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BLM Camping

Hardscrabble - East Eagle

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

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Hardscrabble - East Eagle

The Hardscrabble Special Recreation Management Area, also known as Hardscrabble – East Eagle or the Hardscrabble SRMA, is located between the towns of Eagle and Gypsum in Colorado. The area is close to Hardscrabble Mountain and the White River National Forest. It’s divided into two recreation management zones, or RMZs, each with trails for both motorized and non-motorized users. The eastern RMZ offers a single-track route for mountain bikers, and the western RMZ offers trails for ATV, dirt bike, and OHV riders. Hikers can choose to explore any of the trails in the area.

BLM sites like Hardscrabble – East Eagle are protected areas of public lands that are maintained and overseen by the Bureau of Land Management. These locations offer opportunities for visitors to hike, camp, fish, or simply enjoy nature away from signs of human habitation. To find BLM sites, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Shrine Ridge Trail

This popular trail is a fantastic way to view wildflowers in the spring and summer.

Length: 4.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Quandary Peak Trail

This trail offers a challenging uphill climb for hikers during the warmer months and is a good option for snowshoers in the winter.

Length: 6.6 miles

Intensity: Difficult

McCullough Gulch Trail

Visitors can take a shuttle or reserve parking to reach this gorgeous, scenic trail.

Length: 6.4 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Hanging Lake Trail

Located in the White River National Forest, this trail offers incredible views of the area’s breathtaking landscape.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Mayflower Gulch Grand Traverse

This lovely trail connects to other nearby trails and passes through a ghost town.

Length: 6.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Gypsum Ponds are a fantastic choice for fly fishing. Nearby Sylvan Lake is also a good option for fishing and boating. Brook, brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout are common catches. Paddling, kayaking, and canoeing are also popular on the lake.

Climbing

There are several excellent locations near the Hardscrabble – East Eagle area for rock climbing. Hamm Canyon offers five sport climbs and one traditional route. There are also five traditional climbs at Slickrock Buttress, and the Black Wall offers both traditional and sport climbs.

Wildlife Viewing

Hardscrabble – East Eagle is a fantastic place to view wildlife, but there are also several ideal locations for spotting wildlife in the White River National Forest. Species native to the area include mountain goats and sheep, lynx, moose, mountain lions, elk, deer, bears, and several species of birds, including birds of prey and waterfowl such as ducks and herons.

Picnicking

The Black Bess Picnic Site in the White River National Forest is a great option for a scenic picnic. Dotsero Landing is also a good option and offers beautiful views, picnic tables, and restrooms.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is popular throughout the Hardscrabble – East Eagle area and along other trails in the nearby vicinity. The Shrine Ridge Trail, for example, and other trails in the White River National Forest are perfect for riding.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping can be found at Gypsum Campground, which offers sites on a first-come, first-served basis. The River Dance RV Resort is also a great option. The resort offers hookups, a dog park, and showers.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at the Hardscrabble – East Eagle area outside of Spring Creek. Campers can set up a primitive camp anywhere the ground has been previously disturbed. Creating new campsites, however, can damage the landscape.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Hardscrabble - East Eagle BLM trip

The Hardscrabble – East Eagle area is most popular with visitors in the summer, late spring, and early fall months when temperatures range from 60 degrees to the mid-80s. Most days are dry, but the summer months see a few days of rain. It’s always important to check the weather before you start your adventure because rain can make the roads and trails in the area slippery or even impassable. The late fall and winter months are very cold with temperatures plummeting to below freezing, especially at night. The area is closed from December 1 to April 15 to protect wildlife wintering nearby.

More information about the area can be obtained by visiting or contacting the Colorado River Valley Field Office. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and wild areas deserve respect and care. Leave No Trace policies act as a guideline for this care. Always pick up any litter you see, and always take your own trash with you or dispose of it as soon as possible. Share trails, and be mindful of other hikers, OHV riders, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Stay on the trail as much as possible so as not to disturb the landscape. If you plan to set up a primitive campsite, camp on stable ground where there is little vegetation. Use extreme caution when starting fires, and always make sure the embers of the fire are cool before you leave the area. A campfire shovel can be used to toss sand or dirt over warm embers.

Hardscrabble - East Eagle Location

From Gypsum, head east on Highway 6 for about half a mile. Turn south onto Valley Road, and continue for another half mile before turning east onto Cooley Mesa Road. Continue for 1.5 miles and then turn south onto Spring Creek Road. Continue for another mile before turning left onto BLM Road 8380. You can also approach from BLM Road 8384 by following Cooley Mesa Road for about 3 miles before turning right on BLM Road 8384. To approach from Hardscrabble Road, continue on Highway 6 from Gypsum for about 1 mile. Turn south on Brush Creek Road, and continue for 5 miles before turning right on Hardscrabble Road.

Field Office Address: 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652

Ready to visit Hardscrabble - East Eagle? 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.