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La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 9:42 pm
by cobalt
I'm coming from the upper midwest to hike La Plata at the very end of October. I see on google maps and looking it up that highway 82 is closed in the winter months. Does anybody know if they keep the road open to the NE trailhead along 82?
It appears there is a lodge open year round only 4 miles down the road from the trailhead, I would assume they would plow the extra 4 miles if they do it just for a lodge? Also assuming there's no snow, do they throw gates up regardless if it is closed?
Thanks in advanced!!!!
ALSO: I'm roof top tenting, I see there's some dispersed spots close by, but also there's a couple designated camps. (Twin peaks and perry peak campgrounds.) The site says they're closed for the season, but are we still allowed to camp there? Not sure if they gate them off.
Re: La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 9:59 pm
by Trotter
if paid campgrounds are closed, then they are gated with bathrooms locked.
Re: La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 10:10 pm
by constipated_pete
The road should be open to the trailhead through the end of October unless the dry/hot fall takes a dramatic turn in the next two weeks
Re: La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 10:17 pm
by CaptainSuburbia
cobalt wrote: ↑Mon Oct 14, 2024 9:42 pm
I'm coming from the upper midwest to hike La Plata at the very end of October. I see on google maps and looking it up that highway 82 is closed in the winter months. Does anybody know if they keep the road open to the NE trailhead along 82?
It appears there is a lodge open year round only 4 miles down the road from the trailhead, I would assume they would plow the extra 4 miles if they do it just for a lodge? Also assuming there's no snow, do they throw gates up regardless if it is closed?
Thanks in advanced!!!!
ALSO: I'm roof top tenting, I see there's some dispersed spots close by, but also there's a couple designated camps. (Twin peaks and perry peak campgrounds.) The site says they're closed for the season, but are we still allowed to camp there? Not sure if they gate them off.
82 is open to the La Plata trailhead all winter.
Re: La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 10:22 pm
by CheapCigarMan
The gate is located about 2 miles past / west of the La Plata TH. The La Plata TH is open nearly year round minus bad snowfalls until it’s plowed.
You’d be able to car camp with your topper at the La Plata TH.
Re: La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2024 5:52 am
by Ssgustafson
You could also try pulling into the Black Cloud TH parking area near the lodge (39.06944, -106.43361). Good luck
Re: La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2024 7:43 am
by Chicago Transplant
There are good dispersed sites on the left side of the road just past the LaPlata TH if you wanted to roof top tent a little off the road. Gate to Indy Pass is a couple miles up from the trailhead so unless there is a big snow event that snows in those dirt pulloffs, they should be easily accessible.
Re: La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)
Posted: Tue Oct 15, 2024 8:22 am
by two lunches
Ssgustafson wrote: ↑Tue Oct 15, 2024 5:52 am
You could also try pulling into the Black Cloud TH parking area near the lodge (39.06944, -106.43361). Good luck
this ^
level spots, and it's nice and quiet over there