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Post by cadesun on Jun 7, 2016 6:40:06 GMT -8
Hi All
My wife and I are planning a trip in early August and were looking for a nice back country lake between Steamboat and Ft Collins to set up base camp, fish, and climb around for a few days. My wife suggested Gilpin Lake after seeing some rather spectacular pictures of it. Anyone have experience there? Points of consideration: solitude, fishing, climbing/peakbagging. Prolly in that order. Thanks!
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jun 7, 2016 6:55:07 GMT -8
Not familiar, but looking at the map, it's far enough from the trail head (and far enough from Denver) that it probably wouldn't be to busy, especially during the week. There are several other lakes (Beaver, Gold, Three Island, Bighorn, that look equally promising. I don't have my copy of Kip Carey's Fishing Guide with me at work, but I'll check it this evening.
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Post by desertsp on Jun 7, 2016 13:48:39 GMT -8
Looks nice! The USDA says it's heavily trafficked...but I don't know in relation to what. www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3831644.pdfGilpin Lake, named for Governor William Gilpin, is one of the most popular destinations within the Mount Zirkel Wilderness. It offers a 29 acre, blue alpine lake of magnificent beauty and views of the nearby Sawtooth Range. The trail winds through thick forests of conifer trees, wildflower meadows and avalanche paths following Gilpin Creek most of the way up to the lake. Due to the popularity and easy accessibility of this trail, this area receives some of the highest use of any area in this wilderness. This trail is not suggested if you are seeking solitude. Gilpin, Gold Creek and Three Island Lake Trails are the most heavily used areas on the district. If seeking solitude, please refer to trails less heavily traveled. Overuse and abuse have led to implementing special regulations to protect fragile shoreline areas and provide for solitude. Regulations prohibit camping within 1/4 mile of the lake. |
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Post by Lamebeaver on Jun 8, 2016 7:48:41 GMT -8
Kip says Gilpin has excellent fishing for small brookies and cuts.
Beaver lake, nearby has 12" brookies
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Post by cadesun on Jun 10, 2016 8:55:11 GMT -8
Thanks for the input everyone! It looks like Mica Lake is nearby so that might be an option as well.
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Jun 10, 2016 9:56:03 GMT -8
Though I haven't spent a great deal of time there myself, the Flattops Wilderness is a really nice place, second largest wilderness area in the state with a reputation for great fishing. Mandall Lake might be one possibility, but there are many others. swimswithtrout ? |
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Post by swimswithtrout on Jun 10, 2016 16:27:28 GMT -8
I already mentioned Gilpin /Mica Lks back when you first asked about the Zirkels. It's the best destination on the W side .
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Post by cadesun on Jun 13, 2016 7:54:03 GMT -8
Perfect, thanks all!
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