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

Cayton Campground is 6 miles northeast of Rico on Colo. Highway 145 (the San Juan Skyway) and 43 miles from Dolores. The entrance is 1/2 mile east of the highway on the Barlow Creek Road (Forest Rd. 578). Burro Bridge Campground is 8 miles west, on Forest Road 535.

Facilities

The campground, which has 27 campsites and three picnic sites along the river, will be undergoing renovation for the next few years.

Two loops offer a choice of sites. The lower one, near the river, has 14 mostly level spots with limited shade and three day-use picnic sites. The upper loop is gently sloping, with 13 sites. Both loops have pull-throughs and shady tent sites.

Water, trash pickup, dump station, and vault toilets.

Attractions & Considerations

At 9,400 feet, expect cool evenings.

Because of Cayton's easy access to Colorado Hwy. 145 and the Dolores River, the campground is very popular. There is plenty of fishing along the river, but it may be crowded on summer weekends.

The Barlow Creek Road continues past the campground and crosses Bolam Pass with spectacular views. Road conditions near the pass often limit travel to 4WD vehicles. The route eventually connects with the Hermosa Park Road behind Durango Mountain Resort and leads to U.S. Highway 550.

The Colorado Trail follows the ridge across Bolam Pass. The Lizard Head and Cross Mountain Trails near Lizard Head Pass lead to alpine basins surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. To the south, the Priest Gulch Trailhead, 11 miles southwest of Rico, leads to the alpine country to the west. The Bear Creek Trail, 14 miles south of Rico, heads southeast into the La Plata Mountains. Other nearby trails are the Calico National Recreation Trail and the Rico-Silverton Trail.

For motorists, motorcycle riders, and road cyclists, Hwy. 145 between the campground and Telluride offers some of the most majestic scenery along the San Juan Skyway, including views of the "14'ers" west of the highway above Telluride.

Map of Area