The drive up Stevens Gulch Road sets the tone before a single tent stake hits the ground. The dirt road off I-70 climbs through Arapaho National Forest with a rough, rocky surface that has turned back vehicles without sufficient clearance. Most reviewers recommend 4WD, though some have managed the route in high-clearance AWD SUVs by picking careful lines. A stretch of the road passes private property, so dispersed camping is limited to the pull-offs and sites clustered near the trailhead and just beyond it.
At the top, the sites sit alongside a creek, with open sightlines toward the surrounding alpine terrain. Stone fire rings mark the established spots. Mountain goats have been spotted in the area. The Grays & Torreys Trailhead is within steps of camp, making this a practical overnight stop for hikers planning an early summit push on Grays, Torreys, or Kelso Peak. Pit toilets and bear-proof trash cans are available at the parking lot. Filter any water drawn from the creek.
Weekends bring a significant crowd. Hikers begin arriving at the trailhead as early as 3:30 to 4:00 a.m., which means light sleepers will be up whether they planned on it or not. Weeknights are considerably quieter. One reviewer arriving on a Monday evening at 6 p.m. found the area empty. There is no fee to camp, and pets are permitted. For those staging trips through the corridor, Stevens Gulch Rd Dispersed — Arapaho NF provides another option along the same road system.
Snow can close or compromise the route well into late spring and return early in fall, so check road conditions before heading up.
Description
Note: Due to high elevation, the area is not generally snow-free until late June or even July in some years. The road typically isn't plowed, so early and late season conditions may impact accessibility
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGrays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping is located in Colorado near Silver Plume
Coordinates
39.65963905 N
105.78339775 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 7/27/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Pets
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 Grays Peak Summer Trailhead Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Denver, CO
- 1 hr 22 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 54 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 58 min from Fort Collins, CO




























