The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Roan Plateau and JQS Creek Cross in Colorado are managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a U.S. government organization that works to ensure the area remains clean and safe so that current and future generations can enjoy exploring it.
Roan Plateau is a flat-topped, rocky mountain that measures about 9,290 feet in elevation. The plateau overlooks the Colorado River Valley, and the JQS Creek Cross trail and surrounding area are top destinations for camping, fishing, hunting, OHV riding, and wildlife viewing. This area is home to plenty of foliage among canyons and streams. The flora includes rare species found nowhere else, such as the hanging garden sullivantia, parachute penstemon, sun-loving meadowrue, and the Roan Cliffs blazing star.
The Morrow Draw Trail is an out-and-back trail in Rifle, Colorado with easy-to-access mountain views.
Length: 1.1 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Raynard Ditch Trail is a multi-use, paved trail that is popular with local residents in Rifle.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
Rifle Arch Trail is a popular trail among mountain bikers and includes a path under a naturally formed rock arch.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Anglers love the Roan Plateau area for its many small and large streams full of native cutthroat trout and brook trout. Creeks great for fishing include Yellowjacket Creek, Northwater Creek, and Parachute Creek, which also includes a small falls. Before heading to Roan Plateau for fishing, anglers should be sure to have a current fishing license issued by the state of Colorado and to check for any applicable local restrictions.
Aside from the same big game species often hunted in the Roan Plateau area, visitors can spot local wildlife like lynx, rattlesnakes, spade-foot toads, and back-footed ferrets. Bird-watchers can also spot species like owls, tanagers, mountain bluebirds, sage grouse, flycatchers, woodpeckers, swifts, warblers, and jays.
If you'd like to have a picnic near Roan Plateau, consider stopping by a nearby park with a picnic site since there are no picnic tables at the plateau. You can check out the covered picnic pavilion at Davidson Park, which also has a large playground. Another popular picnic spot is Centennial Park, which has picnic tables and a free public water park. Lastly, there is a picnic site at Hubbard Mesa with a few tables available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Hunting is permitted around Roan Plateau with a valid Colorado hunting license. Some big game animals in the area include elk, mountain lions, deer, and some black bears. Duck and geese are also commonly hunted near the creeks and streams. Most birds in Colorado are considered in-season from November to February, and most big game species are considered in-season from early September to mid-November.
Off-road vehicle enthusiasts are permitted to climb Roan Plateau and explore the marked trails surrounding the mountain peak. There is also a nearby OHV open riding area, the Hubbard Mesa OHV Open Area, which covers over 2,000 acres and offers training space for all levels of ATV riders. There are no fees for riding in either of these spaces, but all ATVs are required to have up-to-date Colorado OHV stickers.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are great for those who don't mind primitive camping, but for those who prefer to have hookups, staying at a different type of campground might be best. You can always go RV camping near the Roan Plateau at a place like Shady Lane RV Park, which offers 30-amp hookups and water. You can also check out Glenwood Springs West/Colorado River KOA Holiday, which has full hookups and amenities like a pool, hot tub, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
When you're looking for Bureau of Land Management free camping, look to Roan Plateau and the JQS Creek Cross area. The surrounding area is open for dispersed camping for up to 14 days at a time. There are no fees to camp here, but there are no hookups, and the terrain is difficult for large RVs to navigate. To find other camping options nearby, search online for "BLM camping near me."
If you plan on visiting Roan Plateau for BLM RV camping, be sure to pack plenty of drinking water for your trip since there are no water outlets in the immediate area. It's also a good idea to travel in a group since the paths, are thin and it's common for low-clearance vehicles to get stuck.
When you want to stay at a BLM campground, be sure to pack accordingly for a primitive stay. You will want to bring along things like water for drinking and washing, food, cooking supplies, firewood, and fire starters as well as battery or solar operated flashlights, lanterns, heaters, and fans. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
The BLM asks all Roan Plateau visitors to follow its Leave No Trace policy, which is a set of rules set to help keep the area clean and safe for all visitors to use. You can comply with these rules by picking up after yourself, watching your campfires closely, and avoiding contact with any wildlife.
To reach the JQS Trail of the Roan Plateau, start out on I-70 and drive to Exit 90. Head north, and then, turn left on Highway 6/Centennial Parkway. Take a right onto Truck Route Highway 13, and then, turn left onto Fravert Reservoir Road/County Road 244. Travel two miles to the fork in the road, and then, take the left fork for 2.5 miles. From there, the road will merge with the JQS Trail, and you can climb Roan Plateau with a high clearance vehicle.
Address: Colorado River Valley Field Office, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652
Ready to visit Roan Plateau - JQS Creek Cross? 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.
