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Started By
Message
Upcoming Colorado Trip - Twin Lakes Co.
Posted on 1/31/22 at 7:26 pm
Posted on 1/31/22 at 7:26 pm
I am planning another upcoming Colorado trip this summer. Last year DUKE gave a lot of pointers and tips for this area. Checking to see if DUKE or anyone else may have some insight.
We really enjoyed the mountains in the Twin Lakes area last June. We are thinking about camping someplace off HWY 82 in the Twin Lakes area. Twin Peaks for example. 3 of us. We are also exploring the idea of a renting a small place anywhere between Leadville and Buena Vista if needed.
Plan is to pack our tent and go. Setup camp and hike the trails for about 4 or 5 days. Would love to hike Mt Elbert or Mt Massive and the surrounding trails in the area.
Any recommendations for tent sites? Water and power would be nice but not needed
Any recommendations of a small rental in the area?
Any other recommendations or tips for this area?
We really enjoyed the mountains in the Twin Lakes area last June. We are thinking about camping someplace off HWY 82 in the Twin Lakes area. Twin Peaks for example. 3 of us. We are also exploring the idea of a renting a small place anywhere between Leadville and Buena Vista if needed.
Plan is to pack our tent and go. Setup camp and hike the trails for about 4 or 5 days. Would love to hike Mt Elbert or Mt Massive and the surrounding trails in the area.
Any recommendations for tent sites? Water and power would be nice but not needed
Any recommendations of a small rental in the area?
Any other recommendations or tips for this area?
3
Posted on 1/31/22 at 8:05 pm to Crawdaddy
Sup.
So the water situation at the campgrounds is still in flux. Forest Service is working on upgrades but last I heard everything is still down.
If you want to explore Massive and Elbert though, camp at Halfmoon. Its a creek that runs between Elbert and Massive, so this puts you by the North Elbert trail and the Massive trailhead. There's a really nice fishing pond back there too. Additionally there is a "road" that follows the creek back to an abandoned mine, but unless you got a Wrangler or a significantly lifted truck... hike it. Go back far enough you'll also hit the French Mountain trailhead. Its the mountain behind and between Elbert and Massive.
If you want to be off 82 (which would be awesome as well), I like the location of the Parry Peak campground. Easy access to all the Willis Gulch trails, close to the blackcloud approach to Elbert (this is the hardest route up though) but you'll be driving to the other trails. The benefit though is you're also really close to the general store for supplies and lake access.
If you want a house, I know there are some Air B&Bs on Mt. Hope Drive a couple of miles east of the village. The views from those are ridiculous too.
So the water situation at the campgrounds is still in flux. Forest Service is working on upgrades but last I heard everything is still down.
If you want to explore Massive and Elbert though, camp at Halfmoon. Its a creek that runs between Elbert and Massive, so this puts you by the North Elbert trail and the Massive trailhead. There's a really nice fishing pond back there too. Additionally there is a "road" that follows the creek back to an abandoned mine, but unless you got a Wrangler or a significantly lifted truck... hike it. Go back far enough you'll also hit the French Mountain trailhead. Its the mountain behind and between Elbert and Massive.
If you want to be off 82 (which would be awesome as well), I like the location of the Parry Peak campground. Easy access to all the Willis Gulch trails, close to the blackcloud approach to Elbert (this is the hardest route up though) but you'll be driving to the other trails. The benefit though is you're also really close to the general store for supplies and lake access.
If you want a house, I know there are some Air B&Bs on Mt. Hope Drive a couple of miles east of the village. The views from those are ridiculous too.
Posted on 1/31/22 at 8:05 pm to Crawdaddy
Sup.
So the water situation at the campgrounds is still in flux. Forest Service is working on upgrades but last I heard everything is still down.
If you want to explore Massive and Elbert though, camp at Halfmoon. Its a creek that runs between Elbert and Massive, so this puts you by the North Elbert trail and the Massive trailhead. There's a really nice fishing pond back there too. Additionally there is a "road" that follows the creek back to an abandoned mine, but unless you got a Wrangler or a significantly lifted truck... hike it. Go back far enough you'll also hit the French Mountain trailhead. Its the mountain behind and between Elbert and Massive.
If you want to be off 82 (which would be awesome as well), I like the location of the Parry Peak campground. Easy access to all the Willis Gulch trails, close to the blackcloud approach to Elbert (this is the hardest route up though) but you'll be driving to the other trails. The benefit though is you're also really close to the general store for supplies and lake access.
If you want a house, I know there are some Air B&Bs on Mt. Hope Drive a couple of miles east of the village. The views from those are ridiculous too.
So the water situation at the campgrounds is still in flux. Forest Service is working on upgrades but last I heard everything is still down.
If you want to explore Massive and Elbert though, camp at Halfmoon. Its a creek that runs between Elbert and Massive, so this puts you by the North Elbert trail and the Massive trailhead. There's a really nice fishing pond back there too. Additionally there is a "road" that follows the creek back to an abandoned mine, but unless you got a Wrangler or a significantly lifted truck... hike it. Go back far enough you'll also hit the French Mountain trailhead. Its the mountain behind and between Elbert and Massive.
If you want to be off 82 (which would be awesome as well), I like the location of the Parry Peak campground. Easy access to all the Willis Gulch trails, close to the blackcloud approach to Elbert (this is the hardest route up though) but you'll be driving to the other trails. The benefit though is you're also really close to the general store for supplies and lake access.
If you want a house, I know there are some Air B&Bs on Mt. Hope Drive a couple of miles east of the village. The views from those are ridiculous too.
Posted on 1/31/22 at 8:55 pm to Duke
Thanks for the tips Duke. We have been searching a few options lately and will be deciding on a plan very soon.
Thanks again. This is such a beautiful area
Thanks again. This is such a beautiful area
Posted on 1/31/22 at 8:59 pm to Crawdaddy
Any other questions, ask.
Posted on 1/31/22 at 8:59 pm to Duke
This is great info. But showering is a must. Thanks Duke
Posted on 1/31/22 at 9:18 pm to PrincessattheOak
I wish I knew what was up with the water situation. If thats a must, look into some houses to rent in Leadville or an airB&B/short term rental in Pan Ark or theres one or two in the village.
Also have little cabins you can rent right by 82/US24
And they typically have shower access you can pay for, even if you aint staying there.
Also have little cabins you can rent right by 82/US24
And they typically have shower access you can pay for, even if you aint staying there.
This post was edited on 1/31/22 at 9:19 pm
Posted on 2/1/22 at 9:23 am to Crawdaddy
Here's a thread from last year where Duke provided loads of info on the Twin Lakes area, from drives to hiking.
Twin Lakes Thread
From his suggestion, my wife and I ended up hiking one 14er La Plata Peak (North Trail). Also did Hope Pass (via Willis Gulch) and Mayflower Gulch. All of these exploding wildflowers, particularly Hope Pass and La Plata.
- La Plata was awesome and challenging, with some boulder scrambling, steep inclines, and simple route finding through boulders to keep things interesting. The views from La Plata are incredible and grand.
- Hope Pass was right next door to La Plata, and was a great intro before conquering La Plata. It was nice and challenging climbing 3,000ft+ over 4.5 miles.
- Mayflower Gulch was an easier hike, but the mining ruins were interesting to scope out. Sweeping views of the gulch were impressive with the mountain peaks in the backdrop. The first half of the hike is up a road with parking further down that can be accessed if you have a 4WD SUV with clearance.
Twin Lakes Thread
From his suggestion, my wife and I ended up hiking one 14er La Plata Peak (North Trail). Also did Hope Pass (via Willis Gulch) and Mayflower Gulch. All of these exploding wildflowers, particularly Hope Pass and La Plata.
- La Plata was awesome and challenging, with some boulder scrambling, steep inclines, and simple route finding through boulders to keep things interesting. The views from La Plata are incredible and grand.
- Hope Pass was right next door to La Plata, and was a great intro before conquering La Plata. It was nice and challenging climbing 3,000ft+ over 4.5 miles.
- Mayflower Gulch was an easier hike, but the mining ruins were interesting to scope out. Sweeping views of the gulch were impressive with the mountain peaks in the backdrop. The first half of the hike is up a road with parking further down that can be accessed if you have a 4WD SUV with clearance.
Posted on 2/1/22 at 8:05 pm to fatcatswag22
Yes. I remember his post last year. I stopped at the visitor center on our way up to Independence pass but he was not working that day. Bummer.
Such a beautiful area. Can’t wait to get back this July
Such a beautiful area. Can’t wait to get back this July
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