The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Bureau of Land Management campgrounds are some of the most inexpensive and remote camping opportunities in the United States. While camping is not permitted at the BLM-managed Ute Trail Trailhead-Dotsero, you can enjoy a challenging hike with expansive and scenic views. Fishing in the Colorado and Eagle rivers is also a popular activity in the area, and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is just a little over two hours south of the site.
For camping options in the area, there are plenty of nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds that welcome RV, trailer, and tent campers. Keep in mind that many of the area's BLM campgrounds charge a small fee. You can check a particular campsite's rates by checking the website or calling the closest BLM field office. Campers are typically only allowed to stay as many as 14 consecutive days at one site within a 28-day period. Most campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Dispersed camping is permitted on some BLM lands. Rules for dispersed camping vary per site. Reach out to the nearest field office to see which rules apply at your targeted dispersed camping area. Search for BLM camping near me to find more BLM campgrounds in the area!
This 3.1 out-and-back trail is located in Gypsum, Colorado. Parts of the trail are rather steep. According to most hikers, the view from the top makes the steep trek well worth it.
Length: 12.7 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This moderately difficult out-and-back trail brings hikers to a scenic overlook within Glenwood Canyon. The overlook offers picturesque views of the nearby Colorado River.
Length: 3.2 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This red dirt path connects hikers to a popular Jeep trail in Dotsero, Colorado. Hikers are rewarded with a view of Gypsum and the nearby airport.
Length: 2.7
Intensity: Difficult
This singletrack mountain biking trail takes hikers through a steep section of Glenwood Canyon in Gypsum, Colorado. It offers scenic views of the town of Gypsum and Interstate 70.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Difficult
This path offers pedestrians and bikers access to Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River. The path provides visitors with easy access to several Interstate 70 rest areas and local businesses.
Length: 13.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
There are several public boat ramps located near the confluence of the Colorado and Eagle rivers. The boat ramp at Dotsero Landing Recreation Area gives floaters access to an 85-mile stretch of the Upper Colorado River. The Cottonwood Island Boat Ramp is a popular spot located just upstream of Dotsero. The lower section of the Eagle River is a great stretch of water for those looking to embark on slow, scenic floats.
Fishing access is available at multiple points along both rivers. Horse Pasture Fishing Access is a popular access spot on the Colorado River. There's another fishing access point and a boat ramp at the Community Fishing Access, a BLM site situated just upstream of the Horse Pasture Fishing Access. The Lava Flow Fishing Access, which is located just south of the Dotsero Crater, offers anglers easy access to a scenic section of the Eagle River.
Colorado is an excellent place for mountain climbing. Red Cliff, Focus Pocus, King Jones, and Wolcott are a handful of climbable boulders located in Vail Valley. Glenwood Canyon is a local spot that's popular for ice climbing. Popular wintertime routes include Hidden Falls, Glenwood Falls, and Deep Throat.
Deer, coyotes, bobcats, jackrabbits, cottontails, and other wild animals abound along the Colorado River. Wild birds, including great blue herons, redtail hawks, owls, bald eagles, ducks, and geese, can also be spotted against the river valley's mountainous backdrop. Keep in mind that the wild animals of Eagle County are not accustomed to human interaction. Visitors should minimize their impact while visiting the Ute Trail Trailhead and the surrounding area.
Duck Pond Open Space is a popular picnic spot in nearby Gypsum, Colorado. The park, which is situated along US-6, boasts a large parking lot, a fishing pond, and scenic views. The Bair Ranch Rest Area is another nearby area with picnic tables and plenty of green space.
There's plenty of RV camping near the Ute Trail Trailhead-Dotsero. Lyons Gulch Campground is a BLM campground located on Holter Lake in west-central Montana. The campground boasts 70 tent, trailer, and RV sites. Many of the BLM RV camping sites boast large gravel parking spaces that can accommodate two large RVs. You'll also find plenty of developed campsites at the Gypsum Campground. Campsites rent for $10 per night. The campground is open between May 15 and November 15.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is available nearby. There's a free primitive campsite on Cottonwood Island. This campsite, which is located on the Colorado River, has a boat ramp and a picnic area. Free primitive sites are also available at the Gypsum Hills Camp in Gypsum. Campsites at both camping areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There's no charge at either spot. However, campers are not permitted to stay for more than 14 consecutive days at any one site.
The BLM campgrounds located along the Colorado and Eagle Rivers offer visitors inexpensive and remote camping opportunities. You'll want to bring along plenty of provisions, including ample water and food, extra outerwear and footwear, and plenty of personal care and first-aid products. Keep in mind that the area's weather changes rapidly, and seasonal flooding is quite common. There's limited road access to many campgrounds near the Ute Trail Trailhead. As such, you'll want to check to make sure that your chosen campground can accommodate an RV.
BLM campgrounds are inexpensive alternatives to traditional campgrounds. They allow campers to fully immerse themselves in the splendors of the wilderness. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
All visitors must take care to clean up after themselves. By carrying out trash and minimizing your impact on the land, you can play a part in the preservation of the site's natural qualities. Always choose an existing site and avoid making new disturbances when camping on public lands. Observe wildlife from a distance. Always be considerate of your fellow campers and remember to follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines.
To reach Ute Trail Trailhead-Dotsero from Silt, Colorado, get on Highway 70. Exit toward Dotsero and drive west along the access road. Cross the Colorado River. Enter the traffic circle onto Colorado River Road. The parking area is located several hundred feet up the road. It's situated on the left.
Address: 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652
Ready to visit Ute Trail Trailhead-Dotsero? 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.
