Hell Canyon (FR 123.0) in CO -- Camping Rules & Access in Colorado

AnyRoost

Hell Canyon (FR 123.0) in CO

Road corridorArapaho and Roosevelt NFs, Canyon Lakes Ranger District

5.3 mi from Estes Park

Maps 7,939 ft

Dispersed camping generally allowed

U.S. Forest Service default; a local order can restrict it.

Motor-vehicle season 6/15–11/30Stay limit: 14 days · within 30 days · No more than 30 days in any 365-day period
VerizonMARGINAL
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkGOOD

Road Access

Difficult
  • All 1.6 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
  • Near Panorama Peak.
  • Estimated climb: 580 ft over 1.6 miles through 3 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 16% and pitches to 20%.
  • Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.

3 known camp spots along this road, between mile 0.7 and mile 1.2: reported by travellers.

Setting

Some privacy
  • Moderately separated here.
  • Elk Ridge stands 825 ft above the map pin, 0.6 miles southeast.
  • A pond lies 0.1 mi off.
  • Estimated night sky: Bortle 2, true dark-sky territory.

Rules

  • You may camp within 300 feet of most Forest Service Roads and some Larimer County Roads as long as you are on National Forest System lands.
  • Camping rules
  • Current fire orders

Climate averages

September normals 4268°F, 1.8″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.