The Lower Spring Creek Trail is an 8-mile long, motorized single-track trail
that branches from the Upper Spring Creek Trail about 2 miles west of the
South Dave Wood Road Trailhead at the Forest Service boundary. Initially the
route begins on a two track, then follows an ATV trail that goes out to the
rim of Spring Creek. The Lower Spring Creek Trail begins at the bottom of a
big descent. The trail heads down canyon through a thick canopy of Pinyon and
Juniper trees. Much of the trail is rocky and technical – lots of fun. There
is a hike-a-bike at the north end near the lower trailhead just off of Dave
Wood Road. It can be done as an out and back from the north trailhead, but
many riders shuttle the South Dave Wood Road section. For more information,
please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.

<p>The Lower Spring Creek Trail is an 8-mile long, motorized single-track trail that branches from the Upper Spring Creek Trail about 2 miles west of the South Dave Wood Road Trailhead at the Forest Service boundary. Initially the route begins on a two track, then follows an ATV trail that goes out to the rim of Spring Creek. The Lower Spring Creek Trail begins at the bottom of a big descent. The trail heads down canyon through a thick canopy of Pinyon and Juniper trees. Much of the trail is rocky and technical – lots of fun. There is a hike-a-bike at the north end near the lower trailhead just off of Dave Wood Road. It can be done as an out and back from the north trailhead, but many riders shuttle the South Dave Wood Road section. For more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.</p>

Contact the field office for more information about fees and permits.

Lower Spring Creek Trail Montrose CO

Lower Spring Creek View

Lower Spring Creek Trail

Located just west of Montrose, Colorado, the Buzzard Gulch Trail System has
evolved into a wonderful renewed resource for non-motorized trail users. The
landscape is classic canyon country -alternating between rocky and sandy
terrain- with elevations ranging from 6,200 to 6,800 feet. Sparse pinyon,
juniper, and big sagebrush offer limited opportunities for shade. While Spring
Canyon Trailhead provides the best access, the trail system can also be
reached from the Lower Spring Creek Trailhead along Dave Wood Road.

  
Designed and constructed as part of the Dry Creek Travel Management Plan
implementation, the trail system is categorized as Non-Motorized Single Track,
defined as routes of 36 inches wide or less intended for mechanized modes of
transportation (such as mountain bikes), as well as foot and horse travel.
Modest elevation changes provide a moderately easy challenge for mountain
bikers. for more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Located just west of Montrose, Colorado, the Buzzard Gulch Trail System has evolved into a wonderful renewed resource for non-motorized trail users.  The landscape is classic canyon country -alternating between rocky and sandy terrain- with elevations ranging from 6,200 to 6,800 feet.  Sparse pinyon, juniper, and big sagebrush offer limited opportunities for shade.  While Spring Canyon Trailhead provides the best access, the trail system can also be reached from the Lower Spring Creek Trailhead along Dave Wood Road.

<p><br>Designed and constructed as part of the Dry Creek Travel Management Plan implementation, the trail system is categorized as Non-Motorized Single Track, defined as routes of 36 inches wide or less intended for mechanized modes of transportation (such as mountain bikes), as well as foot and horse travel.  Modest elevation changes provide a moderately easy challenge for mountain bikers. for more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Buzzard Gulch Mountain Biking | Montose, Colorado

Montrose Biking

Biking

Montrose View

Buzzard Gulch Trail System

The Tabeguache (pronounced TAB-a-watch) Trail crosses public land for 142
miles, connecting Montrose and Grand Junction, Colorado. The trail begins in
Shavano Valley and weaves through the canyons, mesas, and highlands of the
Uncompahgre Plateau before ending in No Thoroughfare Canyon, a few miles west
of Grand Junction. The trail is marked by brown fiberglass posts approximately
every mile, and at all intersections. Most of the trail is on remote lands
administered by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM. The adventurous nature of
this trail requires users to be cautious, personally responsible, and self-
sufficient and have a working knowledge of backcountry survival. The use of
topographic maps, a compass and/or GPS unit is strongly recommended. Carry
plenty of drinking water as it is not readily available along the trail.

  
To reduce damage to the resource, you are encouraged to avoid the area when
wet conditions exist. It is difficult, but not impossible, for high-clearance
4-wheel drive vehicles to travel all but single-track sections of the trail.
Users are urged to respect all property rights by closing gates, being
watchful for livestock, and camping only in approved camping areas. Users
should also be aware that the Uncompahgre Plateau is a nationally renowned
hunting area, and during the hunting season, it is highly recommended that you
wear orange hats and jackets. Check state hunting dates with the Colorado
Division of Wildlife before beginning your trip. For more information, please
contact the Uncompahgre and Grand Junction Field Offices, or the Colorado
Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA), which has produced a
brochure for the entire trail.

The Tabeguache (pronounced TAB-a-watch) Trail crosses public land for 142 miles, connecting Montrose and Grand Junction, Colorado.  The trail begins in Shavano Valley and weaves through the canyons, mesas, and highlands of the Uncompahgre Plateau before ending in No Thoroughfare Canyon, a few miles west of Grand Junction.  The trail is marked by brown fiberglass posts approximately every mile, and at all intersections. Most of the trail is on remote lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service and BLM.  The adventurous nature of this trail requires users to be cautious, personally responsible, and self-sufficient and have a working knowledge of backcountry survival. The use of topographic maps, a compass and/or GPS unit is strongly recommended.  Carry plenty of drinking water as it is not readily available along the trail. 

<p><br>To reduce damage to the resource, you are encouraged to avoid the area when wet conditions exist. It is difficult, but not impossible, for high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles to travel all but single-track sections of the trail. Users are urged to respect all property rights by closing gates, being watchful for livestock, and camping only in approved camping areas. Users should also be aware that the Uncompahgre Plateau is a nationally renowned hunting area, and during the hunting season, it is highly recommended that you wear orange hats and jackets. Check state hunting dates with the Colorado Division of Wildlife before beginning your trip. For more information, please contact the Uncompahgre and Grand Junction Field Offices, or the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA), which has produced a brochure for the entire trail.

Tabeguache Trail

Tabeguache

Tabeguache Trailhead

Tabeguache Views

Flat Top-Peach Valley is an upland desert landscape within Gunnison Gorge
National Conservation Area. It is most popular for mountain biking and off-
highway vehicle use, and enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of routes The area
features two off-highway vehicle play areas, an ATV and motorcycle site, and a
beginner riding area.

Flat Top-Peach Valley is an upland desert landscape within Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. It is most popular for mountain biking and off-highway vehicle use, and enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of routes The area features two off-highway vehicle play areas, an ATV and motorcycle site, and a beginner riding area.

Bird's eye view of the park

Flat-Top Peach Valley

Recreation at Ridgway Dam and Reservoir, Dallas Creek Project, is managed by
the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the
Bureau of Reclamation. The reservoir offers a variety of activities on its
1,000 surface-acres. Rainbow trout are stocked annually in the reservoir.
Camping experiences vary from 25 walk-in tent sites to 187 sites with
electrical hook-ups, and 81 full hook-up campsites. Ridgway State Park is at
the base of the spectacular San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado.
Ridgway Reservoir is a year-round outdoor recreation paradise attracting
boaters, anglers and swimmers. All recreation sites have easy bicycle access.
Natural surface trails pass through the pinyon/juniper forests and onto mesas
offering lovely views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Wildlife includes
deer, marmots, magpies, waterfowl, squirrels, chipmunks and occasionally
osprey and black bears are seen in the area. Winter brings elk and bald eagles
into the park. Hunting is permitted at certains of the year in designated
areas. Check with park office for specific closures and regulations. The
visitor center contains displays on local wildlife and a bookstore.

Recreation at <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Ridgway+Dam" rel="nofollow">Ridgway Dam</a> and Reservoir, Dallas Creek Project,  is managed by the Colorado Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation under agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation.   The reservoir offers a variety of activities on its 1,000 surface-acres.  Rainbow trout are stocked annually in the reservoir.  Camping experiences vary from 25 walk-in tent sites to 187 sites with electrical hook-ups, and 81 full hook-up campsites.   Ridgway State Park is at the base of the spectacular San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado.  Ridgway Reservoir is a year-round outdoor recreation paradise attracting boaters, anglers and swimmers.  All recreation sites have easy bicycle access.  Natural surface trails pass through the pinyon/juniper forests and onto mesas offering lovely views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Wildlife includes deer, marmots, magpies, waterfowl, squirrels, chipmunks and occasionally osprey and black bears are seen in the area.  Winter brings elk and bald eagles into the park.  Hunting is permitted at certains of the year in designated areas.  Check with park office for specific closures and regulations.  The visitor center contains displays on local wildlife and a bookstore.

Ridgway Reservoir

This site is the trailhead for Chukar Trail -- the primary boating access to
the wilderness portion of the Gunnison Gorge. Site amenities include four
campsites with shade structures, fire rings, and picnic tables; trailhead
parking; vault toilet; and an informational kiosk. There is a self-serve fee
station for self-issued permits for wilderness use, including use of Chukar
Trail. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Gorge NCA or
Uncompahgre Field Office.

<p>This site is the trailhead for Chukar Trail -- the primary boating access to the wilderness portion of the Gunnison Gorge. Site amenities include four campsites with shade structures, fire rings, and picnic tables; trailhead parking; vault toilet; and an informational kiosk. There is a self-serve fee station for self-issued permits for wilderness use, including use of Chukar Trail. For more information, please contact the Gunnison Gorge NCA or Uncompahgre Field Office.</p>

Chukar

Chukar Trail

Gunnison Gorge Wilderness: Chukar

Chukar Trailhead

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of
time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires
in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon
over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water,
and sky.

Big enough to be overwhelming, yet still intimate enough to feel the pulse of time. Come see some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Forces of nature and the Gunnison River sculpted this canyon over two million years. The result is a vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.

## Overview

Official NPS North Rim Website

The North Rim campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and
juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevation:
7767 ft (2367.4 m). The ranger station is open intermittently in the summer
and closed in the winter. In the summer, maps and newspapers are available on
the ranger station porch. The ranger station also has a self-pay station for
the park entrance fee and a self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/northrim.htm" rel="nofollow">Official NPS North Rim Website</a> </p>
<p>The North Rim campground is remote and has 13 sites dispersed among pinyon and juniper trees. Sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Elevation: 7767 ft (2367.4 m). The ranger station is open intermittently in the summer and closed in the winter. In the summer, maps and newspapers are available on the ranger station porch. The ranger station also has a self-pay station for the park entrance fee and a self-registration kiosk for wilderness permits.</p>

All campsites at North Rim are first-come, first-served. This campground uses
Scan & Pay to accept on-site payment through the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Download the app ahead of your visit to arrive ready!

A view of the canyon from from Chasm View Nature Trail

A view of the canyon from from Chasm View Nature Trail, framed by juniper and pinyon

Tents under the shade of pinyon pines at North Rim Campground

A picnic table between two tents, one blue and one yellow, under the shade of pinyon pines

The Gunnison River seen from The Narrows View

The Gunnison River deep in the Black Canyon, seen from The Narrows View

A view of the canyon from from Chasm View Nature Trail framed by juniper and pinyon

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison North Rim Campground

## Overview

A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a
beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects
the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in
North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths
of Black Canyon.

## Recreation

Take one of many spectacular hiking trails such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and
watch for birds like the black-billed magpie.  

In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground
amphitheater.

Winter activities include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country
skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in
winter).

## Facilities

Campsites are open year round, but drinking water is only available mid-May
through mid-October. Electric hookups are in Loop B and available year around.

## Natural Features

Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by
scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. Deer, grouse, bears, and
bobcats are known to frequent the area.

## Nearby Attractions

Visit the Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit to see railcars and the last remaining
railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to
Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's
largest reservoir.

<h2>Overview</h2>
A camping trip to the Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park makes for a beautiful getaway for sightseeing, stargazing, and hiking. The park protects the most dramatic section of the Gunnison River Canyon; no other canyon in North America combines the narrow opening, sheer walls, and startling depths of Black Canyon.<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Take one of many spectacular <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/hikingtrails.htm" rel="nofollow">hiking trails</a> such as the Oak Flat Loop Trail and watch for <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/nature/birds.htm" rel="nofollow">birds</a> like the black-billed magpie.  <br></p>
<p>In summer, catch an evening educational program in the campground amphitheater.   </p>
<p><a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/planyourvisit/winteractivities.htm" rel="nofollow">Winter activities</a>  include snowshoeing on Rim Rock Trail or go cross country skiing on South Rim Drive (South Rim Campground is first-come, first-served in winter).</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Campsites are open year round, but drinking water is only available mid-May through mid-October. Electric hookups are in Loop B and available year around.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
Perched on the South Rim of the Black Canyon, this campground is surrounded by scrub oak forests and sits atop ancient hard rocks. 
Deer, grouse, bears, and bobcats are known to frequent the area. 
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blca/learn/historyculture/cimcanyonexhibit.htm" rel="nofollow">Cimarron Canyon Rail Exhibit</a>  to see railcars and the last remaining railroad trestle on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison route. Head upstream to Curecanti National Recreation Area to enjoy water recreation on Colorado's largest reservoir.</p>

There is an additional $6 electricity attribute fee for Standard Electric
sites.

Sunlit Black Canyon of the Gunnison cliff face as seen from the South Rim

South Rim Campground standard non-electric site

One of South Rim Campground's electric sites

Signs seen at water spigots within the South Rim Campground

Recycling and trash disposal options available in South Rim Campground

South Rim Campground Registration Kiosk

One of two pit toilets available in South Rim Loop A

Water spigot available in South Rim Loop B

A campsite at South Rim Campground showing the firepit and picnic table.

Park visitors admire the view of Black Canyon of the Gunnison's high cliff walls at Gunnison Point.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Due to wildfire damage, there is no set date to reopen Loops B & C at the
South Rim Campground in 2026. Please visit the park website's Current
Conditions page for more information and rehabilitation status updates.

East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area,
but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30
entrance fee). This small campground is located at the bottom of the canyon
along the Gunnison River, shaded by box elder trees. The campground is closed
in winter. East Portal Road is closed to vehicles in winter but open to
pedestrians and cyclists. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when East
Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet (1989 m).

East Portal Campground is located within Curecanti National Recreation Area, but is adjacent to and only accessible from Black Canyon National Park ($30 entrance fee). This small campground is located at the bottom of the canyon along the Gunnison River, shaded by box elder trees. The campground is closed in winter.  East Portal Road is closed to vehicles in winter but open to pedestrians and cyclists. The Bureau of Reclamation determines when East Portal Road closes. Elevation: 6526 feet (1989 m).

Ten of the 15 sites are walk-in tent sites.

East Portal Campground - Walk-in sites

Five out of the fifteen sites have vehicle access.

East Portal Campground  - Sites with vehicle access

East Portal Campground

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon near Tomichi Point

Black Canyon near Painted Wall

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park

Located just outside of Ridgway, Colorado, the Ridgway Trail System has
evolved into a wonderful renewed resource for non-motorized trail users. The
trail system is directly adjacent to the Ridgway State Park and encompasses
over 20 miles of great single track trails with excellent views of the Ridgway
Reservoir and San Juan Mountains. The trails offer a range of experience level
- expert, intermediate, and beginner. For more information, please contact the
Uncompahgre Field Office.

Located just outside of Ridgway, Colorado, the Ridgway Trail System has evolved into a wonderful renewed resource for non-motorized trail users. The trail system is directly adjacent to the Ridgway State Park and encompasses over 20 miles of great single track trails with excellent views of the Ridgway Reservoir and San Juan Mountains. The trails offer a range of experience level - expert, intermediate, and beginner. For more information, please contact the Uncompahgre Field Office.

Lower Spring Creek Trail

Directions

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