DISPERSED CAMPING: IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS. 

If you are yearning for a deeper connection with nature and a sense of solitude, dispersed camping might be your perfect match. Unlike developed campgrounds, dispersed camping—also known as boondocking—allows you to set up camp in a more primitive way. This form of camping is typically free of charge and offers the opportunity to venture into more remote, quiet areas, absent of amenities like restrooms, fire pits, and designated or numbered sites. This approach to camping provides a raw, immersive outdoor experience that can feel more adventurous and secluded.

Cottonwood Pass:
For a rustic experience in a breathtaking landscape, try dispersed camping up Cottonwood Pass. This area boasts panoramic views of the Sawatch Range and a real off-the-grid experience, without being too far from town. Remember to adhere to Leave No Trace principles to keep the area pristine.

CR 344: Starting about a half-mile past Cottonwood Lake campground, County Road 344 offers some of the best dispersed camping in Colorado. You will need 4WD and high clearance to access majority of the spots, however if you can make it the views are worthwhile and allow campers to immerse themselves in a landscape marked by high mountain ridges and stunning aspen groves. 

BACKPACKING SITES: EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF AN OVERNIGHT ADVENTURE.

For those seeking immersion in Colorado’s breathtaking wilderness, backpacking trails offer the ultimate experience. This form of adventure allows you to carry everything you need in your backpack and venture deep into the backcountry, hiking from one place to another and setting up camp along the way. In Buena Vista, you’ll find a wealth of backpacking trails that provide awe-inspiring vistas and an intimate connection with our natural world. 

Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Loop: For seasoned backpackers, the Buffalo Peaks Wilderness Loop offers a fun multi-day adventure with never-ending views. This 27-mile loop takes you through diverse terrains, displaying Colorado’s rich biodiversity and breathtaking vistas.

Colorado Trail, Segment 13: One of the jewels of backpacking in Buena Vista, Section 13 of the Colorado Trail offers an incredible journey through Colorado’s classic high-country scenery. This 22-mile segment takes you through part of the Sawatch Range, home to many of the state’s highest peaks. The trail ascends steadily, providing breathtaking panoramas and the chance to spot local wildlife. Along the way, you’ll encounter serene mountain lakes, vibrant wildflowers during the summer months, and a sense of tranquility one can only find in the backcountry. Be sure to plan for changing weather conditions as this high-altitude trek can quickly see shifts in the weather in all seasons. Nonetheless, the Colorado Trail: Segment 13, promises an unforgettable backpacking experience for those who undertake it.

Read next: Backpacking Essentials: Your Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide (PLUS a Downloadable Checklist!)

GUIDED BACKPACKING TRIPS: EMBARK ON THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME WITH GROUND UP ADVENTURES.

If you prefer a guided experience or are new to backpacking, Ground Up Adventures offers guided trips in Buena Vista and Leadville, Colorado. With local trail expertise and emphasis on safety, GUA provideS a rich, educational, and fun-filled adventure in the Colorado wilderness.