Rocky Mountain National Park's backcountry includes Upper Wind River, a small hike-in campground set within pine forest alongside two converging streams. Elk are commonly seen in the area. At $36 per night, reservations are available, though pets are not permitted. Campers planning a trip can browse campgrounds around Rocky Mountain National Park to compare nearby options. The site works best for backpacking groups comfortable with carrying gear in. No water infrastructure is provided on-site, but the adjacent streams are present. Nearby alternatives include Glacier Basin Campground — Rocky Mountain National Park for those who prefer drive-in access.
Description
No campfires allowed here - only portable stoves.
Site Location: Site is in a lodgepole pine forest near some beaver ponds on Wind River. Site is across river from trail. A wood sign indicates the path to the site; the path may be marked by red arrowheads on trees. Camp safely away from standing dead trees, as near as is safely possible to the silver metal arrowhead.
Number of Sites: 1 Elevation: 8,940 feet Distance: 1.6 miles from East Portal TH, 1.9 miles from Sprague Lake TH Approximate Travel Time: 1 to 2 hours Elevation Change: 620 feet gain from East Portal TH, net gain 230 feet from Sprague Lake TH (320 feet gain; 90 feet loss) Privy: YES
Water Source: Water may be available from river. RIVER MAY BE DRY AFTER MID-JULY. Boil or adequately treat all water.
To Reach the Trailhead (TH): East Portal TH: From Beaver Meadows Visitor Center follow Hwy 36 approximately 0.7 mile east and turn right onto Hwy 66. Drive to the end of the Hwy 66 (approximately 3 miles). Park your vehicle in the asphalt parking area on the east edge of the loop at the end of Hwy 66. Do NOT park in the Day Use Picnic Area.
Reservation Info
Respect Wildness... Practice the 7 Leave No Trace Ethics Plan ahead and prepare: Plan your trip carefully. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards and emergencies. Plan for the least experienced member of your party. Travel and camp on durable surfaces: Hike single file in the middle of the trail or side by side in areas without trails. Camp in hardened areas only, not in meadows or on vegetation. Dispose of waste properly: Pick up all spilled foods and trash. Disperse washing and cooking wastewater 70 adult steps (200 feet/60 meters) from camps and all water sources. Leave no evidence of your stay. Leave what you find: Leave plants, rocks, antlers and artifacts as you find them for others to enjoy. Minimize campfire impacts: CAMPFIRES PROHIBITED AT THIS SITE. Use portable stoves only. Respect Wildlife: Use carry-in/carry-out bear resistant food storage canister April 1 through October 31. Minimize noise. Avoid lakes and streams at dawn and dusk. Be considerate of other visitors: Respect the quality of every visitor’s experience.
EMERGENCIES: In case of emergency, call 911. Area map shows the location of the nearest phone.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsUpper Wind River is located in Colorado near Estes Park
Coordinates
40.31212007070426 N
105.60049261614775 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage
AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 11 min from Boulder, CO
- 1 hr 18 min from Fort Collins, CO
- 1 hr 22 min from Greeley, CO
- 1 hr 38 min from Denver, CO
