Day 1 - Hike into Baker Lake Campsite via Boulder Pass (13.1km) Day 2 - Hike to Merlin Meadows Campsite via Jones Pass. You are in bear country after all! I stumbled on them one time while exploring 4WD roads with my old Pathfinder.I love these dispersed sites for a couple reasons. I highly recommend this experience! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for camping with your readers. About a quarter-mile up, youll see Butler Gulch branch off to the left; keep going on the right fork. The area features a rustic camping cabin, fishing & boating on the Wapsipinicon River, and an on-site park ranger residence. If you are looking for a fun, groomed, low-angle approach to alpine bowls, look no further than Jones Pass. You will then make a quick left onto County Road 84 / Forest Service Road 129. Wonderful pictures and useful iinformation links. To locate these campsites all you have to do is type in Jones Pass Road into google maps or your iPhone and it will take you straight there. Past Empire, continue west on US-40. Maybe 5 mph average. The National Polo Center, Wellington's destination for polo and equestrian sports, will transform into 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 . Jones Pass Road begins by a molybdenum mine, but don't let that fool you. Jones Pass - Colorado Offroad Trail The easy access from I-70 makes it a popular place for a hike or a quick drive to the . In general, winter wilderness users must camp at least one mile away from a plowed road. I found the cl Butler Gulch is a pristinely beautiful day hike in the heart of the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Colorado. The west entrance to. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Easily accessible from Denver, Butler Gulch is full of jaw-dropping views in all seasons, and anyone in good health can enjoy this gem. 11 sites. While were sure youll already have the essentials like a great tent,sleeping bags, andcamp chairs, butbelow are some of our favorite items specifically for dispersed camping near Winter Park: Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? zhonb.zulukazahn.best If youre ever trying to meet up with people in the backcountry, they are a must! With such excellent free camping, this area makes a great home-base to explore other areas. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The Bultler Gulch Trail exhibits a stream fed valley and expansive views of the mountains. Jones Pass Road is located on the south side of Berthoud Pass and makes for a stunning dispersed camping area near Winter Park. On a weekday, This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com, Oh man what a great spot! The hike is five miles long and rated moderately difficulty. With access to the Continental Divide, amazing views, alpine terrain, and fun low angle skiing, this destination is a great winter objective for skiers of all abilities. Here's the complete guide to visiting Jones Pass, Colorado. Typically you can snag a spot on Saturday too, if you arrive early in the afternoon. In addition, the map below gives an overview of each sites location with a full description included in the following section. 30 maximum.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'offpathtravels_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-leader-2-0'); This campground is located at the base of Berthoud Pass. It is very close to town, has toilets, and even has animal-resistant boxes to store your food and scented items in. Merino socks and ankle-height hiking boots will suffice in most situations, and your feet will be far happier in insulated boots. Just 40-minutes outside of Denver, you'll find a wonderful world of high-alpine adventures. Approx GPS Coordinates: 39.909868, -105.840665if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'offpathtravels_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_6',197,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Another large area open to dispersed camping near Winter Park is along Forest Service Road 50. At these sites we received 1 bar of Verizon 4G. on official, secure websites. 3. The hike begins at about 10,500 feet and ends at about 12,000 feet for a 1500 To locate these campsites all you have to do is type in Jones Pass Road into google maps or your iPhone and it will take you straight there. Overall the views were gorgeous and we enjoyed it. Just be careful in this area. As some of the best free camping near Denver, Jones Pass offers up killer mountain views and plenty of activity. New York State Senior Discounts | Search Deals, Offers & Coupons Just drove up for a quick overnight trip. The closest and most convenient option for dispersed camping near Winter Park is Forest Service Road 128. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Always leave no trace; be aware of bears and take proper precautions for food and scented-item storage; and finally, make sure you understand the rules and regulations, including fire bans. Matsell Bridge Natural Area - Linn, IA - MyCountyParks 3. Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. But this one take a bit more effort to get to. 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. Plus, geta free Carry-on OnlyPacking List! However, because it connects with a network of trails that spread all over th Berthoud Pass is 55 miles from Denver making it one of the closest places to get out and backcountry tour in the winter. So, be sure to stop by during the best month to ski in Colorado. How to Get to Jones Pass Dispersed CampingAfter traveling through the town of Empire, youll travel just about 8 miles then make a left onto Road 202 / 203 toward Jones Pass. Check out our Essential Camping Checklist. Youll be very close to downtown WP, the Jim Creek trail, as well as Berthoud Pass here. This camping area close to Winter Park has access to great trails right next to the site. Well start off with dispersed camping because here at Off Path Travels, we love to get away from it all. We were told of more camping sites in the alpine but we didn't venture to check them out. Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake Hike to an old fire lookout with in-your-face jones pass winter camping By the time we got back down from the hike, the parking lot was full of vehicles. Jones Bay can be also be reached by car, but may be difficult to find. 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. Road 72 is a good option if you prefer to be close to services, as its an easy drive into Fraser or Winter Park from here. Distance to Winter Park: 4 milesRestrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:BusyMap. Even after the sunrise, the alpenglow on the snow-capped peaks is so beautiful. Fish along Woods Creek, West Fork Clear Creek, or Ruby Creek. Hiking opportunities include hiking on the Continental Divide Trail via the Henderson Spur trail and/or driving to the top of Jones Pass. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a dispersed camping trip near Winter Park, and we know youll find the perfect campsite for your upcoming adventure! Will absolutely be coming back to explore higher up once the snow melts. Snow tends to linger in many areas surrounding Winter Park through mid-June and the flurries can begin as early as September at many of the camping areas included in this guide. 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. Jones Pass Road Dispersed Camping - Winter Park Area. Required fields are marked *. $20 per night. Although there are zero amenities and you will have to practice Leave No Trace to camp here, theres plenty of free camp spots. As such, it is best to check with the local National Forest Ranger District to confirm your plans. Jones Bay is one of Lake Roosevelt's smaller, more rustic campgrounds. Print/PDF map. Or if you want to head west (just north of Silverthorne), you can always go to the area around Green Mountain Reservoir which has many campgrounds and dispersed camping options, such as Cow Creek South, Big Green, Sugarloaf, and Horseshoes Campgrounds. Unsubscribe anytime. At 11,370 Berthoud Pass crosses the continental divide. Many people enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with backpacking but don't have the energy or time to spend on all the gear and hiking. Winter Park is located at an elevation of over 9,000 above sea-level. Yosemite Winter Camping. The road is also passable by most vehicles, although those with low-clearance cars should look to secure a site closer to town before the road gets rougher. Berthod Pass. Hi Anthony! It can be reached by boat and has a boat launch and dock. Get your free guide to traveling off the beaten path and a carry-on only packing list, plus exclusive updates! Please respect this closure, and make sure to minimize your impact while camping at any of the other sites included in this guide. How to Get to Fraser Dispersed Camping Road 72 and Road 73It may not surprise you, but this one is pretty easy too. All of this beauty is within a 40-minute drive from downtown Denver. Photos (235) Directions. This area could easily fit a large Class C or several trailers. The road conditions was not so good but doable and worth it! There were approximately 4 sites on the road up but they were more suited for vans or tents. I wouldn't call The coordinates are extremely helpful when camping. Posted by ; new businesses coming to republic, mo; From the Tenmile range all the way to Longs Peak. The lower down campsites are reachable by most vehicles, but the further up you travel the higher the need for 4WD. Moderate 4.4 (310) Arapaho National Forest. You can continue down this for about 2 miles until you reach the National Forest and dispersed camping area. (Please keep in mind the minimum distance for camping near water.). Drinking water is available May through September. 2. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. In fact, over 2 miles of trails along the creek are just outside of the campground. Not a bad deal at all (must be a member for this option.) There are picnic tables and toilets here to serve the 11 campsites found here. You can visit Jones Pass year-round, however the road is snow-free from late June until mid-October. Or, you can venture on the East or West side of the road and do out and backs. The following list contains the7 best dispersed camping areas surrounding Winter Park, Colorado. Nearby Grand Lake offers up water-filled recreation. One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of need for any permits or fees to be paid. Winter camping tips: 26 things beginners should know Just a few more minutes up the road youll find some short hikes, killer views, and even more backcountry terrain. Jones Pass Road. Idlewild Campground and Robbers Roost Campground are two good options if youre looking for an established campsite with toilets nearby. GO. Dispersed camping at the beautiful Jones Pass. Thanks for the kind comments. Camping is not allowed within 1 miles of the Badger Pass Ski Area boundary. 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. While my truck does have 4x4 it was not necessary on this road. Although several of the dispersed camping areas near Winter Park in this guide are very close to town, youll still want to come prepared to be self-sufficient. Getting awesome photos here is almost too easy because of the natural beauty. This spot is super easy to access from Denver. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center winter hours Nov 1 - March 31: open Wed through Sun 10 am - 5 pm. Once you hit the dirt road and pass the Jones Pass Trailhead you will begin to see camping sites on the sides of the road. 26 sites. Once you approach the mine there will be a gate and to your r There is a gate that you will have to unlock (in winter months the gate is left open), then follow the 122 road to the end. Upon exiting I-40 head towards the molybdenum mine on 202. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Not the end of the world, youll likely just have to head a bit west and into the forest to get a spot. Pass by the Henerson Mine and the Butler Gulch trailhead until you find the dispersed camping area.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'offpathtravels_com-leader-4','ezslot_9',600,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-offpathtravels_com-leader-4-0'); More Information: Google ListingGPS Coordinates: 39.779151, -105.863804. The hike is five miles long and rated moderately difficulty. Theres a variety of options, including skinning the trail and skiing trees or making your way up to the low-angle bowls. Looking for other great dispersed camping in Colorado? If you are able to have a campfire, be sure to completely put it out prior to going to sleep or leaving you campground for any amount of time! First-come, first-served. Please select a reason for flagging this item: 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937. At the end you will experience beauty and solitude that only Colorado can provide. As a Colorado resident of nearly 11 years, I make it a point to visit this beautiful landscape every year. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Forest Service Road 128 heads back into the wilderness behind Winter Park for several miles, and there are dispersed campsites along most of its length. A few notable places to check out include: Jones Pass, Colorado is an excellent city break for the nearby Denver-metro area. Henderson Spur trail will take you to the Continental Divide Trail and allow you to summit Vasquez Peak or Stanley Peak. K mountain. During the summer, there are plenty of great reasons to go camping near Winter Park. To locate these campsites all you have to do is type in Jones Pass Road into google maps or your iPhone and it will take you straight there. Keep in mind there are no amentities. Well cover: Head up I-70 and take the Hwy 40 exit. Reservations must be made by phone by calling 970)726-1132 or (970)726-0889. Jones Pass is located on the Continental Divide. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. 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. Your email address will not be published. Head a bit north of Winter Park until you get to Fraser. The approach to Jones Pass follows that of the local cat operation Powder Addiction, and as a result This is where you can go if you really want to get away from people, but stay relatively close to Winter Park (and Denver). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. T.K. Jones Campground at Squaw Lake - Bureau of Land Management Weve put together the following dispersed camping guide in hopes of helping you navigate the often confusing process of finding a free campsite in the area. The following sections contain all the basic information you need to plan a free, dispersed camping trip near Winter Park, Colorado. Which Fighter can make a Pilot Pass-out the FASTEST? - YouTube The trailhead provides access to the Butler Gulch Trail (#144) and the motorized road to the top of Jones Pass. Sunset Hike at Jones Pass, Colorado. With so many options around Winter Park, you can find whatever it is youre looking for. Pack Your BagsWondering what to pack? Learn how your comment data is processed. The Best Way to Reach There: From Denver, take I-70 west. Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring, but no water. Stay hydrated and eat lots of calories: Proper nutrition and hydration will help you stay warm.Make hot, nutritious breakfasts and dinners and enjoy quick snacks and lunches. It is a narrow one lane with minimal turn offs so take that in consideration as to the size rig you want to use. It has a capacity of 36 people and 10 cars. This road is paved and 40mph, in excellent condition. Find a spot that fits your needs and enjoy! Be the first to add a note for Jones Pass Road Dispersed Camping! jones pass winter camping. Berthoud Pass is 55 miles from Denver making it one of the closest places to get out and backcountry tour in the winter. To get to Jones Pass Road, turn left on Henderson Mine Road. Taking Road 50 west from Fraser will lead you into a treasure trove of wilderness with more dispersed campsites than you can count. Three Creeks Lake Road ConditionsWe offer seasonal boat rentals Add Photos View 25 Photos. In this post, Im giving away some of the best-kept secrets in Colorado. You should also make sure to check the dispersed camping specifics to make sure that dispersed camping is still allowed at the sites listed. Distance from Denver: 1 hour, 13 minutes; 53.5 miles If dispersed camping seems a little too wild for you, try your hand at camping off Jones Pass Road. We left at 5:30am and arrived at 6:30am ready to hike. The area is popular because it has beautiful views and offers easy access to hiking up Vasquez Peak. To get here from Winter Park, head north to the town of Fraser before turning west onto County Road 50. Yosemite in Winter If you find all of the sites on the way up occupied, keep driving past the reservoir as youll find more sites along FR 129 further up.