Ute II Camp

For the dedicated Colorado resident who seeks adventure and pristine wilderness, **Ute II Camp** represents a highly sought-after, primitive destination on the Western Slope. Located in Delta County, this site is not a conventional RV park but one of the designated campsites near the **Ute Trailhead** in the **Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area (NCA)**, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It is a special place that demands a high degree of preparation and rewards visitors with unparalleled views of a deep, dramatic canyon carved by the Gunnison River.

The experience at Ute II is rugged and self-reliant. It is a true immersion into Colorado’s unique geography, situated on a ridge that overlooks the Delta area to the west and the spectacular Gunnison Gorge to the east. The campsites here are intended for those who appreciate quiet solitude, challenging hikes, and the opportunity to access the famous **Gold Medal trout fishing** in the Gunnison River below. Due to its location just outside the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness boundary, it offers a managed, low-impact way to experience one of the state's most revered natural treasures.

### Location and Accessibility

Ute II Camp is nestled within the rugged terrain of **Delta County, CO 81416, USA**, specifically near the Ute Trailhead in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area. This puts it approximately 1200 feet above the Gunnison River, offering dramatic elevation changes and incredible vistas.

Accessibility is a key factor in planning your trip, as this is a remote location:

• **Vehicle Access:** The access roads to the Ute Trailhead are notoriously **rough, primitive, and often impassable when wet**. A **four-wheel-drive, high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended** to reach the trailhead parking area. The roads are generally **not suitable for pull-behind campers or trailers**.
• **Campsite Access:** The actual primitive campsite, Ute II, is typically accessed by traversing the **challenging Ute Trail** on foot from the trailhead parking area. This trail is roughly 4.5 miles one way to the river, with significant elevation change.
• **Trailhead Amenities:** The main **Ute Trailhead** may feature a designated parking area, an informational kiosk, and a self-serve fee station for permits, with accessibility features often limited to these main structures.
• **River Access:** The camp's location near the rim provides access to the Gold Medal trout waters of the Gunnison River, though reaching the river requires descending the difficult Ute Trail.

### Services Offered

Ute II Camp, like the other Ute sites near the trailhead, offers minimal, rustic services designed to protect the fragile canyon environment and enforce "Leave No Trace" principles. Campers must be fully self-sufficient.

• **Designated Primitive Sites:** The camp is a designated area with clear boundaries to protect the surrounding wilderness. The trailhead area itself features **two campsites** with essential amenities.
• **Basic Amenities:** Sites usually include a **shade structure** for relief from the sun, a **picnic table**, and access to a central **vault toilet** (outhouse) near the trailhead area.
• **User Fee System:** Visitors are required to pay a fee to camp. The fee is **$5 per person per calendar day** for Day Use & Camping (e.g., $10 for a one-night stay, $15 for two nights—the maximum allowable stay). Fees are paid via a self-serve station at the trailhead.
• **No Hookups or Water:** There are **no electrical, water, or sewer hookups** at the primitive sites. Campers must **bring all necessary potable water** and be prepared for off-grid operation.
• **Fire Restrictions:** **Wood fires are strictly prohibited** in the entire river corridor due to the high fire risk. Campers must use **charcoal with a firepan** or a camping stove for cooking, and **all ashes must be packed out**.
• **Maximum Stay Limit:** The stay is limited to a **maximum of two nights**, ensuring the campsites remain available for the next group of adventurers.

### Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Ute II Camp are its unparalleled geographical location and the sheer quality of the surrounding wilderness.

• **Spectacular Canyon Views:** The camp is situated high on the canyon rim, providing **unforgettable, sweeping vistas** into the Gunnison Gorge, one of Colorado's most dramatic geological features.
• **Access to Ute Trail:** The camp is the starting point or destination for the **challenging 7.1-mile Ute Trail**, a demanding but rewarding hike that descends steeply to the Gunnison River.
• **World-Class Fishing:** The river below is known for its **Gold Medal trout waters**, offering some of the best fly fishing in the country for brown and rainbow trout (requires a challenging descent to access).
• **True Wilderness Solitude:** Located within the BLM's National Conservation Area, the camp ensures a deeply **secluded, quiet experience** far from noise and light pollution, making for spectacular stargazing.
• **Geological Exploration:** The canyon walls expose nearly two billion years of geologic history, providing an incredible opportunity for **geological study and appreciation**.
• **River Recreation:** The location is used as a launch or take-out point for multi-day **whitewater rafting and kayaking trips** on the Gunnison River (requires permits and expert skill).
• **Low-Impact Camping:** The requirement for payment, registration, and strict adherence to **Leave No Trace** principles ensures the area remains pristine for future generations of Colorado campers.

### Contact Information

As a BLM-managed primitive site in a National Conservation Area, all inquiries regarding permits, fees, and current road conditions should be directed to the local BLM Field Office responsible for the Gunnison Gorge.

Address: **Delta County, CO 81416, USA** (General Gunnison Gorge NCA Area)
Contact (BLM Gunnison Field Office): **(970) 642-4940** (Recommended number for NCA information and permit details)

### What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Ute II Camp is choosing a memorable, physically and mentally engaging Colorado outdoor adventure. It is unequivocally worth choosing for local residents who are **experienced hikers and committed self-sufficient campers**.

The primary reason is the **unspoiled wilderness access and the dramatic scenery**. Ute II offers a front-row seat to the Gunnison Gorge, a highly protected landscape that few people ever get to experience. The sweeping views from the rim and the challenging descent into the canyon are unmatched, providing an authentic sense of exploration and accomplishment.

Secondly, the **specialized recreational opportunities** are world-class. If you are an angler, the ability to hike down to the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison River makes the effort worthwhile. If you are a hiker, conquering the challenging Ute Trail is a benchmark achievement. The camp serves as the perfect base for these demanding activities.

Finally, the **low-cost, high-value primitive experience** is a fantastic deal. For a minimal user fee, you gain access to an incredible National Conservation Area with essential facilities like vault toilets and picnic tables. For the Colorado camper who is well-equipped, knowledgeable about wilderness ethics, and seeks to truly disconnect amidst some of the state’s most magnificent canyon scenery, Ute II Camp is an elite destination.

Ute II Camp

Delta County, CO 81416, USA