Cebolla Day Use Area

Hello, Colorado outdoor lovers! Are you looking for a tranquil and scenic spot to enjoy a picnic, take a relaxing break by a babbling creek, or simply find a peaceful meeting point amidst the stunning natural beauty of our state? Look no further than the Cebolla Day Use Area, a delightful gem nestled within the vast Gunnison National Forest near charming Lake City. This isn't a place for overnight camping, but rather a perfect retreat for a refreshing day out, offering essential amenities in a beautiful, shaded environment.

The Cebolla Day Use Area is designed for those who appreciate clean, well-maintained facilities and a serene atmosphere for their daytime outdoor activities. It's a wonderful choice for families, friends, or even solo adventurers looking for a quiet moment in nature without the commitment of an overnight stay. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information about Cebolla Day Use Area, from its picturesque location and ease of access, to the valuable services it offers, and the standout features that make it a favorite among visitors. We'll also include important contact information for the managing Forest Service office and explain why this inviting spot is ideally suited for Colorado locals seeking a convenient and beautiful place for a day in the mountains.

Cebolla Day Use Area is wonderfully situated on NF-788, near Lake City, CO 81235, USA. This places it directly on the banks of Cebolla Creek, within a picturesque "spruce/fir landscape" at an elevation of approximately 9,200 feet. The location offers a classic Colorado mountain setting, providing cooler temperatures and fresh air, especially during the warmer summer months.

Accessibility to Cebolla Day Use Area is generally straightforward, making it an easy addition to a scenic drive or a dedicated day trip from Lake City. To reach the area, visitors should "Drive south on State Highway 149 to Forest Road 788. Turn left on FDR 788 and drive 9 miles, passing Deer Lakes, Hidden Valley and Spruce Campgrounds." This indicates that while the final stretch is on a Forest Road, it's a well-traveled route, suggesting it is typically accessible for standard 2-wheel drive vehicles. The Forest Service notes that Forest Road 788 is a "well-maintained gravel" road, further confirming its general accessibility. The short distance from Lake City means that while you feel immersed in nature, you're not too far from town amenities for any last-minute needs. Its clear markings and established route make it a hassle-free destination for anyone looking for a quick and easy escape into the forest.

Cebolla Day Use Area provides fundamental services designed to facilitate a comfortable and convenient daytime outdoor experience. While not a full-service campground, it offers key amenities for picnicking and short visits.

• Picnic Sites: The area features "5 sites," each equipped with a "shady picnic table." These tables provide dedicated spaces for meals, snacks, or simply resting, and the shade is a significant advantage, especially on sunny Colorado days.

• Fire Rings: Each site includes "fire rings," allowing visitors to have a small campfire for cooking or warmth (always check current fire restrictions before lighting a fire and ensure you bring your own firewood, as it's not provided on-site).

• Vault Toilets: The area is equipped with "vault toilets." These are basic, non-flush restroom facilities that offer a necessary convenience in a natural setting. A review noted them as "Very clean," which is a significant positive for public facilities in remote areas.

• Meeting Area: One reviewer specifically highlighted its suitability as a "Good meeting area which is what we needed." This suggests the layout and amenities lend themselves well to small gatherings or as a designated rendezvous point.

• Proximity to Water: While not directly providing potable water, its location on the "banks of Cebolla Creek" offers access to a "beautiful creek." However, visitors should always bring their own drinking water, as creek water is generally not safe for consumption without proper filtration.

Cebolla Day Use Area, despite its simple offerings, boasts several appealing features and highlights that enhance its appeal for a day out in the Colorado mountains.

• Beautiful Creek Setting: The most prominent feature is its location "on the banks of Cebolla Creek." This provides the soothing sounds of running water, a tranquil ambiance, and opportunities for riverside relaxation or creek exploration. The creek itself is described as "Beautiful."

• Shaded Environment: The presence of "shady picnic table" within a "spruce/fir landscape" is a major highlight, offering natural protection from the sun and contributing to a comfortable outdoor experience, particularly valuable during warm summer afternoons.

• Cleanliness: The area is noted as "Very clean" by a visitor, indicating that it is well-maintained by the Forest Service, ensuring a pleasant and inviting atmosphere for all users.

• Peaceful Atmosphere: While not explicitly stated as "quiet," the remote location and nature of a day-use area (compared to a busy campground) often lend themselves to a more peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation.

• High-Altitude Scenery: Situated at approximately 9,200 feet elevation, the area offers a true mountain experience with crisp air and classic Colorado forest scenery.

• Convenient Meeting Point: Its suitability as a "Good meeting area" suggests it's a practical and central location for groups converging for outdoor activities in the region.

• Access to Larger Recreational Area: Being on Forest Road 788, it's part of a larger recreational corridor that leads to multiple campgrounds and offers "access to extensive trail systems within both wilderness and general forest areas," as well as "fishing opportunities."

For inquiries or to obtain the most current information regarding Cebolla Day Use Area, as it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, you should contact the relevant Ranger District office within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests.

Address: NF-788, Lake City, CO 81235, USA (The physical location is within the forest, so this address is a general guide.)

Phone: (970) 874-6600

Mobile Phone: +1 970-874-6600

These phone numbers typically connect to the main GMUG National Forests office in Delta, Colorado, or the Gunnison Ranger District office that oversees the Lake City area. When calling, be sure to specify "Cebolla Day Use Area" near Lake City to ensure you receive accurate, site-specific details. It is always a good practice to call ahead to inquire about:

• Current conditions of NF-788 (especially regarding any mud, snow, or closures).

• Any fire restrictions or regulations in place.

• Operating season (as day-use areas in the mountains may close seasonally due to snow).

Having up-to-date information will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this beautiful day-use area.

For Colorado locals, Cebolla Day Use Area offers an exceptional opportunity for a convenient and refreshing outing into the heart of the Gunnison National Forest. If you're looking for a simple, peaceful spot to enjoy a picnic, relax by a "beautiful creek," or meet up with friends before embarking on a larger adventure, this location is ideally suited. Its accessibility via a well-maintained forest road means less time driving and more time enjoying the serene environment. The "shady picnic table" provide comfort, and the "very clean" vault toilets ensure essential facilities are well-kept. It's the perfect place to grab a quick breath of fresh mountain air, immerse yourself in the sounds of nature, and enjoy the stunning high-altitude scenery without the need for an overnight stay. Cebolla Day Use Area serves as a pristine and welcoming day-use facility, embodying the accessible beauty of Colorado's outdoor spaces and making it a fantastic choice for any local looking for a delightful day trip into the mountains.

Cebolla Day Use Area

NF-788, Lake City, CO 81235, USA