Mt. Shavano Wildlife Area
Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 26, 2023

Not as Impressed as Others

This is a pretty area and it does have a ton of room, great views, etc. but it wasn't the paradise we expected.  We planned to stay several nights but decided to leave after one.  First, the road in is extremely rough.  You can get to quite a few spots lower down, but if your plan is to go higher up on CR 250 or on to some of the other roads that branch off I'd recommend a 4x4 and high clearance.

We noticed on our way in some folks around a large rig with a huge campfire burning, despite a statewide fire ban and wildfires raging in the San Juans to the south.  I believe it was that same crowd who spent the better part of the afternoon firing handguns.  Another group farther down on the other side had two barking dogs and they filled in the gaps yelling at each other or the dogs...not sure.

So, relatively easy to get to and close to town means busy.  Plus, there's plenty of highway noise during the morning and afternoon commute times.  Salida/Poncha Springs is a beautiful area but in my opinion there are better places to camp.

Month of VisitSeptember