{"id":2612,"date":"2026-07-14T15:05:41","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coloradospringsmoverss.com\/?p=2612"},"modified":"2026-07-14T15:05:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T15:05:41","slug":"less-crowded-colorado-destinations-for-camping-gravel-biking-hot-springs-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coloradospringsmoverss.com\/?p=2612","title":{"rendered":"Less crowded Colorado destinations for camping, gravel biking, hot springs and more"},"content":{"rendered":"
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One of the best things about exploring Colorado\u2019s natural wonders is having the solitude to do so. That can prove difficult in the middle of summer, however, when people flock from around the country to enjoy the great outdoors. Lucky for locals, there are plenty of backroads less traveled if you know where to look.<\/p>\n

Read more New ice cream shop with a \u2018waffle theater\u2019 bets big on downtown Denver<\/a><\/p>\n

Here are five underrated adventure destinations to check out if you\u2019re seeking to camp, bike, relax in hot springs, explore spirituality or find all the summer fun you can handle in one place.<\/p>\n

Lake City: Where you don\u2019t have to fight for a campsite<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re tired of competing for camping reservations, it\u2019s time to drive further into the middle of nowhere. Hinsdale County, home to Lake City, boasts being \u201cthe most remote area in the United States\u2019 lower 48 states\u201d with more than 96% of the county designated as public lands. There are many first-come, first-served campgrounds where visitors can find plenty of site choices, even during the height of summer tourism. That includes the Wupperman Campground, located on the shores of Lake San Cristobal just a few miles from town with prime access to the Alpine Loop Backcountry Byway, a popular OHV and four-wheel driving route. Lake City is also a stargazing hotspot. To peruse the camping options available, visit lakecity.com\/camping.<\/p>\n

Crestone: Where you can tap into the supernatural<\/h4>\n

The veil is thin in Crestone, a town in the San Luis Valley known for its spiritual traditions and ethereal essence. Since the 1980s, Crestone has become a hub for communities of various faiths, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Native American traditions, each of which has put its own stamp on the local architecture. Monuments like the 42-foot-tall Tashi Gomang Stupa and the Crestone Ziggurat are open to the public. Additionally, the town has attracted New Age seekers and retreat centers; it\u2019s not uncommon to hear drums beating while hiking local trails. Those willing to travel a short distance can also hit unusual attractions like the UFO Watchtower in Center and the Colorado Gators reptile rescue and park in Mosca, as well as the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Alamosa.<\/p>\n

Ouray: Where soaking in hot springs is a full-time job<\/h4>\n

Those interested in soaking in Colorado\u2019s abundant hot springs might be inclined to visit a town with \u201csprings\u201d in the name. But on the Western Slope, Ouray has several options to satisfy whatever kind of setting travelers are looking for \u2014 whether that\u2019s a large family-friendly entertainment venue like the namesake Ouray Hot Springs Pool or something more intimate, like Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodging with its renowned vapor cave. Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs features nine outdoor pools and a bar for both overnight guests and those who buy a day pass. And in nearby Ridgway, there\u2019s the clothing-optional Orvis Hot Springs, which also offers camping.<\/p>\n

Read more Denver eliminates local childcare license in push for cheaper services<\/a><\/p>\n

Naturita: Where you can bike through history and beyond<\/h4>\n

For bikers seeking to ride where few have before, there\u2019s a growing network of trails in Colorado\u2019s so-called West End, in Montrose County near Utah, that offers both an adventure and a tour of the region\u2019s history. Since 2014, a group of volunteers operating as the West End Trails Alliance has built and mapped more than 300 miles of trails near Naturita and Nucla for fans of cross-country, gravel, and mountain biking. (That includes e-bikes.) Most follow old mining roads through canyons and across mesa tops where miners used to prospect for gold and uranium. The community ethos revolves around biking with stores like Paradox Cycle and Flying Bear Pizzeria, which doubles as a bike service shop, and races like the West End Gravel Rush. Opportunities for camping and glamping at CampV, located at a former mining enclave, mean you can explore for several days and enjoy the massive art installations on the 120-acre property after recreating.<\/p>\n

Grand Mesa: Where summer fun never ends<\/h4>\n

Coloradans looking for a single destination that offers catch-all summer fun should look no further than the Grand Mesa, near Grand Junction. Known as the world\u2019s largest flattop mountain, the Grand Mesa is home to more than 300 lakes that provide access to fishing and boating (both motorized and not), picnicking and stunning views. Hikes abound in the forest, allowing visitors to see wildflowers and forage for mushrooms. There are numerous campgrounds where the whole family can post up and get the most out of a trip. The best part: The Grand Mesa is easily accessible via a paved scenic byway that runs from the north to the south, so you don\u2019t need an off-road vehicle to experience what the outdoors have to offer there. With all the exceptional recreation, it\u2019s a wonder it doesn\u2019t get more crowded. But, hey, all the better for those who wander to the Western Slope.<\/p>\n

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Read more Falling gas prices likely cut inflation last month but renewal of Iran war could undo progress<\/a><\/p>\n

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Avoid summer crowds and head to Lake City to camp, Ouray for hot springs, Naturita\/Nucla for gravel and mountain biking, Crestone for spiritual vibes and the Grand Mesa for all of the above.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2611,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,19,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-outdoors","category-things-to-do"],"yoast_head":"\nLess crowded Colorado destinations for camping, gravel biking, hot springs and more - Colorado Springs Moverss<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/coloradospringsmoverss.com\/?p=2612\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Less crowded Colorado destinations for camping, gravel biking, hot springs and more - 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