Confluence River 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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Confluence River Access

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal government agency that manages public lands for various uses, including recreation, livestock grazing, and energy development. The BLM oversees nearly 8.3 million acres of public land in Colorado, about 12% of the state's total land area. When camping on BLM land in Colorado, there are a few essential things to remember. First, all campers must obtain a permit from the BLM office closest to their intended campsite. Second, campfires are only allowed in designated areas and must be extinguished before leaving the camp. Finally, all trash must be properly disposed of to protect the natural beauty of the BLM's lands. You can locate a BLM site by searching "BLM camping near me."

The Confluence River Access is one of the BLM's many recreation areas in Colorado. It is located in the northern part of the state, near the town of Kremmling. Its strategic position near the Colorado and Blue Rivers confluence makes it a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Several hiking trails offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park is 48 miles northeast of the site. The Confluence River Access area experiences cold and snowy winters and warm, dry summers.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Wolford Mountains and Reservoir Loop

This trail is a loop that begins and ends at the Wolford Mountain Campground. Hikers will pass through aspen and evergreen forests along the banks of the Wolford Mountains Reservoir.

Length: 15.4 miles

Intensity: Challenging

Little Wolford Mountain

It will take about 1.75 hours to complete this loop trail suitable for hiking and walking. You can do this with your dog, which you are not required to leash in particular areas.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate to challenging

Gore Canyon Trail

Enjoy this out-and-back trail that can be completed quite quickly. Hiking here is best from April to November.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Colorado River is one of the most popular destinations for fly-fishing. You can get a fishing permit in Colorado at any BLM office. For children under 16 years, a license is not required. The river has a variety of fish, including brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and brook trout. Kayaking and canoeing are also popular activities on the Colorado River.

Climbing

There are several options for rock climbing in the area. East Portal Wall is suitable for beginners and has routes ranging from 5.4 to 5.10 difficulty. New Era Wall has a variety of routes, from easy to complex, and is a good spot for both beginner and experienced climbers. South Boulder Creek is suitable for advanced climbers and has challenging routes ranging from 5.11 to 5.13.

Wildlife Viewing

The area around the Confluence River Access is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, eagles, and hawks. Many bird species can also be seen in the area, like the Vermillion Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Chat, and the Painted Redstart. Visitors should bring binoculars and a camera, as there are many opportunities to see and photograph wildlife. The best time to see wildlife is early in the morning or late in the evening when they are most active.

Picnicking

There are many designated picnic areas located throughout the BLM's recreation areas. Gore Canyon Overlook is one of them, and it offers stunning views of Gore Canyon and the Colorado River. Grill pits and picnic tables are available at all of the picnic areas.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at many of the Bureau's recreation sites. If you're interested in finding something with more amenities than Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, you can check out Red Mountain RV Park near the Confluence River Access. The campground is located on the banks of the Colorado River and is open year-round. There are 30 RV sites with water and electric hookups available. The campground also has a dump station, flush toilets, and showers. Pumphouse Campground, which offers 14 RV sites, is located nearby. Radium River Access Campground is also open to RV camping and has 25 sites.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible because of the many designated dispersed camping areas. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area and Magnolia Road Camp Site are some areas where you can camp for free on BLM land. There are no services available at these sites, so visitors must be prepared to camp in a primitive style. Campfires are only allowed in designated fire pits, and you must pack out all trash.

RV Rentals Near Confluence River Access Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Confluence River Access BLM trip

As you prepare for your trip, check the BLM website for updates on conditions and closures. Some recreation areas may be closed due to weather or fire conditions. Be sure to bring all the supplies you will need for your camping trip, as there are no services available in most of the dispersed camping areas. The winters can be cold in this part of Colorado, so bring warm clothing and a sleeping bag. The RV accessibility to this place is pretty easy as many RV camping sites are available. If you are planning to hike or climb, be sure to bring the appropriate gear and a map of the area.

If you need supplies, the nearest town to the BLM site is Kremmling. The town of Kremmling is about 30 minutes from the Confluence River Access. There you will find gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Silverthorne is south, about an hour's drive from the BLM recreation site. This town has a variety of shops and restaurants. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Always remember the "Leave No Trace" principles when enjoying recreation on public lands. They help to preserve the land for future generations to enjoy. Some of these principles include not feeding the wildlife, packing out all of your trash, and respecting other visitors. If you have pets, you are supposed to keep them on a leash and clean after them. Do not dig trenches around your campsite, and always bury human waste at least 6 inches deep. You should also camp at least 200 feet away from any water source. By following these principles, you can help to keep public lands clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Confluence River Access Location

The Confluence River Access is located in north-central Colorado, about 100 miles from Denver. Take I-70 West from Denver and take the exit for U.S. Highway 9 at Silverthorne. From there, head north on U.S. Highway 9 for about 37 miles. The Confluence River Access will be on the left side of the road.

Ready to visit Confluence River Access? 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.