Top of the Pines Logo Banner
Top of the Pines panorama

History of the Camp

old camp sign

Top of the Pines was originally a 175 acre Girl Scout Camp located on Miller Mesa above Ridgway and was used for youth camping for many years.

When the Grand Junction Chapter of the Girl Scouts decided to divest of the camp, which had been held under a BLM Land Patent, a concerned group of locals formed Top of the Pines, Inc. Their goals were to see the land remain in public hands, retain its rustic nature, restore the camp to use, and provide a regional space for outdoor and environmental education.

In 2002, with tremendous public support, TOP Inc. raised the funds, purchased the preserve from the Girl Scouts, and gifted it to Ouray County. TOP Inc. is currently the managing entity for the camp and has successfully secured the first Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO) grant for the refurbishment of the buildings and infrastructure. With the help of GOCO, Ouray County, other foundations, and the public’s support, TOP, inc.is working to prepare the property for full use by the public. TOP is the only outdoor facility of its kind in the region, and is therefore an exceptional asset to Ouray County and surrounding areas.