The canyonlands of Penitente Canyon offer a blend of peaceful surroundings and diverse recreation opportunities less than 10 miles from a major highway. Although the BLM manages the 4,552-acre Penitente Canyon primarily for rock climbers, the area also offers opportunities for heritage tourists, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians.
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The canyonlands of Penitente Canyon offer a blend of peaceful surroundings and diverse recreation opportunities less than 10 miles from a major highway. Although the BLM manages the 4,552-acre Penitente Canyon primarily for rock climbers, the area also offers opportunities for heritage tourists, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians.
• Road signs from highway to Recreation Area.
• Improved gravel roads in Recreation Area (no pavement).
• Public drinking water system (available May-Oct).
• 5 vault (or pit-type) toilets.
• Trash bins throughout campground and day-use areas.
• 15 Individual sites (3 Tent Only and 12 RV/Tent), 2 Group Tent sites, 1 CG Host site, 1 Group Picnic Shelter site.
• Standard campground amenities-table, tent pads, fire ring, food storage locker, parking.
• Interpretive, informational, and directional signs.
• Trailhead and overflow parking areas.
• Foot, horse, and mountain bike trails.
• All facilities open year-round.
• Cell phone service is spotty in canyons.
• All recreation is at your own risk.
• Drinking water is typically available May-October from the campground wellhouse. Despite the campground water system, it is strongly recommended that you bring
plenty of water with you in case the well is not operational, and do not drink from area streams or lakes.
• Check-in time is 1:00 p.m. or after on the first day of the reservation.
• Check-out time is no later than 12:00 p.m. on the last day of the reservation.
• If the reservation holder doesn't show up on the first day of the reservation, the campsite is released at check-in time (1 pm) the next day.
• There are no hookup services.
• Maximum length of stay is 14 days.
• Fires are only allowed in BLM approved metal fire rings.
• Individual Tent Campsites are limited to 6 people, 2 tents, and 2 vehicles (plus 1 trailer) per site.
• Only 1 RV/trailer per RV campsite.
• The Group Campsites are limited to 15 people, 5 tents, and 4 vehicles (plus 2 trailers).
• No overnight RV/trailer camping in day use parking areas.
• This is a high elevation campground. Be prepared to take cover during afternoon thunderstorms.
• Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
• Pack it in, pack it out. In the backcountry, be prepared to carry out your garbage and dispose of it properly. Trash bins are located throughout the campground and day-use
area.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited on Penitente Canyon trails. Motorized travel is allowed only on designated roads.
• Be considerate of others and share the trail.
• Always keep pets under control.
Geology
The rocks in Penitente Canyon are remnants of up to 18 volcanic eruptions that took place in the San Juan Volcanic Field between 20 and 30 million years ago. The largest of these eruptions spewed 1,000 cubic miles of ash 27.8 million years ago, creating a huge underground chamber. Rocks overlying the chamber collapsed to create the La Garita Caldera.
History
Ancestors of the Utes, Jicarilla Apaches and Puebloans have all left evidence of time spent hunting and camping here, along with explorers and trappers. The valley’s first settlers were Hispanic farmers and sheepherders who migrated from northern New Mexico.
Native Americans left scattered pictographs (painted rock art) throughout these Canyonlands (the largest concentration in the San Luis Valley). Please leave all rock art as you find it. Do not touch, walk on, climb on, or disturb it in any way.
• USFS-Rio Grande National Forest and Natural Arch.
• BLM-Elephant Rocks Recreation Area.
• La Garita Trading Post-food, gas, and small store.
• Town of Del Norte
Campgrounds Nearby
• USFS-Rio Grande National Forest – Poso CG, Storm King CG
Penitente Canyon Recreation Area is a destination known for its world-class sport rock-climbing routes and its extensive singletrack trail system, mainly used by mountain bikers and hikers. The area is rich in both natural and cultural history, making it ideal for heritage tourists interested in the Old Spanish Trail and early American frontiersmen, as well as wildlife watchers and photographers.
• Standard Nonelectric
• Rv Nonelectric
• Group Tent Only Area Nonelectric
• Overnight
BLM San Luis Valley Field Office 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E. Monte Vista CO 81144
BLM San Luis Valley Field Office 1313 U.S. Hwy 160 E. Monte Vista CO 81144
For campground inquiries, please call: 719-852-7074
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
From U.S. 285, turn west onto Saguache County Road G. After 6 miles you will pass the La Garita Trading Post. Go another 0.5 miles to a Y intersection; take the left fork (County Road 38A). The entrance to the recreation area is another 0.5 miles, on your right. Elevation = 7,930 ft.
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