheep and a maybe a few deer but bear probably starve trying to catch those sheep!

 

[FishinCrzy]

nice mix of outdoor and indoor relaxation.

You not sending him to an establishment of ill repute are you?