Bellyache Road

Bellyache Road offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. There are hiking trails directly accessible from the camping areas, making it easy to explore the surrounding terrain. Mountain biking is popular on nearby trails. The elevated location provides breathtaking views perfect for photography and scenic enjoyment. Wildlife viewing is possible, with visitors spotting various animals. For the patient and lucky, stargazing can be exceptional—some campers have even witnessed the northern lights from this location. The area gets quite windy, so plan activities accordingly.

Bellyache Road is accessible off Interstate 70 near Eagle, Colorado. The camping areas are located along a 2.5-mile unpaved road that climbs about 1,000 feet in elevation. Look for primitive campsites marked by existing fire rings as you travel up the road. The sites are not clearly defined, so you'll need to scout for established camping spots. This is BLM land with no formal entrance or check-in process.

Bellyache Road has extremely rough and challenging conditions that require 4WD vehicles with good clearance (minimum 8 inches recommended). The road features large ruts, gashes, and becomes very muddy after rain. Travel trailers and larger RVs should absolutely not attempt this road as there are no places to turn around. Even with appropriate vehicles, expect to navigate carefully through difficult terrain. Sedans and low-clearance vehicles are not suitable for this access road.

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed on Bellyache Road as it's located on BLM land. Look for established sites with rock fire rings as indicators of appropriate camping areas. The sites are not formally designated or numbered, so you'll need to find spots that have been previously used. The dispersed nature means you won't find facilities or services, so come prepared with everything you need, including water and waste disposal methods.