My wife and I are planning a trip to Navajo Lake at the end of September. We are planning on setting up camp at the lake, or just before the basin, so we can have a camp fire. Then doing a day hike the next day up towards Rock of Ages.
We have never backpacked in this area, although we tried once before but were stopped by a flat tire on the way to the TH.
What kind of traffic can we expect on the trail? Are there spots to camp outside the basin?
Thanks
Navajo Lake TH
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primussucks
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LURE
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Re: Navajo Lake TH
You'll need to camp a good bit before the lake to have a campfire - the campfire closure covers a decent area. You'll be able to find a spot of some sort I'm sure early on, but don't expect views; the basin and lake has pretty good stuff if you're willing to forego the campfire.
Traffic probably won't be all that bad. When I went there it was Labor Day weekend '16 and there were plenty of campers in the basin, but overall it wasn't terribly busy. Farthest 14ers from Denver so it can sift out the crowds a bit.
Edit: and yes there are spots early on outside of the basin. You could find something decent, although, it would make the day hike to rock of ages that much longer. Finding good campsites just takes the time to search!
Traffic probably won't be all that bad. When I went there it was Labor Day weekend '16 and there were plenty of campers in the basin, but overall it wasn't terribly busy. Farthest 14ers from Denver so it can sift out the crowds a bit.
Edit: and yes there are spots early on outside of the basin. You could find something decent, although, it would make the day hike to rock of ages that much longer. Finding good campsites just takes the time to search!
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Black Bear
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Re: Navajo Lake TH
You shouldn't have much traffic at all. The trailhead was a little busy a few weeks ago with hunters, but the trail was not. The trail to Navajo Lake is very open (no trees) so it can be brutal on a hot day if you are hiking with a full pack. There are campsites along the trail in the small sections of trees and you can have fires here. I would just camp at Navajo Lake though. It is scenic and there are plenty of camp spots with some right next to the water.
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primussucks
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Re: Navajo Lake TH
Great! Thanks for the info and tips. We're looking forward to it.
