Boondocking near Mancos, CO

From the boondocking guide:

One dictionary defines boondocks as slang for rough backwoods or bush country. The term boondocking, also known to RV enthusiast as dispersed camping, dry camping or coyote camping, is used to describe camping in the midst of nature without the use of commercial campgrounds and hookups.

We decided to attempt our first boondocking.  I found a location near Mesa Verde on www.boondocking.org  This site has a database of longitude and latitude coordinates of boondocking spots, originally started by a real enthusiast.  Now, however, anyone can add a location.  Welcome to web 2.0.  The problem, of course, is one of quality-control. 

I turned onto  316, a dirt road off CO 160 near historic Mancos. This was Forest Service land.  The gravel road was smooth and not a soul in sight. The kids really wanted a repeat of the river spot we had the previous night.  They were initially disappointed we were climbing a mountain, away from any water source.  They would soon see the benefits of the road less-traveled.   About 3 miles into the woods,  a baby deer with wobbly, freshly-born, legs was on the road.

Probably 24 hours old

The road started to get progressively bumpier, with few spots to turn around.  There were spots on both sides of the road,  evidence of previous campers, namely rock fire pits.  We wanted a view of the valley below and kept going.  We entered a stunning aspen grove and knew we were getting close.

Turns out the aspens on the very top of the mountain were being cut for timber.  I managed to turn the rig around where the lumber trucks had been, found a somewhat level spot, and staked our claim.  We had some sparklers for the 4th, but after one nearly set the mountain top ablaze, we decided against the remaining 4 packs.  It was starting to get chilly as a storm approached.  We were treated to a nice storm that lasted several hours.  I should know:  while Karen and the kids quickly fell asleep, I was wide awake hoping we wouldn't be stuck in the mud in the morning,  miles from any help.

Whitney adds his mark to a tree that will soon be cut.