🌄 Hidden Colorado: Camping, Fishing, and Trail Riding on the Remote Uncompahgre Plateau

July 14, 2024

Escape the crowds. 🎒 Catch fish until your arms ache. 🎣 Ride quiet trails with views that will steal your breath. 🏞️ Welcome to the Northern Uncompahgre Plateau.

In a state as popular as Colorado, solitude can feel like a fading memory. 😔 But high above the sweltering valleys, tucked into the massive uplift of the Colorado Plateau, there are still places untouched by chaos. 🌲 This week, we discovered one of those places.

We’re heading deep into the northern edge of the Uncompahgre Plateau, exploring remote campsites, glassy lakes filled with fish, and miles of rugged trails that are begging to be ridden. 🚐🌄

🗺️ Discovering a Hidden Gem: The Uncompahgre Plateau

Spanning over 2,290 square miles and crossing five counties, the Uncompahgre Plateau is often overshadowed by more famous backcountry destinations in Colorado. That’s a shame—because it's stunning. 😍

Rising abruptly from the valley floor, this rugged plateau offers cooler temperatures, dense forests, and a peaceful kind of wild beauty. 🌿🦌 And yet, it remains surprisingly under the radar. For those willing to drive the extra mile, it’s a dream destination for dispersed camping, off-road adventures, and fishing in quiet alpine lakes. 🏕️🛻🎣

🚙 The Journey Begins: From Delta to 25 Mesa Road

Our adventure begins in the town of Delta, Colorado, where we met up with our friends Steve and Diana. 👋 They’ve camped this region for years and were kind enough to share one of their go-to spots with us.

The route takes us along Highway 348, eventually branching off to 25 Mesa Road. At first glance, it may not seem like much. The scenery is subtle, even barren. 🏜️ But don’t let the initial stretch fool you—just wait.

As we climbed toward 9,000 feet, the landscape transformed. 🌲 Crisp mountain air replaced the summer heat of the valley below. 🌬️☀️ With every turn, the plateau revealed more of its quiet beauty. 🏔️

🏕️ Boondocking and Campgrounds: Finding a Home Base

After a few wrong turns (and a rescue from our ever-patient friends 😅), we reached our boondocking site—an open and peaceful area surrounded by forest. 🌳 It’s one of many dispersed camping spots along the plateau. No reservations. No crowds. Just space, silence, and sky. 🌌

If you’re looking for a bit more structure, there’s also the Columbine Campground, nestled atop Columbine Pass. Here’s what you’ll find:

• 🏕️ 23 spacious sites

• 🚻 2 sets of vault toilets

• 🔥 Generous fire rings

• 💸 Zero fees

Don’t expect running water, trash bins, or picnic tables. It’s rustic—but clean, roomy, and serene. Best of all? It's 100% free. 🙌 While there’s a sign telling visitors to check in with a camp host, locals told us there hasn’t been one for years.

🎣 Casting a Line: Fishing at the Gravel Pit Lake

The next morning brought an unexpected joy: fishing in a small lake just minutes from the campground. 🐟 Created from a former gravel pit, this little lake is stocked annually by the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife.

Locals call it the lake where “fish beg to be caught”—and after an hour with a rod in hand, we believe it. 💯 We caught more fish than we could count. Seriously. It was one of those magical mornings that remind you why you bought that fishing license in the first place. 🧘‍♂️🎣

🎥 If you’re a more hardcore angler, check out our video on Grand Mesa, where the fishing gets even more technical (and rewarding).

🛻 Hitting the Trails: Quiet Rides and Canyon Views

Camping here isn’t just about fishing and fireside chats. 🔥 This spot is located in the heart of a network of 50-inch trails, ideal for ATVs and other off-road vehicles.

Over two days, we explored the area, stringing together several of these quiet trails with connecting backcountry roads. 🌄🛤️

Why do we love 50-inch trails?

• 🤫 They’re quiet—no roaring side-by-sides blasting by every few minutes.

• 🌲 They offer a smoother ride, weaving through the trees like a gentle roller coaster.

• 🧭 They feel intimate, like a personal tour through Colorado’s wild backyard.

Not all trails have sweeping views—but some do. 💥The Cottonwood Trail was the highlight for us. With its switchbacks, playful ups and downs, and the kind of canyon vistas that make you stop and stare, it delivered everything we love in a trail ride. 🏍️🌄

🐉 A Quiet Camp, A Dragonfly Army, and A Curious Legend

One of the most pleasant surprises of this trip was what wasn’t there—mosquitos. 🙌

Instead, the air was thick with dragonflies. Dozens of them, zipping and darting in the golden light. 🐉✨ Our friends told us they’re sometimes called “snake doctors,” based on an old folk tale that says they can revive snakes from the dead. 🐍 (Creepy, but kind of cool.)

Whatever the reason, one thing’s for sure: they’re great for bug control. No bites. No buzzing. Just pure, peaceful camp vibes. ☕🛶

🌌 Saying Goodbye (For Now)

Day two brought more trail riding, more laughter, and one last meal shared under the stars. 🌟 Before we knew it, it was time to pack up and head back to the real world. 😔

Trips like this remind us why we love the outdoors so much. It’s not just the views or the activities—it’s the people. 👣 The friends who share secret spots. The quiet moments around a fire. The dragonflies doing air patrol while you cast another line.

We're grateful for places like the Uncompahgre Plateau—and for the people who make the journey even better. 🙏💚

📝 Tips for Exploring the Northern Uncompahgre Plateau

✅ Prepare for altitude: At 9,000 feet, the air is thin and nights get chilly—even in summer.

🚰 Bring your own water: No potable water at most sites.

📏 Check trail sizes: Many trails are restricted to 50-inch vehicles.

🦌 Watch for wildlife: Deer, elk, and even bears call this area home.

📶 Download offline maps: Cell service is limited. Getting lost is easy (ask us how we know).

♻️ Leave no trace: Pack it in, pack it out.

✨ What’s Next?

Join us next week as we head to one of our all-time favorite spots—a famous meadow nearly 10,000 feet high. 🌻 Expect jaw-dropping views, unforgettable sunsets, and a camping experience that’s hard to beat. 🌅

Until then, happy trails—and keep chasing those hidden corners of Colorado. 🥾 You never know what you’ll find. 🏕️

💬 Have questions about boondocking on the Uncompahgre Plateau? Want to share your favorite hidden camping spot? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you! ⛺👇