![]() This area gets busy during the summer, so I don’t recommend it if you are looking for solitude. There are also dozens more sites if you continue past it, including some gorgeous areas in meadows surrounded by aspen trees. If you’ve climbed Mount Shavano, you likely saw the plethora of campsites along the road leading to the main trailhead. ![]() There are sites along the full length of the road, but most vehicles can only make it 3-4 miles at most before it gets too rough. Drive for 3.2 miles, then take a right onto Lake Como Road. This area can get hot during the day in summer, and there is no shade or amenities, so make sure you pack plenty of sunscreen and bring your own water and firewood.ĭirections: From Alamosa, Head easy on State HWY 160 and drive 14.5 miles. Along this full length are dozens of pull-off sites ideal for camping under the stars. The road leaves the highway and is accessible to most vehicles up to around 8,800 feet. Spending a night here below the stars, where the mountains shield the area from obtrusive lights from afar, is one of the best stargazing opportunities in Colorado. The San Luis Valley is a high-altitude desert, with miles of flat plains and sagebrush surrounded by alpine peaks. Follow the road for several miles and begin looking for pull-offs with campsite signs after passing the Hydroelectric Power Station. Follow this south out of town, taking a left at a T-section to turn onto the Guanella Pass Road. After several blocks, take a right onto Rose Street. Follow the signs and take Argentine St south, taking a slight left in town onto Brownell Street, followed by a left onto Seventh Street. If you are lucky enough to snag a site, this is a great way to spend the night before climbing Mount Bierstadt.ĭirections: Take I-70 to Georgetown, Colorado. There are 1-2 nearby campsites as well, however they are also quite busy during the summer. They fill up very quickly on weekends, so you might have better luck on a weekday. These are the only locations where dispersed camping is allowed on Guanella Pass. As you approach the pass crest you will pass many designated pull-offs, each with a campsite nearby. Guanella Pass used to allow completely unregulated dispersed camping, but due to the number of visitors coming and their increasing impact there are now designated campsites. Consider taking the shuttle from Breckenridge instead. Follow the road until you reach a fork and park on the side. Drive past the Quandary Peak Lower Trailhead and take a right onto McCullough Gulch Road. The easiest way to get here is to take a shuttle from Breckenridge, as parking is limited and reservations are required.ĭirections: Heading south on HWY 6 from Breckenridge, drive approximately 7 miles. There are several great 13ers you can climb nearby, like Atlantic and Pacific Peak, in addition to Quandary Peak, an easy 14er. There are great spots near several unmanned lake just below the tree line, along with plenty of lower elevation sites in the forests below. Once you hike into the area, there are a variety of dispersed campsites. McCullough Gulch near Breckenridge is a quiet area mostly frequented by locals. If you want free camping in Colorado you can only access by hiking, I have you covered. The road is accessible to 2WD vehicles once the snow has melted. ![]() ![]() Continue driving along the road for several miles and start looking for dispersed sites for the next 3 miles. After around 1 mile, take a right to remain on County Road 11. Continue less than a mile and take a left onto County Road 11. The weather is cool year-round and there are no amenities, so be prepared.ĭirections: Heading south on HWY 24 from Leadville, take a right onto County Road 300. This road closes in winter and usually melts out by early June. These are a solid backup plan in case the dispersed campsites are full. There are dozens of free dispersed campsites along the road and several campsites with fees. Most sites are along or near the creek, in a forested valley in the shadow of massive mountains. This Forest Road splits off from Highway 24 just south of Leadville, leading to the trailheads for Mount Elbert and Mount Massive, the state’s two tallest peaks.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |