San Luis Valley Field Office

The San Luis Valley Field Office manages nearly 500,000 acres of public land in Colorado’s Rio Grande Basin. The public lands managed by the BLM’s San Luis Valley Field Office present myriad ecosystems; from alpine desert to the majestic Sangre de Cristo Wilderness on the eastern side of the Valley.

Field Office Spotlight

De Tilla Gulch Solar Lease Sale (April 27, 2023)

The Rocky Mountain District Office is auctioning rights to develop a utility scale solar energy project in the De Tilla Gulch area of the San Luis Valley. The event will be streamed live over Microsoft Teams here.

For more information, see the press release here, or the event's ePlanning site here.

Blanca Wetlands Prescribed Fire

The Rocky Mountain District Fire staff conducts annual prescribed fire burns at Blanca Wetlands to improve habitat for migratory and nesting birds. Fire is the most effective tool to remove decadent cattails and bulrush that ring the ponds. A rotational burn cycle around the wetlands ensures a variety of habitats for wildlife in one of the most important ecosystems in Colorado. Blanca Wetlands support over 180 species of birds, several amphibians, bats, and many types of mammals throughout the year.

Learn more about this year's prescribed burn (video). 

Campground Information

The Penitente Campground features nine walk-in tent sites, four drive-in tent/camper sites, and two group sites. More information

Campsite Location Map

Penitente Canyon Trails Map

The San Luis Valley Field Office is now accepting reservations for the  and Penitente and Zapata Falls campgrounds to improve campers' experiences at these sites. Reservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

For individual sites, campers can make reservations up to six months in advance of their stay. Group sites can be reserved up to one year in advance of arrival. Reservations can be made by visiting the recreation.gov website or by calling (877) 444-6777.