North Trout Lake Road

Thanks to Grand Adventure, we landed in the same fantastic spot near Trout Lake. We also scoped out some future sites on FR 626, as well as on Hope Lake Rd (which I think is FR 627?). Hope Lake Road is a bit rougher, and has a bit of a climb, but has some spectacular campsites if you're adventurous. Also, some sites with amazing views between this site and Lizard Head Pass, as was mentioned. We had no cell service here (AT&T or Verizon), in spite of occasionally seeing one bar appear/disappear, but we didn't care. It was a bit buggy while we were there (thanks to monsoon season bringing rainy afternoons with small thunderstorms), but rain is so badly needed this year, it's hard to complain! Trout Lake access nearby for paddling. Also close to a great hike to Hope Lake. And an easy drive to Mountain Village for groceries and to ride the free gondola into town - which was a great experience. Can't wait to go back & camp in the area again.

If you head past Trout Lake on FR-626 you leave private land and enter Uncompahgre National Forest with legal dispersed camping. We picked a spot right next to the historic Trout Lake (railroad) Trestle with spectacular views of Mt. San Miguel. There are other sites further south, most of which are pull-offs along the road although a couple are tucked in. The road eventually loops back to CO-145 at Lizard Head Pass. From here, we drove to Mountain Village and road the free gondola into Telluride for easy, free parking. The North Trout Lake Road was once a railroad grade, so it's easy driving for any size rig.