Colorado Camping with Small Children

[78ScoutII]

I originally posted this in the Adventure Planning area but it probably makes more sense in this forum. Thanks!

My brother and I are planning a 4-day camping trip for late spring/early summer with our families (us, my wife, brothers siginicant other, and three small children (2,3,4)) in Colorado. I am a little overwhelmed in choosing a spot as there seem to be so many so I'm hoping that some expo members can help me out. My brother and I are avid backpackers so the camp spot would ideally be near a few scenic trails that we can take the kids on. As far as the base-camp spot we would like it to be somewhat primitive and out of the way. It would also be nice to have some hot springs nearby for our wives to enjoy (My brothers sig. other will be 7 months pregnant and won't be into hiking). We would like to stick around north-central Colorado as we will be visiting family in Fort Collins. My brother had heard some good things about Hanging Lake but I would just be afriad that it will be overrun with people, and that there might not be a good base-camp spot nearby. Thanks in advance for all your help!

[ExpediT-100n]

Greetings from Colorado! I lived in Wichita for 7 years and was a member of the Wichita 4x4 Club. I have to warn you about coming out to visit this great state. I started coming out here on vacation from the flatlands of Kansas then ended up moving out here to live when my two week vacations were not enough and the bill for gasoline alone hit $600.

With that said, I would encourage you to come out in the later Summer months as the snow will not be melted off the peaks in the late Spring, early Summer months. There is a saying in Moab, UT: "You can tell that summer is on it's way when the license plates in town turn green." If you must come out in the Spring or early Summer months, you might wish to try the lower elevation areas around Western Colorado or Eastern Utah. I can recommend some trails once you decide on your final destination and plans.

Kevin

[Ric]

for a "camp-site" Ive always loved http://www.chalkcreek-campground.com/

[78ScoutII]

Greetings from Colorado! I lived in Wichita for 7 years and was a member of the Wichita 4x4 Club. I have to warn you about coming out to visit this great state. I started coming out here on vacation from the flatlands of Kansas then ended up moving out here to live when my two week vacations were not enough and the bill for gasoline alone hit $600.

With that said, I would encourage you to come out in the later Summer months as the snow will not be melted off the peaks in the late Spring, early Summer months. There is a saying in Moab, UT: "You can tell that summer is on it's way when the license plates in town turn green." If you must come out in the Spring or early Summer months, you might wish to try the lower elevation areas around Western Colorado or Eastern Utah. I can recommend some trails once you decide on your final destination and plans.

Kevin

Glad to hear from a fellow Wichita alum, doesn't seem to be a whole lot on the expo forums (from what little lurking i've done). I've always loved Colorado, I most recently did a brewery tour through north-central CO last May and had a blast! I remember the temperature being perfect, but i might have had brew on the brain (100+ beer samples in three days). The reason we wanted to do it then was because my brothers sig. other is due to have the baby in July and they were not comfortable going any later......so it sounds like western colorado might be a better bet then? I would love to drive to Utah but hate spending what little vacation I have on the road and while I don't mind driving with the kids I can see them becoming progressively grumpier the longer we are driving.

[78ScoutII]

for a "camp-site" Ive always loved http://www.chalkcreek-campground.com/

Thank you....after browsing the site it looks as though it can get really crowded, is that right? We were looking for something a little more "off the beaten path".

[Greggk]

i am from southeastern colorado, Colorado Springs, which is on the base of Pikes Peak. there are tons of areas to go camping in this area, but be aware at those altitudes in spring you can still get snow, and still get into teens at night. my family and I went in early may and woke up freezing as temps hit 14 degrees at night and 3 inches of snow. that was at 9800 foot elevation (colorado springs is at 6900 foot elevation itsself) if you are interested in camping this far south let me know in a PM and i will send you to my favorite spot and i will also give you a copy of the local map. its a great place, and out of the way, off the beaten path, but still close enough to civilization.

[Brian McVickers]

Hi,
We just returned from CO, Fort Collins area, and we usually go once a year.

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are both right there and wonderful areas to explore with great hiking and rivers for fishing if you want.

Regards
Brian

[shortbus4x4]

With a pregnant woman and several small children I would be planning on finding a spot and staying there a few days. Try to minimize your driving time with the above passengers once you reach your destination. Find a place with a small creek or lake that the kids can play in with sand toys and such. Take a comfortable chair for the prego so she can sit in it and soak her feet in the water. Find some place that has some shade trees if its hot weather. You aren't going to be taking long strenous hikes and such. Don't plan on doing stuff every day and the days you do have stuff planned, don't over do it. With that many small kids and a pregnant woman you probably won't be moving too fast and they will have a lot more fun and memories if you take it easy. I have been camping with my four small kids and a pregnant wife and we had a lot more fun just relaxing and playing by the river than trying to do "stuff". It took me a little while to learn this.:)

[78ScoutII]

With a pregnant woman and several small children I would be planning on finding a spot and staying there a few days. Try to minimize your driving time with the above passengers once you reach your destination. Find a place with a small creek or lake that the kids can play in with sand toys and such. Take a comfortable chair for the prego so she can sit in it and soak her feet in the water. Find some place that has some shade trees if its hot weather. You aren't going to be taking long strenous hikes and such. Don't plan on doing stuff every day and the days you do have stuff planned, don't over do it. With that many small kids and a pregnant woman you probably won't be moving too fast and they will have a lot more fun and memories if you take it easy. I have been camping with my four small kids and a pregnant wife and we had a lot more fun just relaxing and playing by the river than trying to do "stuff". It took me a little while to learn this.:)

All good advice, thanks! Our plan was to find a camp spot and stay there for a few days like you mentioned but take most of one of the days to go exploring on a trail. We are bringing along two child carrier backpacks and were planning on switching the kids out during any hiking we might do, or just leave the youngest with the ladies at camp - so we don't necessarily want to be doing stuff all the time but I figured this is an area that they don't get to see that often might as well take part of the trip and explore some.

[LaOutbackTrail]

Can't speak too much for the "wheres" but my daughter loved Colorado at 18months and 4 years. Last August, she acclimated to the altitude better than we did. But we made sure she stayed very well hydrated and we made no complaints about stopping to potty more often than usual.

[78ScoutII]

My ideal place would be a remote spot that I can camp by a small hot spring and go exploring with the kids during the day. I'm thinking if we have direct access to a hot spring that I might be able to talk my brother's sig. other into going in late may early June :) What would the average nighttime temp's be at this time in north central CO?

[ExpediT-100n]

My ideal place would be a remote spot that I can camp by a small hot spring and go exploring with the kids during the day. I'm thinking if we have direct access to a hot spring that I might be able to talk my brother's sig. other into going in late may early June :) What would the average nighttime temp's be at this time in north central CO?

I can tell you that on the Western side of the Rockies at 7-8,000 feet you are looking at upper thirties to mid fourties. I have camped at that elevation over Memorial Day weekend for the past 7 years and was snowed on twice. The first time it got so bad that we packed up and headed home as we did not want to be stuck up there. Another time it rained for 3 days straight and our normal 45 minute drive out turned into a 2.5 hour ordeal as we were sliding sideways in 4 wheel drive on the clay roads.

Speaking of Memorial Day weekend, Look up Rendevous in trip reports for some pictures from the trips I have done on those weekends over the past 3 years. "Greenhorns" are welcome but need to be in period specific clothing, which turned out to be no problem for my children and I when the other campers sprung into action and found clothes for us to borrow.

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/37913/2225793570062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2225793570062605357vdqNsE)

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/12215/2760263110062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2760263110062605357ngoQtr)

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/45985/2741283040062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2741283040062605357UCxFgQ)

I am not aware of any mountain passes on this side of the Rockies that are thawed out by then so don't expect any 4x4 excursions. If you look at a bit later in June, Ouray tends to be a really great place to go. There are hot springs and any number of mountain passes to travel and/or camp on. It is only 1.5 hours from my house so I get down there on a regular basis in the Summertime.

July 4th weekend:
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/28408/2730050260062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2730050260062605357CLyphy)

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/47678/2027377420062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2027377420062605357CtguYf)

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/47195/2712117590062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2712117590062605357ltstLG)

Another choice would be the Dolores Triangle, Kokopelli trail or John Brown Canyon. These routes all start within an easy drive of Grand Junction and take you on a back country tour to Moab, UT.

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/17545/2211591530062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2211591530062605357KAeNlK)

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/22350/2652083990062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2652083990062605357PnScuP)

Another thing you might want to consider is Rocky Mountain National Park. The Western Side of the park is less crowded and more fun for the children. It is closer to the front range and you may be able to drive through the whole park in late May or Early June.

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/31025/2897020370062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2897020370062605357CMyLzM)

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/12101/2121473290062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2121473290062605357eKOUfE)

Let me know if you need any further information.

Kevin

[Flounder]

I grew up in Hutchinson and went to college at CSU in Fort Collins. My pops and sister live in Fort Collins, so I'm up there twice a year.

As Brian pointed out, Estes Park is pretty great if you've never been. Lots of family friendly hikes, although it can be a bit crowded. The Mount Zirkle wilderness outside Steamboat might be worth a look as well. From Wichita you're a pretty easy drive over to southern Colorado. There's no shortage of places to explore around Durango and Pagosa. I will say, you have to get further west of the Front Range to find solitude than you did when I was a kid thirty years ago.

[Ric]

Thank you....after browsing the site it looks as though it can get really crowded, is that right? We were looking for something a little more "off the beaten path".

yea it can, its a very popular place, but soooo worth it, there are so many trails in that area.

[78ScoutII]

I can tell you that on the Western side of the Rockies at 7-8,000 feet you are looking at upper thirties to mid fourties. I have camped at that elevation over Memorial Day weekend for the past 7 years and was snowed on twice. The first time it got so bad that we packed up and headed home as we did not want to be stuck up there. Another time it rained for 3 days straight and our normal 45 minute drive out turned into a 2.5 hour ordeal as we were sliding sideways in 4 wheel drive on the clay roads.

Speaking of Memorial Day weekend, Look up Rendevous in trip reports for some pictures from the trips I have done on those weekends over the past 3 years. "Greenhorns" are welcome but need to be in period specific clothing, which turned out to be no problem for my children and I when the other campers sprung into action and found clothes for us to borrow.

http://inlinethumb26.webshots.com/37913/2225793570062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2225793570062605357vdqNsE)

http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/12215/2760263110062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2760263110062605357ngoQtr)

http://inlinethumb34.webshots.com/45985/2741283040062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2741283040062605357UCxFgQ)

I am not aware of any mountain passes on this side of the Rockies that are thawed out by then so don't expect any 4x4 excursions. If you look at a bit later in June, Ouray tends to be a really great place to go. There are hot springs and any number of mountain passes to travel and/or camp on. It is only 1.5 hours from my house so I get down there on a regular basis in the Summertime.

July 4th weekend:
http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/28408/2730050260062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2730050260062605357CLyphy)

http://inlinethumb63.webshots.com/47678/2027377420062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2027377420062605357CtguYf)

http://inlinethumb28.webshots.com/47195/2712117590062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2712117590062605357ltstLG)

Another choice would be the Dolores Triangle, Kokopelli trail or John Brown Canyon. These routes all start within an easy drive of Grand Junction and take you on a back country tour to Moab, UT.

http://inlinethumb10.webshots.com/17545/2211591530062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2211591530062605357KAeNlK)

http://inlinethumb15.webshots.com/22350/2652083990062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2652083990062605357PnScuP)

Another thing you might want to consider is Rocky Mountain National Park. The Western Side of the park is less crowded and more fun for the children. It is closer to the front range and you may be able to drive through the whole park in late May or Early June.

http://inlinethumb50.webshots.com/31025/2897020370062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2897020370062605357CMyLzM)

http://inlinethumb06.webshots.com/12101/2121473290062605357S500x500Q85.jpg (http://family.webshots.com/photo/2121473290062605357eKOUfE)

Let me know if you need any further information.

Kevin

Thanks for the wealth of info.! Upper thirties/lower forties doesn't sound too bad (we camped this last fall in those conditions and the kids did fine). That Rendevous looks like a lot of fun, i'll run that one by the wife. Right now I am most interested in Ouray, White River NF, and Rocky Mountain NF. I have hiked RMNF a few times and have always enjoyed it.

[Flounder]

If the Ouray area interests you, maybe look into an area near Silverton. We go to a sweet little meadow at the end of Mineral Creek Road just west of Silverton. If you drive past the designated improved campground, you can drive back to South Park and enjoy a very solitary primative camp below big peaks, a nice creek, waterfals, and right at the Rico Silverton Trailhead. That puts you within a short drive of all the local attractions. I'm forever amazed how crowded that part of the state can be and how few people find that little meadow.

51509

[78ScoutII]

I grew up in Hutchinson and went to college at CSU in Fort Collins. My pops and sister live in Fort Collins, so I'm up there twice a year.

As Brian pointed out, Estes Park is pretty great if you've never been. Lots of family friendly hikes, although it can be a bit crowded. The Mount Zirkle wilderness outside Steamboat might be worth a look as well. From Wichita you're a pretty easy drive over to southern Colorado. There's no shortage of places to explore around Durango and Pagosa. I will say, you have to get further west of the Front Range to find solitude than you did when I was a kid thirty years ago.

I have been to Estes and I think it would be a little too crowded for my taste. I will check out Mount Zirkle. Thanks!

[78ScoutII]

If the Ouray area interests you, maybe look into an area near Silverton. We go to a sweet little meadow at the end of Mineral Creek Road just west of Silverton. If you drive past the designated improved campground, you can drive back to South Park and enjoy a very solitary primative camp below big peaks, a nice creek, waterfals, and right at the Rico Silverton Trailhead. That puts you within a short drive of all the local attractions. I'm forever amazed how crowded that part of the state can be and how few people find that little meadow.

51509

That sounds great....It would be really fun to take the kids on the Silverton Train too - that was one of my favorate moments as a youngster with my folks. Do you happen to have any more photos of the site?

[Maddmatt]

As has been pointed out many times 'late spring / early summer' at altitude can mean anything from 80 degrees to a foot of snow, sometimes on the same day - so don't get too remote.

I love the Steamboat area, my kids (9 & 7 now) love camping at Steamboat lake, the Strawberry park hot springs are world class (and you can rent a 'cabin' surprisingly cheap - but don't expect too much other than warm and dry)

Here's a Steamboat Lake picture from labor day - below 20 degrees every night, but warm enough to swim in the lake during the day. This site was drive in, plus about a 100 yard walk - and had access to clean, warm, real toilets (with a pregnant woman and kids never over look the bathroom)

http://i375.photobucket.com/albums/oo192/maddmatt2/100_6359.jpg


Of course the Ouray/Durango/Telluride area is world class as well - but a bit higher in altitude, so will be colder.

[Flounder]

That sounds great....It would be really fun to take the kids on the Silverton Train too - that was one of my favorate moments as a youngster with my folks. Do you happen to have any more photos of the site?This spot is so awesome. We've been back to that spot maybe 7 times in 4 years. There are two amazing hikes right out of this meadow. There are very few parts of Colorado I haven't explored intimately, but this is a top 5 sorta spot.

Photos all from that meadow:
51526 51524 51525

[ExpediT-100n]

If the Ouray area interests you, maybe look into an area near Silverton. We go to a sweet little meadow at the end of Mineral Creek Road just west of Silverton. If you drive past the designated improved campground, you can drive back to South Park and enjoy a very solitary primative camp below big peaks, a nice creek, waterfals, and right at the Rico Silverton Trailhead. That puts you within a short drive of all the local attractions. I'm forever amazed how crowded that part of the state can be and how few people find that little meadow.

51509

x2 on Silverton, MUCH less crowded and close enough to make the dirve to the Hot Springs in Ouray or to the train stop in Silverton. Also, Silverton is only a few degrees cooler than Ouray on any given day.

[ColoradoBill]

I like the area around St. Elmo. Just north west of Buena Vista. It is close to Mount Princeton Hot Springs, several hiking trails and good camping on the east side of Tin Cup Pass. Most stock 4wds can handle Tin Cup; however the top of the pass may be closed that time of the year. It is usually mid to late summer before the snow completely melts away. If it is open, head to Mirror Lake on the west side of the pass. Great place to spend the day fishing.

[78ScoutII]

Thanks everyone for all your help! I am leaning heavily to the Silverton area and after talking it over with my wife she seems to agree. There are so many good spots though it is going to be a hard final decision to make. At least i know one thing for sure though.......i have options for the next few years of camping vacations as all these mentioned spots look like a blast.

[DurangoSteve]

I think the Mineral Creek area is a longshot in late May-early June. We're having a pretty normal winter (above average snowfall so far), and there will likely be a lot of snow on the road that time of the year. For reference, the Ice Lakes Basin trailhead is 9850' elevation. The area your looking at is a little bit higher, probably closer to 10,000'.

We are currently in a "La Niña" weather pattern, which typically means that the big storms, especially spring storms, stay north. I would frequently check this website for info on the snowpack: http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/snow/watershed/current/daily/maps_graphs/swe_time.html Use the pull down menu for the San Juan, Animas, Dolores, San Miguel basin. We are currently at 130% of average snowfall. Check it in February, March and April. If it dips below average, that bodes well for accessing the Mineral Creek area. If it stays above average, I would suggest looking for a lower elevation basecamp. Check out the West Fork of the Dolores River. There's a good road that runs up it, it's lower altitude, and the river is very nice. There's good camping, hiking, and some offroad driving.

Mostly, you need to keep an eye on the snowpack. Access to the San Juan Mtns high country that early is pretty iffy. Good luck!

[78ScoutII]

I think the Mineral Creek area is a longshot in late May-early June. We're having a pretty normal winter (above average snowfall so far), and there will likely be a lot of snow on the road that time of the year. For reference, the Ice Lakes Basin trailhead is 9850' elevation. The area your looking at is a little bit higher, probably closer to 10,000'.

We are currently in a "La Niña" weather pattern, which typically means that the big storms, especially spring storms, stay north. I would frequently check this website for info on the snowpack: http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/snow/watershed/current/daily/maps_graphs/swe_time.html Use the pull down menu for the San Juan, Animas, Dolores, San Miguel basin. We are currently at 130% of average snowfall. Check it in February, March and April. If it dips below average, that bodes well for accessing the Mineral Creek area. If it stays above average, I would suggest looking for a lower elevation basecamp. Check out the West Fork of the Dolores River. There's a good road that runs up it, it's lower altitude, and the river is very nice. There's good camping, hiking, and some offroad driving.

Mostly, you need to keep an eye on the snowpack. Access to the San Juan Mtns high country that early is pretty iffy. Good luck!

That is very helpful, thanks! I will keep an eye on that website and plan accordingly.

[DurangoSteve]

That is very helpful, thanks! I will keep an eye on that website and plan accordingly.

My pleasure, Scout. That snowpack website is a great tool, whether for planning high country access or guestimating whitewater.

[Flounder]

I think the Mineral Creek area is a longshot in late May-early June. !Definitely. I'd say very late June at best. The campground at Mineral Creek is usually accessible by early June, but the road beyond is often 30 days later.

[Colorado Jeeper]

I camp with five kids. We mostly camp on remote family owned property near Lyons (20 miles from Estes Park) and Alma (20 miles form Breckenridge) but we do venture out to other areas. There is a lot of good semi-remote camping just outside of Estes Park. Johnny Park and Pierson Park are both national forest roads that offer a great selection of places to set up camp. I highly recommend the Estes Park side of Pierson Park, there are a lot of flat open meadows to camp in (just perfect for kids). The higher elevation trails in Rocky Mountain National Park will be covered in snow but there will still be plenty to explore. RMNP is only about 20 minutes from Pierson Park. If the ladies get board when you're hiking they can explore Estes Park, it has some shops and excellent food.

Trails to hike: Loch Vale & Mills Lake, Fern Lake, Dream Lake, Alberta Falls

4x4 Trails: Johnny Park Road, Pierson Park Road, Caribou Creek, Bunce School Road

Estes Park: Poppy's (pizza and a great beer selection), Estes Park Mountain Shop (the best deals on outdoor gear you'll find), Stanley Hotel, Estes park Museum

Link to hiking trails: http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/pages/northeast_trails.html
Link to 4x4 trails and camping:http://www.traildamage.com/