The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Buzzard Gulch Trail System is a natural area maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Because the United States is home to a vast amount of natural gas, minerals, and precious wildlife, BLM maintains roughly one in every ten acres of its natural areas. There are amenities, picnic areas, navigational information, and other useful resources for sightseers visiting a BLM-managed site. If you're interested in finding a local BLM campsite, you can search "BLM camping near me" on the Internet to find a nearby park or trail.
Buzzard Gulch is a unique and complex trail system that will lead you to many scenic views, entertaining climbs, exhilarating biking paths, and relaxing campgrounds. Since it provides long stretches of biking paths in an easily navigable loop system, the area has become a popular spot for tourists to enjoy long, fun-filled days of outdoor sightseeing. In recent years, the BLM has put a lot of work into expanding, signposting, and beautifying the many interconnected trails that comprise this system located in Montrose, Colorado.
Accessed from a long trek uphill through a dry canyon, the Blood Gulch Loop is a high-elevation trail with several interconnected, single-track paths that are great for hiking and mountain biking. Long stretches of rubble-filled pathways through trees and shrubbery provide plenty of opportunities for riders to cruise at high speeds and enjoy mild jumps over dunes, rocks, and hills. Some paths intersect with shallow creeks and streams. That said, the loop system doesn't have any steep drops, dangerous overlooks, or sections that require climbing skills to access.
Length: 12 miles
Intensity: Easy
This nearby trail system follows an arid canyon through an exciting desert landscape lined with rimrocks, scenic views, and large mesas. The high-elevation trail provides interesting geography and fun biking opportunities on uphill and downhill trips. The trail network has more turbulent and turn-filled paths available for those willing to scale steep cliffs to reach them.
Length: 13.7 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
Clear Creek is a loop system filled with lush groves, narrow paths through sparse forests, and expansive, flat areas lined with soft dirt and patches of grass. It's a cooler and more relaxing loop for those looking for a more leisurely ride through nature. When the Clear Creek area sees rainfall, the paths lining the loop system can become muddy. This can make the simple and easygoing trail more challenging though it is typically dry and sunny.
Length: 11.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
This is a long, winding path with many flat and slick uphill sections. It's a challenging ascent for experienced riders who want an exhilarating trip across high elevation clearings, cliffsides, and mesas. The area is dotted with rivers, ponds, and creeks that can make crossing some areas a fun, view-filled challenge all its own.
Length: 19.6 miles
Intensity: Intermediate
Buzzard Gulch is dotted with creeks and ponds that are deep enough to house bustling ecosystems of freshwater fish. As such, fishing and swimming are permitted and encouraged at this location. Fishing gear can easily be brought to the area on foot, by bike, or with an ATV capable of traversing the area's occasionally narrow pathways. The Buzzard Gulch Trail System does not have any bodies of water that are deep enough to support a boat, however. That said, nearby trails, such as Sidewinder Trail and Clear Creek Loop, are home to many boat-accessible bodies of water, complete with docks and ports.
The Buzzard Gulch Trail System is hundreds of miles away from urban civilization, so it's a great location to get a clear, smog-free view of the star-filled sky. Telescopes and photography equipment are recommended for preserving the area's stunning nighttime views.
Buzzard Gulch Trail System is home to many beautiful and lively species of wildlife. Since the area's shrubs, trees, and grasslands provide shelter and food for hundreds of Colorado's wildlife species, the BLM-provided recreation and picnicking areas offer an easy and convenient way to watch the area's animals from a safe and comfortable distance. Buzzard Gulch and its nearby trails are home to sheep, goats, deer, and elk. Smaller creatures in the area include squirrels, roadrunners, and rabbits. Lastly, beautiful and rare birds of prey like the bald eagle are common sightings as well.
Buzzard Gulch has many open, dirt-filled areas dotted with natural geographic formations that make the area a great fit for motorized dirt bikes, ATVs, dune buggies, and any other kind of off-road equipment. The ground is solid and capable of providing the traction and stability required by heavy-duty equipment.
Despite its remote location, the nearby interstate means that there are many RV camping opportunities a short drive from the Buzzard Gulch Area. River Bend RV Park is just seven miles away and offers many RV camping amenities, bathrooms, and information kiosks. Additionally, Cedar Creek RV Park has a similar offering and is only 8.4 miles away from the BLM RV camping site. Both locations have dozens of campsites available for reservation all year long.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible on site as well as along the highways leading to the initial ascent. Boondocking and trailering amenities are available outside Buzzard Gulch Trail as well as along the interstate. Information kiosks, maps, and outhouses are also available at Buzzard Gulch's reception area. Tents can be pitched anywhere within the loop system, including along creeks and scenic overlooks.
Start your trip by reserving a campsite at the most suitable RV campground for your trip through the area. These sites are limited and can fill up quickly during the summer and holidays. Additionally, supplies like bike repair equipment, cooking supplies, extra food and water, and sturdy hiking boots will make your trip to Buzzard Gulch more comfortable and easygoing. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Please clean up after your party when leaving Buzzard Gulch Trail System and other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Remove spare food, trash, and recreational equipment from the area and maintain a safe and respectful distance from local wildlife as well.
First, head west toward the Uncompahgre River once leaving the Montrose interstate and arriving at West Main Street. Keep going uphill until you reach Spring Creek Road along Highway 90. Once here, turn left onto 6300 Road, which is a crude, under-developed continuation of Highway 90. Continue until you reach West Oak Grove Road; from here, continue for 2.5 miles until you reach Spring Canyon Road. The pathway to Buzzard Gulch is here along the entrance to the greater Spring Canyon Trailhead area.
Ready to visit Buzzard Gulch Trail System? 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 of 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.
