Hey everyone in RMNP, hope all is well, and weather is treating you with some good light. I am trying to plan a couple 4 day weekends in CO, for some camping, photography, and some light fishing. I am looking for some places that I can ONLY access by 4x4, either by a lake, where I can throw a tent, or a river that I can camp and drive to. I am trying to stay away from some of the parks, and It's only me and my 9yr old son. Can you help me out with some spots, or links where I can find some places to go. I would rather be able to drive up, instead of hiking miles with my son, not that I do not want to, but I like taking him camping a couple times during the summer, without making him work to much.
I'd recommend that you look at Charles Wells books on Colorado 4X4 trails. He doesn't look at things from a camping perspective, but it will give you an idea about what to expect on some of the 4wd roads.
Places that I'd recommend looking into for 4wd + camping would be Lead King Basin, Roan Plateau, and Grand Mesa. Grand Mesa may be the best fit as there is a network of 4wd roads around a series of lakes up there. Its far enough away from the parks that it should not draw too much of a crowd. Roan only has 1 main road going across the plateau, and I don't know how it goes with water and such. One other place to look is along the forest service roads between Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. There is camping along FR 110 or FR110J.
Mike - you might want to check out the San Juan Mountains around Silverton, Telluride and Durango... American Basin via Cinnamon Pass and the surrounding areas etc.; lots of options there, and it's possible to get away from the crowds...
Also, Clear Creek Canyon north of Buena Vista has some really nice camping spots and good fishing areas.
Thanks alot you two, I really appreciate you taking the time to give me some spots. I figured there would be quite a few to chime in. I have researched the areas, and ordered a couple books that will cover me. So I think I will find a spot that we can go to. Once again, thank you.
Clear Lake in the San Juans would fit your goals to a T. Fishing, 4x4 drive (although the road is easy, so you'll get the occasional subaru driver like myself), great scenery, great camping, nice lake, nice small waterfalls, nice stream, and great views in Clear Lake Basin and into Ice Lakes Basin.
Brian I came across that as I was searching. Can I camp up there? Do I just need wilderness permit? I thought that would be a great spot, with a nice backdrop for some photo ops. That may be just the spot I will go. I think you did it with, "nice small waterfalls, nice stream, and great views of clear lake. Which I am a water lover! Thank you kindly!
I've seen people campling right at the lake at the top of the road. As far as I know, no permit required. I always see a couple of people fishing up there.
Only concern I would have is if a storm swings through with lightning. You are surrounded on three sides by high ridges, but I still don't think I would like to be there during a storm. Also, you will see some people up there. It won't be a national park, but don't expect a pure wilderness experience. I've never seen more than two camps set-up, but people will drive in during the day to site see.
Cool, thanks Brian. I have just ordered "Colorado Byways: Backcountry Drives", Tony Huegel, "Camping Colorado, Melinda Crow, and Colorado Campgrounds: The 100 Best and All the Rest by Gil Folsom. So when I get these I will really get an Idea of where to go. If only I could remember all the spots my parents took us as kids, and some of the hangouts we had when I was a teen there. Maybe one of these books will have some spots that ring a bell.,
thanks for taking some time to answer, appreciate it.
Discussion
8 repliesI really appreciate any help,
thank you,
Mike
I'd recommend that you look at Charles Wells books on Colorado 4X4 trails. He doesn't look at things from a camping perspective, but it will give you an idea about what to expect on some of the 4wd roads.
Places that I'd recommend looking into for 4wd + camping would be Lead King Basin, Roan Plateau, and Grand Mesa. Grand Mesa may be the best fit as there is a network of 4wd roads around a series of lakes up there. Its far enough away from the parks that it should not draw too much of a crowd. Roan only has 1 main road going across the plateau, and I don't know how it goes with water and such. One other place to look is along the forest service roads between Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive. There is camping along FR 110 or FR110J.
Also, Clear Creek Canyon north of Buena Vista has some really nice camping spots and good fishing areas.
Good luck and have fun!!
Only concern I would have is if a storm swings through with lightning. You are surrounded on three sides by high ridges, but I still don't think I would like to be there during a storm. Also, you will see some people up there. It won't be a national park, but don't expect a pure wilderness experience. I've never seen more than two camps set-up, but people will drive in during the day to site see.
I'll post some pictures tonight when I'm at home.
thanks for taking some time to answer, appreciate it.