I'm heading out to the Maze to meet Darren and Kalin Tuesday after work.
My plan is to drive across to the Ouray area after work, shoot sunset and then drop the tent and catch some sleep.
Trouble is I called the FS office out there to find that the amphitheater ans sunshine campgrounds I would usually use are still closed. Apparently they'll open in late August due to the ridiculous amount of snow (JK).
I'd like to drive the section from Ouray to Hite in the daylight since I've not seen it before and won't be returning that way, otherwise I'd just camp in the desert.
Can anybody recommend a camping or cheap hotel solution in the Ouray/Telluride area? I seem to remember some private campgrounds on the north end of Ouray but don't know if they're open and don't know their rates.
I saw that Ridgway State Park is open and I am considering it, but $20 for a tent camping spot is a bit on the steep side.
Unfortunately, the State Park is your cheapest option in this particular area. As a prime tourist destination, even places like the Ouray KOA charge $25 a night for a tent.
Your only cheaper (free) option is to camp on national forest land around the Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride area. I'm positive that NF campgrounds are still closed due to deep snow.
Would like to hear a trip report on that road from Hite up to the Maze if you could later.
The Flint Trail route is all but impassable now.
Then you might consider Orvis Hot Springs just south of Ridgway. You can soak in the magnificent outdoor natural hot springs for as long as you'd like in the evening, and then once again in the morning before you leave, as well. That's certainly more than a regular motel can offer!
I spoke with a ranger who works at the Maze last week, and she nearly tipped her Jeep over on the Flint Trail due to it's poor condition.
It hasn't been graded for some time now, and the next scheduled improvement will occur in 2009.
My Fave place to camp near Ouray is actually closer to Ridgeway up East Dallas Creek Rd to a spot where you cross over East Dallas Creek and into a Great Field at the foot of Ridgeway Peak. A great Sunrise spot too! The Road is Just West of Ridgeway.
I'd thought about Orvis but hadn't looked them up. They're much more reasonable than I thought they would be.
It would seem that nothing is out of the ordinary at the Maze. Its me in my 2004 Rubicon (with plenty of hard 4-wheeling experience), and Kalin and Darren in their prepared 4runners. I'll try to take some trail photos along the way.
Thanks James. I think CR7 is the road you're talking about. If so, I think I'd quickly run into the same problem as I'd have at the FS campground. Lots of snow on the ground up there. Can you email me some more specific info?
John, I called Orvis and unfortunately they're closed that night. I'll have to keep them in mind though because that would be a nice stop off point.
Mel, I stayed at the Riverside Inn in Ouray when I was there last fall. They have camper cabins for $41 and motel rooms for $55 now. There website is http://www.ourayriversideinn.com
Mel, beware of those county roads (like 5 and 7) this time of year. Even if they're free of snow, they can be a greasy mess due to snowmelt saturation. I've been up that E. Dallas road during snowmelt season before, and barely made it back out without sliding the truck over the side.
Strangely enough, you might try the Comfort Inn in Ouray. Their rates are much lower than most of the other motels in Ouray or in Ridgeway and the rooms are nice. Looks to be about $54.00 right now.
Sorry to hear about Orvis, Mel.
Thanks in advance for a road update though, and a big 'Thanks!' to Laurie for pointing out the Riverside Inn. Looks like a fine alternative for future trips!
another place to stay is the Ridgway Lodge and Suites in Ridgway - $70 this time of year.
If you have a little extra time, you should drive County Road Y11, which goes from Uravan, CO to Bedrock, CO along the Dolores River. This is a very cool and interesting drive.
I second Rene's recommendation of the Ridgeway Lodge and Suites. I stayed there last summer for a terrific San juans experience with Rich Durnam.
But I don't remember getting to "...County Road Y11, which goes from Uravan, CO to Bedrock, CO along the Dolores River." Anyone have any shots from that road?
My favorite place to stay over there in the Fall is hotel Maxima - great views and price.
I guarantee that you would not enjoy spending a night in the wrangler, especially not when its full of gear. You have your choice of sitting straight up or sitting straight up in your sleeping bag. I've slept a couple hours in a rest stop in the heep once. There's a reason I take a tent with me.
I've been on the road along the Dolores (Y11) and, yes, I agree it is an interesting canyon style drive that unfortunately is too short. I wish it were 20 miles longer. Definitely worth the time. I have a few photos but they were in the days of film and I would have to scan them first.
Mel, call me if you like and I can direct you to some great free camping with nice photo potential. And, if all else fails you can throw your tent up in my yard. I'm right in Ridgway. Sorry I have no spare rooms. 970-626-4138
Since I'll be pulling into Ouray late and need to leave Ouray by 6AM, I've decided to do a hotel stay. Breaking camp to be on the road by 6AM didn't sound too appealing. The Ouray hotel suggestions worked out.
Discussion
22 repliesMy plan is to drive across to the Ouray area after work, shoot sunset and then drop the tent and catch some sleep.
Trouble is I called the FS office out there to find that the amphitheater ans sunshine campgrounds I would usually use are still closed. Apparently they'll open in late August due to the ridiculous amount of snow (JK).
I'd like to drive the section from Ouray to Hite in the daylight since I've not seen it before and won't be returning that way, otherwise I'd just camp in the desert.
Can anybody recommend a camping or cheap hotel solution in the Ouray/Telluride area? I seem to remember some private campgrounds on the north end of Ouray but don't know if they're open and don't know their rates.
I saw that Ridgway State Park is open and I am considering it, but $20 for a tent camping spot is a bit on the steep side.
Your only cheaper (free) option is to camp on national forest land around the Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride area. I'm positive that NF campgrounds are still closed due to deep snow.
Would like to hear a trip report on that road from Hite up to the Maze if you could later.
The Flint Trail route is all but impassable now.
I'm not aware of any particular problems with the Flint Trail at the moment. The NPS does not have any current press releases about it.
I spoke with a ranger who works at the Maze last week, and she nearly tipped her Jeep over on the Flint Trail due to it's poor condition.
It hasn't been graded for some time now, and the next scheduled improvement will occur in 2009.
I'd thought about Orvis but hadn't looked them up. They're much more reasonable than I thought they would be.
It would seem that nothing is out of the ordinary at the Maze. Its me in my 2004 Rubicon (with plenty of hard 4-wheeling experience), and Kalin and Darren in their prepared 4runners. I'll try to take some trail photos along the way.
John, I called Orvis and unfortunately they're closed that night. I'll have to keep them in mind though because that would be a nice stop off point.
Mel-
Thanks in advance for a road update though, and a big 'Thanks!' to Laurie for pointing out the Riverside Inn. Looks like a fine alternative for future trips!
another place to stay is the Ridgway Lodge and Suites in Ridgway - $70 this time of year.
If you have a little extra time, you should drive County Road Y11, which goes from Uravan, CO to Bedrock, CO along the Dolores River. This is a very cool and interesting drive.
Enjoy!
http://www.ouraychaletinn.com/Rates+&+Rooms
or from $50 at ouray hotel
http://www.ourayhotel.com/Index.html
I prefer Ouray Chalet Inn because the room is nicer.
Although real hotels do sound nice from time to time. But the stars from a nice dark pullout is something I usually remember more.
But I don't remember getting to "...County Road Y11, which goes from Uravan, CO to Bedrock, CO along the Dolores River." Anyone have any shots from that road?
I guarantee that you would not enjoy spending a night in the wrangler, especially not when its full of gear. You have your choice of sitting straight up or sitting straight up in your sleeping bag. I've slept a couple hours in a rest stop in the heep once. There's a reason I take a tent with me.
I guess car camping takes on a whole new meaning in a wrangler.
I know don't sleep so well in the upright position.
do a Google search for "Dolores River Canyon" or "Hanging Flume" to see some of the scenery.
Thanks very much for your kind offer.
Since I'll be pulling into Ouray late and need to leave Ouray by 6AM, I've decided to do a hotel stay. Breaking camp to be on the road by 6AM didn't sound too appealing. The Ouray hotel suggestions worked out.
Mel-