Gunnison National Forest — Alpine Loop Dispersed Camp at Engineer Creek

Engineer Creek runs along the lower stretches of Engineer Pass Road off the Alpine Loop, and dispersed sites are tucked into the willows and spruce on both sides of the road. Sites are rough and unlevel in places — bring a good leveling kit — but the scenery is absurd: 13,000-foot peaks in every direction, wildflowers from July into August, and almost zero ambient light. Crowds are real in July and August on weekends. Fires are often restricted above 10,000 feet — check with Lake City field office before you light one.

Access from Lake City via CR 20 (Engineer Pass Road). Road is rocky and narrow in spots — high-clearance 4WD required. Season typically runs July through September depending on snowpack. No facilities, no signage, no trash service. Pack everything out.

High San Juans creek camp below Engineer Pass