Where to sleep before the climb
A lot of you drive in from out of state. Finding a place to sleep near the trailhead can eat a whole evening. Here are the base towns, campgrounds and free camping spots near Colorado’s high peaks, plus the rules that keep you out of trouble.
Last checked October 1, 2026. Rules, closures and prices change. Always check the official alerts page before you go.
Closures and changes in 2026
- Willow Fire (Leadville, 2026): parts of Halfmoon Creek, the Mount Massive trail and its wilderness were closed. A closure runs through December 2026.
- Elk Fire (Lake City, 2026): Matterhorn Creek Road and the Wetterhorn approach were closed. Nellie Creek stayed open.
- Gold Mountain Fire (Ouray, 2026): some campgrounds and trailheads on the Cimarron side were closed.
- Lake Irwin near Crested Butte is closed for rebuilding into 2028.
- New in 2026: Navajo Basin (Mount Wilson, El Diente) allows camping only at 9 marked sites.
- Quandary Peak, Mount Blue Sky, Pikes Peak Highway, Maroon Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park all use summer reservations. Plan ahead.
How free camping works
What it is
Dispersed camping means free camping on national forest or BLM land, away from campgrounds. No water, toilets or trash. You bring everything and pack everything out.
Where it is allowed
Only where the Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map shows roadside camping is allowed. If the map does not show it, assume no. More and more busy areas are now numbered-sites-only.
Stay limits
Usually 14 days in any 30, and you must then move well away (often 20 miles). Some busy roads are 5 or 7 nights.
Distances
Camp at least 100 feet from water (200 is better), and away from trails and trailheads. Many trailheads ban camping within 300 feet.
Use what is there
Camp only on spots that are already worn. Never drive off a road to make a new one.
Fire
Fire restrictions change all summer. Stage 1 means fires only in campground rings; Stage 2 means no fires at all. Some areas ban stoves too. Check before every trip.
Human waste
Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep, 200 feet from water and trails, and pack out toilet paper. Above treeline, use a waste bag.
Bears
Lock food in a hard-sided vehicle or a bear canister. Canisters are required in some places, like Rocky Mountain National Park and the Maroon Bells.
Not allowed
Private land and old mining claims (common in the mountains), State Land Board land, national parks outside campgrounds, and areas under special orders.
Base towns
23 towns
Jump to a town below, or tap any town to open it.
Front Range
Front RangeGeorgetown & Idaho Springs
Base for Grays Peak, Torreys Peak, Mount Bierstadt, Mount Blue Sky
Drive to the trailheads
- Grays & Torreys (Stevens Gulch): 25 to 45 min, last 3 miles rough dirt
- Bierstadt (Guanella Pass summit): about 30 min
- Mount Blue Sky (Echo Lake): about 30 min from Idaho Springs
Lodging
Small motels, historic inns, B&Bs, cabins and vacation rentals. Roughly $120 to $250 a night in summer, and weekends fill. Many people stay in the Denver area or Silverthorne and drive up early.
Food, gas & gear
Gas in both towns and small markets. Do your big grocery and gear shopping in the Denver area or Silverthorne.
Campgrounds
Reserve on Recreation.gov. About $26. Water by hand pump. About mid-June to mid-September.
Small, no water. Check Recreation.gov for how sites are handed out.
Reserve on Recreation.gov. About $26. Water. About mid-June to early September.
Reserve on Recreation.gov. Early June to late September.
Free (dispersed) camping
A few spots are reported just past the summer trailhead. Much of the lower road crosses private mining claims, so only camp where you are sure it is national forest. High clearance helps. Ask the Clear Creek Ranger District to be sure.
Not allowed
- Any camping near Guanella Pass Road on the north side, outside the two campgrounds. The order runs through 2028 and also bans all fires and stoves and anyone being there from 10 PM to 6 AM, except Bierstadt hikers and campground guests.
- Camping within 1/4 mile of West Chicago Creek and Hefferman Gulch roads except in signed sites.
- Sleeping in trailhead lots, and camping on private mining claims.
Heads up
- Mount Blue Sky reopened in 2026 after two years of road work. A timed-entry reservation on Recreation.gov is needed for the upper road from 8 AM to 6 PM. There is no cell service to buy one there.
- The Bierstadt and Grays lots fill before sunrise on summer weekends. On Guanella Pass, park fully off the pavement or risk a ticket or tow.
Front RangeEstes Park
Base for Longs Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Longs Peak & Mount Meeker (Longs Peak trailhead, off Highway 7): about 20 min
Lodging
The most choice of any mountain town on this page: hotels, motels, lodges, cabins, condos and the YMCA of the Rockies. Roughly $150 to $350+ a night in summer. Allenspark and Meeker Park on Highway 7 have a few cabins closer to the trailhead.
Food, gas & gear
Full groceries, gas and gear shops in town.
Campgrounds
The only first-come campground in Rocky Mountain National Park. Tents only, about $30, no water. Open about early July to early September.
Some sites first-come, some on Recreation.gov. About $29. Bear lockers.
Reservation only on Recreation.gov, up to 6 months ahead. They fill fast.
Free (dispersed) camping
Some forest roads allow free camping, but there is none near the Longs trailhead and much of Highway 7 is private. Check the Motor Vehicle Use Map or call the Boulder Ranger District before you count on a spot.
Not allowed
- Any camping inside Rocky Mountain National Park outside campgrounds. Every overnight in the backcountry needs a park wilderness permit and a hard-sided bear canister.
- Sleeping at the Longs trailhead or in park lots.
Heads up
- The park uses timed-entry reservations in summer, about late May to mid-October. If you enter before 9 AM you do not need one, which covers most Longs climbers.
- Store all food in the bear boxes or a canister.
Front RangeColorado Springs, Manitou & Woodland Park
Base for Pikes Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Barr Trail (Manitou Springs): 5 to 20 min
- Crags trailhead (west side, near Divide): about 30 min from Woodland Park, 1 hr from Colorado Springs
- Pikes Peak Highway gate (Cascade): about 25 min
Lodging
Every kind and price in Colorado Springs, roughly $100 to $250 a night. Manitou has motels and B&Bs; Woodland Park and Divide have a few hotels and cabins.
Food, gas & gear
Full services in Colorado Springs and Woodland Park. Divide has very little.
Campgrounds
First-come only. About $25. Water, vault toilets, no trash service. Late May to late September. Rough, narrow road, no big trailers.
Bunks, cabins and tent sites. Reserve with Barr Camp.
Numbered sites only, reserved on Recreation.gov for a fee. Heavy off-road vehicle use.
Free (dispersed) camping
Free sites exist, but parts of the forest are now designated-sites-only. Stay limit is 14 days in 30 within 20 miles, and camp 100 feet from water. Ask the Pikes Peak Ranger District which roads are open to camping.
Not allowed
- Camping anywhere on the Pikes Peak Highway, including Devils Playground.
- Camping at the Barr Trail lot.
Heads up
- Driving past mile 7 on the Pikes Peak Highway in summer needs a timed-entry permit plus admission. There is also a shuttle from mile 7.
- Barr Trail parking is small and paid; check the City of Manitou Springs for the current reservation rules.
- Bears at the Crags.
Mosquito & Tenmile
Mosquito RangeFairplay & Alma
Base for Mount Democrat, Mount Cameron, Mount Lincoln, Mount Bross, Mount Sherman
Drive to the trailheads
- Democrat, Cameron, Lincoln, Bross (Kite Lake): 20 to 30 min from Alma
- Sherman (Fourmile Creek, near Leavick): 35 to 45 min from Fairplay
- Mosquito Gulch and Buckskin Gulch 13ers: 15 to 20 min
Lodging
Very limited: a few small motels, cabins and an RV park, roughly $100 to $200 a night. Many climbers stay in Breckenridge, about 30 minutes over Hoosier Pass.
Food, gas & gear
Gas and a small grocery in Fairplay. Very little in Alma. Shop in Breckenridge or the Denver area.
Campgrounds
A handful of small tent sites; a new campground is being built. Check the current fees.
First-come. About $24. Water. Mid-May to mid-October. Bears are common.
Free (dispersed) camping
Free spots along the road below the Sherman trailhead. The upper area mixes national forest and private mining claims, so check land ownership before you set up. High clearance helps.
A few free sites.
Not allowed
- Private mining claims, which are everywhere in the Mosquito Range.
- The true summit of Bross is private and closed.
Heads up
- Kite Lake Road had construction closures in 2026. Check the Pike-San Isabel alerts page before you go.
- DeCaLiBron crosses private land; sign the landowner waiver at the trailhead kiosk.
- The Kite Lake lot fills before 5 AM on summer weekends.
Tenmile & MosquitoBreckenridge & Blue River
Base for Quandary Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Quandary Peak and McCullough Gulch (Highway 9): 15 to 20 min
- Spruce Creek (Mohawk Lakes and Tenmile 13ers): 10 to 15 min
- Hoosier Pass: about 20 min
Lodging
Resort-town prices: hotels, condos and vacation rentals, roughly $200 to $400+ a night in summer. Frisco, Silverthorne and Dillon are often cheaper.
Food, gas & gear
Full groceries, gas and lots of gear shops in Breckenridge and Frisco.
Campgrounds
Reserve on Recreation.gov up to 6 months ahead.
Reserve on Recreation.gov. No water.
Free (dispersed) camping
About 8 to 10 numbered sites. The first few are fine for AWD; higher ones need 4WD.
Rocky road, 4WD recommended. Upper sites usually reachable June to October.
Numbered sites; a regular car is fine.
Not allowed
- Camping anywhere except signed, numbered sites in the Boreas Pass, Spruce Creek, McCullough Gulch, Peru Creek and Rock Creek areas.
- Overnight parking at the Quandary trailhead (midnight to 4 AM).
- Parking on McCullough Gulch Road or Blue Lakes Road (fines).
Heads up
- From mid-June to mid-September, Quandary parking needs a paid reservation from 5 AM to 3 PM, or take the shuttle from Breckenridge. Parking after 3 PM is free.
- The designated-site rule in Summit County was set to run through 2025; call the Dillon Ranger District to confirm the current order.
Sawatch
SawatchLeadville
Base for Mount Elbert, Mount Massive, Mount Sherman
Drive to the trailheads
- Mount Elbert north and Mount Massive (Halfmoon Road): 20 to 25 min
- Mount Elbert south (Black Cloud, South Elbert): 25 to 30 min
- Mount Sherman west side (Iowa Gulch): 20 to 25 min
- Turquoise Lake: 10 min
Lodging
Historic hotels, motels, a hostel, lodges, cabins and rentals. Roughly $80 to $200+ a night in summer; prices jump on race weekends in August.
Food, gas & gear
Gas, a full grocery store and outdoor shops in town.
Campgrounds
First-come. About $26. All were closed by the 2026 Willow Fire; check before you go.
Reserve on Recreation.gov. Book early.
Free (dispersed) camping
Many existing roadside sites. Use only sites that already exist, stay 100 feet from the creek, and pack everything out. A designated-site system has been planned here; check the current rules.
Not allowed
- Camping anywhere in the Turquoise Lake Recreation Area outside campgrounds.
Heads up
- The 2026 Willow Fire burned west of Leadville and closed parts of Halfmoon Creek, the Mount Massive trail and the Massive Wilderness. A new closure runs through December 2026. Call the Leadville Ranger District (719-486-0749) before you plan.
- Stage 1 fire restrictions were in place in fall 2026.
SawatchTwin Lakes
Base for La Plata Peak, Mount Elbert
Drive to the trailheads
- La Plata Peak (Highway 82): about 15 min
- Mount Elbert south (Black Cloud, South Elbert): 5 to 15 min
- Independence Pass east side and the Lake Creek 13ers: 15 to 30 min
Lodging
Very little: one inn and a few cabins. Most people stay in Leadville (25 min) or Buena Vista (35 min).
Food, gas & gear
A small general store. Get gas and groceries in Leadville or Buena Vista.
Campgrounds
First-come. About $28. No water.
First-come.
Reserve on Recreation.gov. Lakeview fills early.
Free (dispersed) camping
Free sites with fire rings toward the South Elbert trailhead. Rocky; high clearance advised. Fills on weekends.
Not allowed
- Camping anywhere in the Twin Lakes Recreation Area outside campgrounds.
Heads up
- Where free camping is allowed along Highway 82 west of the lakes is not well marked. Check the Leadville Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map.
SawatchBuena Vista
Base for Mount Belford, Mount Oxford, Missouri Mountain, Huron Peak, Mount Harvard, Mount Columbia, Mount Yale, Mount Princeton
Drive to the trailheads
- Belford, Oxford, Missouri (Missouri Gulch, County Road 390): 30 to 35 min
- Huron (Winfield / South Winfield): about 45 to 50 min
- Harvard & Columbia (North Cottonwood): 20 to 25 min
- Yale (Denny Creek, Cottonwood Pass road): about 20 min
- Princeton (Mount Princeton road): 15 to 20 min to the lower lot
Lodging
Hotels, motels, B&Bs, cabins and two hot springs resorts nearby. Roughly $120 to $250 a night in summer.
Food, gas & gear
Gas, a full grocery store and outdoor shops in town.
Campgrounds
Some sites on Recreation.gov, some first-come. Water. Fills by Thursday in summer.
About 25 sites.
About 19 sites.
Free (dispersed) camping
About 60 roadside sites, including near Vicksburg and Winfield. Use existing sites, stay 100 feet from water. Past Winfield needs high clearance. The Forest Service started laying out designated sites here in 2026, so expect numbered-sites-only soon.
Pull-outs along the road below the trailhead.
Not allowed
- Camping at the North Cottonwood trailhead itself.
- South Cottonwood Creek has special camping and fire limits; use signed sites.
Heads up
- Book lodging early for summer weekends.
- Wilderness rules apply once you enter the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness.
SawatchSalida, Nathrop & Poncha Springs
Base for Mount Antero, Mount Shavano, Tabeguache Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Antero (Baldwin Gulch, Chalk Creek): 25 to 30 min from Nathrop to the 2WD parking
- Shavano & Tabeguache (Blank Cabin): 25 to 30 min from Salida
- Mount Ouray (Marshall Pass): 40 to 50 min from Poncha Springs
- Monarch Pass: about 25 min
Lodging
Salida has the most choice: hotels, motor lodges, a hostel, B&Bs, cabins and rentals, roughly $100 to $250. Hot springs lodging near Nathrop.
Food, gas & gear
Full services in Salida. Gas and small stores in Poncha Springs and Nathrop.
Campgrounds
Mostly on Recreation.gov. Chalk Lake has a 2-night minimum on weekends.
First-come. About $25. Hand-pump water. Mid-May to mid-September.
Developed, with a fee.
Free (dispersed) camping
Free spots along the road between the Angel of Shavano and North Fork campgrounds. High clearance helps.
Lots of free roadside sites, 14-night limit. Watch for posted rules near O'Haver Lake.
Spots higher on the 4WD road. Serious high-clearance 4WD only.
Not allowed
- Any camping in Chalk Creek Canyon outside the four campgrounds.
Heads up
- Monarch Park Campground was closed for rebuilding in 2026.
- The Browns Creek area is moving to designated sites.
SawatchMinturn, Vail & Red Cliff
Base for Mount of the Holy Cross
Drive to the trailheads
- Mount of the Holy Cross (Half Moon trailhead, end of Tigiwon Road): 45 to 60 min from Minturn
- Homestake Road and Missouri Lakes 13ers: 40 to 45 min
Lodging
Minturn has a B&B, a small hotel, a motel and a hostel, roughly $80 to $200. Vail and Avon are $250 to $500+. Leadville is a cheaper base for Homestake.
Food, gas & gear
Small stores in Minturn; full groceries, gas and gear in Vail and Avon.
Campgrounds
About $19. No water. Heavily used.
Reserve on Recreation.gov. About $27. No water.
Free (dispersed) camping
Designated sites only since 2024: 48 numbered sites, free, first-come, 7-night limit in summer. Fires only in the metal rings. No toilets; pack out trash and human waste.
Not allowed
- Camping off the numbered sites on Homestake and Missouri roads.
Heads up
- Tigiwon Road is closed to vehicles each year from about late November to late June.
- Bear rules apply; use a canister or lock food in a hard-sided vehicle.
Sawatch (west) & ElksGunnison & Taylor Park
Drive to the trailheads
- Taylor Park Reservoir: about 1 hr from Gunnison, 1 hr from Buena Vista over Cottonwood Pass
- Pieplant trailhead (Jenkins, Grizzly and nearby Sawatch 13ers): 1.25 to 1.5 hr from Gunnison
- Tincup, Cumberland Pass and Garden Basin 13ers: 20 to 30 min past Taylor Park
Lodging
Gunnison has chain motels ($120 to $220) and a KOA. Almont has riverside cabins. The Taylor Park Trading Post has cabins, a store and gas.
Food, gas & gear
Full services in Gunnison. Gas and basics at the Taylor Park Trading Post.
Campgrounds
Some sites on Recreation.gov, some first-come.
Reserve on Recreation.gov.
First-come.
Free (dispersed) camping
Open dispersed camping in much of the area, 100 feet from water, with a typical 14-day limit. Plenty of simple sites near the old Pieplant mill. Check with the Gunnison Ranger District about any summer limits near Tincup.
Not allowed
- Private land around Taylor Park and Tincup.
Heads up
- Cottonwood Pass closes roughly October to May.
- Expect off-road vehicles. Nights at 9,400 feet can freeze in summer.
Elk Mountains
Elk MountainsAspen
Base for Maroon Peak, North Maroon Peak, Pyramid Peak, Castle Peak, Conundrum Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Maroon, North Maroon, Pyramid (Maroon Lake): about 25 min
- Castle & Conundrum (Castle Creek Road): 30 to 40 min to the lower lot
- Independence Pass west side 13ers: 10 to 25 min
Lodging
Expensive: often $300 to $800+ a night in summer. Cheaper bases are Basalt and El Jebel (30 min), Carbondale (45 min) and Glenwood Springs (1 hr).
Food, gas & gear
Gas, two grocery stores and gear shops in Aspen.
Campgrounds
Reserve on Recreation.gov. With a reservation, you do not need a separate Maroon Bells parking reservation.
Reserve on Recreation.gov. About $35. Fills fast.
Small; check Recreation.gov for which are first-come.
Free (dispersed) camping
22 numbered free sites, first-come, 5-night limit, no toilets. High clearance needed. Do not drink or filter Lincoln Creek water (heavy metals found in 2024).
A small number of designated free sites. The first few are reachable without 4WD.
Not allowed
- Camping along Maroon Creek Road except the three Silver campgrounds, and anywhere in the Maroon Bells Scenic Area.
- Camping along Castle Creek Road below the Pearl Pass trailhead, Conundrum Road, Snowmass Creek Road or Highway 82 outside campgrounds. This order runs through 2028.
- Camping within 300 feet of any trailhead in the Aspen district (Capitol, Hardscrabble and Thomas Lakes are exceptions).
- Parking on Conundrum Road (towing).
Heads up
- Maroon Lake: from late May to mid-October, private cars may not drive in between 8 AM and 5 PM. Climbers usually drive in before dawn. Parking needs a reservation; overnight parking needs its own reservation.
- Overnight camping at Conundrum Hot Springs, Capitol Lake, Crater Lake and on the Four Pass Loop needs a reserved wilderness permit. These sell out fast.
- Bear canisters are required for all backpackers in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. No fires above 10,800 feet.
Elk MountainsCarbondale, Marble & Snowmass
Base for Capitol Peak, Snowmass Mountain
Drive to the trailheads
- Capitol Peak (Capitol Creek trailhead): 45 to 60 min
- Snowmass Mountain (Snowmass Creek trailhead): about 30 min from Snowmass Village, 45 from Carbondale
- Snowmass and Hagerman from Marble (Lead King Basin): 45 min to Marble, then 1 to 1.5 hr of 4WD
Lodging
Carbondale has a few motels and inns ($150 to $300) and a KOA with cabins. Snowmass Village has condos ($200 to $500). Glenwood Springs, 30 min away, has the most budget rooms. Marble has very little.
Food, gas & gear
Full town services in Carbondale. Marble has only a small summer store and no reliable gas; fill up in Carbondale.
Campgrounds
Reserve on Recreation.gov. About $34. You must be at your site the first night.
Mostly reservable. Showers in one loop.
Free (dispersed) camping
One of the few Aspen-district trailheads where camping is allowed; tents 15 feet from the parking area. The last stretch of road needs high clearance.
Free camping is reported here. 4WD required, and snow can block the roads into June. Call the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District (970-963-2266) for current rules.
Not allowed
- Camping along Snowmass Creek Road or near its trailhead.
- Camping at Capitol Lake, Snowmass Lake or Geneva Lake without a reserved permit.
- Private land around Marble.
Heads up
- Capitol Lake, Snowmass Lake and Geneva Lake permits release on the same dates and sell out.
- Bear canisters required. Schofield Pass road from Marble is a dangerous 4WD road.
Elk MountainsCrested Butte
Drive to the trailheads
- Gothic-area 13ers: about 20 min
- Schofield Pass and the West Maroon trailhead (south side of the Maroon Bells): 45 to 60 min, high clearance
- Washington Gulch and Slate River 13ers: 20 to 45 min
- Kebler Pass and Ruby Range 13ers: 20 to 30 min
Lodging
Hotels, condos and inns in Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte, roughly $200 to $450. Gunnison is cheaper (30 min).
Food, gas & gear
Gas, a grocery store and gear shops.
Campgrounds
Small campgrounds; check Recreation.gov for which can be reserved.
CLOSED from September 2026 into 2028 for a full rebuild.
Free (dispersed) camping
About 200 numbered sites. First-come, 14-day limit, 2 vehicles per site, fires only in the installed rings. Gothic Road sites have a small fee. Most have no toilets.
Not allowed
- Camping anywhere outside the numbered sites in these valleys.
- Camping in the East Fork drainage of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness without a permit.
Heads up
- The numbered sites fill from Friday to Sunday in July and August. Come midweek or early.
- Gunnison County had Stage 1 fire restrictions in 2026.
San Juans
San JuansLake City
Base for Handies Peak, Redcloud Peak, Sunshine Peak, Uncompahgre Peak, Wetterhorn Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Uncompahgre (Nellie Creek): 15 min to the 2WD lot, then about 4 miles of 4WD
- Wetterhorn (Matterhorn Creek): 30 to 40 min
- Redcloud & Sunshine, Handies (Silver Creek / Grizzly Gulch): about 45 min
- Handies (American Basin): 1 to 1.25 hr, high clearance for the last part
Lodging
Small motels, cabins, lodges and rentals, roughly $130 to $250. Few rooms and many close in winter, so book early for July and August.
Food, gas & gear
Gas and a small grocery. Gunnison is the place for a big resupply.
Campgrounds
Some sites on Recreation.gov, some first-come. About $20.
First-come.
Free (dispersed) camping
BLM is switching to designated sites: camp only at spots with a sign and a metal fire ring. Call the BLM Gunnison Field Office (970-642-4940) for the latest map.
Camping area near the trailhead and creek. Lots of off-road traffic and dust.
Sites near the upper 4WD trailhead. High clearance or 4WD needed.
Not allowed
- Camping off the designated sites on the BLM Alpine Loop.
- Camping in fire closure areas.
Heads up
- The 2026 Elk Fire closed Matterhorn Creek Road and the Wetterhorn and Matterhorn trails, and North Fork Henson Creek Road. Nellie Creek and the Uncompahgre trail stayed open. Check before you go.
- Afternoon lightning, and very heavy Jeep traffic in July and August.
San JuansCreede & South Fork
Base for San Luis Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- San Luis Peak (West Willow Creek, near Equity Mine): 30 to 45 min; 4WD beyond the mine
- San Luis Peak (Stewart Creek, from the north): 1.5 to 2 hr from Gunnison
Lodging
Small motels, historic inns, cabins, guest ranches and RV parks, roughly $120 to $250. South Fork has more motels.
Food, gas & gear
Gas and a small market in Creede; gas and groceries in South Fork.
Campgrounds
Some sites on Recreation.gov, some first-come. About $26. No water.
First-come. About $10. Steep, narrow access.
Free (dispersed) camping
A few sites about a mile below Equity Mine. Watch for private mining claims.
Plenty of open free camping along the road and past the trailhead. High clearance for the creek crossing.
Not allowed
- Private mining claims near Creede.
Heads up
- Creek crossings run high in early summer. The roads get slick after rain.
San JuansOuray & Ridgway
Base for Mount Sneffels
Drive to the trailheads
- Mount Sneffels (Yankee Boy Basin, Camp Bird Road): 40 to 60 min to the lower trailhead; the upper trailhead needs a short, high-clearance 4WD
Lodging
Ouray has motels, hot-springs lodges and B&Bs, roughly $200 to $400+. Ridgway is a bit cheaper. Montrose (35 miles) has budget chains at $110 to $180.
Food, gas & gear
Gas and small groceries in Ouray and Ridgway. Full stores in Montrose.
Campgrounds
Some sites on Recreation.gov. About $28. Water. Late May to early October.
Reservations required through CPW, up to 6 months ahead, plus a park pass. Yurts too.
Not allowed
- Camping in Yankee Boy Basin; it is signed no camping. Sleep in town and drive up early.
- Much of Camp Bird Road crosses private mining land.
Heads up
- Upper Governor Basin is closed through November 2026 for mine cleanup.
- The 2026 Gold Mountain Fire closed some campgrounds and trailheads northeast of Ouray (Cimarron side). Check before you go.
San JuansTelluride, Ophir & Rico
Base for Wilson Peak, Mount Wilson, El Diente Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Wilson Peak (Rock of Ages / Silver Pick): 45 to 60 min, high clearance helps
- Mount Wilson, El Diente (Navajo Lake trailhead near Dunton): 1 to 1.25 hr
- El Diente (Kilpacker trailhead): about 1 hr
- Woods Lake trailhead: about 45 min
Lodging
Telluride is very expensive, $300 to $700+. Cheaper bases: Ridgway, Norwood, Rico, Dolores and Cortez.
Food, gas & gear
Full groceries and gear shops in Telluride. Limited gas in Rico, none in Dunton.
Campgrounds
Booked online in set windows; closed during the big festivals. 7-night limit.
First-come. About $20.
First-come. About $23.
Free (dispersed) camping
20 designated free sites, no RVs or trailers, high clearance. The road was closed for repairs in 2025; check whether overnight camping is open.
Not allowed
- Camping within 300 feet of the Navajo Lake trailhead and other listed trailheads on the Mancos-Dolores district.
- In Navajo Basin, camping anywhere except the 9 marked sites (new in June 2026). No campfires in the basin.
Heads up
- Much of the Wilson Peak approach crosses private land.
- Town Park sells out the moment booking opens.
San JuansSilverton & Durango
Base for Mount Eolus, North Eolus, Sunlight Peak, Windom Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Ice Lake and South Mineral 13ers: 20 to 25 min from Silverton
- Animas Forks and Cinnamon Pass 13ers: about 1 hr, 4WD
- Chicago Basin: by the Durango & Silverton train to Needleton, or the long Purgatory trail (about 40 min from either town to the trailhead)
Lodging
Silverton has historic hotels, motels and cabins, $150 to $300; many close in winter. Durango has every kind, $150 to $350.
Food, gas & gear
Gas and a small grocery in Silverton. Durango has full stores and gear shops.
Campgrounds
About $40. Water. Late May to September.
Book online.
Free (dispersed) camping
Designated camping areas and pull-out sites only, with outhouses. No overnight parking at the Ice Lake trailhead.
No permit needed. Use existing sites 100 feet from water. No campfires anywhere in the Needle Creek drainage, and no camping in Twin Lakes Basin. Mountain goats crave salt: pee on rocks away from camp.
Not allowed
- Camping off the designated spots on South Mineral Road.
- Camping in Twin Lakes Basin (Chicago Basin).
Heads up
- Train to Needleton: book by phone with the railroad. Daily cap of 40 people. Confirm how you get back when you book.
- Creeks around Silverton carry old mine waste. Bring water or filter with care.
Sangre de Cristo
Sangre de CristoWestcliffe
Base for Crestone Peak, Crestone Needle, Humboldt Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Crestones and Humboldt (South Colony Lakes): 45 to 60 min to the upper 4WD trailhead
- Horn Creek trailhead: about 20 min
- Music Pass and the Sand Creek 13ers: about 30 min
- Hermit Pass road 13ers: just south of town
Lodging
Small motels, inns and vacation rentals, roughly $110 to $220. Book early on festival weekends.
Food, gas & gear
Groceries and gas in Westcliffe. Pueblo or Salida for gear.
Campgrounds
Some sites on Recreation.gov, rest first-come. About $30. Water. Early May to late September.
Free (dispersed) camping
Roadside spots at and below the upper 4WD trailhead, on national forest land. High clearance and 4WD-low advised.
Simple spots on national forest land.
Not allowed
- Camping on the private lower part of South Colony Road. The private lower 2WD lot has posted no overnight parking.
- Private ranch land, which covers most of the valley floor.
Heads up
- Sangre de Cristo Wilderness rules: camp 300 feet from lakes and 100 feet from streams; groups of 15 or fewer.
- Campfires have been banned near South Colony Lakes; expect no fires. Bears are active.
Sangre de CristoCrestone
Base for Kit Carson Peak, Challenger Point, Columbia Point
Drive to the trailheads
- Kit Carson, Challenger and Willow Lake (Willow Creek trailhead): 5 to 10 min
- North Crestone Lake: about 5 min
Lodging
No regular hotels: vacation rentals, domes, B&Bs and retreat-center rooms, roughly $100 to $250. Motels in Alamosa (1 hr) or Saguache.
Food, gas & gear
Very limited; fill up on gas and food in Alamosa, Saguache or Villa Grove.
Campgrounds
13 first-come sites, about $10. No water. Bear lockers.
Free (dispersed) camping
About 5 to 10 pull-off sites plus a spot at the trailhead. Full on summer weekends.
Backcountry camping allowed; follow the wilderness rules (300 feet from lakes, 100 feet from streams).
Not allowed
- Camping within 300 yards of the North Crestone trailhead, except in the campground.
- Camping in town or the Baca Grande subdivision (private).
Heads up
- The Willow Creek lot fills by Friday evening in summer. Bears and mosquitoes.
Sangre de CristoAlamosa, Fort Garland & Great Sand Dunes
Base for Blanca Peak, Little Bear Peak, Ellingwood Point, Culebra Peak
Drive to the trailheads
- Blanca, Little Bear, Ellingwood (Lake Como Road): about 30 min from Alamosa, 15 from Fort Garland
- Zapata Falls and South Zapata 13ers: about 35 min
- Culebra Peak (Cielo Vista Ranch, from San Luis): about 1 hr from Alamosa
Lodging
Chain motels in Alamosa ($100 to $180). Motel and cabins near the Great Sand Dunes entrance. A few small motels in Fort Garland, Blanca and San Luis.
Food, gas & gear
Alamosa has big grocery stores, gas and an outdoor shop. Fort Garland and Blanca have gas and basics.
Campgrounds
Bookable on Recreation.gov. About $11. No water. Open all year.
Reservations required on Recreation.gov, up to 3 months ahead. About $20. Bear lockers.
21 free first-come sites. High-clearance 4WD: deep sand and creek crossings.
Free (dispersed) camping
Many roadside spots in the first miles. Most cars reach about 1.5 miles; beyond that is 4WD only, and the upper road is one of the roughest in Colorado. Use existing spots only.
Not allowed
- Most of the valley floor near Blanca and Fort Garland is private ranch land.
- Culebra Peak is entirely private: paid reservation, weekends only, closed August to December. Camp only at the ranch entrance.
Heads up
- Pinon Flats sells out; book 3 months ahead.
- Bears at Lake Como and in the park.
Sangre de CristoLa Veta, Gardner & Walsenburg
Base for Mount Lindsey
Drive to the trailheads
- Mount Lindsey and the Upper Huerfano 13ers (Lily Lake trailhead, from Gardner): about 1 hr from Gardner, 1.5 hr from Walsenburg
- West Spanish Peak (Cordova Pass): about 45 min from La Veta
- Trinchera Peak (Blue Lake): about 40 min
Lodging
Inns, cabins and B&Bs in La Veta and Cuchara, budget motels in Walsenburg, roughly $90 to $200.
Food, gas & gear
Gas and groceries in Walsenburg; gas and a country store in La Veta.
Campgrounds
Blue Lake partly on Recreation.gov. Water. Both are open and windy since storm-damaged trees were cleared.
Tent-only, first-come. No water.
Reservations required through CPW. Showers.
Free (dispersed) camping
Free camping on national forest land in the last couple of miles before the trailheads. Trailhead spots are few and not level.
Not allowed
- Camping on private ranches along the Huerfano road.
- General camping at the Huerfano State Wildlife Area.
Heads up
- Mount Lindsey reopened in 2025. Hikers must sign the landowner waiver online or at the trailhead; check before each season.
Prices and drive times are rough guides, not quotes. The search buttons open Google Maps so you can see what is open and what it costs right now. Campground links go to official pages only.