San Isabel National Forest — Iowa Gulch Road Dispersed Camp

Iowa Gulch Road climbs southwest out of Leadville into San Isabel National Forest, where informal pullouts and flat spots along the drainage let you camp at nearly 11,000 feet with unobstructed views of the Mosquito Range. It’s wide-open alpine terrain — sparse spruce, rocky meadows, and brutal beauty. Expect cold nights even in July. No established sites, no facilities, no signage. Pick a spot 100 feet off the road and 200 feet from water. Fire rings are improvised and fire restrictions can kick in fast mid-summer — always check with the Leadville Ranger District before you light anything.

Access is via paved CO-300 turning to dirt Forest Road 184. High-clearance 2WD handles it most of the season; early June can be muddy. Snow closes the upper road by October. Cell signal drops to nothing above the lower drainage. Stay limit is 14 days.

14er shadows, thin air, no neighbors.