Pike & San Isabel National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche National Grasslands

USDA Forest Service
Pike & San Isabel
National Forests
Cimarron & Comanche
National Grasslands
2840 Kachina Drive
Pueblo, CO 81008
719-553-1400

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
719-553-1404

Recreation – San Carlos Ranger District

Alvarado Reservation Campground
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Alvarado Reservation Campground: This campground is usually open Memorial Day weekend through the middle of October.

Location: From downtown Westcliffe, CO; travel 3 miles south on State Highway 69 to County Road 140 then 7 miles west to the campground

Weather: Weather in the summer is generally mild with warm days and cool nights; highs in the 80's and lows in the 40's. Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. Spring and fall weather is usually dry and sunny with highs in the 60’s and lows in the 30's.

Attractions: Access to the Sangre de Cristo wilderness trails from the Rainbow trail. The Rainbow trail is a motorized trail which includes ATV and motorcycle use and runs along the foot of the Sangres. Wilderness trails, that climb above the Rainbow trail into the Sangres, are only accessed by foot or livestock. The closest wilderness trails include Cottonwood, Comanche, Venable, and Goodwin. High Mountain lakes are accessible from the wilderness trails.

Facilities: 50 campsites, 9 are RV accessible with a spur length of no more that 29 feet, and 3 are Horse sites. Water from a handpump, accessible toilets and trash receptacles are located in the campground. Each campsite has a firegrate/grill and a picnic table. Firewood is available for sale by the concessionaire at the campground.

Horse Sites: The 3 horse sites have more space (no corralls) and are away from the other campsites. You must bring only certified weed free hay, or certified weed free cubes, or pellets.

Special User Fee: Reservations for 27 of the sites are required and made by calling 1 877 444 6777 or using the website of: www.recreation.gov. A non refundable reservation fee will be assessed. Reservations may be made up to six (6) months prior to your arrival or as late as four (4) days prior. During the summer, the site receives heavy use on the weekends and holidays. Please make your reservation as early as possible.

Other Important Information: Be Bear Aware. It is prohibited to Possess or leave unattended any food, refuse or other bear attractants unless it is; A. stored in a bear resistant method or, B. being eaten, prepared for eating or being transported. 36 CFR 261.58(cc).

PSICC Special Orders