Posted by Momo Vuyisich on September 8, 2006 at 10:10 AM
Can someone give me the location of one or two places along 550 between the two towns where I can camp for free? Thanks.
Posted by Nat Coalson on September 8, 2006 at 10:56 AM
This summer I camped off of Lime Creek Road (FR 591) and had a great time. The camping is free - San Juan National Forest.
The only drawback might be the drive time off 550; from the north (the easiest drive) it might take around 35 minutes to get to the majority of camping spots, down near the bottom and right next to the creek.
But if you are lucky, there are a couple of really nice spots a lot closer to 550, both from the north and south.
The south side of the road is lot tougher than the north and prone to rock slides and washouts. A trailer won't make it on that side, and there were a couple of spots that I was worried my F250 wheelbase was too long for some of the tight turns along the narrow ledge.
I'd recommend driving it first from the north, all the way to where it meets 550 again near Durango Mountain ski resort, to get a feel for the road. The entire length of Lime Creek Road might take 1.5-2 hours to drive, but it's a lot of fun.
On the south side, Scout lake and surrounding area is very cool. Scout Lake is Colorado's 5th largest beaver pond. There's lots of good kiking in the area, and great views all the way up and down Lime Creek.
This road is one of the oldest in the area, started out as an indian trail, then was the main route between Silverton and Durango for many years. Great history in the area.
Posted by Jack Brauer on September 8, 2006 at 11:48 AM
Hey Momo -
You could go just a bit further than Silverton, and camp along one of the dirt roads on the way to the Ice Lakes Basin TH... there's some nice spots along the river, not too far from the main highway.
BTW, I just snowed in the mountains... caught a glimpse of Sneffels this morning and there was lots of white... Clouds are covering it now so I can't see for sure... could make for some interesting conditions!
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on September 8, 2006 at 11:54 AM
Thanks guys for your suggestions.
The snow sounds exciting. The clouds will be nice this weekend as well.
Posted by Todd Caudle on September 8, 2006 at 12:28 PM
Great places to park it right off the highway near Molas Divide, like Little Molas Lake, or several other unmarked turnoffs right along the road. It's all national forest, so park just about anywhere where the sound of traffic doesn't bother you.
Posted by Nat Coalson on September 8, 2006 at 3:33 PM
I had trouble finding a decent spot at Little Molas. Although it surely won't be as busy as it is in July.
Posted by Don Grall on September 9, 2006 at 8:36 PM
The Lime Creek Road is about the best free camping spot between Durango and Silverton. There is another spot at Silverton that serves as a put-in for kayakers doing the Animas. Just before arriving at Silverton from Durango, you have to cross the bridge over Mineral Creek.
There is a gravel road that follows Mineral Creek downstream from the highway on the "Durango" side of the bridge. Drive down this road about a mile. You would have to park on the side of the road at the widest spot you can find, the road is very infrequently used, so traffic is not much of a problem.
You could also camp at the trailhead for Engineer Mt. but you'd be real close to the road.
I've spent the night at the Molas Pass summit overlook, during the winter. Fall might be a bit too busy to do an overnight there, though.
Don
Discussion
6 repliesThe only drawback might be the drive time off 550; from the north (the easiest drive) it might take around 35 minutes to get to the majority of camping spots, down near the bottom and right next to the creek.
But if you are lucky, there are a couple of really nice spots a lot closer to 550, both from the north and south.
The south side of the road is lot tougher than the north and prone to rock slides and washouts. A trailer won't make it on that side, and there were a couple of spots that I was worried my F250 wheelbase was too long for some of the tight turns along the narrow ledge.
I'd recommend driving it first from the north, all the way to where it meets 550 again near Durango Mountain ski resort, to get a feel for the road. The entire length of Lime Creek Road might take 1.5-2 hours to drive, but it's a lot of fun.
On the south side, Scout lake and surrounding area is very cool. Scout Lake is Colorado's 5th largest beaver pond. There's lots of good kiking in the area, and great views all the way up and down Lime Creek.
This road is one of the oldest in the area, started out as an indian trail, then was the main route between Silverton and Durango for many years. Great history in the area.
You could go just a bit further than Silverton, and camp along one of the dirt roads on the way to the Ice Lakes Basin TH... there's some nice spots along the river, not too far from the main highway.
BTW, I just snowed in the mountains... caught a glimpse of Sneffels this morning and there was lots of white... Clouds are covering it now so I can't see for sure... could make for some interesting conditions!
The snow sounds exciting. The clouds will be nice this weekend as well.
There is a gravel road that follows Mineral Creek downstream from the highway on the "Durango" side of the bridge. Drive down this road about a mile. You would have to park on the side of the road at the widest spot you can find, the road is very infrequently used, so traffic is not much of a problem.
You could also camp at the trailhead for Engineer Mt. but you'd be real close to the road.
I've spent the night at the Molas Pass summit overlook, during the winter. Fall might be a bit too busy to do an overnight there, though.
Don