By:
Submission
Horse Ranch Park is a large meadow about 4.5 miles west of the summit of Kebler Pass. It is on the northeast side of Kebler Pass Road, Gunnison County Road 12, and is the Trail Head for the Dark Canyon Trail #830, the Dyke Creek Trail #837, and the Dyke Mountain Bike Trail #838. The meadow receives heavy camping use from horse enthusiast who can ride into either the [Raggeds Wilderness ](http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gmug/recarea/?recid=80857)or the [West Elk Wilderness](http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gmug/recarea/?recid=80859). Livestock must be high-lined or contained within an electric fence or panels to reduce any impact. Please practice “Leave No Trace” horsemanship. Certified weed free hay is required on all National Forest Lands. [Horse Ranch Park Brochure](http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5316280.pdf) On the southwest side of Kebler Pass Road, across the road from Horse Ranch Park, is the Trail Head for the Cliff Creek Trail #840. This trail enters the West Elk Wilderness. At this trailhead camping is very limited with mostly room for parking.
**From Paonia:** Travel northeast on Highway 133 for approximately 15 miles to County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road. Turn right onto CR 12 and continue east for approximately 19 miles. Horse Ranch Park dispersed camping area is an open meadow on the left just over the bridge.
**From Crested Butte:** Travel west on County Road 12, Kebler Pass Road, for approximately 11 miles. Horse Ranch Park dispersed camping area is an open meadow on the right just before the bridge.
This area dispersed cramping for anyone but the horse campers are some of the rudest people I've ever met and did everything they could to force me out.
