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Need Info on Good Dry Camping in Colorado

Started by alphaa211, Dec 22, 2006, 10:02 PM

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alphaa211

Hello.  This post contains lots of details because I think I

gypsy_soul

I know of several great places a little farther south from where you're looking at around Creede, Silverton or Northern N.mex. Everything you're looking for except the shower.... Here are a couple of links that Might help you out.


http://www.coloradoheadwaters.com/index.cfm

http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/whiteriver/
Jer

TheViking

I would stay out of the Denver area for awhile.

CampDirt

Let's break this down a bit.  
First:  The places you are looking at are at fairly high altitude.  Leadville has the highest airport in the nation, over 11,000 feet elevation.  Buena Vista is not that far below it (elevation wise).  Salida is still up in the mountains.  
 
Second:  The time you are coming (early June) is the worst possible time in the mountains unless you are prepared for late spring snows.  It's not uncommon to get a snow storm at those elevations at that time of year. Back roads are muddy and there's still snow pack everywhere, making hiking almost unworthy (of course, snowshoing is still great!). Nights are still COLD!  Hope your heater works really well!!
 
Third:  To get away from the "summer" crowds and camp in a serene post-card like setting, it's almost a must to go on the back roads.  Unless you have very high clearance and four-wheel drive on both TV and PU, don't try it (especially around Buena Vista).  Even backpacking in these glorious mountains I run into lots of people on the backcountry trails.  BELIEVE ME!  In the summer these mountains are crowded EVERYWHERE!!!  You're not going to get away from the crowds...
 
Fourth:  If your dry camping and thinking of getting water from a stream or lake, think again.  It's illegal to fill up water tanks from natural sources in this state (and even man-made reservoirs).  So, for nine days you're going to have to go back to town anyway to fill up on water, gas, food, etc.  You're a long ways from services on these back roads.
 
My suggestions:
1.  Come at a later time (mid-July to late August) to avoid snow packs and potential snow storms.  Most of the snow, except on the very top of mountains and permanent snow fields, are gone by then.  You'll also enjoy the wildflowers, which don't even start to bloom until late June/ early July.  No mud on the dirt roads, either.
2.  If you're interested in wildflowers (and Colorado has spectacular ones) may I suggest the wildflower festival first week of July in Crested Butte.  The back roads, up to certain points, seem to be a little better with some places to pull off.  Be aware, it's still back roads!  Check the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival website.
3.  If these dates are set and are not flexible, may I suggest the Western Slope.  This is the area bordering Utah and is on the west side of the mountains.  The great thing about this big area is that it's a lot warmer, lower elevation, some nice back roads, and for the kids (and grown-ups, too), MESA VERDE Nat'l Park.  It's one of the coolest parks with a great campsite.  Try an educational vacation with this one.  Also, the Western Slope has the GRAND MESA, one of the prettiest forests on top of one of the world's largest mesas.  Lot's of hiking, some lakes to fish in, history, and a little more secluded.  The famous Telluride ski resort is also on this side of paradise.  Wonderful in the summer.
 
Colorado has a lot to offer.  After living here in the Denver area for 12 years, I've hiked, backpacked, skied, camped, and explored at least half of these mountains (another 12 years and I might see the other half).  The lesson I have learned:  the Colorado Rockies are just about the most beautiful anywhere no matter what time of year you come.  You just have to be prepared.  It is nature at it's most spectacular and most vicious.  It's exciting and a little scary at the same time.  But well worth the trip.  I am so glad you have decided to come to my wonderful state for your vacation.  I'm always happy to share my backyard....