Rollins Pass Dispersed Camping

Went up Rollins pass road (you can access it from the Lakota Trail neighborhood or down the road a bit on 80). The first gate was open but not the second or third to get to the top where there are def more spots and fire rings. You can only camp places where there are dots on the side of the road on the official county map. Check the Rollins pass website it’s very informative and a sacred land so leave no trace. We got one of the like 3-4 spots we saw with a fire ring that wasn’t taken yet. (No fire ban 6/14/25 I check don’t worry :).. Some back trails are very hairy, pretty busy with motor vehicles but a lot of the new electric dirt bikes which don’t make much noise, probably 10-15 ppl the entire night riding by only once. Got great weather and the main trail is pretty easy up to the second gate which is supposed to be open June 15-Sept 15 I think.

We backpacked here from Hessie Trailhead. Gorgeous hike, and absolutely beautiful views from up here. There are a fair number of folks going through the area with different activities, but it settles down in the evening.

The only good thing about this is the view. If your coming from winter park the road is horrible. The road is thin and full of sharp rocks and deep ruts. Even in a 4x4 the road was rough, i saw some guys walking dirt bikes past a overly rough area. It was just not worth the effort.

You know, beautiful & busy. Fantastic stretch with plenty of dispersed camping and nothing too close together. As far as camping goes off the divide this is one of the better areas. As usually it gets pretty busy with a lot of weekenders so expect the noise, trash, fires during fire bans, and lots of off road traffic, etc but it doesn’t take away from a great weekend up in the mountains. Lots of hiking and adventuring to be found all over

Cell service is up here but spotty and it is dispersed so plan accordingly.

We had a great time staying for free at Rollins pass. We had a large group of bikers so we all hammock camped since there isn't much space for tents (lots of trees but not enough space to set up a tent). We were there for mtn biking and a show in Winter Park and it was an easy ride to and from town from the pass. There are lots of campers along the road since the top of the pass is the start of all the single track trails heading down into the town. 

I also stayed an extra night so I could leave early in the morning to hike James Peak and St. Mary's Glacier. It is easy access from here too. You will need to drive to the trailhead but it is less than a mile to the glacier and only a couple more miles to the peak. 

Even in Summer it is cold so be away and prepare yourself accordingly.