The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located in McCoy, Colorado not far from the larger town of Silt, the Stiffel Creek Trailhead leads into the King Mountain Recreation Area, which spans 12,000 acres. The trail is also near several national forests, including the White River, Medicine Bow, Routt, Arapaho, and Roosevelt forests. The trail and surrounding recreation area are popular for hikers, hunters, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and campers.
BLM sites are areas of protected public land. These sites offer recreational activities in an effort to provide visitors with an opportunity to observe and enjoy nature in seclusion. To find BLM sites that offer camping, search for “BLM camping near me.”
This trail leads to beautiful, remote hot springs and is also a great way to spot some of the area’s many bird species.
Length: 1.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the nearby Eagles Nest Wilderness, this trail is excellent for either hiking or horseback riding.
Length: 5.9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
This gentle trail offers gorgeous views and also provides access to fishing areas.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Easy
Located in the White River National Forest, this trail offers beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
Length: 7 miles
Intensity: Easy
Excellent for either hiking or mountain biking, this trail, which offers some steep sections, is also great for spotting wildlife.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Sylvan Lake in Sylvan Lake State Park is a fantastic place for fishing. The 42-acre lake is regularly stocked with trout, and stream fishing is also available. The lake is also a good option for canoeing, kayaking, or paddling. Stagecoach Reservoir is also a great fishing area where pike and trout are common. The reservoir is also popular with boaters, and there are areas for wakeless and non-wakeless boating.
The Wolcott Crags and Boulders, located near Wolcott, just south of the Stiffel Creek Trailhead, is the best local area for rock climbing. There are 83 different route options in the area. About half of the routes are bouldering problems with traditional, sport, and top rope options making up the rest of the routes.
The Stiffel Creek Trailhead and the surrounding King Mountain Recreation Area are excellent places to spot native wildlife such as moose, lynx, ducks, geese, deer, elk, mountain goats, and bobcats. Lucky visitors might also spot a mountain lion or bear.
Stagecoach State Park offers several picnic sites throughout the park, including a large group picnic area at the Arrowhead Day Use Area. The picnic areas have tables and grills. The Lake Picnic Area at Sylvan Lake State Park is another great option and offers 12 picnic sites with tables while the park’s Meadows Picnic Area provides eight sites.
The area around the Stiffel Creek Trailhead sees cold winter temperatures and a fair amount of snow, making it ideal for snow activities such as snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Many trails in the area, such as the Upper Piney River Falls Trail, are great for these activities.
BLM RV camping in a quiet, secluded area is available at the Wolcott Campground. The campground offers few amenities but provides gorgeous views and is only $10 per night. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. RV camping is also available at the Radium Recreation Site. Campsites are $6 per night or $30 per night for a group site. There are vault toilets and picnic shelters.
Visitors to the area near the Stiffel Creek Trailhead can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Catamount Bridge Boat Launch. There are five campsites. A boat ramp and restrooms are available.
The Stiffel Creek Trailhead is most popular during hunting season. If you’re hiking in the area during a popular hunting time, wear a brightly colored piece of clothing, such as an orange hat or vest. Summer, fall, and spring are often the most popular seasons for hiking in the area as the weather is warm with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. July is the rainiest month, though, so check the weather forecast before you head out. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All wilderness areas and Bureau of Land Management campgrounds can benefit when visitors employ "Leave No Trace" and tread lightly practices. When washing dishes or bathing, carry water away from streams and use biodegradable soap. Pack out all of your trash, which includes food waste and dog waste.
From Silt, take the 1-70 east to exit 133 for Dotsero. Continue on Colorado River Road for 28.5 miles before turning right on Antelope Creek Road, also called Country Road 1. Continue for 1.4 miles. There is a parking area for the trailhead along the western side of the road.
Colorado River Valley Field Office: 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652
Ready to visit Stiffel Creek Trailhead? 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.
