The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located just west of Grand Junction, Colorado is Bangs Backcountry, a top destination for hiking, hunting, and ATV riding in the unique red rock formations of Colorado. Bangs Backcountry is also adjacent to Bangs Canyon, which is accessed via the Bangs Canyon Trailhead. Additionally, the Mica Mine Trail is accessed through this trailhead and can take hikers to a historic mica and quartz mine.
Bangs Backcountry is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a U.S. government organization that aims to keep the backcountry area clean and safe for the public to use for free any time of year. Dispersed camping is also permitted by the BLM in this area for up to 14 days at a time so long as campers do their part in keeping the land clean.
The Mica Mine Trail starts at the Bangs Canyon Trailhead and takes users to and from the historic mine on the side of Bangs Canyon.
Length: 2.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail takes users to the site of a historic kiln made by early American settlers with limestone. The trail itself is considered easy to walk and is a one-mile loop.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
The Third Flats Road Trail is a well-marked trail managed by the BLM and includes a scenic river at its end.
Length: 4.7 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
Rough Canyon and Ladder Canyon are in the Bangs Backcountry greater area and make for great intermediate-level rock climbing opportunities. More difficult climbing can be done on Bang's Canyon, which is considered to be very steep but has a variety of nine popular climbing routes to the top of the canyon. This canyon also features scenic views and includes a waterfall and some shade for you to enjoy while climbing.
The largest herd of migrating elk can be found in White River National Forest, and many of these elk and others can also be spotted passing through Bangs Backcountry. Deer are commonly seen, too, as are the occasional moose and mountain goat. Some smaller animals you may catch a glimpse of in the backcountry include grey foxes, desert cottontails, rock squirrels, Hopi chipmunks, red-spotted toads, and canyon tree frogs.
When you want to have a picnic near Bangs Backcountry, consider stopping by Saddlehorn Picnic Area, which is not usually busy and has plenty of picnic tables for the public to use. This picnic area is also open 24/7 and is popular with local stargazers after dark. You can also have a picnic at Devil's Kitchen Picnic Area in Grand Junction, which is located at the Devil's Kitchen Trailhead and can be used before or after an afternoon or morning hike. You are also welcome to have a picnic right in the Bangs Backcountry by bringing along your own camping chairs or blankets and towels to sit on while eating. No matter where you decide to have a picnic, be sure to pick up after yourself and avoid feeding the wildlife.
ATV riders love the Bangs Canyon OHV Trails, which offer trails made for both motorcycle and dirt bike riding as well as wider ATV and Jeep riding. Also in this area is the Billings Canyon Jeep Trail, which is designed for rock crawling. These trails are accessed via the Bangs Canyon Trailhead; however, many hikers also use this trail, so it's important that those with motorized vehicles yield to others while reaching the OHV trails.
Hunting is permitted in the Bangs Backcountry, and it's one of the top destinations for elk hunting in the state of Colorado. Other big game animals you can find here include mule deer, pronghorn deer, black bears, and mountain lions. Ducks and geese are also commonly spotted passing through the area. The hunting season for large animals in Colorado lasts from early September to mid-November. Hunting season for birds and waterfowl lasts from mid-November to the end of February.
When you're looking for BLM camping near me with full hookups, consider staying at a privately owned campground instead of having a non-primitive experience. You can stay at nearby Canyon View RV Resort, which has full hookups plus a pool and guest Wi-Fi. You could also go RV camping at Grand Junction KOA Holiday, a highly rated campground with a pool, mini golf, cable TV, and a picnic pavilion.
Camping in Bangs Backcountry is a Bureau of Land Management free camping option, and both tents and RVs are welcome to stay here for up to 14 days at a time. Camping here is primitive and dispersed, meaning you will need to choose your own campsite and will not have access to water, electricity, or restrooms.
If you plan on staying at the Bangs Backcountry dispersed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, be sure to pack your own supply of water and non-electric supplies. It helps to have battery-operated fans, heaters, and cooking equipment in the Colorado backcountry. You will also need to bring your own trash bags to pick up after yourself since there are no dumpsters or garbage bins in the backcountry. Before you head out on your BLM RV camping trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors to the Bangs Backcountry are asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace guidelines, which are a set of easy-to-follow rules that help maintain the land for everyone to enjoy. Some of these rules include being courteous to other visitors, leaving no food or trash behind, and avoiding contact with the wildlife. By following these guidelines, you can help keep the Bangs Backcountry open for future generations to use.
To reach Bangs Backcountry from Grand Junction, start on Highway 340 West, then turn left onto Monument Road. Turn left again onto D Road/Rosevale Road, and then turn right onto Little Park Road. From there, travel five miles to Bangs Canyon Trailhead, which allows you to access the backcountry.
Ready to visit Bangs Backcountry? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
