BLM Proposes to Add Camp Sites and Restrooms to the Campgrounds at the Shelf Road Climbing Area
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CANON CITY, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office, in coordination with the Pike’s Peak Climbers Alliance, is seeking public input on a proposal to add campsites, restrooms and day-use parking at the popular Shelf Road Climbing Area.
“The rock climbing community really loves Shelf Road and we are excited to be working with the BLM on this project” said Jes Meiris with the recently formed Pike’s Peak Climber’s Alliance.
The BLM is proposing to add approximately 10-15 campsites to each campground as well as adding day-use parking and restrooms. Campsites would be equipped with fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads. These improvements would be designed to mirror current facilities and blend with the natural environment catering to the rock climbing user group. The current fees of $7 per individual site and $14 per group site would apply to these sites as well.
“We’ve been hearing complaints about long lines for the restroom in the morning and a lack of available campsites” said Kalem Lenard, Outdoor Recreation Planner. “We hope this project can address these concerns and improves people’s experience at the site.”
The two campgrounds, the Banks and Sand Gulch, were constructed in 1995 as a response to rock climbing development in the area. At the time, the BLM estimated the area saw approximately 18,000 visitors. The BLM now estimates the sites see nearly 60,000 visitors a year and the facilities provided are no longer adequate for current visitation levels.
Specific details about the project, including description of the proposed expansion and conceptual maps are available on the Royal Gorge Field Office webpage at: www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/planning.html
A public scoping period gives the public a chance to tell the BLM what issues and concerns they think should be addressed and alternatives to consider. This comment period will run from July 17th to August 21th, 2015. Comments concerning the proposed action, alternatives and identification of environmental issues are most helpful. For additional information or to submit a comment, please contact Kalem Lenard at 719-269-8538 or email comments torgfo_comments@blm.gov with ‘Shelf Road Campgrounds’ in the subject line.
Click here to see picture of volunteers from the Rocky Mountain Field Institute helping with trail maintenance at the Shelf Road Rock Climbing Area.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.