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Started By
Message
Need Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park Advice
Posted on 5/3/24 at 6:46 am
Posted on 5/3/24 at 6:46 am
I accepted a new job and don’t start til midmonth. Booked a flight to Denver and Turo to go clear my head for a few days next week. I haven’t been since this new Vehicle Registration and Online Reservations stuff began. It looks to me like it doesn’t all start until Memorial Day but I don’t want to be left holding the bag. Any way, I’ve hiked all over the East side of the park and stayed in Estes plenty but heading to the West side this go round. Any advice on new rules/regulations to watch out for and good hikes/campgrounds is much appreciated.
2
Posted on 5/3/24 at 10:47 am to reggierayreb
Much of the park and especially the west side will be under several feet of snow. You best have snow shoes and spikes if you’re hiking.
Timber creek is only campground on the west side. It’s closed til summer.
I’d rethink this if you’re wanting to camp and hike.
Timber creek is only campground on the west side. It’s closed til summer.
I’d rethink this if you’re wanting to camp and hike.
This post was edited on 5/3/24 at 10:47 am
Posted on 5/3/24 at 12:46 pm to idontyield
Microspikes and snow shows aren’t an issue.
I would definitely drive in from the South by Lake Granby though. Maybe Black Canyon is a better destination for the current weather ? What do you think ? Anyone else spend time in Gunnison in early May ?
I would definitely drive in from the South by Lake Granby though. Maybe Black Canyon is a better destination for the current weather ? What do you think ? Anyone else spend time in Gunnison in early May ?
This post was edited on 5/3/24 at 1:04 pm
Posted on 5/3/24 at 1:13 pm to reggierayreb
quote:
I would definitely drive in from the South by Lake Granby though.
How else would you get there? Trail Ridge wont open for weeks. The park got another 2' of snow last weekend. Winter is not over there.
50 is closed west of Gunnison due to a bridge failing...so Black Canyon will be a trek. I am sure someone will come argue about it but Gunnison sucks. It's only redeeming quality is being near Crested Butte. What would you do there, go walk around Hartman Rocks?
Now might be a perfect time to hit Sand Dunes then perhaps a night around Del Norte then head up through the Arkansas Valley in BV/Salida. I was just in BV Tuesday, the lower stuff is dry and the river will be running soon.
Anything high or in the trees will be socked in this time of year.
Posted on 5/3/24 at 2:59 pm to idontyield
I’m only there to hike and maybe fly fish. I don’t care for snow skiing. I hiked Two Sisters once in early April with my wife. The snow isn’t that big a deal to me. I really appreciate the info and I’ll let you know what I decide and I’ll definitely be on here asking for more recommendations along the way.
Posted on 5/3/24 at 4:52 pm to idontyield
quote:this
Now might be a perfect time to hit Sand Dunes then perhaps a night around Del Norte then head up through the Arkansas Valley in BV/Salida.
Posted on 5/3/24 at 6:41 pm to cgrand
It’s looking like that’ll be the trip. Wife’s isnt really wanting me to hike solo in the snow @ 11,000 ft. Not the safest way to spend a vacation. I’m seeing lots of cheap Air BnBs that are unbooked in Buena Vista. I appreciate you both talking me out of Gunnison.
Posted on 5/4/24 at 12:38 pm to reggierayreb
In BV area Brown Creek Falls is a great hike and I’d guess the falls may still be partially frozen.
If you do Aspen Arch post pics. I was in that area Tuesday for work so I just found out it existed. Now I want to go see it.
If you do Aspen Arch post pics. I was in that area Tuesday for work so I just found out it existed. Now I want to go see it.
Posted on 5/5/24 at 9:11 am to idontyield
quote:
Salida
Touching down in a few hours. Staying East of Mosca a few miles from GSD entrance tonight. Tell me
about Salida and the surrounding area. That’ll probably be my next stop on the way up to BV. Any advice on restaurants , breweries or hikes is appreciated.
ETA
Sorry. Just saw this asked in the other CO thread as well.
This post was edited on 5/5/24 at 9:16 am
Posted on 5/6/24 at 8:48 am to reggierayreb
All backcountry campsites should be available via walkup or recreation.gov.
See the trail reports on NPS.gov/romo website.
I'll be there in three weeks
See the trail reports on NPS.gov/romo website.
I'll be there in three weeks
Posted on 5/6/24 at 2:22 pm to cgrand
I have followed everyone’s advice and it’s been spot on. Flew into DEN yesterday and the parking lot at SDNP had less than a dozen cars in it yesterday afternoon. Even less this morning. Drove in and out for free at all times and stayed less than 5 miles away there. It was 60 degrees last night at sunset on the sand. By this morning the wind chill was 28 and water was frozen in places. Just arrived to BV. I’ll post some photos. Needless to say but the trip is off an incredible start and I appreciate it.
Posted on 5/6/24 at 2:38 pm to reggierayreb
You made the right call. RMNP is getting 9-15” of snow between today and Wednesday. It’s still winter for a lot of the mountains this week.
Posted on 5/7/24 at 3:59 pm to idontyield
Spent all day here in Brown’s Canyon. Not crowded at all and weather’s perfect with clear skies yet again.
Posted on 5/8/24 at 6:35 am to reggierayreb
Glad you’re enjoying it! SDNP is really a great spot to clear your mind.
For perspective, by early July when folks are flocking there, the mosquitos will be unbearable in the whole region anywhere near water.
For perspective, by early July when folks are flocking there, the mosquitos will be unbearable in the whole region anywhere near water.
Posted on 5/9/24 at 1:09 pm to LSUfan20005
1 night in Mosca
2 nights in BV
1 night in Fairplay
Boarding the return flight now
That was the drive of a lifetime and definitely got the solitude that I was seeking
2 nights in BV
1 night in Fairplay
Boarding the return flight now
That was the drive of a lifetime and definitely got the solitude that I was seeking
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