Cordova Pass Camp Ground

Are you a Colorado local craving a genuine mountain wilderness experience that combines breathtaking views with a sense of peaceful solitude? Cordova Pass Campground, located at 364 County Rd 56.8, Aguilar, CO, offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the San Isabel National Forest. This highly-regarded campground is a favorite among those who appreciate rustic amenities, stunning scenery, and direct access to challenging hiking trails.

For many Coloradans, the ideal camping trip involves escaping the crowds and connecting directly with nature. Cordova Pass Campground delivers on this desire. Reviewers consistently praise it as a "beautiful area" that provides a true sense of remoteness while still offering essential conveniences. Unlike crowded commercial campgrounds, Cordova Pass encourages a more self-reliant and intimate experience with the high country.

One of the most compelling reasons to visit this campground is its strategic location for outdoor adventures. It offers "very quick access to the trail up West Spanish peak," a prominent and challenging summit in the region. For hikers and peak baggers, having a starting point just steps from your campsite is an invaluable advantage. Even if you're not planning a summit attempt, the surrounding area provides ample opportunities for exploration, with trails offering "some of the best views I have ever seen."

Despite its remote setting and a road that can be "doable in a Camry" but also described as having "lots of washboards," the campground maintains a commendable level of cleanliness. Visitors specifically highlight the "clean pit toilet" and well-kept campsites, which include "grills, tables, and a nice spot for a tent." This attention to basic amenities enhances the comfort of this primitive camping experience.

Furthermore, Cordova Pass is renowned for its celestial displays. Campers can enjoy "great star viewing at the overlook (about a half mile walk from the campsites)," making it a prime destination for astronomy enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates the profound beauty of a dark night sky. This combination of rugged beauty, accessibility to trails, and serene atmosphere makes Cordova Pass Campground a truly special find for any Colorado local.

Cordova Pass Campground is located at 364 County Rd 56.8, Aguilar, CO 81020, USA. This address places it at the very summit of Cordova Pass, within the San Isabel National Forest, specifically in the Spanish Peaks Country of southern Colorado. The pass itself sits on the western shoulder of the majestic West Spanish Peak, at an elevation of 11,260 feet (3,430 meters).

Access to Cordova Pass Campground is via County Road 46 (also known as Apishapa Road), a scenic route that is part of the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway (Colorado State Highway 12). From La Veta, travel south on State Highway 12 for about 17 miles to the top of Cucharas Pass. From there, turn left onto County Road 46 and travel approximately 6 miles to reach the campground and picnic area at the summit of Cordova Pass. The area can also be accessed from the east approach to Cordova Pass on County Road 46, connecting near Aguilar.

The road leading to the campground is unpaved and can be quite adventurous. While some reviewers report successfully navigating it in a standard sedan like a "Camry as of July 2024," and others mention a "golf gti" making it, it's frequently described as having "rocky and rutted sections" and "lots of washboards." Drivers of low-clearance vehicles are advised to "take it slow over the few deep potholes and ruts." It's a high-elevation dirt road with many tight turns, though not typically considered difficult for most drivers. It is generally accessible from early May to mid-October, depending on snow conditions, and is usually closed from mid-November to late May.

Due to its high elevation, visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in summer, and potentially sudden weather changes. The nearest towns for supplies and services are La Veta and Aguilar. This combination of a scenic, adventurous drive and a truly elevated, wild setting makes Cordova Pass Campground a unique and rewarding destination for those seeking an authentic Colorado mountain experience.

• Tent Camping Only: Cordova Pass Campground is specifically designated for "tent camping only," ensuring a traditional and more immersive outdoor experience.
• Individual Campsites: The campground features multiple camping sites, each with designated areas for tents.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: All campsites are equipped with "Picnic tables and a fire pit," providing essential amenities for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Grills: Campsites also include "grills," offering an additional option for cooking.
• Vault Toilets: "Clean pit toilet" facilities are available and noted for being "well kept," providing basic and hygienic sanitation for campers. There is no potable water available at the campground.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: Camping is on a "first-come, first-served basis only," requiring visitors to physically arrive at the campground to claim a site. While some sources mention a fee (historically $15 per night), recent reviews suggest it might sometimes be free or operate on a self-pay system. It's advisable to check current Forest Service information.
• Ample Parking: Reviewers note "plenty of parking" available, accommodating multiple vehicles.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally allowed, though always remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and keep pets leashed.

• Stunning Mountain Scenery: The campground offers a "beautiful area" with breathtaking views, especially from the overlook. Located at the summit of Cordova Pass (11,260 feet), it provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the iconic Spanish Peaks.
• Direct Trailhead Access: A major highlight is the "very quick access to the trail up West Spanish Peak" (West Peak Trail #1390). This "brutal, but beautiful" 9.9-mile trail to the summit is a significant draw for experienced hikers and peak baggers. Other trails like Levy-Krier Trail (#1392) and Salazar Trail (#1392a) are also accessible.
• Exceptional Stargazing: The high elevation and remote location contribute to incredibly dark skies, making for "great star viewing at the overlook (about a half mile walk from the campsites)." This is a prime spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
• Clean and Maintained Facilities: Despite being a primitive campground, reviewers consistently praise the "clean pit toilet" and overall well-kept nature of the camping sites, which include grills and picnic tables.
• Secluded Wilderness Experience: Even during busy periods like Labor Day weekend, the campground can be "more than half empty" (based on past reviews for a similar site, though current conditions may vary), indicating a sense of privacy and a genuine escape into the wilderness.
• Challenging Hiking: The direct access to the West Spanish Peak trail provides a significant challenge for avid hikers, promising "epic" views and a rewarding climb.
• First-Come, First-Served Charm: The first-come, first-served policy, while requiring early arrival during peak times, adds to the authentic, less-commercialized feel of the campground.
• Scenic Drive: The journey to Cordova Pass via the Highway of Legends Scenic Byway is an attraction in itself, offering picturesque views and a true taste of Colorado's mountain roads.

Address: 364 County Rd 56.8, Aguilar, CO 81020, USA

Phone: While a direct campground phone number is not available, for information on this area within the San Isabel National Forest, you can contact the San Carlos Ranger District office.

Mobile Phone: No specific mobile phone number for the campground is publicly available. Cellular service can be limited at high elevations, so it's advisable to download maps and information beforehand.

For Colorado residents, Cordova Pass Campground near Aguilar stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for those seeking an authentic and challenging mountain outdoor experience. Its prime location at the summit of Cordova Pass, within the majestic San Isabel National Forest, offers immediate access to the very essence of Colorado's rugged beauty.

The primary draw for local Coloradans is the direct and "very quick access to the trail up West Spanish Peak." This provides an unparalleled opportunity for challenging hiking and peak bagging, fulfilling the adventurous spirit that many residents possess. The promise of "epic" views and "some of the best views I have ever seen" along these trails is a strong motivator for those who seek the rewarding experiences that Colorado's high country offers.

Despite being a primitive "tent camping only" site, the campground is well-regarded for its cleanliness, with "well kept vault" toilets and clean individual campsites. This level of maintenance, even in a rustic setting, enhances the comfort of the experience, allowing campers to focus on the natural surroundings rather than worrying about basic facilities. The inclusion of picnic tables and grills at each site further adds to the convenience for simple outdoor living.

The unique feature of "great star viewing at the overlook" is a significant attraction, especially for locals escaping urban light pollution. The high elevation and clear mountain air provide optimal conditions for stargazing, offering a truly memorable and humbling experience under the vast Colorado night sky.

The adventurous drive to the campground, while potentially challenging for some vehicles, is part of the allure for many Coloradans who appreciate scenic mountain roads. It contributes to the sense of getting away from it all and earning the spectacular views and solitude that await. For those who embrace self-reliance and the raw beauty of the mountains, Cordova Pass Campground offers an accessible yet profoundly rewarding escape, making it a cherished local gem for any outdoor enthusiast in Colorado.

Cordova Pass Camp Ground

364 County Rd 56.8, Aguilar, CO 81020, USA