Camping in Solitude
Where to camp away from the crowds this summer
Last weekend I was at a happy hour at a friends house where there were several Grand Junction residents who have lived here most of their lives. We had mentioned to one particular gentlemen that we had been camping over the weekend and when we told him where we went he said, “oh, you know the good spots!”
Indeed when we were driving up the dirt road to find out perfect spot to this camping destination we flagged down a truck coming the opposite way. The rain was starting to pick-up and the mud was concerning so we wanted to see how bad the road was. One of the first things the man in the truck asked is where we were from and when we mentioned, “Grand Junction,” he was more than willing to help. Yes, friends, this camping area is a bit of a locals secret. But I’m going to let you in on it….just don’t tell them if you are from the front range.
Owl Creek Pass is one of our favorite areas to explore in the fall. The aspens come alive, the drive isn’t nearly as crowded as Kebler and there are plenty of photographic moments. We drove this area a few years ago and found some great dispersed camping that we knew we had to come back and visit in the summer.
If dispersed camping isn’t your thing you can always camp at Silver Jack Campground. There are 80 developed spots here and you can camp around the reservoir where you can fish, paddle board and kayak. Divided among 3 campgrounds, campsites require a small overnight fee with room for vehicles up to 45 feet. There is potable water at the Silver Jack Reservoir Campground, where the camp host is stationed. All sites are “first-come-first-served,” and include access to clean bathrooms, a fire pit, tent space, and a picnic table. If you are bringing a large vehicle I would recommend coming at Silver Jack from Cimarron instead of traveling east over Owl Creek Pass from State Highway 550 near Ridgway. A 2wd vehicle can access this area, just don’t drive the road if it’s recently been raining or wet as the mud could be an issue.
We drove Owl Creek from 550 near Ridgway and initially camped right off the road for the first night in a dispersed spot because of the weather. The next day we drove towards Silver Jack and turned onto 860 which is right past the summit and found plenty of dispersed camping here. This area is right along the river and while some spots were muddy, we found one that was perfect. There is a spot right by the summit of Owl Creek on the hill and that is the only spot you will find cell service on the pass.
Off of this road you will also find an excellent hike, Courthouse Mountain which has the best views of the valley and the colorful aspens in the fall. This is a strenuous hike, but not a busy one so it’s perfect for those whole like camping and hiking without the crowds. There is a little scrambling near the top or if you don’t feel comfortable you don’t have to hike all the way up.
I would highly recommend bug spray as with the water around the mosquitos tend to be an issue if the wind isn’t blowing. Also make sure you camp where there are established fire rings and don’t park on the grass and make sure you camp at least 100 feet from water sources.
If you haven’t put Owl Creek Pass on your list for hiking, camping and exploring make sure you add it!
Thank you dear reader for following along on this adventure and get ready for more summer adventures to come plus my tips and tricks on our trip to Japan in early June!