The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Located in western Colorado within the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, the Ute Trailhead is a beautiful natural site under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM protects hundreds of sites throughout the United States, and many of them feature lovely campgrounds in scenic, peaceful natural areas. These locations are frequently visited by people looking to enjoy BLM camping and activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
The Ute Trailhead is the start of a wonderful trail that overlooks the breathtaking Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. In addition to hiking, the site is an excellent destination for primitive camping and picnicking. Plus, visitors to the trailhead can also check out the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, which offers tremendous views and fantastic opportunities for outdoor recreation. If you're interested in visiting other cool natural areas like the Ute Trailhead, you can search online for "BLM camping near me" to determine the best options in your region.
This gorgeous out-and-back trail is the main attraction at the BLM site. The scenic route begins on a ridge and then drops down to the level of the nearby Gunnison River. It passes through the wilderness and offers plenty of beautiful scenery and breathtaking views. The trail is well-maintained, but it can be quite challenging at times. You should only attempt the hike if you're a relatively skilled hiker, and the best times to visit are between May and October.
Length: 7.1 miles
Intensity: Hard
This is another gorgeous out-and-back trail located in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. The trail, which is excellent for both hiking and mountain biking, is very quiet and features many impressive rock walls. Hiking the route does require a bit of climbing, but it's not overly difficult.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Located in the amazing Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this peaceful out-and-back trail is suitable for hikers of all skill levels. The area is a great bird-watching destination, and there are multiple shaded benches where you can sit and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Unfortunately, no dogs are permitted on the trail.
Length: 1.5 miles
Intensity: Easy
If you're looking to cast your fishing line, the best option near the Ute Trailhead is the majestic Gunnison River. The large stream is known as one of the best fisheries in the country, featuring large populations of brown and rainbow trout. Other species you might be able to reel in include kokanee salmon, brook trout, cutbow trout, cutthroat trout, tiger trout, and mackinaw. If you're more interested in getting out on the water, the Gunnison River also offers wonderful opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and rafting.
There are many popular climbing spots in the area surrounding the Ute Trailhead. You'll find some of the best areas if you head down to the nearby Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. There, you can take on many awesome traditional climbing routes. Most of these routes are found around the canyon's north rim, with a few options being the Checkerboard Wall, the SOB Gully, and the N Chasm View Wall. The routes in the area range in difficulty from 5.9- to 5.11+.
You'll have a very good chance of observing some local wildlife while hiking the Ute Trail or camping in the area. Some of the species known to inhabit the surrounding wilderness are mountain lions, mule deer, elk, coyotes, ringtail cats, river otters, kit foxes, spotted bats, bald eagles, chukar, and quite a few other cool birds.
The Ute Trailhead BLM site makes for a nice place to enjoy a picnic lunch. The site boasts two shade structures and picnic tables as well as a vault toilet. Ideally, you could sit down for a relaxing picnic either to boost your energy before your hike or to replenish your energy afterward.
There are a couple of campsites at the Ute Trailhead, so BLM RV camping is an option at the site. The site is located just outside the boundaries of the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area, so primitive RV camping is technically allowed at the trailhead. However, there are no Bureau of Land Management campgrounds with RV hookups or significant amenities in the area. If you travel west to the nearby city of Delta, CO, you'll have several modern RV parks with hookups to choose from. One quality option is the Riverwood Inn and RV Park.
The campsites located at the Ute Trailhead only require a very small fee, but if you want to partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping, you can stake out a dispersed site in the surrounding area. You won't be able to camp on the actual hiking trail, but the wilderness area should offer many suitable spots to choose from.
When planning a trip to the Ute Trailhead, keep in mind that a small fee is required to enter the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Area. Although the trailhead is located just outside of it, the hiking trail itself does navigate into the wilderness area. You should also be aware that the road leading to the BLM site requires a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle. If you visit when it has rained significantly or snowed recently, it may be very difficult or impossible to drive to the trailhead. If you want to learn more about the trail and surrounding area, there is a handy information kiosk located at the trailhead. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Make a sincere effort to minimize your impact on the land while visiting the Ute Trailhead. The BLM asks that all visitors adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. For example, please leave anything in nature exactly where you found it; do not move things or take them with you.
To reach the Ute Trailhead BLM site from Olathe, CO, travel north on U.S. 50 for about 2.3 miles, and then, take a right onto Carnation Road. Continue for 3.1 miles, take a left onto 6200 Road, and follow it for 3.8 miles. When you come to Peach Valley Road, turn left, and follow it for 0.4 more miles. At that point, you should see a water-filling station, and you'll take a right turn onto Ute Road. Ute Road is a high-clearance four-wheel-drive road, and if you follow it for 2.5 miles, you will reach the trailhead.
Address: Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area, 2505 South Townsend Avenue, Montrose, CO 81401
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