What are the top 3 must do's in CO?

[NorthernFocusCreative]

We are in CO and looking at check out Rocky Mountain National Park early next week before heading north to WY. What else should we check out in the CO area.

We love camping away from the crowds, hiking and taking photographs.

Any local knowledge would be appreciated.

John & Carla

http://www.northernfocus.ca

 

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

This time of year there is no such thing as "camping away from the crowds" in RMNP. If you get a mile or two away from a trailhead you can leave most of the crowd behind, though. If you find an open spot in mostly-reserved Moraine Park CG, take it. From there you can ride the free shuttle bus to the famous trails up to the glaciers. Glacier Basin CG, my fav and good for those without reservations, is closed for construction of Bear Lake Rd.

Check out DirtyDog's web site for more info:
http://www.camping-usa.com/national_park_detail/25507/

Where in CO are you guys now?

 

[mitebewildered]

You should wander around in the mountains near Walden. Some nice dispersed camping. Here is a great website: http://freecampsites.net/attribute/states/co/ It shows free camping sites in the US. Safe travels, eh!

 

[Marshfly]

Also not away from the crowds but a must do is Great Sand Dunes NP. Absolutely breathtaking and a unique place to check out.

 

[NorthernFocusCreative]

Hello Guys

Thank you Doug, mitebewildered and Marshfly for your suggests. We just got back from a two day backpacking trip into the "Never Summer Wilderness". Carla (my partner and I) hiked about 7 miles into Bowen Lake to go fly fishing and camping. We had the lake to ourselves expect for a curious cow moose in the lake last night. Caught and release about a dozen trout and hiked out today.

Great area with lots of access to other mountains and lakes.

We are gearing up to fish the Colorado river tonight and tomorrow then head into the Park and check out the Bear Lake area and do some more hiking.

We are trying to make a an appointment in Boulder CO to have our Dodge Ram looked at. It seems to be blowing more black exhaust than usual? Any Dodge diesel guys or gals out there with an idea why? Happens when starting our in am (putting the trk in reverse) and any time we are pushing on the accelerator?

Yukon John

 

[NorthernFocusCreative]

In Walden CO, looking at doing some hike in fly fishing and may hunt down some monster Brown trout next week in this area. Heading over to Steamboat for a hot springs soak and to re-supply over the weekend. Last week we summited Mnt Evens which was lot of fun. Lots of Mnt Goats, and Big horn sheep to photograph in that area.

Northern Colorado has been very impressive, you residents have it good here.

Thanks for the info guys and I will try and upload some more images.

John

 

[Phird05]

If you are close to the Montrose area, I would check out Gunnison Gorge Recreation area. You can drive up to the Ute trailhead and then hike to the bottom (4.5miles) and find some incredible pristine areas to fly-fish. I spend a lot of time in that area and this time of year you will definitely be away from any crowds. Drive up a fairly rough road to the Ute trail head, pop the top for the evening and get an early start the next morning. You won't regret it.

Good Camping,

Paul

 

[NorthernFocusCreative]

Thanks to all of you for your ideas. The ones we did not get to do will be noted for our next trip.

Now onto WY.

Yukon John

 

[ETAV8R]

Too bad you didn't get down to the San Juans. Lots of good stuff there.

 

[ntsqd]

There is or was a very good Western Museum in Cody, WY. Downstairs has a fabulous firearms collection. From Blunderbuss' to a pair of Gatling guns (round mag and square mag or some-such).
The unfinished mansion west of town is a sight to behold. Not sure what its status is since the owner/builder passed away.

 

[mitch h]

Check out the old west town west of Cody. Little history, buildings were moved there from surrounding area. Butch and Sundance stayed in a couple. Have fun

 

[NorthernFocusCreative]

Hey Gang
Thanks for the suggestion on the San Juans, ETAV8R. It will have to wait till another time.

We have Cody WY on our list htsqd, we will let you know how it tunes out.

We just got back from fly fishing the Clear Creek area down Gros Ventre Rd. Caught some nice Cutthroat trout on Hoppers, saw Pronhorn and Bison. Had a great soak in Granite Falls Hot Pools this morning (non commercial) ones about 103 F water, heck ya.

Today, charging up camper batteries in Jackson WY, (good for 4 days only before batteries run low) and will be hiking the Alpine at Jackson Hole tommorrow.

We are LOVING...!!! WY.
Yukon John