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Dispersed Camping

Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed)

Dark Canyon Trailhead offers dispersed camping near rugged terrain with elevations that provide varied landscapes. Temperatures can range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during cooler months to highs in the 80s during warmer seasons. Nearby, campers can explore the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area for additional outdoor activities.

Description

USDA Forest Service

The Dark Canyon Trailhead is located in the Erickson Springs Recreation Area, adjacent to Erickson Springs Campground. This trailhead accesses Dark Canyon Trail #830 which enters Raggeds Wilderness where Wilderness Regulations apply. The trailhead has hitching racks, hay feeders and a restroom located near the parking lot.

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Location

Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Paonia: Travel northeast on Highway 133 for approximately 15 miles to County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road. Turn onto CR 12 and continue east for approximately 5.5 miles to the intersection with the Erickson Springs Campground Road, just after crossing the Anthracite Creek Bridge. This road is for Erickson Springs Recreation Area that includes the Campground, Picnic Site and the Dark Canyon Trailhead. Continue to the end of the road for the Trailhead.

Coordinates

38.96035831 N
107.26812 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
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) needs a permit.


Reviews

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2.0

out of 5

1 Review

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2024

Not Dispersed

Not an actual site. Pin took me to a feild with horse/cows (pics attached for cuteness). The actual site is in the campground on Google Maps, but IT ISNT ALLOWED!!!

VERY CLEARLY SIGNED CAMPING IN CAMPGROUND SITES ONLY!!!

There is a small fire ring by the trailhead, as description says, but the signs on the road are VERY clear. Also lots of rangers patrolling, so don't risk it!!

So, unless you wanna pay a RIDICULOUS fee for a night, not worth it at all. Would've given it one mark, but figured someone later might find a touch of value.

Siten/a
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) by Voyager D., August 21, 2024
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) by Voyager D., August 21, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) does not have wifi.