Have been out of Colorado for three long years, so I need to catch up ...
Planning some sort of trip into Kilpacker Basin in mid-September for hiking and photography. Please advise best approach to the Basin and road conditions likely encountered to the trail-head, esp. of you have accessed the Basin recently. Also advise access to Dunton Hot Springs in the response.
Any useful information is helpful - from memory I am aware of access from Colorado 145 above Rico. Thanks.
Access to Kilpacker Basin
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Mark A Steiner
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Access to Kilpacker Basin
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content - Paul the Apostle.
Like it or not, I am a slow driver. Putt ... putt ... putt ...
Good day.
Like it or not, I am a slow driver. Putt ... putt ... putt ...
Good day.
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glenmiz
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Re: Access to Kilpacker Basin
I can't speak to the hot springs but access to the Wilson Group from Kilpacker TH is good from 145 just past Lizard Head Pass. I was there twice last year and, based on conditions then, I think any car would do fine on the road. Grove of trees is good spot to camp at the trailhead and you can access either Navajo basin or Kilpacker basin from that point.
Aim high to end high
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susanjoypaul
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Re: Access to Kilpacker Basin
To get to the hot springs, from the intersection of CO 62 and CO 145, drive 30 miles south on 145 and turn right onto Dunton Road. Continue about 10 miles to Dunton Hot Springs, on the left. It looks like an old mining camp (because that's what it used to be) and there's a call box that you have to use to get access onto the grounds.
Dunton Hot Springs no longer accepts day-soakers so call ahead to make a reservation to stay in a cabin or glamping tent. The last time I was there it was $800 per night, and I believe the prices have gone up since then. That does include meals, though
Another option is Rico Hot Springs, roughly 17 miles south on 145 past the Dunton Road turnoff. Most (if not all) of those pools are on private property, though. There's talk of the Town of Rico rerouting hot springs water from the area into a commercial site in town at some point, which would be kind of nice. For now, your best bet would be Orvis in Ridgway, which accepts day-soakers but is clothing-optional, or any of the four hot springs in Ouray. They're all really nice and three of them--the Ouray Pool, Wiesbaden, and Twin Peaks--accept day-soakers.
Susan
Dunton Hot Springs no longer accepts day-soakers so call ahead to make a reservation to stay in a cabin or glamping tent. The last time I was there it was $800 per night, and I believe the prices have gone up since then. That does include meals, though
Another option is Rico Hot Springs, roughly 17 miles south on 145 past the Dunton Road turnoff. Most (if not all) of those pools are on private property, though. There's talk of the Town of Rico rerouting hot springs water from the area into a commercial site in town at some point, which would be kind of nice. For now, your best bet would be Orvis in Ridgway, which accepts day-soakers but is clothing-optional, or any of the four hot springs in Ouray. They're all really nice and three of them--the Ouray Pool, Wiesbaden, and Twin Peaks--accept day-soakers.
Susan
