USFS•Durango, CO•12h from Austin

San Juan NF — Hermosa Creek Dispersed

mountainsforestriver

Accessibility baseline: Sites on this platform are reviewed for access with a standard 2WD pickup truck towing a 21-foot travel trailer unless otherwise noted below.

Fee

Free

Hookups

No hookups

Trailer

Accessible (2WD pickup + trailer)

Cell Signal

Poor

Water

Bring your own

Toilets

None

Best Season

Jun–Sep

Reservations

None — dispersed (14-day limit)

Max Length

25 ft

Highlights

▶ Ponderosa and aspen canyon just 10 miles from Durango — wildly underused for a site this close to a full-service town
▶ Direct access to Hermosa Creek Special Management Area trails and excellent fishing in Hermosa Creek
▶ The only San Juan NF dispersed coverage near Durango — represents a massive uncovered forest zone

Planning Notes

Hermosa Park Road (FR 578) is 2WD-accessible to the trailhead (~6 miles graded dirt); creek crossings beyond require 4WD — stop at the trailhead area for trailer camping. 25 ft practical limit on FR 578. Treat creek water. Durango is full-service for resupply. Download San Juan NF MVUM before departure.

Contact: (970) 884-2512

Always call ahead to confirm conditions, closures, and road accessibility.