Over Memorial Day weekend we decided to camp in the Wet Mountains in Colorado.
This is a mountain range between Pueblo and Walsenberg just to the west of I-25.
Camping on Memorial Day in Colorado can be a challenge, especially at higher altitudes (above 9000 ft). The reason being there is usually snow lingering at these altitudes.
For this reason we try to find camping and riding location around 8000 ft.
Normally we would camp at Texas Creek CO but after 15 years of camping there we were ready for a different location.
So why the Wet Mountains?
After doing a google search I found there were several ATV and motorcycle trails available in the Wet Mountains.
My only concern was the camping opportunities in the area. After a quick day trip to the Wet Mountains, I found I had nothing to fear.
Here is what we found special about the area.
The Views
There is a great variety of things to see within the area. From dry oak-brush to thick forests. From granite outcroppings to open tundra. All area a site to see.
The views from the Wet Mountains are just as majestic. To the west, across the Wet Mountain Valley is the Sangre de Cristo range, home of 9 peaks over 14,000 ft. To the south is the Spanish Peaks. On a clear day from the highest point in the Wet Mountains (Greenhorn Mountain) you can see Pikes Peak to the north.
Also located in the Wet Mountains is Bishops Castle. If you have not seen this one of a kind masterpiece you really should.
The Rides
This is what drew us to the area. There are a few hundred miles of ATV and Motorcycle trails with varying difficulty ratings.
Our first day out we did an awesome 45 miles loop that really put our side-by-sides to the challenge.
Around our camp was wide open areas to allow those new to riding a chance to practice.
We were camped there for 5 days but barely scratched the surface on the trails.
Looking forward to camp there again in the coming years.
The Hiking
Greenhorn Mountain is the highest peak in the Wet Mountains, and also the highest point in Pueblo County.
There are several trails to reach the summit, the one we chose was from the Upper (West) Greenhorn Mountain Trail-head.
This route is the shortest and easiest route to the summit, and closer to our campsite .
The Camping
Being in a national forest (San Isabel) we found plenty of locations we can dry camp and ride our off-highway vehicles (OHV's).
We like to camp in a group, anywhere from 6 to 30 people. We found plenty of sites that can easily accommodate our group sizes.
If you're not into dry camping, there are a few pay campsites that offer some amenities, like hook-ups and latrines. But these sites may not have direct access to OHV trails.
The campsite we chose was Wylie Gulch, only 7 miles from Hwy 69 outside of Gardner CO. Had plenty of space and direct access to several OHV trails.
Reading the reviews and comments from others it was mentioned several times this a little known gem. We found that to be true as we saw very few people compared to other areas like Texas Creek. All-in-all we had a great time and will likely come back again
Please visit our social media sites for pictures and movies of our outings.
This is Don with Camp Wild Ride, and as always, Show us your Wild Side!
Donald Clever
President
Camp Wild Ride ®
www.campwildride.com
