Angel of Shavano Camping Weekend

It's baaaaaack! BTRBC Camping weekend is back and we're doing it bigger and better than ever. I've been scoping out the best campgrounds across the Sawatch Range and think I've found a gem just west of Poncha Springs.

We'll be heading out Friday August 22nd and returning Sunday August 24th for an incredible weekend of breakfast and some running if we feel up for it.

Plan on 3.5 hours of driving without traffic from Boulder.

The area we are planning to camp includes a first come, first served Angel of Shavano Campground (9,200 ft). There are toilets and potable water at this campground. Please note it's $25 per site for overnight camping. Two vehicles or one recreational vehicle (RV) per site is included in the camping fee. $10 for a third vehicle. Bring cash.

For those looking for a bit more adventure there is dispersed camping along Forest Service Road 240. This is a 4x4 road so plan accordingly (my 4Runner was scraping on rocks if you're wondering how bad it is). Most of the sites sit next to the creek so water won't be an issue and are far enough apart that you can find some privacy.

We'll disperse for camping on Friday night and gather Saturday morning along the road where the Colorado Trail crosses (about 50 feet west of the turnoff for the campground). Plan on a 7:30 start.

The adventure for Saturday will be the East Slopes route of Mt Shavano (14,230ft). This route should be about 10.6 miles with 5,000ft of gain.

For those looking to get more miles with less gain, the Colorado Trail heading southwest offers lots of options (Monarch Crest is 13 miles away with 3,700 ft of gain). Since everything is an out and back, shorter options are easy to find.

Back at camp you can take a refreshing dip or waterfall shower in the North Fork of the South Arkansas river. We'll do our usual trailhead breakfast after the run. Dinner will be on your own, but we'll have s'mores around the campfire as the stars come out.

Feel free to swim, fish, bike, hike or forage in the area or take on another run before heading back. Comment below what you’d like to bring for breakfast and if you plan to utilize the campground or dispersed camping option.

Erich Nell
(682) 330-4488