pop up camping/ high alpine lake hike

[davebks]

hi guys, thought you might have some ideas. I got a new pop up and want to take it out for two nights. it can handle rough roads, but that probably wont be necessary for this one. I was thinking about somewhere I can for two nights, take my dog on a nice hike up to a cool lake, do some fishing etc, then camp again. doesnt need to be an established campground, just a nice spot where I can park it.
ive always found nice camping spots on the way up to missouri lakes or behind vail. Fire roads with places you can pull off kind of thing.
is hermans gulch nice? any good forest road camping? other ideas? thanks!!

[huffy13]

I'd say head up to the Gibson Creek TH to camp and then you can hike to Lake of the Clouds. There are several places that you could set up a pop-up camper.

[davebks]

ill check it out, thanks.

other ideas are welcome!

[JQDivide]

Lots of options in Salida/BV/Leadville area...
Mostly dispersed camping along the roads, but there are some campgrounds.

North Fork Lake, roads a bit rough
Browns Lake, dispersed camping before and after TH
Grizzly Lake, off/above Chalk Road
Baldwin, off/above Chalk Road
Ptarmigan Lake, but you'll probably have it hit it from the south
Bear, Kroenke from North Cottonwood Creek.
Clohesy Lake, off/above 390 Road
Beaver ponds on Indy Pass
North Halfmoon Lakes off/above 110 Road

[Voshkm]

Lots of options in Salida/BV/Leadville area...
Mostly dispersed camping along the roads, but there are some campgrounds.

North Fork Lake, roads a bit rough
Browns Lake, dispersed camping before and after TH
Grizzly Lake, off/above Chalk Road
Baldwin, off/above Chalk Road
Ptarmigan Lake, but you'll probably have it hit it from the south
Bear, Kroenke from North Cottonwood Creek.
Clohesy Lake, off/above 390 Road
Beaver ponds on Indy Pass
North Halfmoon Lakes off/above 110 Road

You wont get very close to the Halfmoon lakes off of 110 road with a pop up.
Fact Halfmoon is a horrible spot that no humans should ever go to. Trail is grueling and terrible with carrion rotting all around it. the lakes smell of sulfur and
mining waste and big bear waste as well for that matter. mountain goats are known to eat pop ups in that region. All those other places are much better, well except Clohsey lake. You wont make it an 8th of a mile off of 390 with a pop up. It is a gorgeous spot though a lil too popular unfortunately.
"You wont get very close to the Halfmoon lakes off of 110 road with a pop up." This part is actually true.

[davebks]

this is a great list, thanks! new to the pop up world. I was eyeing upper stillwater reservoir as well. looks like some good hiking from there.

[Trotter]

All those other places are much better, well except Clohsey lake. You wont make it an 8th of a mile off of 390 with a pop up. It is a gorgeous spot though a lil too popular unfortunately.

+1

Clohesy lake road is rouuuuugh. Serious 4WD

[Samajax]

One of the most beautiful areas, yet easy to get to by car is the Clear Lake Campground, west of Silverton off 585. Great place to set down your homebase, then tons of hiking into the San Juans from there.

https://www.durango.org/blog/post/clear ... mped-by-wh

[IntrepidXJ]

One of the most beautiful areas, yet easy to get to by car is the Clear Lake Campground, west of Silverton off 585. Great place to set down your homebase, then tons of hiking into the San Juans from there.

https://www.durango.org/blog/post/clear ... mped-by-wh

I agree, but it's currently closed.

[CoulKurt]

Great pull off spots and easy access above Twin Lakes. You have Forebay Reservoir and other lakes in area. Tons of hiking up Route 82.

[jkantor1312]

Alta lakes...? Easy access.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkantor_p ... en-public/

[yaktoleft13]

Alta lakes...? Easy access.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jkantor_p ... en-public/

Alta Lakes is one of my favorite camp spots in the state. The views are unreal and the lakes are beautiful. The road can be a little rough near the lakes, but if there's a spot open on the close side of the lake, you should be able to get a pop-up there. If you have to cross to the far side on the narrow land bridge between the lake and the pond on the right, it could be a little harrowing (especially since a spill would be.......moist)