## Overview

Turtle Rock Campground, located at an elevation of 8290 feet, is 3.5 miles
north of Buena Vista, Colorado. Campers appreciate the area for its recreation
opportunities within Fourmile Recreation Area and the Arkansas Headwater
Recreation Area.

Turtle Rock Campground is open from March 1st until November 30th. Situated
within a pinion juniper woodland setting, 24 small campsites sit at the base
of Turtle Rock Granite Formation. Large RVs and travel trailers over 35 feet
are not recommended.

## Recreation

Turtle Rock Campground offers easy access to the namesake rock formation,
which is beloved by rock climbers. Various route difficulties can be found on
Turtle Rock as well as other smaller granite formations in the area. Hiking,
mountain biking and OHV riding are recreation activities accessed from the
campground.

## Facilities

The campsites at Turtle Rock Campground are small, RVs and Trailers longer
than 35 feet aren't recommended. This 24-site campground including 1 Group
Site, and 1 double vault toilet. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles
and 8 people. Group site is limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite
includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites are
designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers and RVs under 35 feet
can access the campground are accommodated with some pull-through sites.

Campsites 1, 2, 3, 4, 22, 23, and 24 are First Come, First Serve, pay for the
site at the pay station immediately after occupying the site. There is no
guarantee that these sites will be available when you arrive.

Campsites 5-21 are Reservable 3 Months in advance, if there isn't a current
reservation on the day of, sites are available on a First Come, First Serve
basis payable at the Pay Station for one night only. Campsites 7-12 are Tent
Only, campsites 14 and 20 are Pull-Throughs, Sites 4, 5, 14, 19, 20 and 21 are
large enough for RV’s and Trailers up to 35’.

Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at
Turtle Rock Campground so please bring your own water and plan to take your
trash with you when you leave. Bring your own firewood.

## Natural Features

The Collegiate Peaks Mountains form dramatic vistas of the Upper Arkansas
River Valley, enhancing the view from the campground. Turtle Rock is a
prominent granite feature attracting rock climbers and hikers seeking a view
of the Arkansas River below. The campground is nestled within a pinon pine and
juniper woodland which covers the rolling hills of the Fourmile Recreation
Area.

## Nearby Attractions

The Fourmile Recreation Area is known for its robust trail system supporting
hiking, trail running, biking and OHV riding. The Upper Arkansas River Valley
is home to Central Colorado's iconic recreation including whitewater rafting
and play park, 14ers, biking, hiking, fishing, festivals, concerts and so much
more.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Turtle Rock Campground, located at an elevation of 8290 feet, is 3.5 miles north of Buena Vista, Colorado. Campers appreciate the area for its recreation opportunities within Fourmile Recreation Area and the Arkansas Headwater Recreation Area.</p>
<p>Turtle Rock Campground is open from March 1st until November 30th. Situated within a pinion juniper woodland setting, 24 small campsites sit at the base of Turtle Rock Granite Formation. Large RVs and travel trailers over 35 feet are not recommended.</p>

<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Turtle Rock Campground offers easy access to the namesake rock formation, which is beloved by rock climbers. Various route difficulties can be found on Turtle Rock as well as other smaller granite formations in the area. Hiking, mountain biking and OHV riding are recreation activities accessed from the campground. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The campsites at Turtle Rock Campground are small, RVs and Trailers longer than 35 feet aren't recommended. This 24-site campground including 1 Group Site, and 1 double vault toilet. Individual sites are limited to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Group site is limited to 4 vehicles and 20 people. Each campsite includes a parking space, a metal fire ring and a picnic table. Most sites are designed for tent or van camping. Large camp trailers and RVs under 35 feet can access the campground are accommodated with some pull-through sites.</p>
<p>Campsites 1, 2, 3, 4, 22, 23, and 24 are First Come, First Serve, pay for the site at the pay station immediately after occupying the site. There is no guarantee that these sites will be available when you arrive.</p>
<p>Campsites 5-21 are Reservable 3 Months in advance, if there isn't a current reservation on the day of, sites are available on a First Come, First Serve basis payable at the Pay Station for one night only. Campsites 7-12 are Tent Only, campsites 14 and 20 are Pull-Throughs, Sites 4, 5, 14, 19, 20 and 21 are large enough for RV’s and Trailers up to 35’.</p>
<p> Drinking water, electric hook-ups and trash service are not available at Turtle Rock Campground so please bring your own water and plan to take your trash with you when you leave. Bring your own firewood. </p>

<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The Collegiate Peaks Mountains form dramatic vistas of the Upper Arkansas River Valley, enhancing the view from the campground. Turtle Rock is a prominent granite feature attracting rock climbers and hikers seeking a view of the Arkansas River below.  The campground is nestled within a pinon pine and juniper woodland which covers the rolling hills of the Fourmile Recreation Area.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The Fourmile Recreation Area is known for its robust trail system supporting hiking, trail running, biking and OHV riding. The Upper Arkansas River Valley is home to Central Colorado's iconic recreation including whitewater rafting and play park, 14ers, biking, hiking, fishing, festivals, concerts and so much more.</p>

Turtle Rock Campground gets it's name from the Turtle Rock Granite Formation that towers over the campground and can be seen from most campsites

Turtle Rock Granite Formation

The entrance of Turtle Rock Campground with the Rock Formation as the backdrop

Entrance of Turtle Rock Campground

Turtle Rock Campground Sign welcomes visitors

Turtle Rock Campground Portal Sign

Turtle Rock Campground

Bird's eye view of the campground

View of waterhole

People swimming

Water Hole Swim

Royal Gorge

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest
and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to
14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal
the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado.

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world. Petrified redwood stumps up to 14 feet wide and thousands of detailed fossils of insects and plants reveal the story of a very different, prehistoric Colorado.

Bird's eye view of the park

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Shelf Road is one of the most popular sport climbing areas in Colorado. It is
located in south central Colorado, north of Canon City. Shelf Road follows the
old stagecoach route to Cripple Creek. Canon City built this toll road back in
1892 - its free now. It twists north from Canon City along Fourmile Creek
through valleys and canyons. Long bands of limestone tower above the road and
line the rims of nearby canyons. The road through the canyons involves an
elevation change from 5,330 feet at Canon City to 9,395 feet at Cripple Creek
(a nice drive when tired from climbing). It is a dirt road, but easy, and
passable with 2 WD vehicles. Shelf Road is home to many quality sport climbing
routes, vertical limestone and is well known as one of the best climbing sites
in Colorado. A sport climber's mecca with nearly 1000 routes on bombproof
pocketed limestone. Routes vary from 5.7- 5.13 mostly bolted routes. There are
two camping locations at Shelf Road. The lower area, Sand Gulch has 14
campsites and 1 group camping site. The upper area at The Banks has 33
campsites and 2 group camping sites. Just before you arrive at Shelf Road, you
will pass Sand Gulch campground on your left. This is quality, spacious
camping and access to the Sand Gulch area, home to many moderates climbs about
a 15 minute walk from the campground. There is day use parking at the
northwest end of the campground, and overflow parking at the north end, where
the Free form trail begins. Shelf Road also has ample-sized trailhead parking
for equestrians with corrals. Adventurous anglers can hike to Fourmile creek
for fishing. Hiking and hunting are popular in the area as well as a short
drive on a 4X4 loop trail. For more information, please contact the Royal
Gorge Field Office. There is much public information available.

<p>Shelf Road is one of the most popular sport climbing areas in Colorado. It is located in south central Colorado, north of Canon City. Shelf Road follows the old stagecoach route to Cripple Creek. Canon City built this toll road back in 1892 - its free now. It twists north from Canon City along Fourmile Creek through valleys and canyons. Long bands of limestone tower above the road and line the rims of nearby canyons. The road through the canyons involves an elevation change from 5,330 feet at Canon City to 9,395 feet at Cripple Creek (a nice drive when tired from climbing). It is a dirt road, but easy, and passable with 2 WD vehicles. Shelf Road is home to many quality sport climbing routes, vertical limestone and is well known as one of the best climbing sites in Colorado. A sport climber's mecca with nearly 1000 routes on bombproof pocketed limestone. Routes vary from 5.7- 5.13 mostly bolted routes. There are two camping locations at Shelf Road. The lower area, Sand Gulch has 14 campsites and 1 group camping site. The upper area at The Banks has 33 campsites and 2 group camping sites. Just before you arrive at Shelf Road, you will pass Sand Gulch campground on your left. This is quality, spacious camping and access to the Sand Gulch area, home to many moderates climbs about a 15 minute walk from the campground. There is day use parking at the northwest end of the campground, and overflow parking at the north end, where the Free form trail begins. Shelf Road also has ample-sized trailhead parking for equestrians with corrals. Adventurous anglers can hike to Fourmile creek for fishing. Hiking and hunting are popular in the area as well as a short drive on a 4X4 loop trail. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office. There is much public information available.</p>

## Overview

With easy walking access to sport rock climbing routes in the popular Shelf
Road Recreation Area, Sand Gulch Campground is a 31-site camping facility,
open year-round. The campground is located 14 miles north of Cañon City at an
approximate elevation of 6,400 feet and features spectacular views of the
surrounding limestone cliffs.

## Recreation

Sand Gulch Campground offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to tall
monolithic cliffs. Climbers can access Contest and Freeform Walls with bolted
routes via the Sand Gulch trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities
easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback
riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, Sand Gulch Campground
offers a small day-use parking area for recreationalists.

## Facilities

Sand Gulch Campground offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to tall
monolithic cliffs. Climbers can access Contest and Freeform Walls with bolted
routes via the Sand Gulch trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities
easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback
riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, Sand Gulch Campground
offers a small day-use parking area for recreationalists.

## Natural Features

Sand Gulch Campground and the surrounding area is well known amongst rock
climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for the long bands of limestone cliffs
dominating the landscape. Stunning rock features paired with the piñon pine
and juniper vegetation, enhance the dramatic vistas and a picturesque camping
environment.

## Nearby Attractions

The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation
opportunities. Popular activities include visiting the Royal Gorge via the
Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails or a rafting trip
with one of a number of river outfitters. The Arkansas River offers whitewater
rafting as well as outstanding angling. There are numerous trails for all
activities in the region as well as agricultural and heritage tours along the
Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of
shopping and dining experiences.

Visit the Royal Gorge Region web page for more information about local
attractions:

Explore - Royal Gorge Region: royalgorgeregion.com

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>With easy walking access to sport rock climbing routes in the popular Shelf Road Recreation Area, Sand Gulch Campground is a 31-site camping facility, open year-round. The campground is located 14 miles north of Cañon City at an approximate elevation of 6,400 feet and features spectacular views of the surrounding limestone cliffs. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Sand Gulch Campground offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to  tall monolithic cliffs. Climbers can access Contest and Freeform Walls with bolted routes via the Sand Gulch trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, Sand Gulch Campground offers a small day-use parking area for recreationalists. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>Sand Gulch Campground offers sport climbers easy walk-in access to  tall monolithic cliffs. Climbers can access Contest and Freeform Walls with bolted routes via the Sand Gulch trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, Sand Gulch Campground offers a small day-use parking area for recreationalists. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Sand Gulch Campground and the surrounding area is well known amongst rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for the long bands of limestone cliffs dominating the landscape. Stunning rock features paired with the piñon pine and juniper vegetation, enhance the dramatic vistas and a picturesque camping environment.  </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation opportunities. Popular activities include visiting the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails or a rafting trip with one of a number of river outfitters. The Arkansas River offers whitewater rafting as well as outstanding angling. There are numerous trails for all activities in the region as well as agricultural and heritage tours along the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of shopping and dining experiences.   </p>
<p>Visit the Royal Gorge Region web page for more information about local attractions: </p>

<p>Explore - Royal Gorge Region: royalgorgeregion.com </p>

Individual Sites: $20 per night

Group sites: $40 per night

There is an $8 non-refundable reservation fee for each reservation.

Sand Gulch Kiosk

Sand Gulch Campground

Sand Gulch Campground 2

Campground

Sand Gulch Campground Entrance

Campground Map

Sand Gulch Campground 1

Sand Gulch Campground Pay Station

## Overview

Open year-round; visitors come for the spectacular rock climbing adjacent to
the campground. Approximately 15 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, The Bank
Campground overlooks Shelf Road and is located at an approximate elevation of
6890 feet. The Bank has 33 campsites. The dirt road leading to the campground
is very rough and not recommended for large RVs and travel trailers.

## Recreation

The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area,
Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff
and Dark Side trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily
accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, The Bank Campground offers a
day-use parking area for recreationalists.

## Facilities

The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area,
Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff
and Dark Side trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily
accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding
as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, The Bank Campground offers a
day-use parking area for recreationalists.

## Natural Features

The Bank Campground and the surrounding area is well known amongst rock
climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for the long bands of limestone cliffs
dominating the landscape. Stunning rock features paired with the piñon pine
and juniper vegetation, enhance the dramatic vistas and a picturesque camping
environment.

## Nearby Attractions

The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation
opportunities. Popular activities include visiting the Royal Gorge via the
Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails or a rafting trip
with one of a number of river outfitters. The Arkansas River offers whitewater
rafting as well as outstanding angling. There are numerous trails for all
activities in the region as well as agricultural and heritage tours along the
Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of
shopping and dining experiences.

Visit the Royal Gorge Region web page for more information about local
attractions:

Explore - Royal Gorge Region: royalgorgeregion.com

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Open year-round; visitors come for the spectacular rock climbing adjacent to the campground. Approximately 15 miles north of Cañon City, Colorado, The Bank Campground overlooks Shelf Road and is located at an approximate elevation of 6890 feet. The Bank has 33 campsites. The dirt road leading to the campground is very rough and not recommended for large RVs and travel trailers.  </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area, Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff and Dark Side trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, The Bank Campground offers a day-use parking area for recreationalists. </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The Bank Campground offers easy access to the popular rock climbing area, Shelf Road. Climbers can access nearly 1000 bolted routes via the Cactus Cliff and Dark Side trails. A variety of other recreation opportunities easily accessed from the campground include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding as well as 4wd routes. In addition to campsites, The Bank Campground offers a day-use parking area for recreationalists. </p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The Bank Campground and the surrounding area is well known amongst rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts for the long bands of limestone cliffs dominating the landscape. Stunning rock features paired with the piñon pine and juniper vegetation, enhance the dramatic vistas and a picturesque camping environment. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>The region around Shelf Road offers numerous attractions and recreation opportunities. Popular activities include visiting the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Bridge, the Royal Gorge Train, hiking trails or a rafting trip with one of a number of river outfitters. The Arkansas River offers whitewater rafting as well as outstanding angling. There are numerous trails for all activities in the region as well as agricultural and heritage tours along the Gold Belt National Scenic Byway. The local communities offer a range of shopping and dining experiences.    </p>
<p>Visit the Royal Gorge Region web page for more information about local attractions: </p>

<p>Explore - Royal Gorge Region: royalgorgeregion.com </p>

The Bank Road

The Bank

The Bank Kiosk

Shelf Road

Shelf Road Climbing Area, 4 mile Creek

The Bank Campground

Shelf Road Sites

Seep Springs Recreation Area is located near Canon City offering fun and
challenging trails combined with outstanding views. High points along the 16
miles of roads and trails give the visitor open ranchland views as they wind
through pinon and juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests with sandstone
rocks throughout the area. ATVs, motorcycle, four wheeler and horseback riding
are common recreation activities for Seep Springs. The area has trail map
information and ample parking space for trailers. Wet weather gates close the
area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please
contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

<p>Seep Springs Recreation Area is located near Canon City offering fun and challenging trails combined with outstanding views. High points along the 16 miles of roads and trails give the visitor open ranchland views as they wind through pinon and juniper woodlands and ponderosa pine forests with sandstone rocks throughout the area. ATVs, motorcycle, four wheeler and horseback riding are common recreation activities for Seep Springs. The area has trail map information and ample parking space for trailers. Wet weather gates close the area to motorized use during wet conditions. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.</p>

Seep Springs OHV Area

Remember your  OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE
RESPONSIBLY.

* * *

### Overview

Fossils of well-known species of large dinosaurs have been discovered at this
site over the last 120 years. Many of the dinosaur fossils discovered at this
site are on exhibit at museums around the country, including the Denver Museum
of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural
History in Washington, D.C. Fossils of two-legged, plant-eating dinosaurs,
dinosaur eggs, and dinosaur tracks have also been discovered in the Garden
Park Fossil Area. In addition to dinosaur bones, Garden Park contains 2
significant, rare plant species, Brandegee wild buckwheat and inch milkweed.
Garden Park is a BLM Area of Critical Environmental Concern, a Colorado
Research Natural Area, and a National Natural Landmark. For more information,
please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.

### Need a Map?

  * Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway

<p>Remember your <a href="https://www.blm.gov/learn/outdoorethics" rel="nofollow"> OUTDOOR ETHICS</a> when enjoying your public lands. Please<a href="https://www.recreateresponsibly.org" rel="nofollow"> RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.</a></p>

<hr/>
<h3>Overview</h3>

<p>Fossils of well-known species of large dinosaurs have been discovered at this site over the last 120 years. Many of the dinosaur fossils discovered at this site are on exhibit at museums around the country, including the Denver Museum of Natural History, and the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Fossils of two-legged, plant-eating dinosaurs, dinosaur eggs, and dinosaur tracks have also been discovered in the Garden Park Fossil Area. In addition to dinosaur bones, Garden Park contains 2 significant, rare plant species, Brandegee wild buckwheat and inch milkweed. Garden Park is a BLM Area of Critical Environmental Concern, a Colorado Research Natural Area, and a National Natural Landmark. For more information, please contact the Royal Gorge Field Office.</p>

<h3>Need a Map?</h3>

<ul>
	<li><a href="https://www.goldbeltbyway.com/map-guide/map/" rel="nofollow">Gold Belt Tour Scenic and Historic Byway</a></li>
</ul>

Garden Park Fossil Area

Garden Park Fossil Area - Shelf Drop off

A photo of Site C052 of Loop C at Tuolumne Meadows Campground with Picnic Table, Fire Pit, Shade

A photo of Site C052 of Loop C at Tuolumne Meadows Campground with Picnic Table, Shade, Food Storage

Royal Gorge

Reviews

Campgrounds

Turtle Rock Campground

Nearby Parks

Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument

Shelf Road Sites

Seep Springs OHV Area

Garden Park Fossil Area