Camping and parking at Silver Creek/GG or Stewart Creek
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SRMLECMcD
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Camping and parking at Silver Creek/GG or Stewart Creek
I was planning on either car camping or pitching at tent at one of these trail heads in 3 weeks. I haven't camped in Colorado before so I was wondering what the deal was with bears and marmots? Do I need to bring a bear canister for my food? Are there bear boxes? Should I tarp my jeep to keep the marmots out? I'm trying to avoid any damage to the car and unwanted bear encounters. Thanks in advance!
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BratwurstGoblin
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Re: Camping and parking at Silver Creek/GG or Stewart Creek
Just spent a couple nights camping camping at Silver Creek/GG. We kept all our food in the car and didn't take any special precautions, same for the other group camping there. Didn't see any sign of bear or marmot activity at the SC/GG trailheads, though there have been reports of a bear breaking into cars down at the Mill Creek TH/campground.
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dwoodward13
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Re: Camping and parking at Silver Creek/GG or Stewart Creek
As for bears, if you are just camping next to your car, keeping all your food/smelly stuff in the vehicle is fine. Marmots and Porcupines can be a different story. Silver Creek/GG is a common location to have issues. When I was there I did the "tarp diaper" trick and had no issues, but also makes getting in/out of your car a hassle. Ironically I actually ended up with a mouse in my car who chewed a soft sided cooler and had a field day with food! So now I also keep any food in Rubbermaid boxes (or a bear can), and also bring a few mouse traps to deploy just in case. Chicken Wire seems to be another option as well as using mothball or coyote urine around the car. There are a few threads that discuss locations, and preventative measure to take.
https://14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=43566
https://14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49718
https://14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=43566
https://14ers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49718
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cougar
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Re: Camping and parking at Silver Creek/GG or Stewart Creek
Be sure to lock your car, a bear just got into an unlocked car. For marmots and porcupines I just hang mothballs under each bumper, they sell the packs with hooks. Didn't have any issues there.
With the high snowpack this year more animals will be looking for food early summer.
With the high snowpack this year more animals will be looking for food early summer.
http://www.listsofjohn.com/m/cougar
"If we don't change direction, we'll end up where we're going."
"Bushwhacking is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get."
"Don't give up on your dreams, stay asleep"
"If we don't change direction, we'll end up where we're going."
"Bushwhacking is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get."
"Don't give up on your dreams, stay asleep"
