San Isabel National Forest Hayden Pass Dispersed Sites

Hayden Pass offers high-altitude dispersed camping right on the Continental Divide with sites scattered across both the east and west approaches. Most camps sit in open parks above treeline with 360-degree mountain views. Fire rings mark the established spots, but wind is constant and firewood scarce. Popular staging area for climbers heading to Mount Harvard or Mount Yale.

County Road 250 climbs from Coaldale through rough but manageable terrain—any 4WD can make it. West side approach from Nathrop is longer but slightly easier. Sites become snow-free by late June in most years but can see flurries any month. Afternoon lightning storms are frequent and dangerous above treeline.

Continental Divide camping above treeline