Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

The sound of rushing creek water is the defining feature at Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead, a free dispersed camping area set within Rio Grande National Forest. A handful of spots with established fire pits sit close to the trailhead, making setup straightforward for hikers and equestrians staging trips into the backcountry. The road in gets rougher near the end but is manageable in a standard SUV. Verizon LTE runs between one and three bars depending on line of sight, and late-summer bugs are present but not excessive. This spot works best for self-sufficient campers comfortable with minimal infrastructure and a short, rough approach.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Map & DirectionsWild Cherry Creek Trailhead is located in Colorado near Crestone

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

38.10066832907109 N
105.77070615150289 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 5/13/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/1/26

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

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.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

This small trailhead offers basic free camping within Rio Grande National Forest with fire pits near the trail. Access can be challenging due to rough roads and potential gate closures. The peaceful creek setting provides a quiet atmosphere for those who can reach it.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 10, 2026

Delicious trout

The drive in you definitely need awd or 4wd, lots of rocks but once you make it to the bottom of the trail there are camping spots where you park or you can walk the trail and find little fire pits along the way. We ended up staying about 2 miles in next to the river.

Sitedispersed primitive camping
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead by Jem S., July 10, 2026
  • Review photo of Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead by Jem S., July 10, 2026
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Reviewed Aug. 27, 2024

Quiet camping and stars

Several good spots with fire pits right near the trailhead. A few bugs in late August but nothing terrible. Very quiet except for the sound of the rushing creek. Verizon cell service was between 1 and 3 bars LTE depending on your line of sight to the tower. Road in is rougher towards the end but definitely doable in any SUV

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead by W D., August 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead by W D., August 27, 2024
  • Review photo of Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead by W D., August 27, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead located in Colorado?

Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead is located within the Rio Grande National Forest in Colorado. The trailhead features a small parking area that serves as both a starting point for hikers and equestrians, as well as offering a few primitive camping spots. The site sits alongside a rushing creek that provides pleasant natural sounds for visitors. Access may involve navigating a somewhat rough road, especially toward the final stretch leading to the trailhead.

What hiking trails are accessible from Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead?

Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead serves as an access point for backcountry hiking and equestrian trails in the Rio Grande National Forest. While specific trail names aren't documented, the trailhead functions as a gateway for backpackers heading into the surrounding wilderness. The area features rushing creek sounds and natural forest settings typical of Colorado's mountain terrain. Note that some visitors have reported access issues due to a private gate blocking the road, so it's advisable to check current access conditions before planning your hike.

Is the Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead part of Colorado's Local Guide Program?

There's no indication that Wild Cherry Creek Trailhead is officially part of Colorado's Local Guide Program. The trailhead is located within the Rio Grande National Forest and primarily serves as a small access point for backcountry hiking and horseback riding, with a few primitive camping spots available. For the most current information about participation in specific programs, contact the Rio Grande National Forest office directly.