Cayton Campground - Campground near Rico, Colorado, United States - Description

Cayton Campground

Because of Cayton's easy access to Colorado Hwy. 145 and the Dolores River, the campground is very popular. There is plenty of fishing along the river, but it may be crowded on summer weekends. At 9,400 feet, expect cool evenings.

The Barlow Creek Road continues past the campground and crosses Bolam Pass with spectacular views. Road conditions near the pass often limit travel to 4WD vehicles. The route eventually connects with the Hermosa Park Road behind Durango Mountain Resort and leads to U.S. Highway 550.

The Colorado Trail follows the ridge across Bolam Pass. The Lizard Head and Cross Mountain Trails near Lizard Head Pass lead to alpine basins surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks. To the south, the Priest Gulch Trailhead, 11 miles southwest of Rico, leads to the alpine country to the west. The Bear Creek Trail, 14 miles south of Rico, heads southeast into the La Plata Mountains. Other nearby trails are the Calico National Recreation Trail and the Rico-Silverton Trail.

For motorists, motorcycle riders, and road cyclists, Hwy. 145 between the campground and Telluride offers some of the most majestic scenery along the San Juan Skyway, including views of the "14'ers" west of the highway above Telluride.

The campground has 27 campsites, many along the river. Eighteen sites offer 50 amp RV electric plugins. A dry dump station is in place.

From Rico, CO - travel northeast on Colorado Highway 145 for 6 miles. Turn right (East) on Forest Service Road 578 (Barlow Creek Road); the entrance is 1/2 mile up.