Fourmile Travel Management Area

For Colorado locals, the Fourmile Travel Management Area near Buena Vista is a vibrant and expansive outdoor playground, offering an incredible array of recreational opportunities across 100,000 acres of Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. This isn't your typical, highly structured campground; instead, Fourmile provides vast stretches for dispersed camping, making it a beloved destination for those seeking freedom, stunning vistas, and adventure right outside their backdoor. It’s a place where the towering Collegiate Mountains serve as a dramatic backdrop for everything from exhilarating ATV rides to peaceful hikes, and where the sunset paints the sky with unforgettable colors.

Fourmile truly embodies the diverse outdoor spirit of Colorado. It’s a multi-use area where different recreational interests converge, making it a unique and dynamic environment. While it offers immense beauty and freedom, it also requires visitors to be mindful of shared spaces and responsible recreation. Whether you’re an avid off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiast, a quiet hiker, or a photographer chasing the perfect light, Fourmile delivers an authentic Colorado experience. It’s a testament to the wealth of public lands available in our state, providing locals with endless opportunities to explore, unwind, and create lasting memories in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley.

The Fourmile Travel Management Area is located in northern Chaffee County, specifically based out of Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA. Its expansive nature means there are multiple access points, making it quite convenient for many Colorado residents. From Buena Vista, a primary access route is via County Road 371/375 and from the River Park Bridge on Main Street. Other access points can be found off of Highways 285/24, including County Roads 304, 305, 307, 308, 311, and 315. The southern portion of the Fourmile area can also be accessed at County Road 301, 300, and 185 (Aspen Ridge north of Salida).

This extensive network of roads and trails means that while Fourmile is a vast wilderness, it is remarkably accessible. Drives from major Colorado cities are manageable; it's approximately 1 hour 53 minutes from Colorado Springs, 2 hours 7 minutes from Pueblo, and 2 hours 15 minutes from Denver. This makes it an ideal spot for weekend trips or longer excursions for a wide range of locals. The area is generally open year-round, though seasonal gates may close some routes from approximately December 1st to April 30th due to snow.

It's important to remember that Fourmile is a "Travel Management Area," meaning specific roads and trails are designated for different types of use (motorized vs. non-motorized). While many of the main access roads are well-maintained for general vehicle use, some interior routes can be unpaved, rocky, or steep, requiring higher clearance or 4WD vehicles. Always consult a current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the area to understand designated routes for your vehicle type. Despite its wild character, its proximity to Buena Vista makes it easy to quickly resupply on water or other necessities, an important consideration as the area is primitive.

As a large travel management area focused on dispersed camping, Fourmile offers a different set of "services" compared to developed campgrounds. The emphasis is on self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles.

• Dispersed Camping: Fourmile provides numerous unofficial, pre-existing campsites scattered throughout the area. These are not marked or reserved; campers find suitable spots on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must use existing sites and park on compacted areas.

• Vault Toilets: While not at every dispersed site, there are "clean outdoor privvies" (vault toilets) available at various developed sites or popular trailheads within the larger Fourmile area, offering a basic restroom amenity.

• No Potable Water: There is no direct access to potable water sources. Campers must "bring water" as highlighted by a reviewer, or have a reliable filtration system for natural sources (if available and safe).

• No Trash Services: Campers are required to "pack it in, pack it out," meaning all trash, including food scraps and pet waste, must be carried out of the area. There are no trash bins.

• Fire Rings: Many existing dispersed campsites will have informal fire rings left by previous campers. It is crucial to always "only use designated fire pits in campgrounds" (if available in a specific developed section) or pre-existing rings in dispersed sites. Critically, always check current fire restrictions for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests and BLM lands before lighting any fire.

• Dog-Friendly: The area is generally "Dog friendly," allowing responsible pet owners to bring their furry companions along for the adventure, provided they are leashed and waste is properly disposed of.

• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available for RVs or trailers in the dispersed camping areas.

• Seasonal Gates: Some access roads and trails are subject to seasonal closures (typically Dec 1 - April 30) to protect resources and due to snow conditions.

Fourmile Travel Management Area truly shines with its incredible natural features and recreational highlights, making it a top-tier destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Colorado.

• Extensive Trail System: With "nearly 200 miles of road and trails," Fourmile offers a vast network for a variety of users. This includes motorized trails for ATVs and motorcycles (some ATV-only trails, some single-track motorcycle trails), as well as non-motorized singletrack trails for "mountain bikes, hikers, equestrian." Trails like Davis Meadow Trail (with historic cabins) and the Whipple Trail are notable for hikers.

• Diverse Recreation: Beyond camping, the area is a hub for "ATV and motorcycle riding to hiking, biking, rock climbing and horseback riding." It’s known for its "plenty of eye candy to photograph," providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities.

• Stunning Scenery & Views: Reviewers consistently praise the "Beautiful" landscapes, "perfect vantage point to photograph sunsets and the Collegiate mountains," and the "plenty of eye candy to photograph." The area offers "varied terrain with open spaces and forested areas."

• Collegiate Peaks Backdrop: The majestic Collegiate Peaks provide a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop to the entire area, enhancing every view and outdoor activity.

• Proximity to Arkansas River: The Fourmile area is close to the Arkansas River, offering additional opportunities for water activities like fishing and rafting, further expanding recreational options.

• Rock Climbing: The area features "more than a dozen established rock climbing areas," including popular spots like Elephant Rock and Turtle Rock, catering to climbers of various skill levels.

• Wildlife Viewing: While not specifically mentioned in the provided reviews for this particular area, the broader region around Buena Vista and within the national forest is known for wildlife, offering opportunities to spot deer, elk, and other local fauna.

• Winter Sports: When seasonal gates close due to snow, the area transforms into a haven for "XC skiing/snowshoeing," allowing for year-round adventure.

As a vast travel management area with dispersed camping, Fourmile does not have a single, dedicated direct contact number for individual campsites. All inquiries and information regarding the Fourmile Travel Management Area should be directed to the managing federal agencies.

Address: Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA (General geographic location of the area's primary access point).

For specific and up-to-date information, it is best to contact the Leadville Ranger District (which covers part of the Pike-San Isabel National Forests in the area) or the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office.

Pike-San Isabel National Forests - Salida Ranger District (often manages part of the Fourmile area)

Phone: (719) 539-3591

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Royal Gorge Field Office

Phone: (719) 269-8500

It is highly recommended to consult the official websites for the U.S. Forest Service (fs.usda.gov/psicc) and the BLM (blm.gov) for detailed maps, current conditions, fire restrictions, and any specific regulations pertaining to dispersed camping and OHV use in the Fourmile Travel Management Area. Local resources like "Friends of Fourmile" (garna.org/friends-of-fourmile/) also provide valuable information and maps.

For Colorado locals, the Fourmile Travel Management Area is an indispensable asset, perfectly suited for those who embrace the state's diverse outdoor opportunities. Its appeal lies in its immense size and the freedom it offers for "dispersed camping at its best." While one reviewer cautions about potential "shooting in a camping area" (which, while not officially tolerated by the NFS in designated camping areas, can be a concern in multi-use public lands where target shooting may be permitted in other zones), this highlights the importance of awareness in shared spaces rather than detracting from the area's overall value. The sheer breadth of recreational activities, from "great trails to ride and hike" to "plenty of eye candy to photograph," ensures that every local can find their niche here.

The "perfect vantage point to photograph sunsets and the Collegiate mountains" speaks directly to the visual splendor that draws Coloradans to our high country. Its "Not too far from Buena Vista" location offers the ideal balance of rugged wilderness and convenient access to town amenities, a practical consideration for any local trip. The "dog friendly" nature and "clean outdoor privvies" further enhance its suitability for families and individuals. Fourmile isn't just a place to visit; it’s a vast, dynamic landscape that embodies the adventurous and nature-loving spirit of Colorado, offering endless opportunities for locals to explore, recreate, and connect with the stunning environment around them.

Fourmile Travel Management Area

Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA