San Juan National Forest — Missionary Ridge Road Upper Flats Dispersed Camp

Missionary Ridge Road (FR 682) climbs northeast out of Durango into San Juan National Forest and opens up a string of pull-off flats tucked among ponderosa snags and young aspen regrowth from the 2002 wildfire. Sites are informal — no signage, no developed facilities — but the ridge gives you elevation, solitude, and long views toward the Needle Mountains to the north. Expect other rigs on summer weekends but midweek you’ll likely have the ridge to yourself. Fire restrictions apply June through early August most years; check with the Columbine Ranger District before you light anything.

FR 682 starts paved out of Durango and transitions to good gravel — passable for most high-clearance rigs. Upper sections get rougher and steeper past the 9,000-foot mark. Snow closes upper portions well into May. The 14-day stay limit applies. No water on-site; tank up in Durango before you head up.

Burn scar ridge camp above Durango.