The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
King Mountain Trailhead 131 gives you access to the 12,000-acre King Mountain Recreation Area. Visitors are welcome to camp, ride horses, view the wildlife, hike, and picnic. This recreation area is most popular during the hunting season. The Colorado River to the south has excellent fishing and rafting opportunities and is near several established campgrounds. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency dedicated to sustaining the beauty and diversity of the country's natural landscape, administers this site.
Rocky Mountain National Park is 188 miles east near Fort Collins. Drive south for about four hours to find Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The largest local communities are to the south on Interstate 70. Gypsum and Glenwood Springs are the best places to stop for groceries as well as sightseeing opportunities.
Much of this path is overgrown, which may make it necessary to download the trail map. Some sections are steep with loose rocks that may require some scrambling. The area is known for its stunning spring wildflowers and noisy forest wildlife.
Intensity: Hard
Length: 5.2 miles
This trail is located in Routt National Forest near several mountain peaks. Prepare for a fun and vigorous hike through beautiful aspens. Bug spray is recommended to keep the mosquitos away. Consider packing a raft or paddleboard to take advantage of the lovely lake.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 13.0 miles
One of the most popular local places to fish is on the Colorado River. This river is full of cutthroat trout, catfish, sunfish, and bullhead. Fly Fishing is particularly popular due to the abundance of trout species. Kayaking, floating, rafting, and boating are also permitted on the Colorado River. It's best to visit in the summer or fall when the water level has dropped to a safer level.
Find exhilarating climbing options at nearby Black Mountain, King Mountain, Congor Mesa, Yarmony Mountain, and Blue Hill. Some of the state's best climbing routes are available over at Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also head down to the Dotsero Crater Recreation Site to hike and climb over Colorado's youngest volcano.
Colorado is home to prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, raccoons, black-footed ferrets, bison, beavers, and otters. Some of the commonly spotted birds include buntings, gold eagles, hawks, kingfishers, jays, hummingbirds, and ravens. Larger mammals like moose, elk, black bears, and mountain lions are infrequently seen in foothills and highly forested areas.
Apart from dispersed campsites and campgrounds, you won't find many picnic shelters or tables in Colorado wilderness areas. You're welcome to plan your meals at the trailhead itself or as you're hiking and exploring. There's a primitive camping spot at East King Mountain Trailhead where you can rest. Be sure to plan plenty of food and water breaks in cool, shaded areas.
You'll find several Class II and Class III rafting experiences on the Colorado River. These rapids are beginner-friendly, easy to navigate, and near a few popular Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. More advanced rapids can be found further upstream near Kremmling. If you're new to rafting, consider booking a guided excursion with experienced professionals.
The Catamount Campground near Burns has five campsites, a couple of vault toilets, and a concrete boat launch. This campground is a popular day-use area between May and September. Visit in the off-season to ensure you find parking and an available RV camping spot. Rafting and fishing enthusiasts should head upstream to the Radium Recreation Site. There are nine standard campsites here that can accommodate up to 10 people. The campground has two paved boat launches, two picnic shelters, and three accessible vault toilets.
Along with searching for BLM camping near me, keep an eye out for luxurious camping options like those available at Red Mountain RV Park in Kremmling. Hunting, fishing, and hiking are popular here. Pet-friendly RV sites with full hookups start as low as $39 a night. The River Dance RV Resort in Gypsum offers year-round camping options for both short-term and long-term guests. They have 40 campsites that can accommodate any size motorhome.
Many Bureau of Land Management free camping spots are available along the Colorado River. These sites can't be reserved and often come with limited amenities like fire rings. Many of these spots are designated for tent use and are only accessible via footpaths. If you're driving to King Mountain Trailhead 131 in an RV, consider parking your rig on Interstate 70 or US Highway 40.
Colorado is known for its extreme weather and temperature changes, which can make hiking and climbing dangerous. Always check the forecasted weather before heading out. Layer your clothes in the morning so you can slowly take off your jackets as it warms up. Be sure to hike with your legs and ankles fully covered. There are a variety of tick and snake species you may come in contact with as you bushwhack your way across the state. Plan to bring more water than you think is necessary. Dehydration can quickly set in if you're hiking under a full sun during the summer.
Plan ahead by booking your campsite in advance, researching all necessary permits and establishing an itinerary. Being prepared will help you maximize your experience and limit any potential emergencies. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Avoid walking through or camping in pristine wilderness areas. Always travel in a straight line to avoid damaging local flora. All human waste should be buried in an eight-inch hole at least 200 feet from any water source. If you're climbing or in a desert area, it's best to bag and pack out your waste. It's essential to fully inspect your campsite for any remaining food or trash before moving on.
From Gypsum, head east on Highway 6 for about 17 miles. Once you reach Wolcott, turn north onto Highway 131. Drive for a little over 30 miles until you see the parking area on the left.
Address: 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652
Ready to visit King Mountain Trailhead 131? 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.
