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
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.
Location
Dark Canyon Trailhead (Dispersed) is located in Colorado
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Detours Nearby
Paradise Campground and Rentals
28 min away
Marble Area
1 hr 9 min away
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from Grand Junction
- 3 hrs 47 min from Denver
- 3 hrs 57 min from Boulder
- 4 hrs 35 min from Colorado Springs
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
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.
