Beautiful scenery, fun exploring. Lots of people partying on weekend!
I took my 3 daughters for our first ever dispersed camping trip. I thought it would be a cool adventure as we had only ever camped at campgrounds. We ended up going about 16 miles from County Rd 123 up Phantom Canyon Rd.
We were in a Toyota Sienna which did perfectly well on the dirt road and as others have mentioned there are definitely some rough, wash boarded areas and lots of blind corners so taking your time is wise. Part of the reason we went as far in as we did was that there wasn't a spot to spare. This was on Friday/Saturday, May 1-2nd and every place that could be camped in was taken until we got to an area called, "Glenbrook" elevation 8,061 and we were able to find a place to set up camp opposite of the creek side.
We had a great time and made the most of it, and I say this only because our primary reason for "dispersed camping" was to get away from it all, the people, the noise, the congestion of campground camping. I can honestly say, it is more quiet when we have camped in my backyard in Colorado Springs than the 2 nights we spent here. On Friday night there was an entire group with loud music, hooping & hollering & partying down the road. On Saturday night there was a group down the road the other way with loud music & such. Both nights this lasted until almost midnight.
I realize the negatives weren't from the place just the people that happened to be there at the time we went. That was the problem just sooo many people everywhere! But the area is absolutely beautiful and a great place to hike and explore. We may have to try again possibly during the week it won't be so busy.