The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bocco Mountain Trailhead is a scenic 1,396-acre upland area with 20 miles of trails open to motorcycles and non-motorized use. The trails here are loose, rugged, steep, and difficult to traverse. Expect to find short approaches to ledges and hills. The area is dotted with picon-juniper woodlands. Experienced riders flock to the area in the spring before the snow melts. Some trails are single track and one way only.
The BLM is responsible for maintaining the area for public use. All trails are closed on Bocco Mountain from December 1 to April 30. Plan your trip by searching for "BLM camping near me," and set up camp at one of the several nearby primitive camps.
This out-and-back trail is best visited from April through September and is open to hiking and horseback riding. The trail is steep and difficult in several places with rewarding views. It is not well-traveled, so you will likely not encounter others.
Length: 5.2 miles
Intensity: Hard
This 2.5-mile loop trail is considered moderately challenging with an elevation gain of 554 feet. Berry Creek Loop is a popular trail for mountain biking and hiking. April through October are the best months to visit.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Visit this out-and-back trail from May through September for the best experience. The trail is popular for hiking and mountain biking. It has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet with beautiful views, sagebrush, and scattered junipers.
Length: 6.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Colorado River and Eagle River are both very close to Bocco Mountain and offer abundant opportunities to catch catfish, sunfish, crappie, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and walleye. The area is also dotted with lakes that are accessible to fishermen. Nottingham Lake is stocked with rainbow and cutthroat trout and is a great place for a family fishing trip. The Wolcott boat ramp and campground offers fishing and boating access to the Eagle River.
The area around Bocco Mountain has abundant opportunities for all types of climbing. Bocco Climbing Area Upper Tier is a popular place for sports climbing. Lower Wash is known for its bouldering opportunities, and The Inchworm is a popular place for trad climbing.
Nearby Milk Creek is an important habitat for the wildlife in the immediate area around Bocco Mountain. Elk, deer, rabbits, coyotes, and skunks are all commonly seen animals in the area. If you're lucky, you might even spot a mountain lion or moose.
The nearby Wolcott BLM campground offers picnic tables and grills for public use. There are also vault toilets on site. Milk Creek Campground right next to Bocco Mountain has grills and picnic tables.
With the Colorado River and Eagle River within proximity, the opportunities for whitewater rafting are abundant. There are many rafting outfitters in the area to help you along your adventure. Near Wolcott, you can find Class III & IV rapids, including Interstate Rapid and Trestle Bridge Rapid.
Most campgrounds near Bocco Mountain are primitive and are not set up for BLM RV camping. However, if you are looking for RV camping sites, Gore Creek Campground, located 40 minutes from Bocco Mountain, is a close option. The campground offers 16 back-in sites with a maximum RV length of 35 feet. While there are no electrical hookups here, amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and ADA-accessible bathrooms. River Dance RV Resort is a great option if you're looking for an RV site with electrical hookups. This RV campground is located about 35 minutes from Bocco Mountain, right off I-70. Amenities include a dog park, 30- and 50-amp sites, sewer hookups, access to the Eagle River, a bathhouse, and on-site washers and dryers.
Bureau of Land Management free camping opportunities exist at several primitive campsites around Bocco Mountain. These Bureau of Land Management campgrounds include fire rings and picnic tables. Milk Creek Campground is your closest option to the Bocco Mountain Trailhead. Blue Lake Area Camp is another secluded option nearby.
When planning your Bureau of Land Management camping trip to Bocco Mountain, it is important to keep in mind that the terrain is steep and rugged. The area is also remote, but cell reception is good. Make sure to pack a first aid kit and plenty of clean water. If you are visiting during the spring or fall months, bringing warm clothes is also essential. If you are dirt biking, make sure you bring plenty of fuel with you and all necessary safety gear. You will need a high-clearance vehicle to get through sections of road that are washed out and have large ruts. Several parts of the road are inaccessible when wet, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
As you explore the Bocco Mountain Trailhead and take advantage of all it has to offer, it is important to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles. Keep vehicles on designated trails, be respectful to other visitors, and pack out what you pack in. To protect the environment, avoid disturbing plants and wildlife. Fires should be kept to designated areas, and all seasonal fire bans should be followed. If you bring your pet, be sure to pick up after them.
Bocco Mountain Trailhead is located about 4.5 miles north of Wolcott, Colorado. From Walcott, drive north on CO-131 for 2.9 miles. Turn left onto 4/Milk Creek Road, and drive for 1.6 miles. Make a slight left onto 8503, and the parking area will be on the left.
Ready to visit Bocco Mountain Trailhead? 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.
