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Post by mrdanner on Jun 14, 2020 8:46:00 GMT -8
I was planning a trip with my son to Gore Creek Campground in early July, but due to life happening, it's now late July. We're looking for a 3-4 day campground/day hike experience somewhere within July 27th through August 5th. We need to stay at a campground because we just aren't experienced enough for backcountry camping in the Rockies, and having a car nearby will make my son feel a lot more comfortable. He's 19, by the way, but not in tip top physical condition.
My original plan was to camp at Gore Creek Campground and hike to both Gore Lake and Deluge Lake, but those hikes I think will be too much for my son to handle.
I would be so grateful if I could get some suggestions for campgrounds anywhere in the rockies reasonably accessed from Denver where there are some options for moderate-rated day hikes either from the campground or close to the campground. We're both avid photographers and would love some amazing views, lakes, streams, etc.
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Post by cweston on Jun 14, 2020 10:06:20 GMT -8
Sticking with the Gore Range: the biggest bang for the buck, in terms of scenery vs difficulty, is Elliott Ridge, on the north part of the range. There are two large campgrounds not too far away near Heeney along Green Mountain reservoir. They are on the lake, which is nice: otherwise unremarkable. There is a tiny campground (9 sites) higher up at lower Cataract Lake, that is much more scenic and quiet, but it's hard to get a spot there. You could also primitive camp along the road to the Elliot Ridge trailhead. The issue there is that those camps are in the 10,000 to 11,000 ft range, so they might not be ideal for flatlanders trying to acclimate. Don't plan on there being water nearby. There are several fairly easy day hike options from lower Cataract lake. (Not nearly as spectacular as Elliott Ridge, but lovely.) Not too far away is the hike to Ute mountain from Ute pass, which is not terribly difficult. Lamebeaver and I did that one this last summer. Big views of the Gore Range across the Blue River valley.
EDIT: As an aside, I'm planning on being in the area in late July (with my adult son) as well. Under normal circumstances, I'd suggest we might be able to have a meal/beer in town or even a dayhike if it worked out, but obviously this is not the year for that.
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Post by marmotstew on Jun 15, 2020 6:36:02 GMT -8
I’ve camped at McDonald Flats on the lake many times only in April/May and sept/October. It is close to the highway so you can hear the cars whiz bye. But, for me it’s close to Blue River which has great fishing. I prefer Catarac creek campground and it is usually open in April but for some reason last year on April 20th the gate was down? Boooo!
Either spot, everytime I camp there I have a good time. Maybe it’s just me. I fish, goof around, there are some good views, have a fire, drink some beers. It’s close to town if you need anything(but who knows what that will look like now) outer Range is a great brewery, maybe they have take out.
There’s so many places in Colorado to go. If you have a map and think of another let us know and we can offer some advice.
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Post by marmotstew on Jun 15, 2020 6:42:09 GMT -8
And don’t worry about bears. I’ve only been mauled a couple times. Just kidding only time I’ve seen one 20 years in Colorado was on the side of the road outside of Minturn.
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Post by cweston on Jun 15, 2020 6:48:49 GMT -8
I’ve camped at McDonald Flats on the lake many times only in April/May and sept/October. It is close to the highway so you can hear the cars whiz bye. The big campground on the other side of the lake, Cow Creek, is a little further from the highway and a little bit quieter, IMHO. Outer Range is a great brewery, maybe they have take out. I definitely second Outer Range (in Frisco), although as of last summer they were beer only, no food. Dillon Dam Brewery has more pedestrian beer choices than Outer Range, but has very solid pub food as well. They have a fair number of outdoor tables, but I'm guessing there might be a long line for them nowadays. The community rec center in Silverthorne offers day passes and is a nice place to shower, but it may be closed this year. For beer people, there is a large store (don't remember the name) in the same strip mall as the Silverthorne REI with a very nice beer selection. |
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Post by marmotstew on Jun 15, 2020 7:41:29 GMT -8
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Post by cweston on Jun 15, 2020 8:00:05 GMT -8
That looks great. Do you know if they have outdoor seating?
Also, correction from above. The REI is actually in Dillon, not Silverthorne. (They are adjoining cities.) The liquor store I mentioned is called Dillon Ridge Liquors.
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Post by marmotstew on Jun 15, 2020 8:09:57 GMT -8
That looks great. Do you know if they have outdoor seating?
Also, correction from above. The REI is actually in Dillon, not Silverthorne. (They are adjoining cities.) The liquor store I mentioned is called Dillon Ridge Liquors.
Never been there but website says serving take out beer and food from 4-8 so probably no outdoor seating. I did a google map search and saw a picnic table in front. Maybe they’d let you sit there. Or you could brown bag it down at the marina  |
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