The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Vale of Tears WSA, or Vale of Tears Wilderness Study Area, is a recreational area in Colorado that's full of rocky canyons and mountain peaks. The terrain of the area is considered rugged because there's little flat land in sight, but there are some cleared areas suitable for camping and picnicking near the trails. The Vale of Tears WSA is popular for elk hunting and horseback riding and quite secluded, making it unique compared to other nearby recreational areas, like Dinosaur National Monument, which is located just miles north.
The Vale of Tears WSA is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-owned area, meaning it's owned and managed by this government organization. This Wilderness Study Area is open to the public for recreational use during all seasons unless otherwise noted, and it's a location for BLM free camping opportunities.
A generally level and easy hike, this trail follows a path around the edges of Bull Canyon and gives users a great view of the valleys below.
Length: 1.7 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Harpers Corner Trail is a trail at the nearby Dinosaur National Monument that gives hikers an up-close look at the Yampa River Canyon from a fenced area above.
Length: 2.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The Jones Hole Trail is a good nearby trail to check out that has lots of shade under tall trees and vegetation. At the end of the trail, users will find a beautiful waterfall that's part of the Green River.
Length: 4.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
There are plenty of opportunities for rock climbing at the Vale of Tears WSA. Perhaps the most climbable areas are in the east part of the area where Sawmill Canyon is located. There are also many peaks of varying heights in the central part of the area where climbers of any level can find suitable climbing mountains.
The Vale of Tears area is full of vegetation and wildlife, making it the perfect place for wildlife observation. Popular vegetation in the area includes pinyon-juniper and sagebrush at higher elevations and saltbush/greasewood at lower elevations. Mammals in the area include elk, deer, fox, coyote, black bear, mountain lion, and raptors. Snake species in the area include gopher snakes and diamondbacks. Birdwatchers may especially love the area with the presence of the American robin, downy woodpecker, American goldfinch, song sparrow, black-capped chickadee, and the bullock’s oriole, among other songbird species.
Picnicking may prove difficult at the Vale of Tears WSA because there are no picnic tables, shelters, or areas set up for public use, and there are few open spaces suitable for picnicking. However, visitors can still find some cleared areas for picnicking along the edges of some trails, and visitors are allowed to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on. Remember, though, that there are no trash bins in the wilderness study area, so if you plan on picnicking in the area, be sure to bring your own garbage bags and clean up any leftover food accordingly.
While motorized vehicles are permitted to use only the preexisting roads and trails in this Wilderness Study Area, travel by horseback is permitted in the entire area. In fact, horseback travel in most BLM-owned wilderness areas is encouraged because it minimizes the impact of wheel-based driving on the natural environment. Consider exploring the northern two-thirds of the area, which are covered in natural drainages and otherwise virtually inaccessible.
Elk hunting is extremely popular in the Vale of Tears Wilderness Study Area. Besides elk, there are mule deer available for game, and both elk and deer are permitted to be hunted during the daytime. Additionally, hunters may hunt for gray fox, red fox, and coyote during the night in accordance with Colorado hunting laws. Any hunters who wish to use the Vale of Tears area should obtain a valid hunting permit from the state before doing so.
When you are looking for BLM camping but want full hookups and water lines, consider staying at an RV campground nearby the Vale of Tears WSA. One option for RV camping is the Red Fleet Campground just across the border to Utah, which has some RV-friendly spaces with full hookups. You can also check out Buck 'N' Bull RV Park and Campground in Colorado, which offers full hookups as well as a dump station, Wi-Fi, and shower and laundry facilities.
If you're looking for Bureau of Land Management campgrounds and don't mind primitive camping, be sure to check out the Vale of Tears WSA. This area doesn't have organized campgrounds, but dispersed camping is permitted with either a tent or an RV. However, keep in mind that RVs may not be able to travel far into the land area and will be required to remain on the existing trails and roads except for when a camping spot is chosen.
When planning to visit the Vale of Tears Wilderness Study Area, be sure to check the weather ahead of time and pack accordingly. Often, the temperatures in the area are comfortable in the spring and fall but tend to be chilly in the winter and very hot in the summer. The area is also very dry, but pop-up thunderstorms aren't uncommon. That being said, be sure to bring rain jackets and umbrellas just in case a storm rolls in during a hike. The BLM recommends bringing at least two quarts of water per person on any excursion you take.
By visiting the Vale of Tears area, you're choosing to explore a unique environment almost completely untouched by human use. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Whenever you visit a BLM-owned site, like the Vale of Tears, you'll be required to follow the Leave No Trace guidelines. These guidelines include picking up and taking out anything and everything you bring into the area, keeping your distance from wild animals, and burying any human or pet waste at least 200 feet away from any water sources.
To reach the Vale of Tears WSA from Dinosaur, Colorado, take US-40 E/Brontosaurus Boulevard for about 40 miles. Then turn left onto Dinosaur Park Service road, and you'll reach the Vale of Tears area in about 12.7 miles.
Ready to visit Vale of Tears WSA? 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.
