Hey folks,
has anyone found a good camp spot "in the woods" (doesnt have to be woods) close to the Cielo Vista Ranch?
Thanks mountainute
camping near Culebra
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Re: camping near Culebra
To avoid confusion, in light of recent postings, on public land of course.
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Re: camping near Culebra
They let you camp right inside the gate.
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Re: camping near Culebra
I am following this thread also, so will they let you go inside the gate the the afternoon before to camp? Also how is the road for a 4x4 sprinter van?
thank you
thank you
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Re: camping near Culebra
From the ranch’s website:
Camping
Given the early start time of 6AM for hiking, many climbers arrive the night before and car camp just outside of the Cielo Vista Ranch gate. Vehicles are not allowed in the property until they drive up to the headquarters the morning of the climb, because it is too easy otherwise for people to get lost.
Those who have already sent in payment and their waiver are also permitted to tent camp. There is a designated camping area just inside of the property, adjacent to the gate, which can be accessed by simply climbing over the fenced area. While there is no water source at the campground, there is a portapotty for use. If tent camping, you can leave your tent set up while hiking so the moisture can dry off before packing up at the end of the day.
Campfires are only allowed if there is not a fire ban in effect and so long as proper precautions are taken. Such precautions include: having at least a gallon of water and/or a shovel to put the fire out, making sure the area around the fire is cleared of debris, and making sure the fire is completely extinguished– including all embers– before leaving it permanently unattended. While fire bans have been in effect for the last few summers, all of our winter climbers have been able to build campfires.
Cannot comment on the road as I haven’t done it yet. I have a reservation for later this month.
Camping
Given the early start time of 6AM for hiking, many climbers arrive the night before and car camp just outside of the Cielo Vista Ranch gate. Vehicles are not allowed in the property until they drive up to the headquarters the morning of the climb, because it is too easy otherwise for people to get lost.
Those who have already sent in payment and their waiver are also permitted to tent camp. There is a designated camping area just inside of the property, adjacent to the gate, which can be accessed by simply climbing over the fenced area. While there is no water source at the campground, there is a portapotty for use. If tent camping, you can leave your tent set up while hiking so the moisture can dry off before packing up at the end of the day.
Campfires are only allowed if there is not a fire ban in effect and so long as proper precautions are taken. Such precautions include: having at least a gallon of water and/or a shovel to put the fire out, making sure the area around the fire is cleared of debris, and making sure the fire is completely extinguished– including all embers– before leaving it permanently unattended. While fire bans have been in effect for the last few summers, all of our winter climbers have been able to build campfires.
Cannot comment on the road as I haven’t done it yet. I have a reservation for later this month.
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Re: camping near Culebra
thank you
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Re: camping near Culebra
The road to the gate for your van is fine. The road to HQ for your van is fine. The road one mile past the HQ when I went up in May would be doable without worrying about scraping, only the steepness of some sections would be concerning, having 4x4, I'd do it in your van but just be cautious. The rest of the road was under snow so am not sure about it but the steepness doesn't seem to repeat what you see in the first mile after the HQ. I had no problem in a stock Frontier 4x4 of clearance height...I think just over 8 inches.
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Re: camping near Culebra
Hey folks,
its not what I asked -- the ranch website says you can camp at the gate. So there's no need to ask the community forum that.
Thanks for responding, it would be awesome if someone had an answer to my question though. Else I'm sure I can figure something out.
cheers, mountainute
its not what I asked -- the ranch website says you can camp at the gate. So there's no need to ask the community forum that.
Thanks for responding, it would be awesome if someone had an answer to my question though. Else I'm sure I can figure something out.
cheers, mountainute
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Re: camping near Culebra
The ranch is quite expansive, and is surrounded by other private property + the town of San Luis. That makes camping kinda tight close by, which is why most opt for just camping at the gate. A quick Caltopo viewing of public land may have you go all the way to the Lake Como Road!mountainute wrote: ↑Thu Jun 02, 2022 2:33 pm Hey folks,
its not what I asked -- the ranch website says you can camp at the gate. So there's no need to ask the community forum that.
Thanks for responding, it would be awesome if someone had an answer to my question though. Else I'm sure I can figure something out.
cheers, mountainute
The area around it is quite arid, so not much tree cover. Wonderful smell of sage though, which is somewhat intoxicating at that amount.
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Re: camping near Culebra
The closest public land is the Blanca peak TH on BLM/FS land, approx. 1 hour drive away. Maybe the San Luis Hills BLM land to the west, but I have never been there, and its also like an hour drive away. For that reason, it is best to camp at the CV gate as others have suggested
Edit: Justin beat me to it
Edit: Justin beat me to it
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Re: camping near Culebra
There is limited dispersed camping available at Rito Seco Park, which is just northeast of San Luis.
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Re: camping near Culebra
to mountainute: I did not intend to hijack your question, I am sorry. Thank you everyone for your input