The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The East Animas/Turtle lake Recreation Management Zone (RMZ) is located a few miles north of Durango, Colorado. The site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government agency that oversees millions of acres of land for public use.
The East Animas/Turtle Lake is an area that offers fantastic possibilities for rock climbing. You can enjoy many fun activities, including hiking, bouldering, trad and sport climbing, biking, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Access to the BLM camping sites in the area is available year-round. However, the most popular camping seasons in the area are spring, summer, and fall. For additional outdoor activities, you can find Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park less than 150 miles away in Utah.
The Animas Overlook Trail is a short loop with paved and dirt route options. You can get to the overlook trail in less than an hour's drive from Durango city. Enjoy the scenic view of the green Animas Valley and picnic spots.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
The Animas City Mountain Trail is a moderately long loop trail near Durango. It is ideal for mountain biking, hiking, and rock climbing at scenic places.
Length: 6 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Animas River Trail is a paved trail running along the scenic Animas River and at some points along the Durango railroad corridor. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and inline skating on the trail.
Length: 9 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fly-fishing on the Animas River is popular year-round. The river is well known for producing large brown and rainbow trout. Anglers can also catch cutthroat and brook trout.
Bouldering and rock climbing are the most common activities in East Animas/Turtle Lake. East Animas provides bouldering opportunities for everyone at all levels of experience. The Turtle Lake boulders are made up of sandstone of varying quality. There are over 80 routes with different difficulty levels. Among the most popular climbing routes are the Gray beard, Angler, Bird Hole Right, and Yellowjacket. The Turtle Lake cliffs just above the bouldering area feature numerous climbing routes for more experienced climbers.
When Bureau of Land Management camping in the area, you will come across beautiful bird species and other wild animals such as deer and elk. There are also parks and reserves that you could visit near the East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ. The Oxbow Park and Reserve outside Durango features a riparian habitat hosting over 85 bird species, as well as bobcat, deer, fox, and elk.
While there aren't any picnic facilities or Bureau of Land Management campgrounds directly at the site, you are free to set up your own picnic spot anywhere in the area. The nearby trailhead parking lots are also good places for an RV picnic. If you are looking for more amenities, including picnic tables and pavilions, head over to Animas City Park in Durango.
BLM RV camping is possible at the East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ, but you will need to look outside of the area for established campsites. Junction Creek Campground and Lower Beaver Campground offer low-cost campsites nearby. Junction Creek has sites with electrical hookups for RVs up to 60 feet in length. Lower Beaver Campground doesn't offer hookups, but water and vault toilets are available on-site. To find additional camping options, search online for "BLM camping near me."
Dispersed Bureau of Land Management free camping is available in the area surrounding the East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ. Options include the Las Animas Lookout area, Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping Area, and Missionary Ridge Road. Keep in mind that you will not have any camping amenities in these areas, so you will need to be sure to bring everything you need with you. Also, dispersed Bureau of Land Management camping is typically limited to 14 days in a 28-day period.
Many BLM-developed campgrounds offer facilities such as restrooms, picnic spots, potable water, fire rings, and garbage cans. However, this is not always the case, so it's important to plan ahead and pack plenty of water and food, as well as supplies to cook and clean up after yourself.
The Durango area experiences relatively mild spring, summer, and fall temperatures, but the summer can reach the 90s. If you plan on visiting the East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ in the summer, be sure to bring sunscreen and other protection from the heat. In the winter, temperatures can drop into the teens and snow may make some higher-elevation roads impassable. Regardless of the season, bring a variety of clothing for all types of weather.
Before you embark on your trip, look at our BLM camping blog for more tips.
The Bureau of Land Management does its best to maintain the sites it oversees, but its resources are limited. To keep these areas pristine and open for future visitors, the agency relies on you to follow "Leave No Trace" principles. Always pack out anything you bring in, and leave all natural objects and artifacts where you find them. When exploring, stay on established trails and roads to minimize your impact and never approach wildlife.
To get to East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ from Durango, head north out of the city on Main Street/Highway 550. When you reach County Road 25, turn west toward Junction Creek. Travel three miles to County Road 205 and then turn right. Keep driving for approximately one mile to the climbing area.
Address: Tres Rios Field Office, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323
Ready to visit the East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ? An RV rental is an excellent tactic used for exploring on a trip. The RVs allow you to be near all recreation sites and have a place to retire at night. Enjoy a full kitchen, restroom, and a comfortable bed. If wondering how to go about RV renting, search no further! We have a step-by-step guide on RV renting with RVShare.
