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Established Camping

Penitente Canyon Campground

Penitente Canyon Campground is located near Monte Vista, Colorado, featuring rocky terrain and rugged landscapes. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Great Sand Dunes National Park and the Rio Grande National Forest, offering opportunities for exploration and outdoor activities.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Penitente Canyon

Overview

The canyonlands of Penitente Canyon offer a blend of peaceful surroundings and diverse recreation opportunities less than 10 miles from a major highway. Although the BLM manages the 4,552-acre Penitente Canyon primarily for rock climbers, the area also offers opportunities for heritage tourists, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians.

Recreation

Penitente Canyon Recreation Area is a destination known for its world-class sport rock-climbing routes and its extensive singletrack trail system, mainly used by mountain bikers and hikers. The area is rich in both natural and cultural history, making it ideal for heritage tourists interested in the Old Spanish Trail and early American frontiersmen, as well as wildlife watchers and photographers. Standard Nonelectric Rv Nonelectric Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric Overnight

Natural Features

Geology The rocks in Penitente Canyon are remnants of up to 18 volcanic eruptions that took place in the San Juan Volcanic Field between 20 and 30 million years ago. The largest of these eruptions spewed 1,000 cubic miles of ash 27.8 million years ago, creating a huge underground chamber. Rocks overlying the chamber collapsed to create the La Garita Caldera. History Ancestors of the Utes, Jicarilla Apaches and Puebloans have all left evidence of time spent hunting and camping here, along with explorers and trappers. The valleys first settlers were Hispanic farmers and sheepherders who migrated from northern New Mexico. Native Americans left scattered pictographs (painted rock art) throughout these Canyonlands (the largest concentration in the San Luis Valley). Please leave all rock art as you find it. Do not touch, walk on, climb on, or disturb it in any way.

Nearby Attractions

USFS-Rio Grande National Forest and Natural Arch. BLM-Elephant Rocks Recreation Area. La Garita Trading Post-food, gas, and small store. Town of Del Norte Campgrounds Nearby USFS-Rio Grande National Forest Poso CG, Storm King CG

Fee Info

___ Individual Sites = $11/night Group Tent Sites = $20/night 14 day max stay

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Location

Penitente Canyon Campground is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From U.S. 285, turn west onto Saguache County Road G. After 6 miles you will pass the La Garita Trading Post. Go another 0.5 miles to a Y intersection; take the left fork (County Road 38A). The entrance to the recreation area is another 0.5 miles, on your right. Elevation = 7,930 ft.

Address

BLM San Luis Valley Field Office 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E.
Monte vista, CO 81144

Coordinates

37.84181 N
106.28002 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2022

My favorite campground so far

This campground is absolutely stunning. The road to get to it is unpaved and bumpy, so I would recommend all wheel drive/ high clearance, but it is absolutely worth it. Very secluded campsites with stunning views. No water but pretty clean toilets. There is a little restaurant on the way in that is family run and definitely worth the stop. Very friendly and helpful staff and delicious food.

Site2
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Penitente Canyon Campground by Anne W., June 5, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2018

Beautiful red rocks and boulders!

This this site offers primitive camping, I do not know if they have hookups or not for campers. It's a very beautiful area! Very desert, Western, with Incredible rock formations throughout. If you're into rock climbing you will love it here! There are many many campsites, but they each seemed private enough. We were there in July and only saw a handful of other campers. I was very pleased to find this place. We'll definitely Camp there again! There are composting toilets, no showers, and no access to River water.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed May. 20, 2018

small campground but great area

Penitente Canyon is known for world class rock climbing. Even if you're not a climber it is fun to go and watch sport. The campground is very basic and small but if you're looking to be close to the action it's a great place to set up camp. Penitente also has great hiking and mountain biking trails. Around "the corner" (20 min drive) is Crystal Mine for anyone looking for good rock hounding sites.

No amenities at campground. Bring anything you will need.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Penitente Canyon Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Penitente Canyon Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Penitente Canyon Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Penitente Canyon Campground does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Penitente Canyon Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Penitente Canyon Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Penitente Canyon Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Penitente Canyon Campground?

    There are 18 campsites at Penitente Canyon Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts