Stony Pass Road (FR 520) — Rio Grande National Forest Dispersed Camping

Stony Pass Road is the old freight route that hauled supplies into Silverton before the railroad showed up. Today it’s a high-alpine two-track climbing from Cunningham Gulch to the 12,588-foot Continental Divide crossing, then dropping toward the Rio Grande headwaters and the reservoir. Camping here is dispersed, meaning no sites, no tables, no host, no fee. People pull off at established spots on the Rio Grande National Forest side, where the country opens into big tundra basins and the views are the whole point. Expect cold nights even in July, afternoon thunderstorms above treeline, and plenty of company on summer weekends.

The Silverton side has a lot of old mining ground, and some of it is private patented claims. Don’t camp behind a gate or near a posted claim. Stick to obvious existing pullouts and pack out everything. Use a stove and check current fire restrictions with the Forest Service before you light anything. The road is rough and rocky in places, so 4WD with decent clearance is the safe call. Snow keeps it closed into early summer, so verify conditions with the Forest Service before you go. Have a dirty day.

Free camping on the old freight route over the Divide.