Lizard Head Pass Wilderness Area is an absolutely beautiful place to go camping. It is quite high in altitude so the weather can be very cold off-season, but it is a place that campers can enjoy year round. There are many great ways to take in the scenic vistas in the mountains high above Telluride in the southwestern part of Colorado. This is a popular area for hiking and backpacking on the many trails that lead out from Lizard Head Pass. There is a lot wildlife in these high mountains and many people enjoy the deer, elk and Rocky Mountain Bighorn that have made their home in this area. Be sure to stop by the trail head for the Lizard Head Pass trail to make sure you are aware of the current camping conditions and restrictions in the area.
Lizard Head Pass Camping Details
- Region: South West
- Location: 10 Miles South of Telluride on 145 – Google Map
- Forestry: Wilderness
- Elevation: 10,330 Feet
- Camp Sites: Open Area Camping
- Cost: $0
- Activities: Hiking, Hunting, Biking
- Amenities: Outhouse (At Lizard Head Summit Trailhead)
Lizard Head Pass Wilderness Camping Review
The Lizard Head Pass Wilderness campground is mostly a vast open meadow near the summit of Lizard Head Mountain. Many trailheads for the region start here and are open to hiking and biking only. This is a great place to go explore the high Colorado Rockies. This is a wilderness camping area so there are no dedicated sites for camping. Be sure to observe all of the rules that come along with wilderness areas. Make sure to maintain the correct distance from trails as well as rivers and lakes. There is no electricity or fresh water so make sure to bring in plenty of water.
One of many backpacking trails.
Something to keep in mind when you are camping at high altitude is to take it easy and acclimate at least a day before heading out on any strenuous hikes or other activities. It’s tempting to want to run out and explore the wilderness but you have to be careful and pay attention to your body’s signals. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get your rest. The altitude at the road here is 10,300 feet. The summit of Lizard Head Mountain at 13,000.
Backcountry camping access.
The view from the valley to the Lizard Head wilderness campground is absolutely spectacular, surrounded by the San Miguel mountain range. This area of Colorado is absolutely beautiful any time of the year, each season offering its own majesty and beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you are admiring the scenery. There are many elk, deer and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep in the area.
Watch for the elk herds.
This location is about 30 minutes away from Telluride, Colorado should you need any supplies or would like to just sit down for a nice evening meal. You may want to plan your trip around one of the many events or activities Telluride has to offer.
Telluride Events and Activities
Because it’s so close to a popular destination in Colorado, this whole area remains busy throughout the year. But being a wilderness area, you should be able to find a spot to camp.
Region: South West
Location: 10 Miles South of Telluride on 145 – Google Map
Forestry: Wilderness
Elevation: 10,330 Feet
Camp Sites: Open Area Camping
Cost: 0
Activities: Hiking, Hunting, Biking
Amenities: Outhouse (At Lizard Head Summit Trailhead)
The Lizard Head campground is mostly a vast open meadow near the summit of Lizard Head Mountain.Many trailheads for the region start here and are open to hiking and biking only. This is a great place to go explore the high Colorado Rockies.This is a wilderness camping area so there are no dedicated sites for camping. Be sure to observe all of the rules that come along with wilderness areas.Make sure to maintain the correct distance from trails as well as rivers and lakes.There is no electricity or fresh water so make sure to bring in plenty of water.
Something to keep in mind when you are camping at high altitude is to take it easy and acclimate at least a day before heading out on any strenuous hikes or other activities. It’s tempting to want to run out and explore the wilderness but you have to be careful and pay attention to your body’s signals. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get your rest. The altitude at the road here is 10,300 feet. The summit of Lizard Head Mountain at 13,000.
The view from the valley to the Lizard Head wilderness camp
Region: South West
Location: 10 Miles South of Telluride on 145 – Google Map
Forestry: Wilderness
Elevation: 10,330 Feet
Camp Sites: Open Area Camping
Cost: 0
Activities: Hiking, Hunting, Biking
Amenities: Outhouse (At Lizard Head Summit Trailhead)
The Lizard Head campground is mostly a vast open meadow near the summit of Lizard Head Mountain. Many trailheads for the region start here and are open to hiking and biking only. This is a great place to go explore the high Colorado Rockies. This is a wilderness camping area so there are no dedicated sites for camping. Be sure to observe all of the rules that come along with wilderness areas. Make sure to maintain the correct distance from trails as well as rivers and lakes. There is no electricity or fresh water so make sure to bring in plenty of water.
Something to keep in mind when you are camping at high altitude is to take it easy and acclimate at least a day before heading out on any strenuous hikes or other activities. It’s tempting to want to run out and explore the wilderness but you have to be careful and pay attention to your body’s signals. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get your rest. The altitude at the road here is 10,300 feet. The summit of Lizard Head Mountain at 13,000.
The view from the valley to the Lizard Head wilderness camp ground is absolutely spectacular, surrounded by the San Miguel mountain range. This area of Colorado is absolutely beautiful any time of the year, each season offering its own majesty and beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you are admiring the scenery. There are many elk, deer and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep in the area.
This location is about 30 minutes away from Telluride, Colorado should you need any supplies or would like to just sit down for a nice evening meal. You may want to plan your trip around one of the many events or activities Telluride has to offer.
Because it’s so close to a popular destination in Colorado, this whole area remains busy throughout the year. But being a wilderness area, you should be able to find a spot to camp.
ground is absolutely spectacular, surrounded by the San Miguel mountain range. This area of Colorado is absolutely beautiful any time of the year, each season offering its own majesty and beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife while you are admiring the scenery. There are many elk, deer and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep in the area.
This location is about 30 minutes away from Telluride, Colorado should you need any supplies or would like to just sit down for a nice evening meal. You may want to plan your trip around one of the many events or activities Telluride has to offer.
Because it’s so close to a popular destination in Colorado, this whole area remains busy throughout the year. But being a wilderness area, you should be able to find a spot to camp.
A have to destination this summmer
would like to visit the area and camp out to enjoy the natural beauty. have retired this month and want to enjoy colorado
This is a beautiful area. We don’t run or manage any campgrounds ourselves. We just check them out and let you know what we find.
Lizard Head Pass Wilderness does not have any reservable campsites but there are a few campgrounds around there that do if you want to be sure to get a campsite. You can reserve campsites here: