Can you reserve a site at East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ?

No. East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ

Facility · Colorado ·

Managed by the Bureau of Land Management

Tres Rios Field Office (Bureau of Land Management CO) · Open Access

6,938 ft
Elevation

East Animas/ Turtle Lake provides great rock climbing opportunities close to town. It is located north of Durango and right off of the road. Mostly known for bouldering with a scattered variety of difficulties. From there you can also access the Turtle Lake cliffs, located right above the bouldering area and is less frequently visited. The turtle lake cliffs have a variety of routes to choose from. For more information, please contact the Tres Rios Field Office.

Getting there

To reach Turtle Lake, travel north through Durango on Main Street/Highway 550. Turn West on Road 25 (to Junction Creek). Drive 3 miles to County Road 205. Turn north (right) on CR 205 and drive approximately 1 mile to the climbing area. The area is not marked/signed. Look for the boulders and access trail on the NW (left) side of CR 205. After passing the lake you will see the bouldering area of Turtle Lake on your left, and you'll know you're there. Follow the trail to the cliff band that is west above the bouldering.

To reach the East Animas Climbing area, travel north through Durango on Main Street/Highway 550. Turn East on 15th Street which will become the Florida Road after 2 blocks. Follow the Florida Road Northeast 2 miles to County Road 250.Turn north (left) on CR250 and drive approximately 1.75 miles. A parking area/trailhead will be on the north (right) side of the road. Follow the trail to the cliff band that is west above the bouldering.

37.33233, -107.88285 · 37°19'56.4"N 107°52'58.3"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 39°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	39	45	54	63	71	81	85	82	76	64	50	40
Low °F	13	19	25	30	37	46	53	52	45	33	23	13
Precip in	2.2	1.7	1.3	1.3	1.2	0.5	1.9	2.3	2.2	1.9	1.5	1.6

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

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Common questions about East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ

Can you reserve a site at East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ?: No. East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.

Camping near East Animas/Turtle Lake RMZ

Junction Creek Campground 1.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Snowslide 11 mi · Campground · we watch it
Kroeger 11.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Miller Creek 13.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Chris Park 13.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
Transfer Park Campground 14.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Florida Campground (Co) 14.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Haviland Lake Campground 14.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Animas/Grandview/Skyline RMZ 7.6 mi · Facility
Lower Hermosa Campground 8.6 mi · Campground
Florida Campground 13.8 mi · Campground
Transfer Park Campground 14.3 mi · Campground

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Contact

Phone 970-882-7296
Info Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.