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Junction Butte Wetlands

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

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Junction Butte Wetlands

Located near Kremmling, Colorado not far from the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Rocky Mountain National Park, the Junction Butte Wetlands is a scenic area that includes a stretch of the Colorado River. The wetlands are most commonly used as a way to observe and photograph wildlife, particularly the many bird species that migrate to the area or call the space home. The protected space spans 120 acres in total.

BLM sites are areas that have been set aside and are protected by both the bureau and the people who visit them. Many of these sites, like the Junction Butte Wetlands, provide a safe habitat for a range of animal and plant species. Other sites offer different hiking, boating, or camping options. To find BLM sites with camping amenities, search for “BLM camping near me.”

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Baker Mountain Trail

This challenging trail is relatively remote, so it’s quiet and offers excellent opportunities to spot wildlife.

Length: 3.2 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Windy Ridge Trail

Located in the nearby Mount Zirkel Wilderness, the Windy Ridge Trail is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding.

Length: 5.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Gore Canyon Trail

This scenic trail in the Pumphouse BLM Recreation Area travels along a river and offers stunning views of the landscape.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Silver Creek Trail

Located in the Sarvis Creek Wilderness, this trail is great for hiking, and many people choose to camp along the edge of the trail.

Length: 11.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Little Wolford Mountain Trail

This trail offers beautiful views and is dog-friendly. The path is generally well-maintained.

Length: 3.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Colorado River, which crosses through the Junction Butte Wetlands, is an ideal place for fishing and boating. The area offers excellent trout fishing, and the river is also home to several other fish species, including chub.

Climbing

The area around Kremmling offers some excellent climbing opportunities, particularly when it comes to bouldering. Vasquez Road, for example, offers 15 bouldering options, and New Don Wall features eight traditional, sport, and top rope climbing routes.

Wildlife Viewing

The Junction Butte Wetlands are ideal for spotting shorebirds and waterfowl. Other animals, such as grouse, frogs, eagles, and moose also make their homes in the area. Large animals such as moose and deer are more commonly spotted during the winter.

Picnicking

Stagecoach State Park offers picnic tables and grills, and there is a picnic shelter for inclement weather. The park also features electrical outlets and restrooms, and there are many nearby options for hiking, fishing, and camping. The Ranger Lakes day-use area in the State Forest State Park also offers picnic tables.

Snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing

Thanks to the chilly temperatures the area experiences during the winter, there are many opportunities for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing near the Junction Butte Wetlands. The Baker Mountain Trail, for example, is very popular with snowshoers.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM RV camping is available at the Blacktail Creek Campground. There are no hookups, but the scenery is beautiful and peaceful. The campground works on a first-come, first-served basis. The Red Mountain RV Park is also a fantastic option for RV camping. Full hookups are available, and there are showers and a dump station.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping can be found at the Kremmling Recreation Management Area. Campers can set up a dispersed site and enjoy the area’s gorgeous landscape. Visitors can also set up a primitive site at the Gordon Gulch Dispersed Camping Area in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest. There are 15 sites available, and visitors can stay for 14 days.

RV Rentals Near Junction Butte Wetlands Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Junction Butte Wetlands BLM trip

The Junction Butte Wetlands are located near several private ranches. When hiking or exploring the area, be mindful of private property, and stay within the boundaries of the wetlands unless you have received permission from the landowners.

The area around the Junction Butte Wetlands sees beautiful, warm weather throughout the summer, with temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s. Rain is relatively infrequent. Winters, however, are incredibly cold, with temperatures often well below freezing or even below zero. Even during the warmer months, nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30s or 40s, so always dress in layers and pack accordingly. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The Junction Butte Wetlands and other Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or wild areas require care in order to remain in their natural, untouched state. Leave No Trace practices, such as treating the landscape with care and remaining on trails as much as possible, can help. It’s also a good idea to observe wildlife from a distance. Share public areas with other visitors, and always pack out all of your trash and waste. This includes biodegradable items such as apple cores. When camping, camp only on stable land where there is little vegetation. Try to choose areas that look like they have already been used for that purpose.

Junction Butte Wetlands Location

From Kremmling, Colorado, take Hwy 9 south for about three miles. You’ll come to a dirt road, which is CR387. Continue east on CR387 for another half a mile until you reach the wetlands.

Kremmling Field Office: 2103 E. Park Avenue, Kremmling , CO 80459

Ready to visit Junction Butte Wetlands? 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.