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BLM Camping

Piceance-East Douglas HMA

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

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Piceance-East Douglas HMA

The Piceance-East Douglas Herd Management Area (HMA) is a natural area specifically designated to protect a large herd of wild horses. This HMA is also open for enjoyment by the public. Visitors can partake in many hiking, biking, and camping opportunities in and around the HMA. It sits between several national forests, including the White River, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. Additionally, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is only a short drive from the area, and Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are just over two hours from the site.

BLM sites are public lands maintained by volunteers and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Some of these sites, like the Piceance-East Douglas HMA, were designed to protect wildlife. Others have historical significance or offer recreational activities. To find BLM sites that feature camping amenities, search for "BLM camping near me."

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Beaver Creek Trail

This scenic trail offers gorgeous views of the area's wildflowers during the spring and summer.

Length: 5.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Rifle Arch Trail

A great way to view wildlife, hiking this trail is dog-friendly and offers some rocky climbs for a bit of exercise.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Three Forks Trail

Located in the White River National Forest, this trail is an excellent option for hiking or mountain biking.

Length: 10.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Grass Valley Reservoir

This gentle trail in Harvey Gap State Park offers beautiful views and leads to a picturesque waterfall.

Length: 1.1 miles

Intensity: Easy

Rifle Gap Reservoir Trail

Located in Rifle Gap State Park, this trail offers gorgeous views of the lake and is a great way to spot a range of wild animals.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

Rifle Gap State Park is an excellent place for fishing — anglers can catch perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, pike, and walleye. Fishing and boating are popular during the summer, but the park is also a great location for ice fishing in winter. Rifle Gap Reservoir is also a favored spot for swimming, water-skiing, and jet-skiing. Another fishing option is Rifle Falls State Park, where anglers can catch brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout.

Climbing

Rifle Mountain Park is well-known for its incredible limestone walls. People come from all over the world to climb in this area. The park offers about 460 climbs, nearly all of them sport routes. Each route varies in difficulty, so climbers can practice their skills regardless of skill level. The park also offers some bouldering opportunities.

Wildlife Viewing

Some of the best wildlife viewing in the area can be found at the Piceance-East Douglas HMA. Aside from the beautiful wild horses, visitors can also spot badgers, mule deer, snowshoe hares, elk, pronghorn antelopes, and many species of birds at the HMA.

Picnicking

Rifle Gap State Park offers several picnic locations. The park provides beautiful views, easy access to the reservoir, picnic tables, and charcoal grills.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

The area around the Piceance-East Douglas HMA sees a good amount of snow, so winter sports like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are popular. Many visitors head to Rifle Gap State Park to cross-country ski. No trails are specifically designated for the activity, but skiers can blaze their own paths.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

You can enjoy BLM RV camping at any one of the five campgrounds at Rifle Gap State Park. Lakeview Campground, for example, offers paved RV sites, full hookups, restrooms, and showers. Cottonwood Campground is right on the reservoir's edge and offers electrical hookups, showers, and restrooms. The Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA Holiday is a great option that can accommodate RVs of up to 95 feet in length and offers hookups and a pool.

Free Camping

For Bureau of Land Management free camping, head to the Twin Lake Dispersed Area. Campers can set up a dispersed site right on the water. There are no amenities, so bring everything you need with you.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Piceance-East Douglas HMA BLM trip

Most people visit the Piceance-East Douglas HMA during the summer months when temperatures are mild and rain is infrequent. Nights can be chilly, so bring warm blankets and supplies for cold weather if you plan to camp in the area. Winters near the HMA are very cold, with temperatures falling below freezing most days. Despite the cold, the area offers plenty to do in the winter since it sees about 46 inches of snow each year. If you plan to visit during the colder months, check the weather before you leave, and avoid heading out if a large snowstorm is on the way.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

All wild areas, including Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, should be protected using Leave No Trace practices, and areas that protect wildlife, like the Piceance-East Douglas HMA, deserve special care. As you enjoy your visit, stay alert for wild animals, and observe them from a distance. Stay on trails as much as possible to avoid damaging plants. Pick up any trash you see, and always throw away your own litter in a trash or recycling bin. If you plan to use a campfire, check the fire-safety rating first. Keep all fires controlled, and only build them in a designated area, like a ring or pit. Make sure the fire's embers are cold before you move on.