Kilpacker basin Trailhead

San Juan Mountains

Road Difficulty

1 2WD, easy dirt

Location10,100 feet
37.79704, -108.03892

Driving Directions

From Telluride, drive south on Colorado 145 to Lizard Head Pass. Continue south for 5.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road (FR) 535. Drive over 5 miles on the 2WD dirt road to reach the signed, Kilpacker trailhead on the right.

Trailhead Status Updates

Most Recent Update 8/20/2026:

The road is reasonable and the campsites are nice. I pitched a tent under the trees right next to the meadow. Between 10-2 some animal made a lot of noise only a few feet from my tent. Kind of like a bark / cough at regular intervals so possibly a fox or coyote. Whatever it was, it did not want to leave. Didn’t really get any sleep.

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Winter Access

Usually closed a short distance up the 535 road - miles below the TH.

Trailhead Facilities & Fees

Parking: Parking for ~15 vehicles.
Camping: A few places to pitch a tent at or near the trailhead but most people pack into Kilpacker Basin.
Restrooms: No
Fees: No

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