Bear Creek Ridge (FR 101) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado

A 1.6-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Fremont County, CO. The road serves Simmons Peak.

Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Salida Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.

All 1.6 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (1.6 miles). Climbs 490 ft over 1.6 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 22%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Little level ground alongside -- few of the stretches measured have a flat spot to pull onto. Winds through 3 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 0.5, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 miles in.

Simmons Peak stands 3,318 ft above the site, 2.0 miles southwest. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.1 miles off. Rock Creek runs 1.1 mi off. The nearest town, Salida, is 6.5 mi off.