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Dispersed Camping

Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 is located near Steamboat Springs, Colorado, offering a terrain of forests and open meadows. Temperatures range from lows of 20°F in winter to highs of 80°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Fish Creek Falls and the Yampa River Botanic Park.

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Location

Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.38707057854657 N
106.63582318989495 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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.


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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Feb. 3, 2025

Beautiful views, many sites

If you have low clearance, you will definitely have to be careful and take the road slow. The sites are secluded, and wildlife is prevalent!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Lydia N., February 3, 2025
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Lydia N., February 3, 2025
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2024

Great fall spot!

Camp sites were plenty when I visited on a Thursday. Only people I saw were the forest service workers who were friendly and just out reminding people of the fire ban.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Dillon R., October 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Dillon R., October 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Dillon R., October 19, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2023

Good pull off spot

Lots of places to throw your tent out and get some rest, but if you’re close to the road you’ll hear cars. If your vehicle has a high center you’ll find nicer spots past the gate about 200 yards from the highway. Nice that it’s at about 9500 elevation too.

Mosquitos there, but not awful.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2023

Great forest camping spot

Recommend 4x4 high clearance to get to the campsites. If you have low clearance, there are a couple right at the start but they don't have much tree clearance. 

We drove about a quarter mile down the road and got a campsite that was lush with a ton of tree coverage. It felt like we were alone in the world, no other campsites in site. We even saw elk walking around the mossy ground. Bring bug spray!

Dog friendly, no amenities.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Catherine L., August 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Catherine L., August 7, 2023
  • Review photo of Rabbit's Ear Pass East Summit FR 251 by Catherine L., August 7, 2023
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is camping allowed at Rabbit Ears Pass?

Camping at Rabbit Ears Pass is primarily allowed along Forest Road 251 at the East Summit. There are several dispersed campsites located at different points along this road. Some sites are available right at the start of the road, while more secluded spots can be found further in, about a quarter mile down the road past a gate (approximately 200 yards from the highway). The camping area sits at around 9,500 feet elevation. Sites vary in tree coverage, with those further in offering more shelter and privacy. During fire bans, Forest Service workers may visit to remind campers of restrictions.

Is there cell phone service (T-Mobile) at Rabbit Ears Pass camping areas?

Specific T-Mobile coverage information for Rabbit Ears Pass camping areas is limited. Given the remote mountain location at approximately 9,500 feet elevation and the forested setting of many campsites, cell service is likely to be spotty or unavailable in many areas. Visitors should plan accordingly by downloading offline maps, bringing alternative communication devices if needed, and making important calls before arriving. For safety, it's best to assume limited connectivity while camping in this area.

What are the road conditions for accessing Rabbit Ears Pass camping areas?

The road conditions at Rabbit Ears Pass require careful consideration before arrival. High clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, and 4x4 is ideal for accessing the better campsites located further down the road. If you have a low clearance vehicle, you'll be limited to the few sites right at the beginning of FR 251, though these offer less tree coverage. The road beyond the first 200 yards (past a gate) becomes more rugged, requiring slow, careful driving even with suitable vehicles. Those with high-clearance vehicles will have access to more secluded, tree-covered sites further in.