The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Cedar Mountain is an impressive range in the 880-acre Cedar Mountain Special Recreation Management Area. With a 1,000-foot-high mountain peak and countless multi-use trails, this area stuns and entertains visitors year-round. This area is designated for day use only. Motorized vehicles are limited to particular roads. Protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency that oversees millions of acres of public land, Cedar Mountain is open to horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing, geocaching, hunting and various winter activities.
Rocky Mountain National Park is about four hours to the east near Boulder, Colorado. Arches National Park is 262 miles southwest of Cedar Mountain in Utah. Craig, the closest city to the site, is home to the extensive Wyman Museum and Yampa Valley Golf Club. Don't forget to check out the nearby Dinosaur National Monument, which is home to more than 1,500 exposed dinosaur fossils.
This multi-use trail starts near the parking lot and is open to hiking and mountain biking. Get ready for gorgeous views of the mountains and an abundance of colorful wildflowers. Pets are welcome as long as they're kept on a leash.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Check out exciting petroglyphs while enjoying lovely views of Craig. Some sections of this trail are covered in gravel or sand while others are hard sandstone. This is a popular local trail so be prepared for other hikers. During the summer, keep an eye out for snakes in the underbrush.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Try your hand at catching northern pike, rainbow trout or brown trout from the Yampa River. This river winds along the southern edge of Craig and is easily accessible via North Highway 13. Yampa River State Park has 13 boat access points as well as various camping sites with bathrooms and picnic tables. Beginner-friendly whitewater rafting is also popular on the Yampa River. About 30 minutes away, Elkhead Reservoir State Park has several beaches, a warm water fishery and a convenient boat ramp.
Cedar Mountain is a horseshoe-shaped range that towers 1,000 feet over the lush Yampa Valley. Prepare yourself for hours of scrambling up the uneven, craggy rock face. Routt National Forest has several climbing areas, like the Mount Zirkel/Park Range Area and California Park/Black Mountain range. There are many exceptional climbing opportunities for climbers of every skill level within 60 miles of Cedar Mountain.
Wildlife in the area includes foxes, coyotes, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, mule deer and marmots. Bird-watchers should keep an eye on the sky for turkey vultures, golden eagles and redtail hawks. Garter snakes, sagebrush lizards, bullsnakes and prairie rattlesnakes are the most common reptiles in and around Cedar Mountain.
You'll find a pit toilet and picnic tables near Cedar Mountain's parking area. The picnic area can accommodate individuals and groups and includes fire grates. Picnicking is welcome at BLM trailheads and fishing access points. Depending on your itinerary, you'll likely be eating most of your meals while out exploring the Colorado wilderness.
Hunting is only allowed at Cedar Mountain during the hunting season. All adventurists should have valid Colorado hunting licenses. Be sure to take all discarded animal parts and skins with you when you leave. Shooting is strictly forbidden within the area outside of the hunting season. Avoid hunting or trespassing on any private land unless given express permission.
When searching for BLM camping near me, consider staying at one of the local Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. RV camping sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management may have a range of amenities, including vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings/grills, electrical hookups and trash services. Reserving a spot at a BLM RV camping site allows you to take full advantage of nearby boat ramps, fishing spots, nature trails and historic landmarks.
If you're looking for a camping experience with more modern amenities, feel free to stay at the Craig KOA Journey. They offer a plethora of ATV trails, RV sites with full hookups, deluxe cabins and golfing experiences. The big-rig-friendly Steamboat Springs KOA Holiday has wonderful dining options, countless museums and regular family-friendly festivals and celebrations. Don't forget to check out U.S. Forest Service sites like Freeman Reservoir Campground and Hahns Peak Lake Campground.
There is an abundance of natural Bureau of Land Management free camping spots around Cedar Mountain. Sites like West Duffy Mountain Camping, West Juniper Mountain Trailhead Camping and East Cross Mountain North Camping offer primitive camping experiences in highly desirable areas near the Yampa River. Spots at these sites are limited and can't be reserved. You're also welcome to pitch your tent out in the woods or wherever you happen to stop for the night.
Bug spray is a must for every camper heading to Colorado. Ticks are very common in areas with a higher elevation and a lot of underbrush. Wear long pants or high socks that cover as much skin as possible. Bring extra water if you're planning any extensive hikes or climbs. Be sure to keep an eye on local informational signs and trail markers. While most of the snakes in Colorado aren't lethally venomous, it's important to know what to do in case you get bit.
The Cedar Mountain Special Recreation Management Area allows visitors to experience the natural landscape and wonder of Colorado while within easy driving distance of a major city. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All BLM visitors are expected to pack out all garbage and food waste. Leave any artifacts or plants where you find them. Minimize your interactions with the local wildlife, and always be respectful toward your fellow explorers. Try to set up your camp where others have camped before to preserve as much of the landscape as possible.
From Craig, take Highway 40 and turn north onto Moffat County Road 7. Look for the entrance to Cedar Mountain on the right, past the shooting range.
Address: 455 Emerson Street, Craig, CO 81625
Ready to visit Cedar Mountain? 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.
