Burning Bear Campground

About

Burning Bear Campground is nestled in a beautiful valley along the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway at 9,813 feet elevation in Pike National Forest. The campground offers 13 sites including 12 standard nonelectric sites and one tent-only site, accommodating RVs up to 50 feet. A campground host is present during full service season. Ponderosa pines scattered throughout provide some privacy between sites. The location is ideal for accessing Mount Evans Wilderness directly behind the campground via the Abyss Trail (also called Scott Gomer Trail). Burning Bear Trail across the road is open to both hiking and mountain biking. Mount Bierstadt, a popular fourteener at 14,060 feet, lies about 7 miles north. The Guanella Pass Road is excellent for wildlife viewing, including bighorn sheep, elk, deer, moose, marmot, pika, and bear. Amenities include vault toilets, potable water from a hand pump, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. There are no hookups, dump station, or showers. Maximum occupancy is 8 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles or 1 RV per site. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Expect rough road conditions with potholes and washboarding on the access road.

Directions

From Denver, travel US Highway 285 south toward Fairplay to the town of Grant. Turn north on Park County Route 62 toward Guanella Pass. Burning Bear Campground is 5 miles north on the right.