Burro Bridge Campground: San Juan Mountains

Location: Near Dolores. See below.
RV Limits: Yes. 40 feet maximum
Elevation: 9000 Feet
Camp Sites: 16 Campsites
Group Sites: 0
Reservations: No. First come, first serve

Location and Directions. Burro Bridge Campground is two miles northeast of Dunton, CO. Burro Bridge is one of three campgrounds along West Dolores Road (Forest Rd. 535), which branches north from Colorado Highway 145 about 13 miles northeast of Dolores, Colorado (38 miles from Durango). The road follows the West Dolores River almost to its headwaters in the Lizard Head Wilderness. Side roads lead into the back country. After 32 miles, the road rejoins the highway 6 miles north of Rico, CO. The road has a gravel surface, but the last 6 miles are steep, narrow, and not recommended for trailers.

Overview and Attractions

Burro Bridge Campground is a good base camp for trips into the Lizard Head Wilderness. The Navajo Lake Trail begins about a mile away and follows the West Dolores River into the Lizard Head Wilderness up to Navajo Basin (foot or pack animals only). The basin is surrounded by El Diente, Mount Wilson, and Wilson Peak, each having elevations in excess of 14,000 feet.

The Calico National Recreation Trail begins about 4 miles north of Burro Bridge. Trailhead parking is a mile south of Forest Rd. 535 on Forest Rd. 471. The trail goes south across marshlands, through wooded areas, and uphill to scenic highlands. Several connecting trails offer day hikes or extended trips.

Burro Bridge Facilities

There are 12 campsites on a sloping hillside above the river. A few trees give shade, and there are tent sites. Parking pads are wide enough to accommodate RVs to a maximum of 40 feet. One site has a table suitable for wheelchairs. The campground includes water, trash pickup and vault toilets.

A nearby corral is next to two campsites, for those camping with stock (extra fee). Two bays can accommodate 2 horses a day.