Columbine Landing Recreation Site

Columbine Landing Recreation Site (#2410) is at first glance little more than a gravel parking lot with access to trails along the Blue River. But it is also home to a handful of quaint and private riverside campsites ideal for those who like to escape the bustle of established campgrounds.

In terms of amenities, there's a vault toilet and nothing else (so pack in all your water), but what it lacks in services it makes up for in solitude. A few campsites are located adjacent to the parking area, but the best are tucked down below the gravel parking area and nestled in the woods, so you'll want to hop out of your car and explore a bit before settling on what you deem to be the best site.

Like Blue River Campground just to the south, the campground is popular amongst anglers, but it also serves as a base camp for some of the Gore Mountain's best hikes into the Eagles Nest Wilderness, including:

• The 5.7-mile round-trip hike to Lower Boulder Lake via the North Rock Creek Trailhead.
• Boss Mine hike (4.2 miles round-trip) via the North Rock Creek Trailhead.
• Upper Slate Lake hike (22.4 miles round-trip) via the North Rock Creek Trailhead.
• Willow Lakes and Salmon Lake hike (12.6 miles round-trip) via the Willow Creek Trailhead.

​Note: For seasonal closures or restrictions call the Dillon Ranger Station at 970.468.5400.