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BPX 3-Day: Browns Canyon National Monument Ruby Mountain Campground

Ruby Mountain campground at 7700' is 9 miles south of Buena Vista on the Arkansas River. Whether you wish to fly fish, raft, kayak, hike or just watch the rafters floating by you will find the activity you seek. Mount Princeton Hot Springs and Cottonwood Hot Springs are within driving distance of several trailheads.

Nearest towns:  Nathrop, Salida, Buena Vista

Amenities: tent pads, picnic table, fire grate, vault toilet, NO POTABLE WATER

Driving Distance:  From Golden 115 miles/2 + hours  From Golden take US 285 S past Johnson Village to CR 301, turn left, take CR 300 to Ruby Mountain Campground

Reservations:  can be made 6 months in advance - www.cpwshop.com  800 244 5613

Fees:  Campground fee $56 per site or $28 per tent with 2 tents per site. Trip leaders must prepay reservation fees; deadline for reimbursement of leader by campers is set by the leader.  Baseline carpool fees to and from the campground based on round trip miles of 230 miles  x $.30/3 people per vehicle including drive = $23 each.  Additional mileage to trailheads, hot springs, etc., to be reconciled at end of trip.

Nearest 24/7 ER:  Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center, 1000 Rush Drive, Salida

Sheriff:  Chaffee County 719 539 2396

Hot Springs:  Chalk Creek spring snow melt seasonal flow may be too high for  Mount Princeton Hot  Springs in the Creek to be available, but their pool will be available.  Check at 888 641 7973.  Cottonwood Hot Springs has tubs at various temps fed by geothermic waters.  719 395 6434

Suggested Backpacking Section (BPX) itinerary for 3-day trip to be used for CMC trips led by BPX leaders for BPX members.

Day 1:  Drive to Rich Creek Trailhead outside of Fairplay off Hwy 285, hike 6 miles RT, Out and Back, 1160' gain;  drive to Ruby Mountain Campground, set up camp for 2-night stay; fish on Arkansas River. 

Day 2:  Hike Browns Creek Falls, 6 miles RT, Out and Back; 1000' gain, return to  camp or visit Mount Princeton Hot Springs; if you wish to hike to Browns Lake add another 6 miles RT and 1200' gain.

Day 3:  Break camp, hike Turret Trail outside of Ruby Mountain Campground, 6 miles RT,  Out and Back;  1090' gain, return to meeting location

Note:  Collegiate Peaks Wilderness has 15 fourteeners for those interested in high summits.  Head nets and insect repellant may be of value at the campground depending on season

  • Suitable Activities: Camping
  • Seasons: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: varies
  • Length: 19.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,400 ft
  • 7,700 ft
Map
  • Trails Illustrated 130
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