Poacher's Loop (FR 397) in CO -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in Colorado
Poacher's Loop (FR 397) in CO
A 5.3-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Lake County, CO. The road serves Black Mountain. 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.
All 5.3 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (5.3 miles). Climbs 1,300 ft over 5.3 miles -- sustained grades near 18%, with pitches to 25%. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.
Black Mountain stands 2,144 ft above the site, 2.2 miles northeast. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.2 miles off. A body of water lies 0.8 mi off. The nearest town, Leadville, is 12 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