As the article makes clear, this is not the end of boondocking – it just limits the number of boondockers by requiring us to park at specific sites, rather than just anywhere we want. This new rule is a great and necessary development -- the area was being overrun by folks who camped just about anywhere and everywhere around Crested Butte.
For example, we were in Washington Gulch a few years ago and snagged what we thought was a great site -- it had a little signpost at the entryway, with a steeply sloping driveway leading up to a level pad.
That night, long after we got the trailer parked, a whole bunch of folks (eventually about 50 of them!!) parked their trucks along the sloping driveway, pitched tents, and built campfires, all within 50 yards of our trailer.
Fortunately, they were not too noisy, and they left the next day and picked up all of their trash. But still, this is not typical boondocking behavior!
And we saw the same thing happening all over the whole area, such as the Gothic Valley and Kebler Pass.
So don't despair – this will make it a lot nicer for those lucky folks who do manage to grab a posted site!!
And in case anyone wants to see photos of that area, here is our blog post:
Crested ButteAnd once you see the photos, you will understand why this area is so crowded -- it is very beautiful, and everyone wants to go there.
2012 Fun Finder X-139 "Boondock Style" (axle-flipped and extra insulation)
2013 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road (semi-beefy tires and components)
Our trips -- pix and textAbout our trailer"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single list."