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BLM Camping

Flat Top OHV Staging Areas

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

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Flat Top OHV Staging Areas

The Flat Top OHV Staging Area is located between the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison national forests and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and the closest town is Montrose, Colorado. The staging area is the gateway for about 75 miles of off-roading trails. The area, which is part of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, also features a beginner riding area, two OHV play areas, and a motorcycle and ATV site. Although OHV riding is the most popular form of recreation in the area, many mountain bikers also enjoy the trails.

The Flat Top OHV Staging Area is just one of many sites across the U.S. that are managed by the Bureau of Land Management. These sites are designed to offer visitors a close-up encounter with nature while preserving and protecting wild landscapes, plants, and animals. To find more BLM sites, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Chukar Trail

This trail in the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness is perfect for hiking or backpacking, and it also offers access to several fishing spots.

Length: 2.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rim Rock Nature Trail

Located in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this trail offers spectacular views of the scenery.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Warner Route

Another trail in the national park, this route includes some steep climbs, but it’s great for backpacking or fishing.

Length: 4.3 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Uncompahgre River Walk

A gentle walk that’s ideal for taking in the scenery, enjoying some time outside with the whole family, or walking your dog, this trail is located right in Montrose.

Length: 14.4 miles

Intensity: Easy

Eagle Valley Trail

Located in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, this scenic trail is popular with mountain bikers.

Length: 2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Gunnison River is the ideal place for fishing. Many people prefer to fly-fish, and trout is the most common catch. The Uncompahgre River also offers excellent fishing spots, and many people catch rainbow trout.

Climbing

The area around Montrose is particularly popular with bouldering enthusiasts, and the area known as the Electric Hills provides more than 70 bouldering problems. Check ahead if you plan to visit, as the area closes periodically to allow for eagle nesting. Visitors to Montrose and the surrounding area can also head to the Dry Creek Crag for more than 20 traditional, sport, top rope, and bouldering route options.

Wildlife Viewing

Many people spot wildlife right at the Flat Top OHV Staging Area, but the nearby Gunnison Gorge Wilderness and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park are fantastic areas for quieter animal viewing or photography opportunities. Commonly seen species include beavers, bighorn sheep, chipmunks, coyotes, bats, skunks, porcupines, and elk.

Picnicking

Taviwach Park in Montrose is a great choice for picnicking. The area features several picnic tables, and it also offers access to fishing, hiking, and canoeing areas. Fox Park is another good picnicking choice. There are shaded tables, large grass areas, and restrooms.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Flat Top OHV Staging Area, but stays are limited to brief durations, and there are few amenities. Another excellent RV camping option is Cedar Creek Lodging & RV Park. The park provides hookups, free Wi-Fi, a laundry area, and private showers. Riverbend RV Park & Cabins is another scenic option, and it offers a dog park, a bathhouse, a laundry area, and a community patio and fire ring.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Iron Springs Campground. There are eight campsites that can accommodate small RVs, and toilets are available. The Peach Valley OHV Staging Area also offers free camping, and visitors can camp for up to seven days.

RV Rentals Near Flat Top OHV Staging Areas Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Flat Top OHV Staging Areas BLM trip

All OHVs used in the staging area must be properly registered. If you’re not from Colorado, you’ll need to get a non-resident registration. All riders over the age of 16 will also need to pay certain fees to enjoy the area. A day-use pass is $3 per person, while a day-use and camping pass is $5 per person, per calendar day. You can also purchase an annual pass for day-use activities for $15.

Although most BLM campgrounds allow for stays of up to 14 consecutive days, the Flat Top OHV Staging Area only permits stays of up to two consecutive nights. After that, you will need to relocate to an area that’s at least a few miles away.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Whether you’re visiting Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, staging areas, hiking trails, or wilderness areas, caring for the landscape around you is essential. Practice Leave No Trace policies by cleaning up after yourself and packing out any litter, including food waste. If you make a fire, obey all fire safety regulations. Only build a fire in a fire pit or ring, and only use wood you have gathered from the immediate area. Use a shovel to cover the fire’s coals with sand or dirt before you leave. As you hike or ride your OHV, try to stay on trails as much as possible, and only ride on durable surfaces.

Flat Top OHV Staging Areas Location

From Montrose, head north on Highway 50 for about nine miles. Take a right, turning east, onto Falcon Road. This road turns into Peach Valley Road. Continue straight for about four miles until you reach the OHV area.

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

Ready to visit Flat Top OHV Staging Area? 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.