Winter Camping 2015

You didn't say how old the children are but I would think since you live on the Gulf and two weeks isn't very long, what about going to Utah. Its not much warmer than Colorado and you will still see snow but not the sub zero numbers you'll see in Colorado. Utah offers some awesome scenery, eandarly first people ruins, and lots of wonderful camping.

coleman26 wrote:


I need recommendations for camping out West the last two weeks of December, particularly in Colorado.


Last two weeks in Colorado can be a challenge, but if you must the only spots that might work if the weather is COLD might be Dakota Ridge and Golden just outside of Denver, both are near I-70 and have full hook ups so you have a chance with that. I have spent 3 winters in Golden and one December it was -17 for 10 nights straight –COLD—so we pulled up stakes and headed down I-25 to Arizona and then on to Vegas for Christmas – Still cold but a lot better. Coming back in January to a nice thaw and more normal Denver weather, so it will depend on your luck.


Any recommendations of areas to camp/visit?


The biggest problem with this time of year is that the Passes are snowed in and in the High country the snow is deep so you can’t hike or explore unless you are on Snow shoes or Ski’s – so my suggestion is to drive through to Utah – Moab – Monument Valley – Lake Powell – Zion – Bryce – Capital Reef, will be cooler but not snow covered, for us this is what I call Utah time- no crowds – no shuttles – no heat, just great time to hike and explore, sometimes being the only person on the trail.


I know the camping is limited due to parks closing before December.


Generally it’s the State Parks and parks in the high country that are closed, but because the traffic is so light it is good to be able to Boondock along the way. Meaning extra GOOD batteries and a generator, stay on the main roads and if you head out to something that might be questionable be sure to let someone know of the schedule and the plans. Last little foot note you will need a weather Radio, just keep your ears open as the weather WILL Change quickly. (once we hiked to the top of a mountain – Spring – only to have it start snowing and having to race back down in Heavy Snow then drive for 4 hours to get the 35 miles back home) The weather forecast did not have any snow in it.


This will be a family trip with my wife & children.


Guessing they are “All In” as most of the world heads your direction in the winter. Everyone needs to be able to Dress for skiing, COLD, layers and really good Hiking boots. Glenwood Springs has a Great Hot Pool right off I-70 that might be open?


Thanks in advance.

Thoughts – Colorado is a Summer/Fall state – if you are not skiing, Winter in the mountains is COLD – For the Kids - Denver Mint, Football, Amusement Parks, Butterfly Pavilion or some of the great community centers, but if we are in for fun – head to Utah, you will still likely see a little snow in the high country but you will be able to get out during the day and do things, One year we Hiked to the top of Angels Landing 65-70 in shorts and t’s only to have 6” of the most beautiful snow and a 10 degree night the next day in Bryce, then on to Fruita CG in Capital Reef, -- REALLY THINK ABOUT UTAH – FUN FUN FUN.

Still even in Utah you better be ready to Boondock as most camping opportunities’ are going to be dry.

BOL,

Weatherbase is a good place to check on weather averages by month along your route. It won't tell you what it will be, but it sure tells you what it has been, by month over the last several years. It defaults to Centigrade, but you can select Fahrenheit.
Its free.

you really don't want to camp in Colorado in December, but if you insist, camp in one of the larger cities (Pueblo, Colorado Springs, maybe Denver). The weather there will be much milder than in the mountains and you should be able to find a place to camp. Still, be prepared for temperatures from around 20 to well below zero at night. Take trips out of the city, but leave the RV Behind.

The weather can be real variable - if it's bad, see them so sites, otherwise, go skiing.

This is not really a good idea unless you are willing to dry camp, or go to extremes to keep your fresh and waste water from freezing. You may also have problems keeping the RV warm.

There are BLIZZARDS out there in late December!

Yikes! Colorado in December? Unless you're planning a ski trip or visiting family, I'd choose a place further south.