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
Location
Penitente Canyon Campground is located in Colorado
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 46 min from Pueblo
- 3 hrs 13 min from Colorado Springs
- 3 hrs 54 min from Grand Junction
- 4 hrs 14 min from Farmington
