Stream Crossing
Shallow stream crossing on the way up the mountain to Elwood Pass.

Chinese Food
West of Pagosa Springs, a Chinese restaurant where Shannon and I met up for lunch.

Old Ranger Station
A historic, forest service ranger station marks the entrance to the hiking trailhead to access Silver Falls. Some room to park your vehicle here for the short hike up the hill.

Corpse Cabin
Dilapidated cabin containing the decroded corpse of a cow. I didn’t go inside, because dead cow.

Hiking Trailhead
Gravel parking area at the end of a gentle dirt road for a hiking trailhead.

Camp CO - 4x4 Accessible Site
A short two-track spur turns to the south that terminates in a grove of trees next to a mountain stream. There is a stone fire ring here and it is very deep in the mountains at a fairly high elevation. Looks like a lovely spot with enough room for a couple of vehicles.

Road Overgrown
While the forest road continues a little farther according to the map, it is impassably overgrown beyond this point with fallen trees and vegetation.

Technical Rocks
The most challenging obstacle on the road up to Elwood Pass, a short stretch of very pronounced rocks. High-clearance four-wheel drive required. Stock vehicles with generous clearance might be okay, but lightly modified would be ideal.

Camp CO - Grassy Woodlands
A spacious and easily accessible campsite in southern Colorado. Good privacy and not far from road. Accessible by any vehicle. Potentially popular in peak season due to convenience.

Camp CO - Northern Meadow
Just a little bit beyond the more popular camping area, this site is tucked away in the trees just off a severely rutted forest road. Sprawling meadow to the north. Cattle possible.

Camp CO - Lovely Mountain View
Very spacious and idyllic campsite in a grassy area at the edge of the tree line with a great view of the mountains to the north. Lovely spot! It was occupied when I passed through.

Camp CO - Aspen Grove
A nearly overgrown two-track spur runs up the hill. It doe not look like it goes anywhere, but there’s a small flat spot with a fire ring surrounded by aspen trees. It might be a nice place to spend the night.

Hiking Trailhead
There is a hiking trail that crosses the forest road here. Not much space for parking.

Kip's Grill
My favorite place in Pagosa Springs for a margarita and street tacos.

Junction
Unexplored junction turns down the hill to the south. Might lead to a campsite.

Dead End
A completely unremarkable terminus.

Camp CO - Picnic Table Site
High elevation campsite overlooking an airy mountain basin, with picnic tables. Short distance from Elwood Pass, more easily accessed from the east.

Elwood Pass
While the trail from the west was scenic and interesting, Elwood Pass is unremarkable and does not offer views. There are some parking spaces here for hiking trailheads, which could be very interesting.

Camp CO - Accessible Elevation
An easily accessible campsite high up in the mountains in a fairly popular area, just off to the side of the forest road. Looks lovely and convenient, but possibly blocked by snow for many months of the year.

Camp CO - Group Area
A group dispersed site just off of a well groomed forest road near Pagosa Springs. It was vacant during my visit, but this is low hanging fruit for mobile dwellers. Very spacious. Clearing surrounded by trees. No view.

Camp CO - Tiny Wooded Grove
A tiny spur just off a well groomed forest road that is easily overlooked. Good privacy and relatively convenient to Pagosa Springs. Single vehicle only. Charming and safe.

Spectacular Waterfall
I believe this spot is called Silver Falls. The waterfalls are a short and strenuous hike up from the forest road, but they are worth it. Lovely.

Hotel
Hotel we stayed at in Denver’s Tech Center. It was fine.

Junction
Turn north for a decent view on top of the ridge. The road to the west terminates unremarkably.

Secret Ridge Camp
Not a designated campsite, although it is clearly used as such. Park a vehicle here to spend the night with a decent view of the valley to the north.

Grocery Store
Natural Grocers in Pagosa Springs. I was trying to eat healthily.

Gas Station
On the easternmost side of Pagosa Springs, decent gas station across the street with diesel.

Camp CO - Grassy Basin
In a shallow mountain basin, this grassy campsite is secluded and peaceful. May get muddy in wet conditions. Accessibly in any four-wheel drive vehicle.

Mexican Restaurant
Off of I-70 in Frisco, a Mexican restaurant where we enjoyed dinner.

Junction
Three branches for primitive two-tracks. The only one that is particularly noteworthy is the one to the far left that leads to a really nice campsite.

Camp CO - Utility Road
Off the beaten path in a small parcel of national forest, this site is just off the forest road by a gate on a lower mountaintop. Secluded with decent views, south of Pagosa Springs.

Gas Station
Modern and spacious Circle K in Safford, Arizona.

Gas Station
Located in Socorro, New Mexico.

New and spacious Maverick just off of I-25 in Pueblo, Colorado.

Geothermal Vents
In an old, sulfuric mining area, the ground is hissing, gurgling, and bubbling here. Used to be an old bathhouse, but now it’s just rubble.

Gravel Parking Lot
Secluded parking lot in a recreational BLM area. I stopped here to stretch my legs during a long drive.

Scenic Chasm
A scenic mountain chasm off the trail to the south, with rocky outcroppings.

Camp CO - Verdant Creek
Where I recorded V23E6 wrap-up. A lovely, verdant campsite hidden away in a valley next to a babbling stream. Looked like an absolutely lovely place to camp with enough room for one or two vehicles.

Puye Cliff Dwellings
Historic cliff dwellings on native land. This is a tourist destination with a visitor center offering tours. We went on a tour and it was very interesting!

Coffee Shop Bakery
In Chama, New Mexico, just south of the Colorado border, we stopped at this coffee shop. The baked goods were very good. Gets crowded in tourist season.

Camp CO - Hidden Dispersed
A quiet little dispersed campsite overlooking a meadow in a fairly popular and convenient dispersed camping area. Small spot.

Creekside Campsites
Some decent campsites along this forest road, but very convenient to pavement and next to water. They look well used and are likely very popular in peak season, south of Pagosa Springs.

Camp CO - Wooded Ridge
A small, unremarkable campsite hidden away in the trees at the end of a long forest road spur that crosses a meadow.

Camp CO - Winding Track
Off to the side of a winding, forest road two-track, this is a secluded place to camp in a wooded area, though it is not particularly remarkable. Private spot when other nearby spots are taken.

Decent place to top off in Leadville, Colorado.

Camp CO - Muddy Knoll
This could be a really cool, albeit exposed, place for a single vehicle to camp overlooking the valley and the mountains to the south, not far from pavement. It is easily accessible, but it was a mess in the rain. When dry, it could be ideal.

Unexplored in both directions.

Preserved Log Cabin
An old log cabin halfway up the mountain that appears to be in decent condition and maintained by the forest service. It was open, but the door was sticky.

Camp CO - Lower Mountain
On the way up to Elwood Pass, there is a small clearing to the south of the forest road that would accommodate one or two vehicles with a stone fire ring. Stock 4x4 required to get up this far.

History Info Kiosk

Stream Crossing
A shallow stream crossing in normal conditions. A stock four-wheel drive vehicle with decent ground clearance is recommended. Be wary during rain events. Located on private property in ranch easement, so keep moving.

Camp CO - Pagosa Base Camp
This campsite is tucked away in a wooded grove just off of a primitive forest road, only a short drive from a paved road. This area is very easy to access in any four-wheel drive vehicle. It is popular for trailer campers and equestrians, as well as people out for a drive in the backcountry. Cell service is poor, but there is a gap in the trees for a satellite antenna if you need connectivity. It's a wooded area flanked by sprawling meadows and idyllic views of the countryside. There's enough room here for several vehicles, ground tents, and there is a primitive stone fire ring. It's a very peaceful setting and the trees contribute to shade and shelter from the elements, and privacy is moderate. Every day during peak season, you'll likely see someone drive by or pass by on horseback. There are faint, barely-visible remnants of a historic railroad bed here, used for logging. This site is located about a 25 minute drive from the charming tourist town of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and is not far from the New Mexico border. It's a nice place to enjoy camping with a group of friends.

Camp CO - Canyon Boondocking
Decent, spacious campsite atop a canyon cliff with airy views to the north. It is likely very popular due to convenient access from road, but it was vacant during our visit. Expect other campers nearby.

Camp NM - Magdalena Road
Found on iOverlander, this is a very nice, and easily accessed dispersed camping area near Magdalena, New Mexico, not far from the Very Large Array. Very peaceful and rural. Expect other campers since the site is published, but we had it all to ourselves and it was lovely. Definitely recommended if you are passing through. Stone fire rings, some trees for shade, but mostly low vegetation. Good connectivity. I would not mind going back and exploring this area more.

Valles Caldera Visitor Center
The visitor center for Valles Caldera wildlife and natural area in New Mexico. Lovely landscape, akin to a smaller Yellowstone.

Good place to top off near Puye Cliff Dwellings and Espanola, New Mexico.

Stream Crossing
Groomed stream crossing, suitable for any four wheel drive vehicle. Be wary during flood events.

Scenic Highway
Made a note of this place due to the impressive landscape and red rocks. Looks fun to explore, but we were just passing through on the road.

Camp CO - Popular Site
This was a nice dispersed campsite, tucked in the trees with sprawling meadows all around. It was occupied with multiple RVs during our visit, however. This might be the type of spot that is occupied during the entire summer.

Chama Rail Yard
Working steam train here, with train ride tours.

Camp CO - Roadside Site
Tucked in the trees just off the forest road. There are better spots in the area, but this will do nicely if you are in a pinch and the other sites are occupied.

Mexican Restaurant
A large, Mexican family restaurant in Espanola, New Mexico. Decent place to dine if you are passing through. My smothered burrito was zesty.

The forest road crosses this shallow stream at the bottom of the road up to Elwood Pass. No trouble for any vehicle, barring flood events.

Boondocking Corridor 1
On one hand, this is a very popular area, so you will likely encounter other campers. On the other hand, there are a large number of lovely, stream side campsites for the next few miles, very spread out. If you are looking for free boondocking near Pagosa Springs, this is prime real estate.

Improvised Campsite
In the middle of a meadow, this looks like it may have been used as a campsite in the past, but not often. It would be a decent spot to hunker down with a great view of the sky for satellite connectivity. No trees. Plenty of space.

Vault Toilet

Hiking Trailhead
A congested parking area at the end of a rugged forest road spur, at a gate. This is where you part to hike up to the old sulfur mine where you can check out some of the vents and thermal features. The hike is maybe a half-mile.

Air Up / Down
Although the forest road is still fairly gentle for a while, this is a good place to air down before venturing up to Elwood Pass. Also, air up here before returning to pavement.

Group Camping Area
Not far from Valles Caldera or Los Alamos, this is an easily accessed, dispersed group camping area just off of a well groomed forest road. Looked like a club of LARPers were camping there when we passed by. It was a party.

Camp NM - Burned Area
Although the burned setting is not very charming, this was a safe and airy campsite on a ridge. Good privacy and decent view of the sky with a stone fire ring. Easily accessed by any vehicle on gentle groomed forest roads.

Boondocking Corridor 2
On one hand, this is a very popular area, so you will likely encounter other campers. On the other hand, there are a large number of lovely, stream side campsites for the next few miles, very spread out. If you are looking for free boondocking near Pagosa Springs, this is prime real estate.

Camp NM - Secret Cow Pie
This is a best kept secret, sort of! Located on a steep primitive spur, this climb requires four wheel drive, and we were just able to make it to the top with our Sprinter van. This climb keeps the RVs and larger campers away. It is located just off the pavement, but up on a knoll overlooking the road and offering a phenomenal view of Valles Caldera. There is a stone fire ring here, and it would be perfect, but there were a bunch of fresh cow patties which kind of sucked. We stayed there anyway and simply watched our steps. Poor cell service, if any. Wonderful view of the sky for satellite connectivity. Wildlife such as herds of elk visible down in the caldera. Enough room for two or three vehicles. Recommended, but not perfect.

Private Gate

Dirt - Groomed to Parking Area
High-elevation groomed forest road from junction to hiking trailhead

Dirt - Groomed High-Elevation
Scenic, gentle, high-elevation forest road east of Wolf Creek Pass

4x4 - Groomed Ranch Easement
Scenic, bumpy forest road passes through private ranch

4x4 - Primitive Track to Base Camp
From groomed forest road to base camp access

Street - Puye Ruins to Espanola

Street - Forest Road Entrances

Dirt - Caldera to Visitor Center
Gentle dirt road to access Valles Caldera natural area

4x4 - High-Clearance to Elwood Pass
Very rugged primitive forest road to Elwood pass, high-clearance 4x4 required

4x4 - Groomed High-Elevation
Very gentle, scenic, high elevation forest road, beware inclement conditions

Hike - Sulphur Creek
Easy hike from parking area to historic mining area dotted with thermal features

4x4 - Gentle Track in Basin
Gentle primitive track passes through airy basin, beware of mud

4x4 - Wooded Primtiive Track
Winding primitive two-track on a wooded mountain ridge, terminates unremarkably

4x4 - Bumpy Primitive Loop
Segment of a lightly traveled primitive forest road that winds through a wooded area

Street - Leadville to Denver

Dirt - Groomed Creekside Road
Gentle forest road spur that leads to group campground, and dispersed campsites

Street - Through Pagosa Springs

4x4 - Gentle Mountain Access
Gentle forest road ascends from pavement into a mountainous area

4x4 - Primitive Neglected Track
Not difficult, neglected two-track into the woods, terminates unremarkably

Dirt - Groomed to Junction
High-elevation groomed forest road from junction to hiking trailhead

4x4 - Bumpy Primitive Loop
Segment of a lightly traveled primitive forest road that winds through a wooded area, passes base camp

Dirt - Groomed to Junction
Gentle, groomed forest road from pavement, into mountains

Street - VLA to Tucson

Hike - Ascent to Silver Falls
Short, but very steep hike from parking area to magnificent waterfall

Dirt - Groomed Camping Access
Easily accessible dispersed campsites along this groomed forest road

Dirt - Groomed to Pavement
Gentle, groomed forest road from junction, descends to pavement

4x4 - Primitive High-Elevation Track
Degraded high-elevation, winding two track, follows ridge

Street - Rural South of Pagosa

4x4 - Primtiive High-Elevation Track
Unexplored, gentle, winding two-track through mountains

Street - Valles Caldera to VLA

4x4 - Winding Track to Basin
Gentle forest road from pavement, into mountains, and scenic, airy basin

4x4 - Pavement to Base Camp
From pavement to base camp access

Street - Base Camp to Chama

4x4 - Primitive Base Camp to Groomed
From groomed forest road to base camp access

Dirt - Groomed to Base Camp
4x4 - Primitive Track to Base Camp From groomed forest road to base camp access

Dirt - Boondocking Corridor
Dirt road with numerous very lovely boondocking sites near Pagosa Springs, seemingly popular

4x4 - Ranch Easement Unexplored
Forest road features a stream crossing, passing through east end of ranch

Dirt - Groomed High-Elevation
Gentle, scenic, high-elevation forest road segment

Dirt - Groomed to Pavement
Smooth, popular forest road into mountains east of Wolf Creek Pass

Street - Chama to Puye Cliff Dwellings

4x4 - Short Primitive Spur
Short steep climb granting access to campsite on knoll overlooking caldera, beware of cow shit

4x4 - Primitive Spur
Short steep climb granting access to campsite on knoll overlooking caldera, beware of cow shit

4x4 - Groomed Access Road
From pavement to base camp access

Street - Wolf Creek Pass to Base Camp

Dirt - Groomed Mountain Road
Smooth, popular forest road into mountains east of Wolf Creek Pass

4x4 - Muddy Primitive Spur
Two-track is muddy in wet conditions and terminates unremarkably

Street - Through Los Alamos

Dirt - Groomed Forest Road
From pavement, a gentle, groomed dirt road into national forest

Street - Forest Road to Caldera

4x4 - Rugged Track to Trailhead
Heavily traveled primitve two track with parking area for hiking access

Street - Pagosa to Basecamp

4x4 - Primitive Neglected Track
Not difficult, neglected two-track into the woods, reclaimed by nature

Street - Denver to Pagosa Springs

4x4 - Primtive Track to Verdant Camp
Follows a creek to verdant campsite before turning up into the mountain

4x4 - Grassy Primitive Spur
Lightly traveled two-track crosses airy pasture with cattle, camping opportunities

Street - Through Denver

Dirt - Groomed Forest Road
Gentle winding forest road into mountains

Dirt - Rural County Road
County dirt road through rural southern Colorado, scenic with many ranches and residences

4x4 - Primitive Track to Gate
Lightly traveled two-track through a quiet canyon, terminates at private gate

4x4 - Groomed Utility Road
Rugged forest road to mountaintop radio towers

Dirt - Groomed Forest Road
Gentle winding forest road through canyon

Street - Caldera to Forest Road

Gentle forest road segment

Dirt - Groomed Burned Area
Gentle two-track along airy ridge through burned area, some camping

4x4 - Primitive Campsite Access
Short primitive spur requires compact vehicle with camping opportunties

Dirt - Groomed Winding Road
Gentle, winding forest road near burned area south of Valles Caldera

Dirt - Scenic Mountain Road
Unexplored, continues south winding across a scenic ridge, through burned area

4x4 - Rough Forest Road
Surprisingly rugged forest road, but not difficult, descends to pavement

Street - Access to Valles Caldera

4x4 - Primitive to Caldera Camp
Short steep climb granting access to campsite on knoll overlooking caldera, beware of cow shit