Mt. Elbert (FR 125) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Mt. Elbert (FR 125) in CO
A 5.4-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Lake County, CO. The road serves Mount Elbert Trailhead. The road is open seasonally, May 16 to November 30.
Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Leadville Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days. Camp at least 100 ft from water.
4.2 of the 5.4 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 4.2 of the 5.4 miles in are dirt. Climbs 1,900 ft over 5.4 miles -- sustained grades near 18%, with pitches to 23%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 18 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. A water crossing 1.4 miles in.
Mount Cosgriff stands 3,959 ft above the site, 3.1 miles west. The Mount Elbert Forebay shoreline is 0.3 mi off. A well-travelled stretch -- travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Leadville, is 11 mi off.
September normals 34–65°F, 1.1″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Leadville Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov