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Colorado State Parks

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USA Parks
Colorado
West Region
Uncompahgre National Forest
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UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST
UNCOMPAHGRE NATIONAL FOREST
he Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are a combination of separate National Forests located on the western slope of the Colorado Rockies. These three combined Forests cover 3,161,912 acres of public land in the central and southern Rocky Mountains, an area that lies south of the Colorado River and west of the Continental Divide with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Rockies.

The Forests vary in elevation from 5,800 feet above sea level in Roubideau Creek Canyon to 14,309 feet on Uncompahgre Peak.

The Forests include spectacular features like the 355 foot high Bridal Veil falls; the Grand Mesa with over 300 lakes, one of the world's largest flat top mountains; and Alpine Tunnel, once the highest railroad tunnel in North America.
Camping
1. Amphitheater Campground: Located just outside of Ouray, this campground offers stunning views and easy access to hiking trails.

2. Angel Creek Campground: This is a small, remote campsite with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings but no water or electricity.

3. Billy Creek State Wildlife Area: Offers dispersed camping for those who prefer solitude in the wilderness.

4. Cimarron East Fork Dispersed Camping Area: A free site offering several spots along the river bank without any facilities.

5. Dry Creek Basin Dispersed Camping: Another option for primitive camping where you can set up anywhere that doesn't block roads or damage vegetation.

6. Matterhorn Campground: It's located near Telluride, has 28 sites available on first come basis.

7. Ridgway State Park: Though not directly within Uncompahgre National Forest boundaries it's very close by & provides full-fledged campsites including RV hookups as well as yurt rentals.

8. Sunshine Campgrounds: Near Telluride Ski Resort, these are popular during summer months due to proximity to various outdoor activities.

9. Woods Lake Recreation Site: Provides both single-family campsites and equestrian-friendly group sites.

10. Uncompahgre Plateau area also allows dispersed backcountry camping at certain locations.


Location
Uncompahgre National Forest is located near Montrose

Trails
1. Blue Lakes Trail: This is a 6-mile trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and alpine lakes. The path has an elevation gain of about 2,000 feet making it moderately challenging.

2. Mount Sneffels Highline Loop Trail: A strenuous hike spanning around 13 miles with over 3,500 feet in elevation change; this loop takes you through beautiful wildflower meadows and provides panoramic mountain vistas.

3. Ridgway State Park Trails: These trails offer easy to moderate hikes ranging from one mile up to five miles long along the reservoir's shoreline or into nearby hillsides offering spectacular lake views.

4. The Perimeter Trail (Ouray): An approximately six-mile-long scenic trek encircling Ouray city providing breathtaking sights including Cascade Falls and Box Canyon Waterfall.

5. Bear Creek National Recreation Trail: It's a nearly seven-miles round trip journey leading hikers past mining ruins towards Yellow Jacket Mine at its end point while traversing Bear Creek canyon walls.

6. Uncompahgre Peak South Ridge Route: At roughly eight miles lengthwise,this route leads directly onto Uncompahgre peak summit(14er) presenting climbers with strikingly diverse terrains throughout their ascent.

7. Courthouse Mountain & Chimney Rock Hike: Approximately four:and-a-half mile out-and-back trail featuring splendid rock formations as well as abundant wildlife sightings such as marmots, pikas etc.

8. Via Ferrata Telluride: Although not exactly within forest boundaries,this Italian:style climbing route near Telluride town delivers adrenaline-pumping adventure coupled alongside awe-inspiring valley overlooks for more experienced mountaineers.

9. Horsethief Trial: Starting off on Camp Bird road outside Ouray,it winds upwards across steep switchbacks before reaching Horsethief falls after two-plus mileage ;ideal choice for family-friendly day hiking experience.

10. Dallas Trail: A long-distance trail stretching over 14 miles, it offers a challenging hike with rewarding views of the San Juan Mountains and Sneffels Range.

11. Silver Jack Reservoir Trails: These trails encircle Silver Jack reservoir providing hikers ample opportunities to fish or camp besides enjoying tranquil lake vistas.

12. Wetterhorn Peak East Ridge Route: This is an approximately seven:mile round trip route leading onto Wetterhorn peak summit(14er) ;a strenuous climb recommended for seasoned mountaineers only due its steep terrains.

13. Ironton Ghost Town & Red Mountain Mining Area: Easy hiking options exploring historical mining sites around Ironton townsite while also offering splendid fall foliage displays during autumn season.

Remember that all these hikes require appropriate gear, preparation and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

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Directions
1. Start by heading south on I:25 S.
2. Take exit 209B to merge onto US:6 W/US-85 N toward Greeley.
3. Continue following signs for US:285 S/Fairplay and merge onto US-285 S via the ramp to Fairplay.
4. Stay on this road for approximately 100 miles until you reach Poncha Springs.

From here, there are two possible routes depending on your preference:

Option A: Scenic Route
5a) At Poncha Springs, turn left onto CO Rd LL56/S County Road 120 towards Gunnison/Crested Butte/Taylor Park Reservoir.
6a) Follow this road as it becomes Co Rd Ll56/Gunnison County Road T50A/W State Hwy Altitude Dr., then continue straight onto Taylor River Canyon Road/County Highway Almont:Tincup Pass/Road T742/Mirror Lake Drive/Tin Cup Pass Trailhead Access/Lost Canyon Creek Campground access roads.

Option B: Direct Route
5b) In Poncha Springs, take a slight right at E U.S.Hwy160/East Main St./U.S.Highway160E/U.S.:Highway24W and continue driving westward through Monarch Pass Summit Tunnel No.Two (elevation approximatly11'300 feet).
6b) After passing through the tunnel descend into Montrose Valley where highway splits with HWY550 northbound leading directly to Montrose City Center or Southbound which leads directly into Ridgeway Town center.

Both options will lead you close to various entrances of Uncompahgre National Forest:
7. ) From either route option above; once reaching intersection between highways 550 and US:50, turn right onto HWY550 N.
8. ) Continue on this road for approximately 30 miles until you reach Montrose.

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Colorado
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Colorado State Parks

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