The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
A Bureau of Land Management camping site is an area managed by that agency (the BLM). RVers can camp for up to two weeks at BLM sites for a low rate or free. Some locations have a different maximum number of days you can camp there, but it's usually 14 days. Search "BLM camping near me" to find locations close to you.
Chukar Trail is a trail in Colorado that's managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The trailhead features four campsites and an informational kiosk. Picnic tables, fire rings, shade structures, and vault toilets are available at the trailhead's campsites. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is nearby and provides plenty of outdoors opportunities to keep you busy exploring during your stay.
This out-and-back trail features a river, wildflowers aplenty, and opportunities to spot wildlife. The best time for hiking the trail is from May until October.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Hard
Warner Point Nature Trail is a scenic route with views of the Gunnison River, Black Canyon, the San Juan Mountain Range, Uncompahgre Valley, and the West Elk Mountains.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
There is a stunning view on the overlook at the end of this short out-and-back trail. The wildflowers along the path are also beautiful to admire as you walk.
Length: 0.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail provides views of the canyon and the surrounding area. It also features a river and has lots of birdwatching opportunities.
Length: 6.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Chukar Trail is the primary access point to boating in the wilderness part of Gunnison Gorge. At the end of the trail, you can go fishing. Curecanti National Recreation Area is another area where you can go fishing and boating. It features fish-cleaning stations and boat ramps.
Because the Black Canyon is deep and narrow, it offers challenging rock-climbing opportunities for enthusiasts. The climbing seasons are mid-April to early June and mid-September to early November.
Elk, magpies, mule deer, coyotes and eagles are wildlife you may spot in the Black Canyon. Spotted fawns are possible to view in early summer. Elk gather in grassy clearings and forested areas in early fall and winter. The white-throated swift and the canyon wren are two other types of birds you could see in the Black Canyon. You have a chance of seeing a mountain lion in early morning and early evening.
On the North Rim in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, you can picnic at any vacant campsite. Picnicking spots on the South Rim are available at Gunnison Point, East Portal, High Point, Sunset View, and Pulpit Rock. The Curecanti National Recreation Area and the South Rim Campground also have picnicking facilities. At South Rim Campground, Loop C is the area that has picnic tables.
The canyon's rim is a beautiful place to go snowshoeing. Oak Flat Loop and Rim Rock Trail are popular areas for snowshoeing in the Black Canyon Gunnison National Park.
You can go cross-country skiing on South Rim Drive. This road is closed to vehicles in the winter and allows skiing until it opens to traffic again.
The Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area and the Deadhorse Trail are areas where you can go horseback riding in the area. The Deadhorse Trail is of moderate difficulty and five miles long.
RV camping is available at North Rim Campground and South Rim Campground. Generator use is allowed within certain hours at North Rim Campground. RVs up to 35 feet can fit in the campground. Loop B of South Rim Campground offers 20- and 30-amp hookups. During winter, water is shut off at South Rim Campground. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near Chukar Trail include Upper Margaritaville, Bobcat Beach, and Boulder Garden.
Bureau of Land Management free camping isn't available near Chukar Trail. Dispersed camping, however, is available around ten minutes from the entrance to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
Motorized and mechanical vehicle use isn't allowed in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area. Groups are limited to a maximum of 12 people. You're not allowed to start campfires in the wilderness area, and you must pack out all trash and human waste. If you choose to camp in the wilderness area, you can only stay for up to two or three days. A permit will also be needed for an overnight stay. If you plan on climbing in the Black Canyon, you also need a permit.
The South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has more services and facilities than the North Rim. It also has a better view of the Painted Wall. North Rim provides a better view of the narrow section of the canyon. There isn't a bridge to connect the rims, so you will have to drive about two to three hours to reach the other rim. Some roads in the area have seasonal closures that you should be aware of while planning your trip. East Portal Road usually closes in mid-November and opens in mid-April. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Following Leave No Trace rules is important to preserve the area and keep it safe for those who come after you. Human waste that is improperly disposed of is a health hazard and attracts animals that may damage the area. You should leave what you find, even small things like rocks, and avoid making marks, like carvings and burnings, on trees, rocks, and anything else you see on the land.
Chukar Trail is located in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. From Orchard City, Colorado, drive southwest on CO-65 N toward Apple Lane. Continue on 2100 Road to CO-92 E, and turn left on CO-92 E. You'll continue for about 27 miles, then turn right onto Dogwood Ave., left onto Fruitland Mesa Road/I St., and right onto A Road/Black Canyon Road. Turn right again to stay on A Road/Black Canyon Road, then turn left onto Black Canyon Road. You'll have another series of frequent turns to reach the trailhead: slight right to stay on Black Canyon Road, right onto D76 Road, slight right, left and right.
Ready to visit Chukar Trail? 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.
