Rio Grande Reservoir (FR 520) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Rio Grande Reservoir (FR 520) in CO
A 43.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Hinsdale County, CO. The road is open seasonally, May 16 to March 14.
Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 150 ft from water.
16.7 of the 43.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 23.5 of the 43.5 miles in are dirt. Climbs 7,400 ft over 43.5 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 34%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~150 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 18 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 8.6 and 8.6 miles in.
Finger Mesa stands 2,686 ft above the site, 1.8 miles northeast. Lost Trail Creek runs 0.1 mi off. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. The nearest town, Ouray, is 25 mi off.
September normals 33–64°F, 2.7″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Rio Grande National Forest, Divide Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov