The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
If you're traveling in central Colorado, one spot worth checking out is the Windy Point Site. Located a short drive west of Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, the site is one of the many public areas protected by the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Like many BLM sites around the country, the Windy Point Site is a lovely destination to enjoy BLM camping in a scenic and peaceful setting. If you're looking for cool natural areas to explore near you, a simple search online for "BLM camping near me" is a great place to start looking.
The Windy Point Site is a relatively remote spot known mainly for its serenity. Although the main activity at the site is primitive camping, visitors can also enjoy some fantastic nearby opportunities for things like hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Located in Arapaho National Forest, this picturesque loop trail will take you around the beautiful Monarch Lake. The area is very peaceful and features an abundance of beautiful scenery. There are also some great fishing opportunities near the route, and it's a great area for cross-country skiing during the winter. Dogs are allowed on this trail but must be kept leashed.
Length: 4.0 miles
Intensity: Easy
This popular out-and-back trail leads to the amazing glacial cirque known as Hell's Hole. The trail takes you through the Mount Evans Wilderness, which is filled with majestic bristlecone pines. In addition to hiking, the route is excellent for horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The best times to visit the area are between March and October.
Length: 8.0 miles
Intensity: Moderate
You'll find this gorgeous out-and-back trail within the White River National Forest near the town of Frisco, CO. The route will take you to the top of Mount Royal, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding forest. You'll also pass through lovely scenery on your way up the mountain. If you visit during winter, you can use the trail for snowshoeing.
Length: 3.9 miles
Intensity: Hard
There are several significant bodies of water near the Windy Point Site where you can enjoy water-based recreation. One good option is the Colorado River, where you can cast your line for brown and rainbow trout or spend the day kayaking, canoeing, or rafting. There's also the Green Mountain Reservoir, a peaceful lake where visitors often fish for lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon. The large reservoir also boasts a marina and serves as an excellent destination for both motorized and non-motorized boating. You can also enjoy watersports on the lake.
There are quite a few places where you can enjoy rock climbing and mountaineering near the Windy Point Site. If you head into the nearby Arapaho National Forest, you can attempt to reach the summit of South or North Arapaho Peak, which feature several popular climbing routes. You can also check out great climbing trails like the Cascade Creek Trail to Mirror Lake and Crater Lake or the Citadel Summit Trail. Many of these climbing destinations are challenging, so you may only want to take them on if you've got some experience.
The Windy Point Site is surrounded by large forests and mountain ranges, which provide some incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing. You'll have the chance to observe a wide variety of species, including deer, elk, mountain goats, mountain sheep, black bears, mountain lions, moose, lynx, bobcats, waterfowl, bald eagles, and many other types of raptors and songbirds.
As long as you bring your own food, you'll have everything you need for a great picnic at the Windy Point Site. The site contains picnic tables, barbecue stands, and fire rings. So, if you're up for it, you could even bring along some burgers, hot dogs, veggies, or anything else that you want to grill for your lunch. Then, you can enjoy the food in the BLM site's tranquil environment.
You're welcome to partake in BLM RV camping at the Windy Point Site. The site boasts four primitive campsites that can accommodate both tent and RV camping. The sites don't offer any RV hookups or modern amenities, nor do any nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. However, you will have the option of camping at one of the RV parks in the region. One of the nicest nearby options is the Tiger Run Resort, which is located southeast of the BLM site.
If you want, you can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping at the Windy Point Site. The four campsites are totally free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you'd rather have a dispersed campsite in a more secluded area, you can search around the nearby lake or river to find a nice spot.
If you're planning a trip to the Windy Point Site, you should keep in mind the only roads to the site are narrow dirt roads, and they may be difficult to navigate in a large vehicle. If you are planning to take an RV to the site, you should check the weather in advance. If it's rainy or snowy, you may have even more trouble getting to the site. However, the site is also accessible by boat if you would prefer.
Since there are only four campsites available at the Windy Point Site, you will want to have an alternate option in mind if you're visiting during peak camping season. The campground isn't too popular, but on weekends during the summer, the four sites may all be taken. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Please make an effort to follow the "Leave No Trace" principles during your visit to the Windy Point Site. The BLM is counting on visitors to help preserve the natural area. For example, try to plan your travel and activities in advance to help minimize your impact on the site.
To reach the Windy Point Site from Glenwood Springs, CO, head east on I-70 until you come to the exit for Wolcott, CO. After taking the exit, travel 0.2 miles and turn west onto Frontage Road (Highway 6), and then, follow the highway for 0.4 miles. Next, turn north onto Highway 131 and follow it for 10.6 miles. You should see signs for the BLM site just south of State Bridge.
Address: Colorado River Valley Field Office, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81601
Ready to visit Windy Point Site? 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 will 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.
