But you can reach the ridge and hike your way up to the Continental Divide Trail for killer alpine views. Im going to include this one just to avoid confusion with it since its basically the only other established campground in the Winter Park area. This camping area close to Winter Park has access to great trails right next to the site. Here's how to build a campfire in the snow: Build a Platform - Build your winter campfire in a flat spot that's protected from the wind. more. Not the end of the world, youll likely just have to head a bit west and into the forest to get a spot. I found the cl Its sister trail, Butler Gulch, is an all-time favorite hike (both summer and winter), and since they share a trailhead, I knew Jones Pass would be special as well.Jones Pass is not the type of trail I normally take, since it is actually a 4x4 road that is used for Jeeping in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. If youre really lucky, you can go dispersed camping (or wild camping or boondocking as its sometimes known) for an entire trip without seeing another person. The road is 7 miles out and back. . Head along Road 50 for a few miles until you enter the National Forest, just past Tipperary Creek. Does it get cold at night? I especially appreciated the detailed information you provided on the various camping sites in the area, including their amenities, pros, and cons. on official, secure websites. Sites begin to appear almost immediately, although continue further back for more solitude. The campground is mostly gravel and packed dirt, with not much vegetation, on the lake shore. But in reality, as long as you have the right gear and plan ahead, it can be a fun way to get your friends together outside in the off-season. Would not recommend any rig longer than 22ft beyond the main camping area. Follow the trail through trees to the High Rockies Trail. skiwhitefish. Because if youre willing to look, you can find some incredible dispersed campsites all around the reservoir and camp very close to the waters edge. It is located directly east of Winter Park Ski Resort. Youll park at the bottom of the mountain near Henderson Mine. Check out these great campsites in a breathtaking area. From here you can find the Continental Divide Trail and sweeping views of the Colorado Rockies. Jones Pass Road begins by a molybdenum mine, but don't let that fool you. There is a swifly running creek falling from an expansive high mountain meadow. Upon exiting I-40 head towards the molybdenum mine on 202. Looking for other great dispersed camping in Colorado? Sometimes the pipeline can be closed off (especially early/late season or during drought times), but its a great amenity to have in the wilderness nonetheless. United States. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Youll enjoy stunning views and relatively easy access here, making this a great camping option. Distance to Winter Park: 4 milesRestrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:BusyMap. We maneuvered sideways and leveled our t Wanna learn more about things to do in Colorado? In fact, over 2 miles of trails along the creek are just outside of the campground. In the third mile, youll be more or less above tree line, and youll be able to see the gentle bowls that are the snowmobilers playground. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Your email address will not be published. You can always camp low and hike high. How to Get to Meadow Creek Reservoir Dispersed Camping AreaHead north of Winter Park along Highway 40. The area features a rustic camping cabin, fishing & boating on the Wapsipinicon River, and an on-site park ranger residence. adventures and follow local regulations. View profile. Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake Hike to an old fire lookout with in-your-face On the grassy slopes of Vasquez Peak I have seen: Pink Pussytoes, Whooly Actinella, Tall Chimming Bells, Little Elephantheads, Heart-Leaved Arnica, Colorado Columbines, Scarlet Paintbrush, Rosy Paintbrush, Indian Paintbrush, White Bog Orchids, Tall Penstemon, Sun Loving Asters . This exit from the pavement is the worst part of the forest road. Henderson Spur trail will take you to the Continental Divide Trail and allow you to summit Vasquez Peak or Stanley Peak. Jones Pass is not the type of trail I normally take, since it is actually a 4x4 road that is used for Jeeping in the summer and snowmobiling in the winter. more. Solar Power Bank Charger - Keep your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. From the Tenmile range all the way to Longs Peak. Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. Go through the town of Fraser, and just before you reach Tabernash, make a right turn onto Road 83. If youre ever trying to meet up with people in the backcountry, they are a must! Distance to Winter Park: 5 milesRestrooms:NoWater:No, but may be pulled from Vasquez CreekCrowds: BusyMap. Butler Gulch is a pristinely beautiful day hike in the heart of the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Colorado. Many people travel the road via snowmobile in winter. Easily accessible from Denver, Butler Gulch is full of jaw-dropping views in all seasons, and anyone in good health can enjoy this gem. Wonderful pictures and useful iinformation links. Get it now for just $7. Since most of the camping is above treeline, come prepared! Its definitely worth adding to your list. Ever? Official websites use .gov A .gov At the end you will experience beauty and solitude that only Colorado can provide. Accessible only by boat, Jones Island Marine State park is a 188-acre marine camping park with 25,000 feet of saltwater shoreline on the San Juan channel. Once you approach the mine there will be a gate and to your rightb202 (FR144) continues and changes to dirt/gravel. Plus, geta free Carry-on OnlyPacking List! We maneuvered sideways and leveled our truck with the help of a few strategically placed rocks and called it good. Also known as FR 139, this dispersed camping area northwest of Winter Park offer miles of Forest Service roads with dozens of dispersed campsites. Keep in mind that many folk will also look to camp along Road 73, north of here, although that is not officially permitted per the Arapaho National Forest MVUM. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock At 11,370 Berthoud Pass crosses the continental divide. $20 per night. First-come, first-served. Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! 4. From there, head east a My friend Austin and I hiked up to Mt Flora last year on what was probably the coldest day ever. But this one take a bit more effort to get to. Posted by ; new businesses coming to republic, mo; (8.1km) Day 3 - Hike out via Packer's Pass. $20 per night. Just as you enter the main area of downtown Winter Park, take a left onto Vasquez Road, also known as Forest Road 7. With a wide variety of campgrounds and dispersed camping on the outskirts of this exciting mountain town, there is sure to be something for everyone, no matter your camping style. It was 9 degrees at the Berthoud Pass parking lot and we had 32mph winds nearly the whole way. Its sister trail, Butler Gulch, is an all-time favorite hike (both summer and winter), and since they share a trailhead, I knew Jones Pass would be special as well. In fall, winter and spring, the trail is covered in snow, which makes it ideal for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. This area could easily fit a large Class C or several trailers. I highly recommend this experience! The day to cross the Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters (17,769 feet) above sea level. There are plenty of sites available on the reasonable drive up that are on the left side of the road next to the river but they're all ground tents only. Heres the complete guide to visiting Jones Pass, Colorado. Jones Pass Road begins by a molybdenum mine, but don't let that fool you. For that convenience, youll give up a certain amount of privacy, although that is an easy trade off for many campers looking for convenient campsite. This area is excellent if you want to stay close to town, but would like to have a few more roads to choose from and want to try a bit to get away from other people. Your article has been an invaluable resource for me, and I look forward to reading more of your writing in the future. Located in the heart of the Rockies, theres a lot of adventure close to Jones Pass. A winter's worth of exploration is awaiting you in Jones Pass. Do you not enjoying having camping neighbors right next to you? Find a spot that fits your needs and enjoy! With such excellent free camping, this area makes a great home-base to explore other areas. Most of Yosemite's campgrounds close for the winter, but four remain open year round for hardy travelers, all on a first-come, first-serve basis (even the ones that require reservations during the summer). Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. Jones Gap State Park. It was 9 degrees at the Berthoud Pass parking lot and we had 32mph winds nearly the whole way. Your email address will not be published. More Information: FreeCampsites.netApproximate GPS Coordinates: 39.899251, -105.806662if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'offpathtravels_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',193,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Meadow Creek Reservoir has some of our favorite dispersed camping near Winter Park. Less than 20 miles from New York City, Jones Beach is a playground for millions of people who live . There are road signs once you get off I-70 that will help you the rest of the way that say Jones Pass. Web Visit website. They provided a great visual representation of the camping sites and really showcased the stunning scenery that surrounds Winter Park. A few notable places to check out include: Jones Pass, Colorado is an excellent city break for the nearby Denver-metro area. The rest is in much better repair. Mountain Range: Front Range. There are two main options in this area, but both of them start at the same place. Jones Bay is one of Lake Roosevelt's smaller, more rustic campgrounds. As a Colorado resident of nearly 11 years, I make it a point to visit this beautiful landscape every year. Whenever I need a quick alpine getaway (think 40 minutes from the city), I head to Jones Pass. Thats our version of an ideal camping spot! This popular (and sometimes quite crowded area) is located directly west of the town of Empire, just as Berthoud Pass begins to climb and go into the switchback sections. On a weekday, This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com, Oh man what a great spot! Check out these great campsites in a breathtaking area. The trail is extremely rocky and steep. 32 maximum. K mountain. Continue upwards until the trees give way to an alpine environment. From simply driving to the top of Jones Pass to enjoy a sunset to a weekend of camping in some of Colorados best wilderness, Im an expert in Colorado travel. Didn't make it near the top. Take I-70 exit 232 to US Highway 40 in the direction of Empire/Winter Park.