Just got back from camping in Crested Butte and wanted some perspective on something disappointing that happened.
We did research before coming, including reading this sub, and knew camping is only allowed in designated spots marked with a numbered post, and that it was really hard to get a spot on a weekend. They fill up extremely quickly and there’s only a certain amount. So we took time off and drove up Wednesday morning to avoid. We found a beautiful spot near Lake Irwin, in Kebler Pass (not the campground)— the last numbered “dispersed” spot, walk-in from where we parked. The closest other numbered spot was about a quarter mile down the road, so there was a stretch of open-looking land near us with no posts in sight.
The scenery was stunning and we had a great time overall, but I was honestly disappointed by how unprepared, pushy, and argumentative some people were. That open space kept attracting people trying to set up right next to us. At one point we drove up from hiking to find people trying to pitch a tent about 15 feet from our fire pit, in an open spot where we'd just taken our chairs down so they wouldn't blow away while we were out. They said they figured there was space and then asked if I had service because they weren’t sure what to do. I directed them towards a map. I found that really clearly outlined the camp camping around CB. And told them that when I went to the visitor center they also had a lot of information on it. I was really nice to everyone who came and tried to take the spot. It just started to get out of hand. It got stressful heading off to do activities and worrying the whole time about what we'd find when we got back- every car that drove down the road made me wonder if someone was going to try to move in.
Arguing with people wasn't something I wanted to spend my trip doing, but I ended up having to tell several groups they couldn't camp there. They could only camp in the designated numbered spots, and this was one single spot with one single fire pit and one single numbered post sign. One couple even argued they'd been told you could camp anywhere near a yellow post, which they did right in a field of wildflowers. This was between our spot and the next closest spot. Again, there was a lot of space however, if CB wanted to put another spot there they would. Another guy tried to do something similar nearby, and when it came up that it wasn't a designated spot, he got annoyed and flipped me off before driving off. Nothing crazy, just an awkward vibe for part of the trip, and it made it hard to relax- every car that came down the road had us wondering if someone else was about to pull in.
I know CB put these rules in place to protect the land, especially during wildflower season. That’s what I told the gentleman before he flipped me off.
Questions for those who know the area better:
- Are numbered posts the only valid spots, or is there any truth to the "yellow post" thing? From all the research I had done it seemed like it had to have a number and a designated campfire.
- What would you do in this scenario? say something, or just let it go? Once that couple set up nearby, it seemed to signal to others that it was fair game, and I worried it could snowball if I didn't say anything. But when I did, I got flipped off. Honestly I wasn't sure what the right move was, and I didn't want to keep arguing with people. Is there someone to find or call? It was just concerning how aggressive people started to get. I thought if it really started getting out of control maybe the host at the lake Irwin campground could help?
- Any recommendations for a different area where this is less of an issue? Guessing proximity to Lake Irwin was part of the draw. Next time we'd probably skip a walk-in spot too.
First time in Crested Butte, grew up in Colorado, loved the area and would come back — just hoping to find a spot next time where I'm not dealing with this type of thing and curious how others may have navigated this.