About MOGOTE
Overview Mogote Campground is located along the Conejos River, making it a perfect location for fishing and hiking. The pleasant campground is well shaded by groves of ponderosa pine and a mixture of cottonwood, spruce, willow and aspen. The campground is also in close proximity to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, home of America's highest and longest, coal fired, steam operated narrow-gauge railroad.Recreation The Conejos River is a Gold Medal River, offering a high potential for trophy trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common species in the river. Popular hikes include the 15-mile Elk Creek Trail and the 10.9-mile South Fork Conejos Trail.Facilities Campsites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash bins are provided. An accessible toilet is located in the upper loop. No electric hookups are available. Firewood can be purchased on site.Natural Features The campground sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet, and is separated into an upper and lower loop. The lower loop sits along the fast-flowing Conejos River and many sites face the water. The campground is perched in a wooded section along the river valley. Rio Grande National Forest stretches across 1.86 million acres in south-central Colorado. The forest encompasses a myriad of ecosystems ranging from high elevation desert at 7,600 feet above sea level to rocky crags at over 14,300 feet in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (805) 434-1996. Nearby Attractions The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad can be accessed from Antonito. The train makes a 640-mile journey through abandoned mining towns, creating great entertainment for young and old.
How to Get There
From Antonito, Colorado, go west on Highway 17 about 15 miles to the campground access road. Turn right and travel 1/4 mile to the Upper Loop Road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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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 MOGOTE
Heading to MOGOTE? 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 MOGOTE?
No central reservation system listed for MOGOTE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/231851) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MOGOTE?
From Antonito, Colorado, go west on Highway 17 about 15 miles to the campground access road. Turn right and travel 1/4 mile to the Upper Loop Road.
How do I contact MOGOTE?
You can reach the park at phone: 719-376-2535 or email: customerservice@pmcparks.com.
References & Official Resources
