Columbus Basin (FR 498) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Columbus Basin (FR 498) in CO
A 2.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in La Plata County, CO. The road serves Snowstorm Peak.
San Juan National Forest, Columbine Ranger District allows dispersed camping here. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
All 2.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (2.2 miles). Climbs 1,200 ft over 2.2 miles -- sustained grades near 18%, with pitches to 19%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 6 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Diorite Peak stands 2,257 ft above the site, 1.1 miles west. Columbus Creek runs 0.1 mi off. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.9 miles off. The nearest town, Durango, is 15 mi off.
September normals 37–59°F, 3.6″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by San Juan National Forest, Columbine Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov