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BLM Camping

Guffey Gorge

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

Bureau of Land Management camping sites are public lands managed by the federal government and offer abundant recreational opportunities. These sites span over eight million acres across Colorado and are open to campers and outdoor enthusiasts. You should know the rules and regulations governing camping on BLM sites in Colorado. For instance, following the "Leave No Trace" principle is essential, which requires campers to leave the campsite in the same state it was found in. You can locate BLM sites by searching "BLM camping near me." Guffey Gorge is a natural beauty with scenic clear waters and surrounding rock cliffs. These clear waters are fed by underground springs, creating a refreshing oasis in the otherwise arid landscape. Explore the rock cliffs that offer challenging terrain for rock climbers of all skill levels, with some of the most stunning views in Colorado. The gorge is particularly popular for swimming, hiking, fishing, and rock climbing. While overnight camping is prohibited, you must pay $6 for day-use exploration. Great Sand Dunes National Park is the closest national park to the site. Visit the nearby Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, home to some of the best-preserved fossils in the world. The historic mining town of Cripple Creek is just a short drive away and has excellent shopping and dining options.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Paradise Cove Swimming Hole Trail

This trail follows the creek bed upstream, leading to a charming waterfall. Be sure to wear sturdy and comfortable shoes, as the terrain can be rocky and slippery in some places. Length: 1.0 miles Intensity: Moderately challenging

Booger Red Hill Trail to Hole in the Wall Gulch

Explore Hole in the Wall Gulch by following the Booger Red Hill Trail until you reach the top of the hill. You can see the Guffey Gorge and the surrounding mountains from the summit, making it an excellent location for a panoramic photo. Length: 5.7 miles Intensity: Moderately challenging

Pony Gulch Homestead

Dip yourself in history by hiking on this out-and-back trail with several historic sites. Some historic attractions include old cabins, abandoned mining equipment, and rustic barns; you'll encounter interpretive signs and displays that provide exciting insights into the lives of the early settlers who called this place home. Length: 2.1 miles Intensity: Moderately challenging

Shelf Road / Gold Belt Tour

If you prefer a longer hike, take your RV and drive on this point-to-point trail near Guffey Gorge. The route passes through some of the most historic regions of central Colorado, including Cripple Creek, Victor, and the Royal Gorge. Drive along the edge of the gorge and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Arkansas River. Along the way, you will encounter impressive geological formations, including massive granite slabs, towering rock spires, and hidden caves. Length: 26.7 miles Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

The gorge waters and surrounding West Fourmile Creek provide excellent habitats for various fish species, including cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. Anglers can fish from the shore provided they have proper Colorado fishing licenses. Swimming is also popular in this area, with the refreshing oasis waters providing an excellent respite from the summer; however, visitors should exercise caution while swimming, as the water can become surprisingly deep in some areas.

Climbing

Elevenmile Canyon

If you're an experienced rock climber looking for a challenge, head over to Elevenmile Canyon near Guffey Gorge. The routes here are tall and varied, with some going up to 175 feet. One of the most popular routes at Elevenmile Canyon is rated a 5.8, making it a popular spot for intermediate climbers.

The Bank

The Bank is another popular rock climbing spot near Guffey Gorge, known for its impressive granite slabs. The area provides a range of climbing options for all skill levels, from accessible routes for beginners to more challenging climbs for experienced climbers. The courses here are rated from 5.6 to 5.11, with some going up to 100 feet.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors can spot several species of birds, such as the golden eagle, peregrine falcon, and bald eagle. The area also provides a habitat for small mammals like rabbits and foxes and larger mammals like deer and elk, which can often be seen grazing in the surrounding meadows or drinking from the waters of the gorge.

Picnicking

Guffey Gorge offers several scenic locations ideal for picnicking with family and friends. The lush green lawns near the water's edge provide ample space for setting up a picnic blanket, while the towering cliffs offer shade and sun protection. If you prefer a more well-equipped setting, the picnic area near the parking lot has several picnic tables and grills.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is permitted around Guffey Gorge. One of the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near the site is the family-owned Pikes Peak RV Park, which has a free parking lot and showers. If you want a pet-friendly location, go for Mountain View RV Resort, which has 40 sites with full hookups. Golden Eagle Campground is a popular RV park near Guffey Gorge with 125 pull-through sites and a pond full of trout.

Free Camping

The Bureau of Land Management free camping is possible at Cripple Creek BLM Area, Fraile's Campground, and Tarryall Creek area. These sites are accessible by dirt roads and may lack amenities such as water and electricity. Visitors should ensure they have plenty of supplies, including food and water, before embarking on a camping trip in these areas. While camping on BLM lands is free, some sites may require permits or have associated fees.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Guffey Gorge BLM trip

If you're planning a BLM camping trip to Guffey Gorge, pack plenty of supplies, as the area can be remote and lacks amenities. It's also important to check the weather before you go, as temperatures can vary throughout the day, and sudden rainstorms can occur. Open fires are prohibited in Guffey Gorge due to the risk of wildfires, so make sure you have cooking options that don't require open flames. Florissant is a nearby mountain town home to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. It has several local eateries, grocery stores, gas stations, and souvenir shops. Before heading out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Campers must practice "Leave No Trace" principles when camping on BLM lands as it ensures every individual takes responsibility for their environmental impact. Some of these principles include packing out all trash and litter, leaving the campsite as you found it, properly disposing of human waste, and minimizing campfire impact. Allowing trash and garbage to pile up can harm the ecosystem and threaten wildlife. Moreover, improperly disposing of human waste can contaminate the water sources in the area, making them unsafe for drinking and recreation. Therefore, campers and outdoor enthusiasts must take responsibility for their actions and clean up after themselves to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the BLM lands.

Guffey Gorge Location

From Cripple Creek, Drive 8.6 miles northwest on Teller County Road 1, then turn left onto County Road 11. Drive for 4.1 miles and turn right onto Teller County Road. Drive for 2.7 miles. You'll find Guffey Gorge on your right. Royal Gorge Field Office 3028 E. Main Street Caсon City, CO 81212 Ready to visit Guffey Gorge? 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 of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, enjoying 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.

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