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Barger Gulch Fishing Access

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Barger Gulch Fishing Access

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal agency that manages public lands across the U.S., including 8.3 million acres in Colorado. The Barger Gulch Fishing Access is a BLM site in the heart of the Rockies, close to the mountain town of Kremmling. This site provides access to a sparkling stretch of the Colorado River that's officially designated as Gold Medal Waters, a distinction given to Colorado waters that teem with large trout.

This part of Colorado is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. It's ideal for activities like rafting, fishing, climbing, swimming, camping, and hiking. And, it's only a 40-mile drive from Barger Gulch Fishing Access to the resort town of Grand Lake, which is the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. While the Barger Gulch Fishing Access is for day use only, you'll find a wealth of Bureau of Land Management camping sites in the area.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Lower Cataract Loop Trail

This trail near Silverthorne, Colorado, south of Barger Gulch, is an easy walk around the Dillon Reservoir. It offers beautiful views of the water among mountain scenery and is popular for jogging.

Length: 2.3 miles

Intensity: Easy

Elk Mountain Trail

This out-and-back trail takes you through forested areas and up to a mountain meadow with beautiful views. This trail, near the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, is usually uncrowded in summer but sees more foot traffic during hunting season.

Length: 4.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The section of the Colorado River near the Barger Gulch Fishing Access is a top destination for trout fishing. The water that flows from Granby to Kremmling has at least 60 pounds of trout per acre, and there are trout that are 14 inches or longer in each acre of water. Anglers catch rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and brown trout here. The Upper Colorado River is also a prime whitewater destination for canoes, but much of the river near Barger Gulch is rated intermediate to advanced. Canoes must be whitewater-outfitted and meet other safety requirements.

Climbing

Climbers flock to Rocky Mountain National Park for the incredible climbing routes, but head to Grand Lake for some nearby bouldering at one of the five bouldering routes in the center of town. The climbing grades range from V1 to V4, meaning that the various routes take a few hours to a full day to tackle.

Wildlife Viewing

The entire Upper Colorado River area is spectacular for wildlife viewing. You might see bald and golden eagles, river otters, beavers, and muskrats. Deer and raccoons are often seen along the shore. The larger animals tend to be more elusive, but you could catch a glimpse of elk or moose, and mountain lions and bears live in this area too.

Picnicking

Picnicking is a pleasure nearly anywhere around this BLM site, but it's especially nice to enjoy an outdoor meal at Pioneer Park in Hot Sulphur Springs. You can work up an appetite by playing disc golf or walking the one-mile loop trail before setting up lunch. Savor your meal from one of the picnic tables with a view of the river.

Hunting

Most BLM public lands are open to hunting unless expressly prohibited. In the area around Barger Gulch, the hunting season for big game like elk runs from September through December. August through December is sheep season, and mountain lion season is open twice a year, with dates in November and April. Check local hunting regulation brochures, available from the Kremmling BLM field office and elsewhere, to confirm dates and other regulations.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

There's no shortage of places for BLM RV camping along this part of the Colorado River. Two notable Bureau of Land Management campgrounds in the area have boat launches and are ADA-accessible. Pumphouse Recreation Site has 18 individual campsites and two group campsites, toilets, trash service, and firewood for sale. Drinking water is available during the summer, which is also when a camp host lives on-site. Radium Recreation Site has toilets, nine standard campsites, two group campsites, and two picnic shelters. Both campgrounds offer RV camping on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping, which means camping with no facilities, is allowed on almost any public land along the Upper Colorado River corridor. Just check that the site doesn't have signs posted to prohibit it before setting up camp. One popular area for dispersed camping is nearby Wolford Mountain Recreation Area, where you'll find lots of already established sites. Stays are limited to a maximum of 14 consecutive days.

RV Rentals Near Barger Gulch Fishing Access Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Barger Gulch Fishing Access BLM trip

The ideal times to visit the Barger Gulch Fishing Access area are summer through fall. Because of the winter snow melt, the river can run high in the spring. Weekends tend to be packed with people seeking outdoor adventure from Memorial Day to the last day of September, so it's a good idea to make a reservation at an RV campground whenever possible if you're looking for a place to spend the night at those times. You can find campgrounds by searching for "BLM camping near me."

You need to buy a fishing license to cast your line in the waters of the Upper Colorado River, but there are two days in June when anyone can fish without a license. Check with the Kremmling BLM Field Office for exact dates. Fishing is permitted all year round at any time of the day or night.

Another thing to keep in mind is this is bear country. Beautiful, intelligent, but potentially dangerous black bears are frequent visitors to campsites, even developed ones. Stay aware of bear-safety best practices, like keeping your camp clean and always locking the doors to your RV or other vehicles. With a bit of planning, you'll be on your way to an incredible experience in Colorado. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

You can enjoy all that the Colorado River and BLM public lands offer while helping to keep them as pristine as possible. This part of Colorado has some suggestions that differ from other areas. Make sure to clean up and dispose of all waste, including fire ash, and use an elevated fire pan. Using a fire blanket makes it easy to remove ash. Pack out all solid human and pet waste by creating a portable toilet from a non-biodegradable container that seals completely. Lastly, keep the "Leave No Trace" practices in play at all times.