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BLM Camping

Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time

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

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Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time

BLM stands for Bureau of Land Management. This is a government agency that controls the majority of the land holdings of the US government. Included in the BLM lands are areas of historical significance, wilderness areas, rivers, and national monuments. There are extensive trails, roads, and campgrounds. There are designated campgrounds that are often primitive, with only pit toilets and minimal fees. Bureau of Land Management free camping is often an option in dispersed areas. Camping is generally allowed for up to two weeks. If you ask, "Where is BLM camping near me?" you will be able to find many sites throughout the West and the Southwest.

The Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time in Colorado is one such site of historical interest. It is a part of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. There is a very productive fossil quarry at the site that is currently being explored by archaeologists. There is also a small loop trail with signs describing the dinosaur bones found at the site and providing information on their lives. The most popular activities at the site include off-roading, horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and camping. Nearby is the Colorado National Monument, with its monolith formations and red-rock canyon walls, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, where the deep canyon of the Gunnison River stands at the intersection of the Rocky Mountains and the Colorado Plateau.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time

This interpretive trail contains pictures and descriptions of the finds in this archaeological quarry as well as information about the lives of the dinosaurs.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Rabbit Valley Trails 4 and 5

This trail has a steep uphill climb with some enjoyable but rocky downhills for bikers. It is just around 500 feet of total elevation gain. Watch out for cows on the trail.

Length: 5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Rabbit's Ear Mesa Trail

This trail abounds in spectacular views. The trail is easy to follow, but you need to follow the cairns (small rock piles) from cairn to cairn in a few places. Total elevation gain is about 750 feet total.

Length: 4.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Rustler's and Wrangler's Loop

This is a really good trail for beginning mountain bikers. When you make it to the top of the bluffs, there are some really expansive views of the Colorado River. The elevation gain for the ride is 300 feet.

Length: 3.8 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

You can enjoy boating and fishing in the Ruby/Horsethief River area that is part of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area. Just outside of this designated area, which includes Rabbit Valley, is the Lomas Boat Launch. The Lomas Boat Launch provides access to the Colorado River. Besides swimming, this is a popular area for rafting, tubing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Some people float down the river for the next 30 miles into Utah.

Wildlife Viewing

Rabbit Valley is a pinyon-juniper desert area. It is inhabited by desert bighorn sheep, deer, elk, mountain lions, eagles, and lizards. There are no designated wildlife viewing areas, but the best spots are up on the ridges and bluffs with binoculars.

Picnicking

There are no designated picnic areas in Rabbit Valley. The best spots are likely the Trail Through Time trailhead as well as the nearby Lomas Boat Launch at the Colorado River. There are no grills or picnic tables provided at either facility.

Off-Road Vehicle Riding

Rabbit Valley has a motorized area. The many trails are each signed with permitted types of vehicles and activities.

Horseback Riding

There is a designated horseback riding and hiking trail called the Jouflas Horse Trail. It begins in a shadier creek canyon. It is about 10 miles long and has about 900 feet of elevation gain. It goes through a pinyon and forested juniper area.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

BLM Jouflas, Knowles Overlook, and Castle Rock campgrounds can all accommodate smaller RVs. They all have pit toilets, campfire rings, and picnic tables. There is a 7-day stay limit in the entire area on BLM land, and no water is available on the sites. Both the Rabbit Valley North Campground and the unnamed RV area accommodate larger RVs. They are also BLM RV camping areas half a mile from I-70 at Exit 2 on the north side of the highway.

Free Camping

There are 20 more dispersed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that have a brown post to signify where you can camp. To stay in the dispersed sites, you must have a fire pan and a portable toilet.

RV Rentals Near Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Rabbit Valley Trail Through Time BLM trip

The summer may be too hot to visit Rabbit Valley. These desert adventures are best left for the colder seasons. It can also snow in the area, so check the weather ahead and be prepared. It is always best to call the BLM or look on the website to ensure that your desired camping area is accessible. Make sure you pack sufficient water for both drinking, bathing, and other hygienic needs.

The pinyon-juniper desert area has beautiful rock formations and is quiet and peaceful. The nights are full of stars you cannot see in the city, and the air is fresh and clean. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is the expression that is used by government agencies that administer public lands. The idea is that camping and other adventures in nature should not harm the environment. Leaving No Trace includes taking out all trash that you accumulate during your visit. It also includes staying on designated roads and trails and not rutting them up in the wet seasons, so other users can enjoy them as well. Being a good steward makes the experience more enjoyable for the next user and helps prevent the government from imposing fees on camping and other outdoor activities on our public lands.