San Juan National Forest

USDA Forest Service
San Juan National Forest
15 Burnett Court
Durango, CO 81301
970-247-4874

Telephone for the
Hearing Impaired
970-385-1257

Location

Two miles northeast of Dunton, Burro Bridge is one of three campgrounds along the West Dolores Road (Forest Rd. 535), which branches north from Colorado Highway 145 about 13 miles northeast of Dolores. The road follows the West Dolores River almost to its headwaters in the Lizard Head Wilderness. Side roads lead into the backcountry. After 32 miles, the road rejoins the highway 6 miles north of Rico. The road has a gravel surface, but the last 6 miles are steep, narrow, and not recommended for trailers.

Facilities

There are 12 campsites on a sloping hillside above the river. A few trees give shade, and there are tent sites. Parking pads are wide enough to accommodate RVs. One site has a table suitable for wheelchairs.

Water, trash pickup, vault toilets.

A nearby corral is next to two campsites, for those camping with stock ($5/day). Two bays can accommodate 2 horses a day.

Attractions & Considerations

Burro Bridge Campground is a good base camp for trips into the Lizard Head Wilderness. The Navajo Lake Trail begins about a mile away and follows the W. Dolores River into the Lizard Head Wilderness up to Navajo Basin (foot or pack animals only). The basin is surrounded by El Diente, Mount Wilson, and Wilson Peak, each more than 14,000 feet in elevation.

The Calico National Recreation Trail begins about 4 miles north of Burro Bridge. Trailhead parking is a mile south of Forest Rd. 535 on Forest Rd. 471. The trail goes south across marshlands, through wooded areas, and uphill to scenic highlands. Several connecting trails offer day hikes or extended trips.

Map of Area