Uncompahgre National Forest Guide
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Nestled in the heart of Colorado, Uncompahgre National Forest spans nearly 1 million acres, offering a diverse landscape of natural beauty, history, and outdoor recreation. Within its boundaries lie the arid Uncompahgre Plateau and the northern reaches of the San Juan Mountains, along with three stunning alpine wilderness areas: Uncompahgre, Mount Sneffels, and Lizard Head. This forest is crisscrossed by hundreds of miles of trails and historic routes, some carved out centuries ago by Native Americans. Known for its tranquility and smaller crowds, Uncompahgre National Forest is a haven for those seeking solitude in nature. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking, camping, rock climbing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling here. Uncompahgre National Forest offers excellent camping options like Columbine Campground and Iron Springs Campground, nestled on the scenic Uncompahgre Plateau. Columbine Campground features campsites with many facilities, perfect for hikers, ATV, horseback, and mountain bikers. Iron Springs Campground, with campsites for tents and small trailers, is ideal for off-highway vehicle trail riding, mountain biking, and big game hunting enthusiasts. Consider booking an RV in RV Share for a convenient and comfortable stay to enhance your adventure.
Camping in Uncompahgre National Forest
Whether you prefer camping inside the forest or at nearby private campgrounds, numerous options suit every budget for camping near Uncompahgre National Forest.
Campgrounds in Uncompahgre National Forest
Columbine Campground $16 per night
Iron Springs Campground $16 per night
Private Campgrounds Near Uncompahgre National Forest
Located in Colorado, these private campgrounds combine convenient access to Uncompahgre National Forest with the comfort of modern amenities. For other camping options near Uncompahgre National Forest, explore the top nearby campgrounds available on RVshare, offering a range of choices to suit your needs. You can also find convenient dump stations and BLM locations nearby to ensure a hassle-free RV experience.
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Fishing and Water Activities
HTR Durango $35 per night
Arrowhead Campground $40 per night
Moore's RV Park and Campground $40 per night
Red Desert RV Park $45 per night
Spectacular Mountain Getaway $50 per night
Tater's Black Canyon Campground $55 per night
Budget-friendly Campgrounds
$18 per night
Delta Hobby Farm $20 per night
Cottonwoods $29 per night
Hoof And Feather $30 per night
RV Rentals Near Uncompahgre National Forest
Uncompahgre National Forest Hiking Trails
Explore the various hiking trails in Uncompahgre National Forest, from gentle walks to challenging treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Keystone Gorge Loop Trail Distance: 2.2 miles Difficulty: Easy
Telluride River Trail Distance: 4.1 miles Difficulty: Easy
Ouray Ice Park Perimeter Loop Distance: 1.9 miles Difficulty: Easy
Lower Box Ca nyo n Falls Distance: 0.3 miles Difficulty: Easy
Moderately Challenging Trails for Hikers
Bridal Veil Falls Trail Distance: 4.8miles Difficulty: Moderate
See Forever Trail Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Black Bear Pass Trail Distance: 8.5 miles Difficulty: Difficult
Ouray Perimeter Trail Distance: 5.4 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail Distance: 3.4 miles Difficulty: Difficult
Upper Box Cañon Falls Distance: 0.3 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Lakeside Trails
Bear Creek Falls via Bear Creek Trail Distance: 4.5 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes Via Blue Lake Trail Distance: 8.6 miles Difficulty: Difficult
Bridal Veil Falls TrailDistance: 1.9 miles Difficulty: Moderate
Bridal Veil Falls Trail, Black Bear Pass Loop Distance: 2.9 miles Difficulty: Moderate
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Bridal Veil Falls Trail
Arguably the most popular trail in the forest, Bridal Veil Falls Trail is a straightforward out-and-back trail leading to the majestic Bridal Veil waterfalls. The trail is suitable for all skill levels but does have some challenging spots. Visitors can expect this trail to be quite crowded due to the popularity of the Falls.
Length: 4.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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See Forever Trail
Before even reaching the trailhead, visitors get a unique experience here. This trail must be accessed via a gondola (free of charge) that brings hikers to the trailhead at the top of Coonskin Mountain. Hikers can then take the out-and-back See Forever Trail along the mountain ridge to take in some of the best views in Colorado. This trail is appropriate for most skill levels, but it does have some areas of steep terrain that present minor challenges.
Length: 5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Black Bear Pass Trail
This point-to-point trail offers a serious challenge with a serious reward. It ends at the Bridal Veil Falls, but the difficulty of the terrain means that a hiker can avoid the crowds and see new sights on their way to the falls. This trail should be tackled by experienced hikers who are comfortable navigating rocks and bouldering through difficult portions of trail.
Length: 8.5 miles
Intensity: Difficult
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Keystone Gorge Loop Trail
This loop trail near Telluride, CO, features a waterfall, river, and excellent opportunities for spotting wildlife. The trail is easy and appropriate for all skill levels. Visitors can expect to see a river winding through a huge field of wildflowers if the time of year is right. Keep in mind that the Keystone Gorge Loop is open to hikers only, and no bikes are allowed on the trail.
Length: 2.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
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Telluride River Trail
This out-and-back trail starts in the town of Telluride and continues into the mountains following the Telluride River. The path is lightly trafficked and accessible to all skill levels. It offers unique views of the mountain gorges near Telluride and can be easily navigated in just a couple of hours.
Length: Easy
Intensity: 4.1 miles
Activities in Uncompahgre National Forest
Here are some interesting things to do in the Uncompahgre National Forest.
Fishing: Uncompahgre National Forest offers ample river and lake fishing opportunities, with scenic spots scattered throughout its vast expanse.
Nature and Bird Watching: Bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts flock to Uncompahgre National Forest to observe its diverse avian species and other native wildlife. Whether exploring by foot or taking a scenic drive, visitors can enjoy year-round glimpses of the region's unique creatures. The forest’s wilderness provides a sanctuary for local wildlife, making it one of Colorado’s top destinations for nature observation.
Stargazing: Uncompahgre National Forest's solitude and minimal light pollution make it ideal for stargazing, offering breathtaking views of the night sky.
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Fishing
Both river and lake fishing are available throughout Uncompahgre National Forest, and visitors who come to fish have no shortage of fishing holes to choose from.
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Nature and Bird Watching
Bird-watchers come to Uncompahgre for the opportunity to see the hundreds of unique avian species in the forest. At any time of year, visitors can travel by foot or on one of the many scenic drives through the forest to catch a glimpse of birds or other native species unique to this area. The wilderness preserves in the forest offer a protected space for local wildlife, and this park is one of the best spots in Colorado for seeing the unique creatures of the mountain.
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Stargazing
At night, the Uncompahgre National Forest area makes for excellent stargazing thanks to the solitude and lack of light pollution from surrounding cities or towns.
How to get to Uncompahgre National Forest
Address: 2250 South Main Street, Delta, CO 81416
Fee: Entry fee $0
By Car
From Montrose: Take S Cascade Avenue to E Main St and follow US-550 S to Uncompahgre Road. Continue via Government Springs Road, Cornerstone Trail, and Divide Road to reach Uncompahgre National Forest in about 1 hour.
From Delta: Head south toward 4th Street and take US-50 E to Dave Wood Rd. Follow Dave Wood Road to Divide Road in Montrose County to reach Uncompahgre National Forest in about 1 hour.
By Air
The nearest airports to Uncompahgre National Forest are:
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ): Take Airport Road to US-50 E/N Townsend Ave, then head south on US-550 to Uncompahgre Road. Follow Government Springs Rd and Cornerstone Trail to Dave Wood Road, then take a left onto Dave Wood Road and turn right onto Divide Road to reach Uncompahgre National Forest in about 1 hour.
Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): Take I-70 E to CO-141 S/32 Road, then merge onto US-50 E. Follow G50 Road and G Road to US-50 E/S Main Street in Delta, and continue on US-50 E. Finally, take Dave Wood Road to Divide Road to reach Uncompahgre National Forest in approximately 2 hours.
Seasonal Restrictions
Seasonal restrictions in the Uncompahgre National Forest are primarily implemented to mitigate fire risks, especially during the dry summer months. These restrictions often include limitations on campfires, smoking, and vehicle use in specific areas to protect the forest and its wildlife. Visitors are encouraged to stay updated on the latest fire regulations by checking the GMUG website or contacting the local Forest Service office for current information before planning their trip.
Fees in the Uncompahgre National Forest
Uncompahgre National Forest has no general entrance fee, making it freely accessible to visitors. However, fees apply for specific activities, such as camping at designated campgrounds or utilizing certain day-use areas, especially during the summer when concessionaires manage these facilities. Overnight camping and day-use fees may vary by location and season. Also, permits may be required for wood cutting, mushroom gathering, or rock collecting. To ensure a hassle-free visit, it is recommended that visitors check the latest regulations and fee requirements in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Uncompahgre National Forest
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Uncompahgre National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Uncompahgre National Forest. Campers can only stay on one site for a maximum of 14 days when they are dispersed camping. Developed campgrounds have their own limits, and campers should check with each campground to learn what those limits are.
Do you need a permit to fish or hunt in Uncompahgre National Forest?
Yes, you do need a permit to hunt or fish in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, although Colorado does have a weekend every year where the license requirement is waived.
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Uncompahgre National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak or canoe in the Uncompahgre National Forest. There are also several companies that offer rafting trips in the forest as well.
What type of wildlife lives in Uncompahgre National Forest?
Wildlife in the Uncompahgre National Forest includes mule deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, and mountain lions. There are also many varieties of birds that live in the forest as well.
What is the closest town to Uncompahgre National Forest?
One of the closest towns to the Uncompahgre National Forest is Crested Butte. Olathe and Montrose are also nearby and are good spots to pick up supplies, grab a bite to eat, or stay for a night.
