About Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)
Overview Aspen Glade Campground sits on the Conejos River in southern Colorado, providing a premium setting for fly fishing and peaceful nature watching. Recreation Forest Road 250 provides an unforgettable scenic drive, where visitors are met with sweeping views of the Conejos Canyon and River. Just upstream of the campground is a section of "Gold Medal" trout fishing, offering top-tier fishing for large quality trout. Just 168 miles of the 9,000 miles of trout streams in Colorado are designated with this title. The nearby Sheep Creek Trail is also highly recommended for avid hikers.Facilities The 32 spacious, reservable campsites are considerably quiet, allowing for the sounds of birds overhead. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided.Natural Features Within the campground, Loop A and B are lightly wooded with Ponderosa pines. Loop C is heavily wooded with tall, mature spruce, aspen and fir trees. It lies along the fast-flowing Conejos River. The understory for all campsites is grass topped with pine needles. Aspen Glade sits near the border of New Mexico at 8,500 feet. It is situated between the Carson and Rio Grande National Forests. Wildlife in the region includes bear, deer, elk and a variety of birds. Nearby Attractions Visitors can ride a traditional steam engine at the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad on a 64-mile journey through abandoned mining towns. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996.
How to Get There
From Antonito, Colorado, go west on Highway 17 for approximately 15 miles to the Aspen Glade Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)
Heading to Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)?
No central reservation system listed for Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231849) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)?
From Antonito, Colorado, go west on Highway 17 for approximately 15 miles to the Aspen Glade Campground.
How do I contact Aspen Glade (Rio Grande National Forest, CO)?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-245-6521 or email: customerservice@pmcparks.com.
References & Official Resources
