Leadville CO area questions
DH and I and our dog are thinking about heading to Colorado. I have been researching and looking for a campground on a lake with beautiful view. We have a 33' TT. I am considering the Leadville, CO ar...
Forum Discussion
We prefer the Twin Lakes area. A little more centrally located. But the CG's around Turquoise Lake have more trees.
Driving Independence Pass is only part of the experience. I'd suggest continuing on through Aspen and catching the bus from Aspen Highlands to Maroon Bells (the only way to get up there). One of the prettiest spots in the entire U.S. (I'm sure you've seen it on a calendar.) Definitely worth a full day to explore the Pass and Maroon Bells. I can't recommend the trip to Maroon Bells too highly.
If you have a rainy day, check out the Mining Museum in Leadville.
Head up Chalk Creek west of Nathrop to the ghost town of St. Elmo. After poking around there, head on up to the site of Hancock. If you like to hike, take the trail along the railroad grade to the remains of the Alpine Tunnel. Great wildflowers along the last mile or so of this trail in August. (Four miles one way IIRC). Amazing views too. It's an old railroad grade, so easy hiking (except for the elevation).
Plan on an afternoon or evening in Salida. Great historic downtown area with a variety of interesting art shops featuring local artists and lots of great restaurants. (For example, check out this art shop's website to see some of the interesting things you'll find.) Stroll down by the river or relax in the park. The Boathouse is a restaurant with some tables overlooking the river. Just don't go right at lunch or dinner time and you'll have better luck getting one of them. We also like Amica's, 216 Ferraro's, Moonlight Pizza (outdoors is nice, but go late in the afternoon after it cools a bit). Heard good things about Shallots, but seems like we keep going back to the Boathouse for a beer and that river view.
If you're interested, some great rafting on the Arkansas River. By August, the flows are pretty low and slow, so most of the river isn't very wild. Easy to exciting stretches, so pick your level of comfort.
Don't know if you're into fishing, but several lakes are pretty good. People seem to have success at Cottonwood Lake above Buena Vista. Turquoise seems to be hit or miss. It's a big, deep lake that might be better suited for a boat.
Another interesting drive is up Hagerman Pass above Turquoise Lake. Another old railroad grade, although it gets steeper and rougher a little higher up. But you shouldn't have an issue with your rig.
Don't know if you like to mountain bike, but if so, PM me. We know a lot of great trails in this area.
We typically spend at least two weeks a year in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. One of our favorite places to go play in CO.
Driving Independence Pass is only part of the experience. I'd suggest continuing on through Aspen and catching the bus from Aspen Highlands to Maroon Bells (the only way to get up there). One of the prettiest spots in the entire U.S. (I'm sure you've seen it on a calendar.) Definitely worth a full day to explore the Pass and Maroon Bells. I can't recommend the trip to Maroon Bells too highly.
If you have a rainy day, check out the Mining Museum in Leadville.
Head up Chalk Creek west of Nathrop to the ghost town of St. Elmo. After poking around there, head on up to the site of Hancock. If you like to hike, take the trail along the railroad grade to the remains of the Alpine Tunnel. Great wildflowers along the last mile or so of this trail in August. (Four miles one way IIRC). Amazing views too. It's an old railroad grade, so easy hiking (except for the elevation).
Plan on an afternoon or evening in Salida. Great historic downtown area with a variety of interesting art shops featuring local artists and lots of great restaurants. (For example, check out this art shop's website to see some of the interesting things you'll find.) Stroll down by the river or relax in the park. The Boathouse is a restaurant with some tables overlooking the river. Just don't go right at lunch or dinner time and you'll have better luck getting one of them. We also like Amica's, 216 Ferraro's, Moonlight Pizza (outdoors is nice, but go late in the afternoon after it cools a bit). Heard good things about Shallots, but seems like we keep going back to the Boathouse for a beer and that river view.
If you're interested, some great rafting on the Arkansas River. By August, the flows are pretty low and slow, so most of the river isn't very wild. Easy to exciting stretches, so pick your level of comfort.
Don't know if you're into fishing, but several lakes are pretty good. People seem to have success at Cottonwood Lake above Buena Vista. Turquoise seems to be hit or miss. It's a big, deep lake that might be better suited for a boat.
Another interesting drive is up Hagerman Pass above Turquoise Lake. Another old railroad grade, although it gets steeper and rougher a little higher up. But you shouldn't have an issue with your rig.
Don't know if you like to mountain bike, but if so, PM me. We know a lot of great trails in this area.
We typically spend at least two weeks a year in the Upper Arkansas River Valley. One of our favorite places to go play in CO.
