Uncompahgre Wilderness

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

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Uncompahgre Wilderness

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are vast, peaceful public lands that allow for various outdoor activities, including camping, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The Bureau of Land Management oversees and preserves the natural, rugged state of these sites for current and future generations. The BLM allows free camping, but certain sites have fees and may need a reservation. To find the best BLM sites in your area, search "BLM camping near me."

Uncompahgre Wilderness is a 102,721-acre BLM site located in southwest Colorado. This site boasts a broad, flat, and tilted summit that falls away vertically on three areas for up to 1,500 feet. The southern part of the wilderness features the American Flats, where hikers can hike to Wildhorse Peak while enjoying spectacular views of Cow Creek Canyon. Below Uncompahgre Peak, the wilderness features a mountainous area with sweeping ridges and towering rock castles that form one of the most stunning landscapes in the state.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Nellie Creek Trailhead

If you want to climb Uncompahgre Peak, your hike will probably start here. The trail offers breathtaking views of the wilderness and is usually peaceful.

Length: 7.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Ouray Perimeter Trail

This out-and-back trail crosses deep canyons and passes rocky outcrops and waterfalls while offering views of Ouray from all sides. Hiking it involves about 1,600 feet of elevation loss and gain.

Length: 6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Big Blue Creek #232

Located within the Uncompahgre Wilderness, this trail starts at the Wilderness boundary and ends at the Uncompahgre Trail. It offers access to Uncompahgre Peak and travels through open parks, spruce-fir forests, and alpine tundra.

Length: 11 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

The Uncompahgre Wilderness provides anglers with excellent opportunities for fishing. In the central area of the wilderness, you'll find several forks of the Cimarron River that flow north and eventually merge, where you can catch trout. Slide Lake, located within the wilderness, is a perfect spot where you can take in the wilderness's beauty while fishing for brook, rainbow trout, and cutthroat.

Climbing

The Uncompahgre Wilderness offers countless technical climbing options. Thanks to the San Juan Mountaineers, there are several technical routes on most of the peaks. From Wetterhorn Peak to Uncompahgre Peak to Matterhorn Peak, you'll find countless technical climbing opportunities in the area.

Ice climbing is also popular in Lake City. The ice park is free and features about 10 to 15 routes with 60 to 100 bolted anchors and pitches. The park remains open from December through March and has a warming hut and fire pit. Guide workshops and services are also available for inexperienced ice climbers or those without gear.

Wildlife Viewing

The Uncompahgre Wilderness is a great area to spot several amazing animals, including mule deer, elk, mountain lion, black bear, and bighorn sheep. The site is also home to various bird species and a diversity of flora native to the area.

Mining Tour

While exploring the Uncompahgre Wilderness, you can visit Hard Tack Mine. This mine remains open from June to September and by reservation during the other months of the year. The mine strives to preserve the area's mining history while providing a unique experience.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

If you want to experience BLM RV camping near Uncompahgre Wilderness, you can stay at Big Blue Campground, located next to the wilderness. This campground features 11 campsites and vault toilets. You may also like Deer Lakes Campground, which features 12 campsites with two vault toilets.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping spaces near Uncompahgre Wilderness include Mill Creek Campground. The campground features 23 campsites with food storage boxes, fire rings, and picnic tables. The sites are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, and two campsites are ADA-accessible.

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Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Uncompahgre Wilderness BLM trip

When planning your Uncompahgre Wilderness BLM trip, be aware that you can experience altitude sickness if you aren't used to being at elevation. Therefore, drink plenty of water to alleviate altitude sickness symptoms and prevent dehydration, and don't engage in strenuous activities. Motorized vehicles, including OHVs, bicycles, motorboats, wagons, carts, and hang gliders, are prohibited in the area, so follow all regulations and only drive on designated paths.

Since the area is very open and exposed, it's advisable to always carry rain gear and hike early in the day to avoid lightning strikes. Also, keep extra clothing handy because the high elevation can lead to rapid temperature changes. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Areas surrounding Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are often fragile ecosystems that require protection. Thus, when exploring Uncompahgre Wilderness or any other natural area in Colorado, always drive and camp on pre-used or durable surfaces. Dispose of any waste appropriately and leave everything you find, including small things like rocks. Respect wildlife and don't disturb any natural settings. Avoid leaving marks like burnings and carvings on rock, trees, and anything else you come across in the area.

Uncompahgre Wilderness Location

From Lake City, travel west onto Second Street and drive for about 0.1 miles to Henson Creek Road. Take a left turn to be on the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway. Drive for five miles until you reach Nellie Creek Road, and then follow the road for four miles. The wilderness is along this road.

Address: 210 West Spencer Avenue, Gunnison, CO 81230

Ready to visit Uncompahgre Wilderness? 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.