Eagle Valley Trailhead

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Eagle Valley Trailhead

Eagle Valley Trailhead is a marked trail through the desert canyon of eastern Colorado. Through dry rock and black sand, Eagle Valley Trailhead is a great stop for visitors looking to spend time outdoors. This site is known for its biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Eagle Valley Trailhead is one of the many sites in Colorado and other areas of the United States managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). In addition to recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, and rock climbing, these public lands often offer low-cost or free camping options, making them great for RV travelers. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can be easily found by searching for “BLM camping near me.”

Aside from great options for outdoor activities, Eagle Valley Trailhead is surrounded by other spots for picnicking and sightseeing. Visiting this site also puts you just 30 minutes west of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Further west is Arches National Park, a site filled with stone arches and red rocks. Both national parks offer hiking trails and camping opportunities.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Eagle Valley Trail

This trail, located at the direct site, is a single-track trail. Eagle Valley trail is used for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. For visitors hoping to connect to longer trails, Eagle Valley Trail provides connections to additional routes.

Length: 1.25 miles

Intensity: Easy

Sidewinder Loop

Sidewinder Loop is a mountain and dirt biking trail branching off of Eagle Valley Trail. This route has some steep sections and many hills, making it a great loop for advanced mountain bikers.

Length: 38.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Sunset Rocks Trail

This trail is used by mountain bikers and hikers looking for a route full of fun, flowy terrain. While the terrain is rocky, you will want to avoid this trail and the mud that accompanies it when it is raining.

Length: 6.7 miles

Intensity: Intermediate

Fishing and Boating

While Eagle Valley Trailhead does not have any fishing or boating opportunities at the site itself, there are great spots within short driving distance for water activities. Gould Reservoir is located east of Eagle Valley. This site offers a great spot for fly-fishing and non-motorized boating. While a bit off the beaten path, Buckhorn Lakes is a fishing pond with a large population of fish and beautiful scenery. For boating, many visitors make their way to Sweitzer Lake State Park. Here, visitors can enjoy motorized or non-motorized boating and fishing. Sweitzer Lake has several boat ramps to make boating accessible.

Wildlife Viewing

There is an abundance of wildlife scattered throughout the Eagle Valley Trailhead area. Many visitors can spot bald eagles flying overhead. In this area, visitors may also see river otters, foxes, and grouse. When viewing wildlife, it is important to keep a safe distance and respect each habitat.

Picnicking

There are no official picnic areas at Eagle Valley Trailhead. However, there are non-reservable picnicking facilities at the nearby BLM-managed Rainbow Wall Lunch Spot. Visitors are also free to picnic anywhere on BLM-managed lands for free. Picnicking is a fantastic way to spend time in nature. When picnicking on public land, be sure to clean up your area of any leftover food, garbage, and belongings. For visitors picnicking along busy trails, be sure to stay off of the main route when stopping for a picnic.

Hunting

Hunting near Eagle Valley Trailhead is possible at Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. Located near the trailhead, this site permits hunting during designated game seasons. Visitors must acquire the appropriate hunting license when hunting in this area. Target shooting is not allowed at Gunnison Gorge at any time.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping isn't available at the trailhead, but there are several camping areas to the west and northwest, including Upper and Lower Margaritaville, Big Eddy, and Bobcat Beach. These campsites are available for a small fee, but most are primitive with very few amenities. For more comfortable accommodations, you may want to visit a privately owned RV park in the area. For instance, RV camping is possible at Uncompahgre River RV Park. This park is for the exclusive use of adults aged 50 and older. Cedar Creek Lodging and RV Park is another great spot for RV camping, providing Wi-Fi, a golf course, and great amenities.

Free Camping

Unless otherwise noted, the BLM allows visitors to camp on their public lands for free. Bureau of Land Management free camping is a great way to affordably experience nature. There is a small campsite off the trail at Eagle Valley Trailhead with canopied tables and fire pits. Camping sites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping is another good option for visitors to this area.

RV Rentals Near Eagle Valley Trailhead Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Eagle Valley Trailhead BLM trip

At Eagle Valley Trailhead, there is no potable water available. When planning your trip to the trail, it is important to pack extra water. If you plan to hike or bike on lengthy trails, it is important to stay hydrated and bring extra water as these trails are not shaded and get very hot.

Additionally, you will want to prepare for little to no cell service at Eagle Valley Trailhead and the surrounding area. It is a good idea to print driving directions to and from the site. Most visitors share their vacation plans with others because of the limited cell service at Eagle Valley Trailhead. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

During your time at Eagle Valley Trailhead, it is important to follow Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines have been established by the BLM as part of its efforts to properly preserve public lands. These guidelines include throwing away your trash promptly, disposing of all waste, and leaving your areas in the way you found them when you arrived. Additionally, it is important to respect all wildlife during your visit. If you are planning a campfire, be sure it is contained.

Eagle Valley Trailhead Location

Eagle Valley Trailhead is best accessed from Olathe, Colorado. Take Falcon Road east for approximately four miles. The road will turn into Peach Valley Road, marked as a gravel street. Continue on Peach Valley Road for a mile and a half and then take a right onto Chukar Road. Eagle Valley Trailhead will be marked ahead on the left.

Address: Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, 2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401

Ready to visit Eagle Valley 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.