Texan looking for CO camping advice in July

[Coin]

Gents, I'm looking to take my wife and teenage daughter on a camping trip to CO from July 5th through the 10th.
I have never been camping in CO and know absolutely nothing. Can you guys give me advice on where to go, what to do, and any tips you may think important.
Also, where not to go and what not do is equally important.

Thanks

 

[Goslow]

There are prairies, 14,000 foot mountains, mountain pass trails, and everything in between. What sort of experiences are you looking for?

 

[Coin]

We have plenty of prairies in Texas. Looking for something in southern-ish CO with nice mountain views, streams, and quiet. Some lighter trails are welcome. I do not have sliders.

 

[vabluefish]

Gaia, OnX off-road, and the free Colorado COTREX app would be a good start for planning, as well as the Guide to Colorado Back roads & 4-Wheel-Drive Trails book. Then you can get a sense of what's available in the southern part of the state and go from there.

 

[ranchero7]

Check out FR7788 between North Pass (west of Saguache) and Lake City. Plenty of dispersed in there, plus a couple FS campgrounds. Quiet and stream. Probably see moose. Not too far from Cinnamon Pass if you want an easy outing, although I think they are doing one way this year, so you would have to do Engineer too.

 

[cbmontgo]

Look around the Taylor Reservoir area. Lots of variation in trails, creeks, and great views.

 

[Coin]

So on a scale of 1-10, how concerned should I be about bears and tent camping?

1 - bears are a conspiracy theory to keep people out of the woods
To
10 - Cocaine Bear is a documentary

 

[ranchero7]

So on a scale of 1-10, how concerned should I be about bears and tent camping?

1 - bears are a conspiracy theory to keep people out of the woods
To
10 - Cocaine Bear is a documentary

2. No food anywhere near the tent.
Bears aren't super common though. You're unlikely to encounter one.

 

[Coin]

Thank you