U.S. Basin (FR 825) in CO -- Camping Rules & Access
U.S. Basin (FR 825) in CO
Road corridorSan Juan NF, Columbine Ranger District
7.8 mi from Telluride
0.0 mi off US 550 (straight line)
Maps 10,160 ft
Camping permission not confirmed
Miles 2.1–3, 4.1–4.4 and 4.8–5.9 cross land the Forest Service doesn't manage; camping there needs the landowner's permission.
Stay limit: 14 consecutive days · then move 3 mi · no more than 28 days within any continuous 60-day period
VerizonNONE
AT&TNONE
T-MobileNONE
StarlinkGOOD
Road Access
Difficult
- All 6 miles of this road are maintained for high-clearance vehicles, dirt the whole way.
- Near Black Bear Pass Trailhead (Southeastern).
- Estimated climb: 2,100 ft over 6 miles through 15 switchbacks, with sustained grades near 20% and pitches to 24%.
- Terrain estimates show roadside drops of up to ~140 ft on the downhill side.
- Terrain estimates suggest little level ground beside this road.
- Water crossings 0.1, 1, 1.3, 1.7, 1.9, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.7 and 3 miles along the road.
- Gates 5.1 and 5.2 miles along the road.
Setting
Some privacy
- Moderately separated here.
- Ohio Peak stands 2,519 ft above the map pin, 1.4 miles east.
- Mineral Creek runs 0.1 mi off.
Climate averages
October normals 27–52°F, 2.7″ precipitation. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.