Colorado · Camping · Near South Fork

Penitente Canyon Campground

Photo: Michael C. Rael — CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

from $11
fee: May–Sep
best months

At 7,915 ft
San Luis Valley Field Office

The canyonlands of Penitente Canyon offer a blend of peaceful surroundings and diverse recreation opportunities less than 10 miles from a major highway. Although the BLM manages the 4,552-acre Penitente Canyon primarily for rock climbers, the area also offers opportunities for heritage tourists, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip

Sleep close
Penitente Canyon Campground
Campground
Campground · < 0.1 mi from the trail
Eat after
Boogies Restaurant
Restaurant
On your way back · 12 mi
If it rains
Rio Grande County Museum
Museum
Museum · 12 mi from South Fork

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

Local outfitters

Blue Creek Lodge29 mi away
Joyful Journey Hot Springs30 mi away

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

Best time to go · May–Sep
Best time to visit Penitente Canyon Campground
Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.
1. Jan
  35° / 7°
  4 wet
2. Feb
  40° / 13°
  4 wet
3. Mar
  51° / 21°
  5 wet
4. Apr
  59° / 27°
  5 wet
5. May
  68° / 36°
  6 wet
6. Jun
  78° / 44°
  6 wet
7. Jul
  80° / 50°
  11 wet
8. Aug
  78° / 48°
  12 wet
9. Sep
  73° / 40°
  8 wet
10. Oct
  63° / 30°
  5 wet
11. Nov
  49° / 18°
  4 wet
12. Dec
  36° / 9°
  4 wet
Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Del Norte 3ene, CO, 10.5 mi away at 7,845 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.