What to Do
What’s the best way to explore this gem?
Biking: Mountain biking is a popular activity in the new monument. Check out the Colorado – Continental Divide Trail, which are on the same singletrack in the monument.
Hiking, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing: If you like to travel on foot, you’ll find plenty to do in the new monument. A primary route through the monument is the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT), which runs from Mexico to Canada, and the Colorado Trail (CT), which travels 485 miles from Denver to Durango. These trails share the same path through the monument.
Look for Continental Divide Trail Section 26 (Tennessee Pass to Copper Mountain) or Colorado Trail Segment 8 (Copper Mountain to Tennessee Pass).
Camping: The Camp Hale Memorial Campground offers 21 campsites in the Camp Hale National Historic Site off Highway 24. Near the headwaters of the Eagle River, the campground is in a wide, flat, open valley sparsely forested by lodgepole pines. The Colorado Trail and nearby gravel roads provide walking and bike paths.
Hut Trips: Five of the 10th Mountain Division huts, which offer adventurous hike-in/ski-in backcountry lodging, are within the national monument.
Fishing: The Camp Hale Pond Fishing Pier is stocked with trout, and the pier is accessible.
Snowmobiling: In winter, snowmobiling is a great way to see the monument. There are various guiding companies in the Camp Hale area.
Other Activities: Horseback riding, off-roading, and hunting are also popular activities in the monument.
Photo Credit – Jon Resnick – Continental Divide Trail Coalition
Near the Monument
Ski Cooper: This uncrowded, family-friendly ski resort, is just outside the monument. The 10th Mountain soldiers trained there on Cooper Hill. Come to Cooper for a laid-back vibe and all-natural snow!
10th Mountain Day: Also at Ski Cooper is an annual ski-down honoring the 10th Mountain Division heroes. Held in February by the 10th Mountain Division Descendants.
Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, Cookhouse, and Sleep Yurts: Rent cross-country skis, snowshoes, and fat bikes to explore the Nordic Center’s groomed trails. Savor a delicious gourmet dinner or lunch at the Cookhouse yurt, and stay the night in luxury Sleep Yurts, warmed by a woodstove. It’ll be an experience you’ll remember forever.
Nova Guides: Tours and rentals galore! Snowmobile, ATV, Jeep and Fly Fishing and Archery opportunities. They offer lodging and event space and are located right along the Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway near Camp Hale.
In the Presence of Greatness
While you may not see them, Indigenous sites and rare plants and wildlife are part of what makes the monument such a special place. During your visit, take a moment to look around and notice the wonder of the land. If you are lucky enough to find something rare, please respect it, leave it untouched, and keep its location a secret.
Indigenous History: While the locations of Indigenous sites are not marked, to protect them, the Ute people have used these homelands for centuries. They return to pray, hold ceremonies, honor their ancestors, and hunt, fish, and harvest plants for medicinal purposes, ceremonial use, and basketry.
Two Colorado tribes, the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute, attended the monument’s dedication. The Uncompaghre Ute tribe in Utah also calls this area homeland and has expressed that they were not meaningfully consulted about the monument’s designation.
Come enjoy this special place with us!
Click for 8 Fun Facts About The Camp Hale – Continental Divide National Monument
