Camping at Anglemeyer Lake questions

[Mike1234]

Hello —

I plan on camping at Anglemeyer Lake to try for Mt. Columbia or Harvard at the end of June. So, I have a few questions:

1) is there a trail to the lake? If bushwhacking, is there an easier path?

2) are there obvious/visible campsites around the lake?

3) how busy is the lake around that time of year? How likely will I be able to find a spot to camp?

That you for your time and consideration,

Mike

[dwoodward13]

Any specific reason for wanting to camp at Anglemeyer Lake? I ask because there are an abundance of spots directly along the trail from treeline down to the Columbia/Harvard trail split and lower even. Plenty of space and water. Unless you are interested in fishing or some other reason to camp at the lake, I don't really see a reason to.

[JQDivide]

I've only been up there once.
There was still a lot of snow in the trees, so didn't notice a trail. Though you will have to cross Horn Fork Creek.
There were a few camp spots around the lake.
Bring a fly rod.
Not sure how popular it is.

[two lunches]

1. our campsite was a couple hundred feet west of Horn Fork Creek. we departed the standard route, took shoes off to cross and set up for two nights. we hiked about 1/4 mile to Angelmeyer from there as a fieldtrip after the rain stopped on summit day. there was no trail the way we went and the bushwhacking was.. interesting. i recall navigating some large boulders and deadfall- all of which was annoying but certainly manageable for two people and two dogs (and a bunch of fishing gear). looking at a map it appears possible to access the south side of the lake via Kroenke Lake trail, but less-direct unless you want to deal with a pretty steep slope.

2. i wouldn't say there were obvious sites because you're supposed to camp 100'+ from the lake and the forest is relatively thick, almost right up to the water, but there might be some good ones in there? we hit a monsoon that weekend and there were TONS of mosquitoes. maybe the most i've ever seen in the collegiates- could have been a bad day, also could be why the fish like it there

3. on the afternoon we spent at the lake, there were 5 or 6 groups of people fishing- it's not a secret

overall thoughts: if i were hiking either columbia or harvard, i would not want to be coming from that lake in the dark. but if you're dead set on camping there, joel is right-- bring your fly rod. happy trails OP

[Mike1234]

Thank you, dwoodward13, JQDivide, and two lunches for the replies.

The reason for the Anglemeyer lake, as I see it, is that my 13-yo daughter and me would like to stay for a few days and explore. We would also want to be away from the passing crowds. We camped at Kroenke lake before and we feel it is a little too far for the Columbia hike. We want to stay below the treeline at some interesting place. Thus, Anglemeyer Lake. If there is a more accessible but secluded campsite on the way to Columbia/Harvard, please, let me know!

[two lunches]

Thank you, dwoodward13, JQDivide, and two lunches for the replies.

The reason for the Anglemeyer lake, as I see it, is that my 13-yo daughter and me would like to stay for a few days and explore. We would also want to be away from the passing crowds. We camped at Kroenke lake before and we feel it is a little too far for the Columbia hike. We want to stay below the treeline at some interesting place. Thus, Anglemeyer Lake. If there is a more accessible but secluded campsite on the way to Columbia/Harvard, please, let me know!

ohmygosh there are so many. SO many. even on a summer holiday weekend that place does not get "full". there are a ton of great sites on the trail, but if you walk just a couple hundred feet off, you'll find some more secluded spots. i've seen people camp as high up as 12,000 but i like the areas in the trees much better- lots of good places to hang a hammock. water is bountiful from the creek and both Bear Lake and Anglemeyer are great little side adventures if you're staying a few nights. additionally, the area right before the trailhead is bursting at the seams with ideal car camping spots. the Colorado trail runs across CR 365 as well, so you can hop on segments there.

[johnt]

There is no trail that I have found, just a potentially tricky stream crossing and lots of deadfall. I even had a huge tree crash down about 30 yards from me as I was climbing over the endless deadfall. I wouldn't want to do that with a full pack. Campsites 100'+ from the lake would be tough to find, I believe, as there is a cliff on the uphill side and steep slope down to Horn Fork Creek.

[justiner]

Could be a fun route up Birthday Park right by the lake if you really want an adventure with solitude. Just don't try to hike to Harvard from the ridgeline.

[two lunches]

Could be a fun route up Birthday Park right by the lake if you really want an adventure with solitude. Just don't try to hike to Harvard from the ridgeline.

i wanted to do this the last time i was in the area and re-peaked Columbia instead. the route i have for that goes from Kroenke- splits northwest from the trail at about 11,2 and pops out just to the west of Bday. does the ridge go (kindly) to 12776 and 12685 or is that type-2/type-Justin fun?

[justiner]

i wanted to do this the last time i was in the area and re-peaked Columbia instead. the route i have for that goes from Kroenke- splits northwest from the trail at about 11,2 and pops out just to the west of Bday. does the ridge go (kindly) to 12776 and 12685 or is that type-2/type-Justin fun?

It's nice talus hopping. After that, things get very loose, quickly heading generally north. The direct route from the lake looks good on the map, though!

[johnt]

Could be a fun route up Birthday Park right by the lake if you really want an adventure with solitude. Just don't try to hike to Harvard from the ridgeline.

I did a loop a few years ago past Kroenke to 12685, Birthday, 12796, and down the ridge to just south of Anglemeyer. It got pretty spicy for me close to the east end so I dropped south to the North Cottonwood trail. It was a lot of fun. And yes, solitude. Didn’t see a soul until back on the trail. +1 don’t try for Harvard!

[two lunches]

you mean this ridge?