East Willow (FR 502) in CO -- Camping Rules & Access
East Willow (FR 502) in CO
Road corridorRio Grande NF, Divide Ranger District
35 mi from Del Norte
21 mi off US 160 (straight line)
Maps 10,196 ft
Camping permission not confirmed
Miles 1.1–1.4, 1.9–2.3 and 3.5–5.2 cross land the Forest Service doesn't manage; camping there needs the landowner's permission. Miles 4.7–5.2 are inside the Town of City of Creede, whose rules apply there.
Motor-vehicle season 5/16–3/14Stay limit: 14 days · within 30 days
VerizonNONE
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkGOOD
Road Access
Difficult
- 2.3 of this road’s 7.6 miles are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, mostly gravel with 2.3 miles of dirt.
- Near Campbell Mountain.
- Estimated climb: 610 ft over 7.6 miles through 9 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 16% and pitches to 24%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side.
- Water crossings 4.5, 4.6, 5.2, 5.3, 6.1, 6.9 and 7.4 miles along the road.
Setting
Some privacy
- Moderately separated here.
- Nelson Mountain stands 1,897 ft above the map pin, 1.6 miles north.
- Nelson Creek runs 0.6 mi off.
Rules
Climate averages
October normals 29–54°F, 2.7″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.