The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Headwaters is an extensive network of trails that stretches 28 miles through the Colorado wilderness. You can only traverse this trail by foot or on horseback, giving visitors a quiet and peaceful recreational opportunity. Motorized vehicles, like motorbikes or ATVs, are prohibited in the area.
This site is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a government organization that protects more than 245 million acres of land in the United States. The BLM strives to keep public lands in the U.S. healthy and thriving. Visitors can hike, explore and enjoy stellar views of the valleys and mountains. You'll also have easy access to nearby Lake Granby and the Colorado River.
Rocky Mountain National Park is less than two hours to the north. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park sits further south, near the Uncompahgre National Forest. Headwaters is located between the cities of Hot Sulphur Springs and Granby. Denver is about 91 miles to the east.
Right along the Colorado River, this easy trail is perfect for kids and pets. Take your time walking the loop or stop to fish. There's also a frisbee golf course that will entertain your group for at least a few hours.
Length: 1.0 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail gives you amazing views of Lake Granby and nearby mountain meadows full of wildflowers. Visitors often see deer in the area as well as the occasional bear. Be sure to bring sturdy, waterproof shoes and plenty of bug spray to combat the mosquitoes.
Length: 7.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located near the Granby Ranch ski resort, this trail winds its way up the mountain, giving visitors gorgeous views of the surrounding valley. The area is sometimes closed off during the fall and winter to protect local elk habitats.
Length: 9.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Visit between March and November to take advantage of the prime fishing season. The Colorado River is full of largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish and black crappie. You can also fish in Lake Granby, which is a great source of rainbow trout, brown trout and lake trout. Kayaking, canoeing and boating are also popular options on Lake Granby.
While you're in the area, take advantage of the many peaks and ridges in and around Rocky Mountains National Park. It's a climber's paradise, offering opportunities for every form of climbing, from mountaineering to snow and ice climbing. Don't forget to check out spots like Mount Chauncey, Elk Mountain and Mount Bross.
Hikers often find prairie dogs, elk, beavers and bighorn sheep around Headwaters. You may also spot a mountain bluebird, bald eagle, roadrunner or white pelican. Mountain lions can also be found in Colorado but are often hard to spot. Black bears are commonly seen in the mountains and forests.
Feel free to picnic at the Jacques Parking Area, where you first enter the Headwaters trail system. You can also stop and rest while you're hiking — just be sure to step off the trail so that you don't disturb other visitors. The popular Rainbow Bay Picnic Site near Lake Granby offers direct access to the lake as well as grills and tables.
Horseback riding is a thrilling way to explore the wide-open wilderness of Colorado. Headwaters is used throughout the year by equestrians of every skill level. Bring your own horse or explore some of the ranches and boarding facilities in the area.
As you're planning your RV camping trip to Colorado, consider searching for "BLM camping near me." Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are primitive and have amenities like vault toilets, fire rings and picnic tables. They charge very little and allow you to stay up to two weeks. The United States Forest Service also operates and maintains camping sites like Willow Creek Campground. This site can accommodate both tents and RVs and offers convenient trash service, vault toilets and drinking water.
More modern sites like Wolford Campground allow visitors to enjoy ATVing, river rafting, horseback riding and fossil finding. You should also check out Red Mountain RV Park and Elk Creek Campground and RV Resort, which are both popular for their modern amenities and reasonable rates.
Dispersed camping is allowed and encouraged on BLM lands in Colorado. Find your ideal Bureau of Land Management free camping spot in Pioneer Park near the Colorado River. There are also a few spots on Kinney Creek Road, just off of U.S. Highway 40. You always have the option to set up a tent out in the wilderness as you explore Headwaters.
Hiking in Colorado gives you breathtaking access to unique wildlife and gorgeous natural sights. As you prepare for your camping trip, don't forget to pack plenty of water and snacks. Always check the weather before a hike to avoid being rained out. Contact the local wildlife office to determine if any bears or predators have been spotted in the area. Try to travel in a group, and download any trail maps before you begin.
If you plan to spend a lot of time around the Colorado River, pack a lot of bug spray as well as waterproof clothes and shoes. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
It's your responsibility as a hiker to "Leave No Trace" of your visit. Clean up all trash and debris when you leave an area. Don't mark or damage the trees and flora around you. Try to set up your camp where others have already rested. Be respectful to the local wildlife you come across as well as other hikers.
To access the Jacques Trailhead, start in Hot Sulphur Springs and travel east on U.S. Highway 40. Drive for about 5 miles before turning north onto Jacques Road. Follow this road for less than 1 mile until you reach the parking area.
Field Office Address: 2103 East Park Avenue, Kremmling, CO 80459
Ready to visit Headwaters? 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.
