Semi Primitive camping in Colorado??

LSUfj · 04-01-08, 12:27 PM

I am planning a 7 day trip through the rockies in colorado. I would like to find places to camp. Plan on heading to the Telluride area. I am coming from texas and may venture into easter Utah. I dont want/need showers, restrooms, just my 100 and whatever I bring. Just looking for suggestions. I say semi primitive, because I plan on sleeping near the truck, rather than hiking to remote areas.

Thanks.

Sno bored · 04-01-08, 01:05 PM

When are you planning on coming ? Most of the higher elevations are covered in snow, and will be for awhile. Vail just got 24" of snow in then last two days. There is plenty of BLM/ forest service land where you can camp for free.

LSUfj · 04-01-08, 01:21 PM

I'm not coming until mid-late august. The forest service land is exactly what I am looking for, can you point me in the right direction? Plan to stay in 2-4 different areas, from durango area to telluride and possibly into Utah.

Thanks.

pint · 04-01-08, 05:16 PM

Good thread, I've lived here a couple years and haven't had the opportunity until this year to do much camping. Also looking for something other than the basic family campgrounds with RV's, full electrical, water, etc...

sirenmoses · 04-01-08, 08:26 PM

I usually pick up one of the free state maps at the "Welcome" centers near the borders. They show all kindsa state & federal campsites. Pick the ones most distant from major towns/freeways. I've stayed in some beautiful country that way...

HTH

Josie'sLandCruiser · 04-01-08, 08:59 PM

Hi All:

I too would like to spend sometime exploring Colorado!

Use the wonderful "world wide web" to search for the contact info of the US Forest Service Ranger Districts in Colorado that you are interested in visiting. You can purchase for maybe $5 a detailed map of their area with FS roads, 4wd trails, camp sites, etc. marked.

Have a great trip!

Alan

Atoyot1031 · 04-01-08, 09:36 PM

Sno Bored is right! There's never any reason to pay for camping in Colorado (unless you really want to camp near roads with strangers

). Pick up the Colorado Atlas & Gazetteer by DeLorme. It gives detailed topo maps of the entire state. I would not use these maps for proper orienteering, but they provide excellent information on the lay of the land, access to public land, etc. Using these books I have found amazing places throughout Colorado. My wife & I also found areas just outside the Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim, where we were able to primitive camp (for free of course), without another soul near by.

Good luck and feel free to PM me for some of my favorite spots in the Aspen/Glenwood/Crested Butte areas. Happy camping!

Bogo · 04-01-08, 10:22 PM

Delorme TopoUSA mapping software is also good for finding places. I travel with both it and the paper maps.

REKCUT · 04-02-08, 03:18 PM

I would take a look at these books. They are great for planning a trip to colorado. I have taken several trips to colorado in August and these books are a great asset. It will rate tails on a number basis. Take in mind that it is intended for general use so I have found that the trails are easier than stated. I have also found that you will need to pick fairly hard trails just to get away from station wagons and mini vans. When the summer heat hits denver many of its residents head to the hills to get away from the heat. I have used the taylor lake area several times and its wonderfull. The books are a must in my opinion. You can camp anywhere but fire wood is something you will need to bring. They frown on you gathering up wood thats on the ground.

COLORADO 4X4, 4WD, Jeep & Offroad Books, Trail Guidebooks, Maps & Videos

Atoyot1031 · 04-02-08, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REKCUT

I have used the taylor lake area several times and its wonderfull. The books are a must in my opinion. You can camp anywhere but fire wood is something you will need to bring. They frown on you gathering up wood thats on the ground.

Taylor Park is excellent camping. The upper valley has amazing primitive camping. It's just on the other side of Taylor Pass from me, and right near some other great trails (Italian Creek, Pearl Pass, and Schofield Pass). Check with me before you come as these open late, and with the historic snowfall we've had this winter, some may not open at all.

As to wood gathering in the National Forests (and BLM for that matter), please gather and burn as much as possible!!! This is standing fuel on the forest floors and a contributer to forest fires. I am of course referring to deadfall, no live cutting please, but by all means hike through the woods and gather up as much deadfall as possible and burn it in a controlled campfire.

Atoyot1031 · 04-02-08, 06:56 PM

P.S. When camping in CO, I rarely ever bring any firewood, just a bow saw, ax, some newpaper, and boy scout juice (white gas

). I only bring firewood when I'm going to the desert (Utah) and know that firewood is scarce.

5280Hawk · 04-03-08, 02:59 PM

The national forest access roads are all littered with home made camping sopts around there. most of them are used by Hunters in the fall. X3 - Get the Gazetteer

crushr · 04-04-08, 08:38 AM

As others have mentioned - there are virtually unlimited undeveloped areas to camp in the greater telluride/silverton/ouray area. In particular, you may want to check into some of the many services offering jeep trips from ouray. Not for the jeep trip, but they can give you some ideas of the multitude of beautiful areas to explore. My personal favorite is to take the canyon road east out of silverton towards animas forks and over cinnamon pass toward lake city. If you have time, a soak in the swimming-pool hot springs in ouray is a great way to relax and enjoy the alpine scenery.

If you are into gold rush era mining towns, be sure to check out the town of creede which is nearby - one of the most authentic examples still around.

pint · 04-04-08, 09:04 AM

GREAT info everyone. Please keep it coming!

Lockd97 · 04-04-08, 10:55 AM

Go north up US 550 from Durango to either Silverton or just before Ouray and head up into the Alpine Loop. You can camp and explore all over there and the views have to be seen rather than explained. Pics are nice but cant convey what is there Spent 10 days last Aug. doing multiple passes off road and ending up in Crested Butte.

From Ouray you can take Imogene Pass over to Telluride no problem in the 100.
I do not recommend Black Bear Pass in the 100.

Sno bored · 04-04-08, 11:05 AM

Lockd97 Why do you not recommend Black Bear Pass in the 100 ? Black Bear Pass is a great trail. When I was running it a few years ago we had 2 100 on the run and they did fine.

Lockd97 · 04-04-08, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sno bored

Lockd97 Why do you not recommend Black Bear Pass in the 100 ? Black Bear Pass is a great trail. When I was running it a few years ago we had 2 100 on the run and they did fine.

I hear ya, I was just thinking being by himself( no other vehicles as stated in his first post) and not knowing the trail. That is for sure another option to get to Telluride. I agree with you that it is a great trail for sure.

MajorMiner · 04-07-08, 06:53 PM

Great thread, I'm looking for the same type of get away as I tried to register for the 2008 Summit and it is closed/full. I'll be looking at the same areas so thanks.

LSUfj · 04-08-08, 01:34 PM

If anyone is interested in doing imogene pass (or others) with me, let me know. I will be up there august 16-22. I purchased the books mentioned in post #9, and agree that they will be very useful in planning destinations. Thanks for all of the input. Keep it coming.

LC4LIFE · 04-08-08, 02:33 PM

I would be up for Imogene Pass. Send me a message when it gets closer and I should be able to make the run.

Corbet · 04-09-08, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sno bored

Lockd97 Why do you not recommend Black Bear Pass in the 100 ? Black Bear Pass is a great trail. When I was running it a few years ago we had 2 100 on the run and they did fine.

X2, my stock 80 did just fine on Black Bear. Its a popular trail and I'd be shocked if you were really ever alone coming down into Telluride. The only place you would ever get in "trouble".

And as others have said there is plenty of camping available in the San Juan's. I'd just decide where you want to go. To find a camp site look out your passenger window. If that does not look good turn head 180 degrees.

TXLX470 · 04-09-08, 03:47 PM

Last September we (100 and 80) did a trip for 10 days. houston-new mexico-durango-moab and back. Total of 3300 plus miles. We did the alpine loop, Engeneer pass and few more...can't remember names..
Didn't do black bear since we had our parents with us and didn't want to scare them..We had two campers and stayed at state parks and RV parks...are you goining alone?? I mean 1 truck?

pint · 04-09-08, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LSUfj

If anyone is interested in doing imogene pass (or others) with me, let me know. I will be up there august 16-22. I purchased the books mentioned in post #9, and agree that they will be very useful in planning destinations. Thanks for all of the input. Keep it coming.

Sounds fun. I might be able to jump in for a few days.

TheGillz · 04-10-08, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXLX470

Last September we (100 and 80) did a trip for 10 days. houston-new mexico-durango-moab and back. Total of 3300 plus miles. We did the alpine loop, Engeneer pass and few more...can't remember names..
Didn't do black bear since we had our parents with us and didn't want to scare them..We had two campers and stayed at state parks and RV parks...are you goining alone?? I mean 1 truck?

Hey can you PM me about this loop? I am going to be coming back to boise from the gulf coast in august and had planned on going through Austin/New Mexico/Moab. How long did the "to" leg of your trip take? Where did you find maps? Basically that sounds so close to what we would like to do, I would like to pick your brain. Thanks

Clark

RufusTheDufus · 04-14-08, 08:47 PM

I'll be in the Telluride area near the end of May or early June. My wife and I are driving our BJ42 from Maine to the 4 Corners area. We'll be spending most of our time camping around Lake Powell before heading to CO. I hope one of the passes from Telluride to Ouray are open in early June. I kinda doubt that will be the case with the amount of snow they've gotten there this year.

Lockd97 · 04-15-08, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RufusTheDufus

I'll be in the Telluride area near the end of May or early June. My wife and I are driving our BJ42 from Maine to the 4 Corners area. We'll be spending most of our time camping around Lake Powell before heading to CO. I hope one of the passes from Telluride to Ouray are open in early June. I kinda doubt that will be the case with the amount of snow they've gotten there this year.

I was up there three weeks ago Heli-boarding the ridge that looks over Imogene Pass and I will be suprised to see it open by then. Lots of snow!

LSUfj · 04-15-08, 07:34 AM

So is there any camping off of these trails, like imogene, black bear etc? Or will I have to find other areas for camping? Side note, can anyone suggest a good roof top cargo carrier? I still have the stock rack, considering an AO, but at this time I also want a lift, a helton shower system, and a good GPS. Any other goodies I should get for this trip?

By the way, delorme has a mail in rebate on the Earthmate PN-20 for $299, $120 off MSRP.

Atoyot1031 · 04-15-08, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lockd97

I was up there three weeks ago Heli-boarding the ridge that looks over Imogene Pass and I will be suprised to see it open by then. Lots of snow!

Honestly, with the winter we've had (and are still having with ~1' on Saturday) I'll be surprised if ANY mountain pass opens this winter...

04-01-08, 12:27 PM	#1
LSUfj IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 83	Semi Primitive camping in Colorado?? I am planning a 7 day trip through the rockies in colorado. I would like to find places to camp. Plan on heading to the Telluride area. I am coming from texas and may venture into easter Utah. I dont want/need showers, restrooms, just my 100 and whatever I bring. Just looking for suggestions. I say semi primitive, because I plan on sleeping near the truck, rather than hiking to remote areas. Thanks. __________________ 75 FJ40, resto in progress 01 UZJ100 daily driver

04-01-08, 01:21 PM	#3
LSUfj IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 83	I'm not coming until mid-late august. The forest service land is exactly what I am looking for, can you point me in the right direction? Plan to stay in 2-4 different areas, from durango area to telluride and possibly into Utah. Thanks. __________________ 75 FJ40, resto in progress 01 UZJ100 daily driver

04-01-08, 05:16 PM	#4
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,021	Good thread, I've lived here a couple years and haven't had the opportunity until this year to do much camping. Also looking for something other than the basic family campgrounds with RV's, full electrical, water, etc... __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

04-01-08, 08:26 PM	#5
sirenmoses IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: central nm Posts: 836	I usually pick up one of the free state maps at the "Welcome" centers near the borders. They show all kindsa state & federal campsites. Pick the ones most distant from major towns/freeways. I've stayed in some beautiful country that way... HTH __________________ what shall I drive today: Oct 84 tan fj60, 260k mi -- (to be installed) 2.5" BDS suspension, SROR front bumper, Rowlands storage panels Sept 84 tan fj60, 202k -- new to me 85 Honda Accord, 110k -- commuter 91 Kawasaki Concours, 50k -- on the road again

04-01-08, 08:59 PM	#6
Josie'sLandCruiser Dog is my co-pilot. Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Seattle, USA TLCA# 6446 Posts: 1,909	Hi All: I too would like to spend sometime exploring Colorado! Use the wonderful "world wide web" to search for the contact info of the US Forest Service Ranger Districts in Colorado that you are interested in visiting. You can purchase for maybe $5 a detailed map of their area with FS roads, 4wd trails, camp sites, etc. marked. Have a great trip! Alan __________________ www.seattlecruiserheads.com

04-01-08, 01:05 PM	#2
Sno bored IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Breckenridge, CO TLCA# 15956 Posts: 364	When are you planning on coming ? Most of the higher elevations are covered in snow, and will be for awhile. Vail just got 24" of snow in then last two days. There is plenty of BLM/ forest service land where you can camp for free.

04-01-08, 09:36 PM	#7
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 1,035	Sno Bored is right! There's never any reason to pay for camping in Colorado (unless you really want to camp near roads with strangers). Pick up the Colorado Atlas & Gazetteer by DeLorme. It gives detailed topo maps of the entire state. I would not use these maps for proper orienteering, but they provide excellent information on the lay of the land, access to public land, etc. Using these books I have found amazing places throughout Colorado. My wife & I also found areas just outside the Grand Canyon National Park's North Rim, where we were able to primitive camp (for free of course), without another soul near by. Good luck and feel free to PM me for some of my favorite spots in the Aspen/Glenwood/Crested Butte areas. Happy camping!

04-01-08, 10:22 PM	#8
Bogo IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: The Village Posts: 175	Delorme TopoUSA mapping software is also good for finding places. I travel with both it and the paper maps. __________________ Sanity is for wimps.

04-02-08, 03:18 PM	#9
REKCUT IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Springfield, Mo TLCA# 13816 Posts: 1,176	I would take a look at these books. They are great for planning a trip to colorado. I have taken several trips to colorado in August and these books are a great asset. It will rate tails on a number basis. Take in mind that it is intended for general use so I have found that the trails are easier than stated. I have also found that you will need to pick fairly hard trails just to get away from station wagons and mini vans. When the summer heat hits denver many of its residents head to the hills to get away from the heat. I have used the taylor lake area several times and its wonderfull. The books are a must in my opinion. You can camp anywhere but fire wood is something you will need to bring. They frown on you gathering up wood thats on the ground. COLORADO 4X4, 4WD, Jeep & Offroad Books, Trail Guidebooks, Maps & Videos __________________ Thad Brown/ Rogersville Mo 84 FJ 60 / SROR sides and rear / beauty marks from RR, FN, & LSCR / Free bumper from GCC and Locker from LSCR/ 07 FJ 08 Tundra Rocket ship Green Country Cruisers Flat Nasty Event info Flat Nasty on-line registration-click here

04-02-08, 06:56 PM	#11
Atoyot1031 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Aspen, CO TLCA# 18402 Posts: 1,035	P.S. When camping in CO, I rarely ever bring any firewood, just a bow saw, ax, some newpaper, and boy scout juice (white gas). I only bring firewood when I'm going to the desert (Utah) and know that firewood is scarce.

04-03-08, 02:59 PM	#12
5280Hawk IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 977	The national forest access roads are all littered with home made camping sopts around there. most of them are used by Hunters in the fall. X3 - Get the Gazetteer __________________ - 1983 FJ60 - 229K 2.5" Man-a-fre HD leaf springs, HFS shocks 4runner Calipers, 4.11 thirds 33x10.50MT's Wilderness Roof Rack CORN TACO - DD - 2005 Tacoma Double cab with Ethanol full flex converter ARB Front bumper w. warn winch and PIAA lights 3" Toy Tec Lift Rock-tec rear bumper

04-04-08, 08:38 AM	#13
crushr IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Concord, CA Posts: 434	As others have mentioned - there are virtually unlimited undeveloped areas to camp in the greater telluride/silverton/ouray area. In particular, you may want to check into some of the many services offering jeep trips from ouray. Not for the jeep trip, but they can give you some ideas of the multitude of beautiful areas to explore. My personal favorite is to take the canyon road east out of silverton towards animas forks and over cinnamon pass toward lake city. If you have time, a soak in the swimming-pool hot springs in ouray is a great way to relax and enjoy the alpine scenery. If you are into gold rush era mining towns, be sure to check out the town of creede which is nearby - one of the most authentic examples still around. __________________ I do more before 6 p.m. than most people do all morning. Last edited by crushr; 04-04-08 at 08:57 AM.

04-04-08, 09:04 AM	#14
pint IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Parker, CO TLCA# 17493 Posts: 1,021	GREAT info everyone. Please keep it coming! __________________ 2000 UZJ100, OME 865, OME T-bars, Slee Diff Drop, Slee SliderSteps, TJM T3, PowerStop Cross Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 295 Terra Grapplers M101 Trailer - Sold 1993 Bontrager Race Lite MTB

04-04-08, 10:55 AM	#15
Lockd97 We Have Assumed Control Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 329	Go north up US 550 from Durango to either Silverton or just before Ouray and head up into the Alpine Loop. You can camp and explore all over there and the views have to be seen rather than explained. Pics are nice but cant convey what is there Spent 10 days last Aug. doing multiple passes off road and ending up in Crested Butte. From Ouray you can take Imogene Pass over to Telluride no problem in the 100. I do not recommend Black Bear Pass in the 100. Attached Images __________________ Scott- 97 40th S/C'd Landtank MAF WBO2 Locked CDL OME 850/860's shocks NITTO's air bags heated seats 98 Tacoma S/C'd w/fuel mods piggyback'd

04-04-08, 11:05 AM	#16
Sno bored IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Breckenridge, CO TLCA# 15956 Posts: 364	Lockd97 Why do you not recommend Black Bear Pass in the 100 ? Black Bear Pass is a great trail. When I was running it a few years ago we had 2 100 on the run and they did fine.

04-08-08, 02:33 PM	#20
LC4LIFE IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 94	I would be up for Imogene Pass. Send me a message when it gets closer and I should be able to make the run. __________________ 97 fzj80 (black), locked, CDL, PHH, inverter, ipod, spare tire mod. temp gauge mod. 305/70-R16 Toyo Muds, OME 850/860, Slee Shortbus, Warn Winch, LandTank MAF.

04-07-08, 06:53 PM	#18
MajorMiner IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 11	Great thread, I'm looking for the same type of get away as I tried to register for the 2008 Summit and it is closed/full. I'll be looking at the same areas so thanks. __________________ Once upon a time 88 pick up, 89 4runner, 2000 Tundra. Now; 2007 FJC, 72 Chevy 3/4T.

04-08-08, 01:34 PM	#19
LSUfj IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 83	If anyone is interested in doing imogene pass (or others) with me, let me know. I will be up there august 16-22. I purchased the books mentioned in post #9, and agree that they will be very useful in planning destinations. Thanks for all of the input. Keep it coming. __________________ 75 FJ40, resto in progress 01 UZJ100 daily driver

04-09-08, 03:47 PM	#22
TXLX470 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 269	Last September we (100 and 80) did a trip for 10 days. houston-new mexico-durango-moab and back. Total of 3300 plus miles. We did the alpine loop, Engeneer pass and few more...can't remember names.. Didn't do black bear since we had our parents with us and didn't want to scare them..We had two campers and stayed at state parks and RV parks...are you goining alone?? I mean 1 truck? __________________ 98 LC 100, 100K MILES, MANIK BULL BAR , WARN DUAL BEAM FOG LIGHTS, SLEE STEP SLIDERS, NITTO 285'S,

04-14-08, 08:47 PM	#25
RufusTheDufus IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maine Posts: 185	I'll be in the Telluride area near the end of May or early June. My wife and I are driving our BJ42 from Maine to the 4 Corners area. We'll be spending most of our time camping around Lake Powell before heading to CO. I hope one of the passes from Telluride to Ouray are open in early June. I kinda doubt that will be the case with the amount of snow they've gotten there this year.

04-15-08, 07:34 AM	#27
LSUfj IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 83	So is there any camping off of these trails, like imogene, black bear etc? Or will I have to find other areas for camping? Side note, can anyone suggest a good roof top cargo carrier? I still have the stock rack, considering an AO, but at this time I also want a lift, a helton shower system, and a good GPS. Any other goodies I should get for this trip? By the way, delorme has a mail in rebate on the Earthmate PN-20 for $299, $120 off MSRP. __________________ 75 FJ40, resto in progress 01 UZJ100 daily driver