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

Directions from Bayfield, Colorado: Travel 22 miles north on County Road 501 to the turnoff for Middle Mountain Campground. Continue right on Forest Road 602 for 5 miles to the campground entrance.

Facilities

This area is often used as a temporary base camp and parking area for hikers and backpackers. There is no potable water. All six campsites have outstanding views up the Pine River Valley.

Private land adjoins the campground, and there is no public access to the nearby river. Although RVs easily fit in the parking area, the campsites accommodate only tents or small RVs.

Attractions & Considerations

The trailhead for the Pine River trail begins at the campground. The Pine River Trail crosses private
land for 3 miles before reaching the Weminuche Wilderness. Respect private property, and leave gates as you find them. The trail is very popular with horseback riders. The trail follows the Pine River for 6 miles to intersect with the Lake Creek Trail, which leads steeply uphill to Emerald Lake. Mountain bicycles and motorized vehicles are not allowed in Wilderness areas.

Map of Area