Favorite camping spots/overnight loops in Colorado?

[MrMiner2]

Favorite camping spots/overnight loops in Colorado?

First time going out there. What should I see? Thanks.

[Venchka]

West of I-25. Throw darts at a map. It's all good.

Wayne

[colorado_rob]

When? Makes a big difference.

[Venchka]

Here's a clue regarding time of year...
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/showthre...orado-snowpack

Wayne

[MrMiner2]

Thanks Wayne.

June 11 - 20

Flying into Denver. Probably going down to Great Sand Dunes. Eventually going to Steamboat Springs for sure. Pretty open in between that. Will have a car .

[Venchka]

Great Sand Dunes is awesome! Overlooked. You could do an overnight there. I think. Confirm with the park. It isn't all sand.
Snow level permitting, Steamboat area has many possibilities.
Have fun.

Wayne


Sent from somewhere around here.

[MrMiner2]

Thanks! What's the bear situation in CO like? What do I need to know to be prepared? Thanks. I live in EAST TN so am just used to black bears.

[garlic08]

That time of year will probably still have snow in the high country. Coming from Denver, look at the Lost Creek Wilderness for a one or two night loop. It's lower and warmer and drier. If we get a June heat wave, could be warmer than you want.

Last time I was at the Dunes, they allowed free camping on the dunes if you walked out of sight of the road.

Around Dillon, there's a nice loop around Buffalo Peak and some other options in the Gore Range.

Of course there's great hiking and permitted camping in RMNP, and permits are required in the excellent Indian Peaks Wilderness to the south. There's a great loop around Mt Audubon, but snow and snowmelt could be an issue.

Look around Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat. That's the CDT.

[garlic08]

Thanks! What's the bear situation in CO like? What do I need to know to be prepared? Thanks. I live in EAST TN so am just used to black bears.

RMNP will require bear cannisters. They're coming out of hibernation and are pretty hungry. Hang your food well.

[colorado_rob]

That time of year will probably still have snow in the high country. Coming from Denver, look at the Lost Creek Wilderness for a one or two night loop. It's lower and warmer and drier. If we get a June heat wave, could be warmer than you want.

Garlic beat me to it.... Yep, an LCW loop would be perfect. I can send details if interested. Great Sand Dunes will be hot, hot, hot....

[Hosh]

+1 on LCW, it's a go to for late spring/early summer trips. Depending on your route, be prepared for some knee deep or deeper stream crossings. The Front Range has gotten pounded (Bronco pounded, not Panther pouting) the last few storms and snow levels are above normal.

If you go to higher elevations, ie Rabbit Ears, make sure you bring some bug protection. There will likely be some snow drifts left and the moisture can lead to some pretty bad swarms.

[Absarokanaut]

If you're not hell bent on a loop some of the finest out and back you'll ever find anywhere are in the Sangre de Cristo North of Great Sand Dunes NP&P. The Sangres melt out faster than other ranges but it could bea high snow year, so use that snotel gift from the good poster.

I posted pics of Willow Lake near Crestone in the Denver thread.