The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Sunset Bridge Fishing Access is located between the towns of Kremmling and Granby on the Colorado River. This section of the river is popular with anglers because of its Gold Medal Water status, which was granted by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Sunset Bridge located nearby is on private property. However, there are several other fishing access points as well as a parking area. The total length of the fishing access point is about a quarter mile long. This site is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal agency that protects the country's ecological diversity. You'll find several nearby BLM campgrounds as well as rafting, boating, and hiking opportunities.
The edge of Rocky Mountain National Park is about 30 miles east. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is 251 miles southwest. The capital city of Denver is a two-hour drive east. The closest communities include Kremmling, Granby, and Hot Sulphur Springs.
Visitors are allowed to hike, mountain bike, or ride horses here. There's very little shade, but you're sure to enjoy the lovely views of the Colorado River. This trail is just outside of Parshall and is accessible via County Road 3.
Intensity: Easy
Length: 4.2 miles
Head up to Arapaho National Forest for a secluded, peaceful hiking experience. Many visitors hike or use an off-roading vehicle to reach the top. This is a great trail for seeing moose, elk, deer, and other small mammals.
Intensity: Moderate
Length: 4.2 miles
The Colorado River is home to a variety of trout, sunfish, whitefish, bullhead, and catfish. Fly flying is especially popular because of the abundant trout population. You can also boat, kayak, float, or raft along the Upper Colorado River. There are several nearby boat launches open to the public.
The best traditional climbing opportunities in the area can be found at Rocky Mountain National Park. A few of the popular climbs here include Longs Peak, the Keyhole Route, Lumpy Ridge, and Chasm Junction. While climbers often mostly enjoy traditional alpine climbing, you're free to try mountaineering, bouldering, snow and ice, and big wall climbing. It's recommended to bring traction devices like crampons along with an ice ax.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the chance to see mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep, opossums, striped skunks, marmots, and pikas. Local bird species include golden eagles, prairie falcons, jays, owls, dippers, and ptarmigans. While black bears and mountain lions can be found across Colorado, sightings are generally uncommon.
BLM visitors are encouraged to picnic out in the wilderness as they hike, bike, and enjoy the landscape. You're welcome to plan your meals at the Inspiration Point Viewing Area or one of the local Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. Picnicking is permitted near trailheads, fishing access points, and parking lots. Always pack out all of your group's garbage.
Whitewater rafting is one of the most popular recreational pastimes on the Colorado River. Many of the rapids in the Upper Colorado River are Class II and III. These rapids are beginner-friendly and easy to traverse. Gore Canyon is home to expert-level, Class V rapids that should only be attempted by experts. You always have the option to book a guided experience where you can learn helpful rafting tips.
Don't miss out on the exceptional RV camping options available at the Radium Recreation Site. There are nine standard campsites here that allow up to 10 people per site. The facilities include two boat launches, three accessible restrooms, two picnic shelters, and two group campsites for up to 30 people each. The Pumphouse Recreation Site is downstream from Kremmling and has a total of 20 standard campsites with fire grills and picnic tables. There's one picnic shelter here with four tables and three boat launches. The best time to visit these sites is in the summer or fall when the water isn’t running too high.
While searching online for "BLM camping near me," you may find more modern camping facilities like those at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountain. This RV resort has hundreds of campsites with full hookups, cable, and Wi-Fi for as low as $65 a night. Be sure to check out their pool, hot tubs, bowling alley, and golf cart rentals. Red Mountain RV Park is another great camping option with full hookup sites starting at around $39 a night. This facility has an RV dump station, propane services, and modern showers.
Nearby Bureau of Land Management free camping options include spots at the Skylark Recreation Area and on the shores of the Upper Colorado River. These sites are free to use and open to the public. Staying at one of these primitive campsites limits your impact on the environment while giving you great access to fishing and rafting opportunities.
The best way to plan your trip to Colorado BLM lands is to organize your itinerary. Book any necessary excursion tickets ahead of time and determine if you need any specific permits. Some of your plans may fall through, which makes it necessary to have backup trails or adventures available. Grab a toy hauler if you're going to be transporting any watercraft or ATVs.
You'll likely need lightweight clothes, sturdy shoes, cookware, extra water, and bug repellent if you're staying close to the water. Thick socks, coats, and quality sleeping bags will be useful when the sun sets and the temperature drops. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Make sure to travel and camp on durable surfaces like hard dirt or gravel. Leave all plants and rocks exactly as you found them. Be considerate of the wildlife around you as well as other visitors. Inspect your campsite for any remaining debris before packing out all of your waste. Strive to keep your fires small and contained in metal rings or fire pans. As always, remember to practice the "Leave No Trace" principles upon exiting.
From Kremmling, head east on Highway 40 for about 10 miles. Turn right onto County Road 394. Drive behind the ranch house to the parking area. Follow the steep trail to find the river access point.
Address: Kremmling Field Office, 2103 E. Park Avenue, Kremmling, CO 80459
Ready to visit Sunset Bridge Fishing Access? 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.
