We are trying to start planning a summer vacation (we're going crazy waiting for camping season!). Have been thinking about the SW Colorado region (Montrose, Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, etc.)
We love hiking, photography, history, & 4WD trails. (We don't care much about restaurants, shopping, etc. - we go camping to LEAVE civilization!) Right now, DS is 3-1/2, so I'd like to go with trails that are a little safer - not close to a sheer drop off or anything, because I don't want to get stressed out making sure he's within "grabbing range" every step of the hike. Also, the one ammenity that is nice to have right now is a nice, safe, age-appropriate playground area for him.
We've spent a little time in all of the towns I mentioned and always left wanting to stay longer, but we haven't thoroughly explored the area. I know there was a lake that was absolutely beautiful between Ouray & Silverton, but I don't remember the name.
Any advice on campgrounds, hiking trails, scenic drives in the area? Also, any advice on roads that we might prefer to avoid until AFTER dropping the 34' TT off at a campground? (I remember the one from Silverton to Ouray was a little aggressive.)
ReadyToGo! wrote: We are trying to start planning a summer vacation (we're going crazy waiting for camping season!). Have been thinking about the SW Colorado region (Montrose, Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, etc.)
We love hiking, photography, history, & 4WD trails. (We don't care much about restaurants, shopping, etc. - we go camping to LEAVE civilization!) Right now, DS is 3-1/2, so I'd like to go with trails that are a little safer - not close to a sheer drop off or anything, because I don't want to get stressed out making sure he's within "grabbing range" every step of the hike. Also, the one ammenity that is nice to have right now is a nice, safe, age-appropriate playground area for him.
We've spent a little time in all of the towns I mentioned and always left wanting to stay longer, but we haven't thoroughly explored the area. I know there was a lake that was absolutely beautiful between Ouray & Silverton, but I don't remember the name.
Any advice on campgrounds, hiking trails, scenic drives in the area? Also, any advice on roads that we might prefer to avoid until AFTER dropping the 34' TT off at a campground? (I remember the one from Silverton to Ouray was a little aggressive.)
THANKS!!!
Looking at this and coming from Nebraska I would roll thru Golden, think about geting off I-70 on Rt 58 depending on the time staying or not in Golden at Clear Creek or the Fairgrounds then going out Rt 6 to I-70 to Rt 91towards Leadville and staying in Sugar Loafin CG or San Isabel NF Baby Doe Campground – right on the lake. Beautiful. Lots to see and do here but along with the Hiking and Fishing don’t forget Independence Pass and Rt82 for a day trip – if the snow is gone.
Photo of Turquoise Lake just past Baby Doe CG
If you are not Happy here we will continue to the San Juan’s taking Rt 24 thru Buena Vista then Rt24 will Head to the Springs take Rt 285 south to Rt 112 to Rt 160 -- some people might send you out Rt114 but you will not be disappointed with South Fork, Creede and Lake City. You will be in the middle of many small CG’s and lots of NF so when you find your space just set up and relax – you might just get off in South Fork and ask a local to tell you where Paradise is. My Choice would be Lake City but on the drive up there is a good chance you will find your own little piece of Paradise and day trips are great.
I'd check out Taypor Park which is NE of Gunnison. Nice USFS CG with W&E and more hummingbirds than I have ever seen. Miles and miles of ATV/4X4 trails/roads. Could get there from the east across Cottonwood pass pulling your TT without going to Gunnison. Very laid back area and close enough to Crested Butte for more activity.
* I like this site for CG's in this area:
http://www.allstays.com/Campgrounds/co-gunnison-campgrounds.htm
Look for Lakeview CG and was easy to get a 42' MH into.
* This post was
edited 02/07/08 08:41am by Ivylog *
We stayed at highlander CG in Lake City last year, great CG, great city, loads of trails for hiking or ATV/4x4'n. The alpine loop (4x4 trail) is a must with connecting 4x4 trails over to Silverton. Lots and lots of senery to take in. The highlander CG from what I remeber didn't have a kids play area though, but there is a nice hiking trail that starts right in the CG.
People recommend Ridgway SP near Ridgway or the KOA near Ouray if you want to stay in that area. Do a search on Ouray or Durango for more ideas. For 4x4 trails, check out this page for some ideas on where to go.
We stay in Ouray, either Timber Ridge or 4J+1+1. Both have been good places for us, both are convenient to downtown and jeep rentals. You can get brochures for hiking the area, but the jeep trails are what we do. The lake you asked about sounds like Lake Como, shown in my gallery . Select Colorado, then San Juan Mountains.
We are going back to Ouray again this summer. We now stay at Timber Ridge and the KOA would be our 2nd choise (have stayed there). 4J+1+1 is really cramped in. Now, if you want a real laid back place stay at PV Campground near Cimmarron. Only has about a dozen spaces and nothing fancy about the place. But just a beautiful setting. And the pie at their store is worth the stop. It is close to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Lauren - DW Barbara - "Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
2006 Mobile Suites 32TK3 with TrailAir
2006 Chev 3500 3LT Ext Cab 4x4 360HP Dmax 6 Spd Allie
Hwy 141/145/62 from Whitewater to Ridgeway is one of the more scenic drives in this area.
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