🏕️ Boondocking Near Telluride, Colorado: Elk, Trails, and Trout Lake Adventures 🎣🏔️

January 11, 2024

If you’ve ever dreamed of camping beneath towering peaks, spotting wild elk, and fishing in alpine lakes—without the crowds—this blog is for you! We recently set up camp near the iconic mountain town of Telluride, Colorado, and explored everything from historic railroads to hidden waterfalls and peaceful boondocking spots in the national forest.

Read on to find out how you can create your own unforgettable off-grid adventure just minutes from one of Colorado’s most scenic towns.

🚗 Getting There: How to Find the Perfect Campsite (1:05)

We found a dispersed camping site just outside Telluride—free, quiet, and surrounded by alpine views. Most access roads are graded dirt and suitable for high-clearance vehicles, though smaller rigs and vans should have no issue if the weather is dry.

🗺️ Pro Tip: Download offline maps via Google Maps or Gaia GPS before you go—cell service fades quickly once you're in the forest.

🏞️ Our Campsite Setup (3:02)

Our boondocking site had easy access and incredible mountain views with enough room for multiple rigs. With no hookups or facilities, you'll want to come prepared with:

• Water

• Trash bags (pack it out!)

• Solar or battery power

• A sense of adventure 🌲

This area is ideal for RVers, van lifers, or tent campers looking to stay close to nature and avoid the crowds in designated campgrounds.

🛤️ Exploring Trestle Road (3:31)

Just down the road from our campsite is Trestle Road, a historical route once used by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. This scenic drive offers epic views and fun off-roading. It’s a must for history buffs and OHV enthusiasts alike!

🚧 Be prepared for narrow turns and occasional rough patches. 4WD is recommended if you plan to venture deep.

⛰️ Lizard Head Pass: High-Elevation Beauty (6:22)

One of the best scenic overlooks in the area, Lizard Head Pass delivers jaw-dropping views at over 10,000 feet in elevation. Whether you're driving through or stopping for a short hike or picnic, this spot is unforgettable.

📸 Bring your camera—you might catch elk herds grazing in the open meadows below.

🎣 Fishing at Trout Lake (7:04)

Next, we headed to Trout Lake, a sparkling alpine lake perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, and—you guessed it—fishing for trout.

🎣 Fishing Tip: Bring a Colorado fishing license and try fly fishing in the early morning or around sunset for the best results. Shore access is easy, and the scenery is unbeatable.

🌲 Nearby National Forest Campgrounds (8:19)

If you prefer more amenities, several developed campgrounds are located nearby in the Uncompahgre and San Juan National Forests. These campgrounds offer:

• Vault toilets

• Picnic tables

• Fire rings

• Easier access for large RVs

💡 These campgrounds fill fast in summer, so arrive early or try weekdays for better availability.

⚡ Ames Station: A Hidden Historic Gem (9:13)

A short drive from Trout Lake brings you to Ames Station, the first hydroelectric power plant in the world! This quirky historic site is worth a quick stop and makes a great addition to your adventure.

🕰️ Built in the 1890s, Ames Station helped power the nearby mining town and is still partially operational.

🌿 South Fork Preserve: Quiet Nature Walk (9:37)

For a peaceful stroll, South Fork Preserve is an easy, family-friendly stop offering nature trails, river access, and bird-watching opportunities. It’s a lovely contrast to the more rugged hikes and drives nearby.

🦅 Keep an eye out for hawks, marmots, and wildflowers in spring and early summer.

🦌 Elk Herd Sighting! (11:53)

One of the highlights of our trip? Spotting a massive herd of elk at dusk in a meadow just a few miles from camp. If you're quiet and respectful, you'll often catch them grazing, especially in the early morning or evening.

📍 Elk are wild—observe from a distance, use binoculars, and never approach.

🏙️ Exploring Telluride: Old West Meets Modern Adventure (12:49)

No trip to the area is complete without a visit to Telluride, a vibrant mountain town with:

• Historic charm

• Fantastic dining and coffee spots

• Shops and art galleries

• Free gondola rides between Telluride and Mountain Village 🎡

Pro tip: Park outside town and take the gondola for incredible views and easy access.

💦 Bridal Veil Falls: The Grand Finale (14:45)

We wrapped up our trip with a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall. You can hike or drive up (high-clearance required), and the views are nothing short of spectacular.

🥾 The trail to the base of the falls is moderately challenging but well worth it. Bring water, good shoes, and your camera.

🧳 What to Pack for Your Trip

Here’s what we recommend bringing for a successful Telluride-area adventure:

✔️ Water storage (no hookups)✔️ Fishing gear + license✔️ Binoculars for wildlife viewing✔️ Hiking boots and layers✔️ Offline maps & trail guides✔️ Camera or drone (where permitted)✔️ Firewood or portable fire ring (check burn restrictions)

✅ Final Thoughts: Why We Love Boondocking Near Telluride

Boondocking near Telluride offers the perfect balance of nature, adventure, and history. You can:

• Camp for free with stunning views

• Fish, hike, and spot elk

• Explore scenic drives and hidden waterfalls

• Visit a charming town without sacrificing solitude

It’s the kind of trip where you’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own secret corner of Colorado. 🌄

📍 Have a favorite boondocking spot or secret trail near Telluride? Share it in the comments below!And if you’re planning your first visit—pack smart, stay safe, and enjoy everything this stunning part of Colorado has to offer.