The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Gypsum Valley, also known as the Gypsum Valley Recreation Site, is a site protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in southwestern Colorado. This government agency preserves one of out of every 10 acres of land in the US. Like many of Colorado's many BLM-administered sites, the area is remote, scenic, and an excellent destination for primitive camping. The site is located along the Dolores River and is frequently used as a boat launch, and there are also nearby opportunities for rock climbing and hiking. BLM camping is an excellent activity for anyone who likes exploring the natural world, seeing new places, and sleeping beneath the stars.
If you're interested in visiting Gypsum Valley or any of the other 850+ BLM locations around the United States, a great way to start is by searching for "BLM camping near me" online. That way, you can get a feel for BLM camping at one or more of the sites closest to your area.
This lengthy, out-and-back trail is located in Uncompahgre National Forest near the town of Nucla, CO, two hours and six minutes northeast of Gypsum Valley. The trail is not only great for a long hike, but it's also perfect for mountain biking and snowshoeing. It takes you through dense woodlands and features only a mild elevation gain, so it should be manageable for most hikers. Dogs are allowed on the route and can be off-leash in some areas.
Length: 15.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
This out-and-back trail is located two hours and 32 minutes northeast of Gypsum Valley and is a lovely route for hiking, trail running, and bird-watching. The trail is one section of the much longer Paradox Trail, and it offers picturesque desert views. You most likely won't see many other people in the area, so it's a great opportunity to enjoy some solitude.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in the Uncompahgre National Forest, this out-and-back trail meanders along the Telluride River and boasts tranquil scenery and a beautiful waterfall. The trail is dog-friendly and also presents the opportunity to spot some local wildlife.
Length: 4.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
Boating is the most popular activity in Gypsum Valley. The site features a boat launch along the nearby Dolores River, and many visitors take their canoes, kayaks, and rafts out on the stream. The river is also known as a fairly good spot for dry fly-fishing. Brown trout are the most abundant species in the river, but you may also catch a few rainbow trout.
There are several excellent options for rock climbing around Gypsum Valley. One is Psycho Tower, which is located right inside Big Gypsum Valley and is considered the best sandstone tower climb in Colorado. Near Psycho Tower, you'll find Black Wall, a nice crag with breathtaking views of the surrounding desert. Black Wall has two sections with several sports climbing routes to choose from. Other popular climbing spots in the area include the three single-pitch towers located near the BLM campground and the 350-foot Slickrock Buttress.
Although you may see a few wildlife species around Gypsum Valley, such as mountain goats and bighorn sheep, the best place in the area for animal observation is the Uncompahgre National Forest. The dense forest is inhabited by a variety of creatures, including mountain lions, elk, mule deer, moose, black bears, wild turkeys, Canada lynx, pine marten, sage grouse, bald eagles, boreal owls, peregrine falcons, and numerous other birds and small mammals.
If you'd like to have a picnic at the Gypsum Valley BLM site, the best option is probably to head to the area's small campground. The campground features several shade shelters, which definitely come in handy during the summer. The campground provides a quiet setting and wide-open views to sit down and enjoy a picnic lunch.
You're welcome to partake in BLM RV camping at Gypsum Valley's small BLM campground. Although there aren't any RV hookups or modern amenities, there are a few primitive campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Gypsum Valley isn't home to any other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but if you want to camp somewhere with more conveniences to offer, you could head to the Naturita, CO area, 58 minutes northeast of Gypsum Valley, and stay at CampV where you'll have access to quite a few amenities and activities.
There should be many suitable spots to enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping around Gypsum Valley. There's lots of open space where setting up a dispersed campsite would be feasible. The best option may be to follow the nearby Dolores River in one direction, and see if you can find a pleasant spot.
If you're planning a trip to Gypsum Valley, keep in mind that there are only three established campsites at the campground. The busiest time of year for the campground is between mid-April and mid-June as that's when the Dolores River is at its best for boating. So if you're visiting during late spring or early summer, you should be prepared for the possibility of the campsites all being taken. It would be prudent to have a convenient backup plan, such as bringing along everything you need to set up your own campsite. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM requires that all visitors to Gypsum Valley follow the seven "Leave No Trace" principles. One thing you can do to help preserve the land is to keep the impact of your campfires to a minimum. There are rock fire rings provided at the campground, so please keep any fires you burn confined to those rings.
To reach the Gypsum Valley BLM site from Dove Creek, CO, travel west on Highway 149 for approximately 1.5 miles and then merge onto Highway 141 heading north. Follow Highway 141 for 34 miles until you come to County Road 20R and then turn west. Stay on County Road 20R for about 11 miles, and when you come to a Y in the road, stay to the right. Continue for two more miles, and you will arrive at the BLM campground on the left side of the road.
Address: Tres Rios Field Office, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323
Ready to visit Gypsum Valley? 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.
