Winter Park is one of our favorite Colorado mountain destinations. 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. The road is slightly washboard with no significant ruts. 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. Elkhart, Indiana, might be the RV capital of the world, but most travelers would be surprised to Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps. The area to your left does require higher clearance. After about 0.9 miles, make another left to stay on USFS 129 and continue along it for just over 8 miles until you reach the reservoir. Approximate GPS Coordinates: 39.936357, -105.974654. Go through the town of Fraser, and just before you reach Tabernash, make a right turn onto Road 83. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure. Restrooms: No Water: No, although you may be able to pull water from the nearby creek. 10 Incredible Colorado Backpacking Trails, Practical info about visiting Jones Pass, Colorado. * Now that you have all of this wonderful information, make sure to use it wisely and respect your neighbors and nature. This is a good reminder for anyone considering a dispersed camping trip that it is essential to practice Leave No Trace camping and always leave an area better than you found it. Then afterward, you can even check out some of the best ski towns in Colorado too. The road is 7 miles out and back. You can visit Jones Pass year-round, however the road is snow-free from late June until mid-October. 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. 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 these fun activities in Colorado: What is your favorite campsite in the area? Youll park at the bottom of the mountain near Henderson Mine. There are several more spots up here, although most of them are small and may require a small walk to get to. At the end you will experience beauty and solitude that only Colorado can provide. adventures and follow local regulations. However far you decide to go, the beauty of this area will take your breath away. The biggest thing about winter camping is to be prepared. Opening dates weather dependent. Do your homework and plan accordingly for backcountry travel. The Jones Pass Trailhead is located west of Empire and offers a variety of summer and winter activities. Eva) along the Rocky Mountains. There are no facilities. The coordinates are extremely helpful when camping. Getting There: From I-70, take Exit 232 to U.S. 40. Another excellent area you can find dispersed camping near Winter Park is just west of Fraser. Copyright 2023 Off Path Travels | Privacy | Disclaimer. more. Sites begin to appear almost immediately, although continue further back for more solitude. Unsubscribe anytime. Thats our version of an ideal camping spot! We were told of more camping sites in the alpine but we didn't venture to check them out. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Continue upwards until the trees give way to an alpine environment. Please select a reason for flagging this item: 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. But this one take a bit more effort to get to. Such an epic spot! The further up you go the more dispersed and spread out the campsites get. But you can also continue straight. Drive to the top to see the view that is in the picture of mountains and snow. Share sensitive information only The large area could fit any size rig that is able to brave the circle. Winter Park. Enjoy stunning scenery of the Arapaho National Forest with the option to summit a 12. Grab a Book to Learn MoreGet one of these incredible books to improve your camping skills: I just read your article on camping near Winter Park and I must say, it was an absolute delight! T.K. View profile. Maybe you just like to have an established place to park your car or RV, complete with a picnic table, fire pit, and perhaps toilets or drinking water nearby. Overall Rating. Check here for rules and regulations you need to follow. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! Coordinates: 394625N 1055321W. Vasquez Creek is a perennial favorite for dispersed camping near Winter Park. 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. - Check the SnowTel.gov report for a good judgement of whether snowshoes are needed. Get 20% here. The most popular spot here is right at the entrance to the reservoir. Just make sure you understand which area you are parking in. - Get there early to avoid the crowds. Ever? The area with these sites is beautiful. If youre set on staying here, arrive before the weekend crowds get here to increase your chance of getting a good spot along the water. With such excellent free camping, this area makes a great home-base to explore other areas. Crowds: Busy Map. Several wooded campsites dot the area and are free to use on a first-come-first-serve basis. Yosemite National Park - California. Some even have toilets and dumpsters nearby! $10 per night. Photo: Dining Guide at Denver International Airport. Would love to keep this spot secret, but it is just perfect. The further up you go the more Berthoud Pass is 55 miles from Denver making it one of the closest places to get out and backcountry tour in the winter. A few notable places to check out include: Jones Pass, Colorado is an excellent city break for the nearby Denver-metro area. Arapaho National Forest contains more than 723,744 acres (1100 square miles) of recreation. Sign up for our bimonthlynewsletter and receivethe latest destination guides, outdoorsy tips, andexclusive offers. 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. Visit Website. 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. Located just 25 miles north of Greenville, South Carolina . Your writing style is engaging and informative, making it an enjoyable read. The best part about Jones Pass is the incredible alpine camping. This means that the prime camping season will be over the summer months from May-September. I especially appreciated the detailed information you provided on the various camping sites in the area, including their amenities, pros, and cons. Its also common courtesy to slow down as you pass any inhabited campsites so you dont throw a bunch of dust their way. 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. First-come, first-served. Yes, it is right off of the road and you may hear some noise from the highway and from the nearby train tracks. These helpful maps show all of the Forest Service Roads that permit dispersed camping, including a few we chose not to include. It also has toilets and picnic benches serving the 17 sites here, making it a good place to choose when camping near Winter Park. Some come up here if youre looking for great views and can brave the additional altitude because it is quite high up there! Hi Anthony! Relax and camp in beautiful mountain scenery. Happy trails! There are picnic tables and toilets here to serve the 11 campsites found here. Address. However, be aware that regulations often change, campsites close, and the Forest Services makes changes to camping rules. After nine . Montezuma Road (Keystone) A winter's worth of exploration is awaiting you in Jones Pass. Winter Park, Colorado is an outdoor adventurers dream. Jones Pass is an easily accessible trail for most vehicles with a good number of camp sites along the road. Reservations must be made by phone by calling 970)726-1132 or (970)726-0889. Or, you can make a quick right onto Fraser Valley Parkway, then go left at the dead-end onto Road 73. Keep in mind that dispersed camping is not permitted towards the top of the road at Rollins Pass. In general, winter wilderness users must camp at least one mile away from a plowed road. 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. 5 Jun. 4. Head to Vasquez Creek for dispersed camping close to town or go for an adventure down Road 50 for more seclusion. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Skiers will enjoy climbing the mountain and skiing down the bowl. Fire ban in effect didn't seem to stop some people around us from lighting camp fires so were made sure to have an exit plan just in case. 32 maximum. Here are the main things to think about when camping in winter: . Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites 8-16, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, Video: Where to Camp in Quartzsite, Arizona. Backcountry skiers will love the mellow terrain with plenty of options for some steep stuff. United States. The trailhead provides access to the Butler Gulch Trail (#144) and the motorized road to the top of Jones Pass. I highly recommend this experience! The biggest benefit to this site over the others is that it has drinking water onsite! Jones Bay can be also be reached by car, but may be difficult to find. Less than 20 miles from New York City, Jones Beach is a playground for millions of people who live . 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. 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! Thank you for sharing your favorite camping spots! Fire Restrictions for Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, Easy Campfire Cooking: 200+ Family Fun Recipes. Learn more: Boondocking101. 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. For more ideas, we recommend checking out the Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the Sulphur Ranger District in Arapaho National Forest. Typically, all the spots fill up by Friday evening, so certainly arrive early if you plan to camp in the summer. 26 sites. Please respect this closure, and make sure to minimize your impact while camping at any of the other sites included in this guide. Tons of camping and parking options along the whole road, nearly all the way to the top. In fall, winter and spring, the trail is covered in snow, which makes it ideal for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. The Jones Pass trailhead offers a variety of summer and winter activities. To get here from Winter Park, head north to the town of Fraser before turning west onto County Road 50. If you're looking for a great place to go hiking or simply get a great look at the mountains surrounding Winter Park, then Jones Pass Road is a great destination. Before we list off these great sites, we want to remind everyone to practice safe dispersed camping fundamentals. 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. This gem is just a hop, skip, and a step from Denver (or 50-ish miles . Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. Once you hit the dirt road and pass the Jones . Jones Pass Road is located on the south side of Berthoud Pass and makes for a stunning dispersed camping area near Winter Park. Crowds: Busy Map. This site is a reservation-only campground meant to host large groups. 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. During the summer, there are plenty of great reasons to go camping near Winter Park. We maneuvered sideways and leveled our truck with the help of a few strategically placed rocks and called it good. 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. Learn about this local Colorado hot spot with this complete guide to Jones pass. Check out our Essential Camping Checklist. We maneuvered sideways and leveled our t Uncover Colorado | Sitemap | Advertise. (Please keep in mind the minimum distance for camping near water.). 1 site. From here, you can keep going west to reach Road 3, then take that southwest to Highway 9. We're Kristina and Michael, the travel blogging couple behind Off Path Travels. Head along Road 50 for a few miles until you enter the National Forest, just past Tipperary Creek. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 9 min to complete. One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of need for any permits or fees to be paid. It is still surrounded by beautiful forests, but there isnt much shade at the campsites. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. The trail becomes indistinguishable after the first mile or two, but usually you can follow previous skiers' tracks up the mountainside.What you miss in wildflowers or mine sightings, you gain in pristine, untouched, classic blue and white Colorado winter beauty. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Flora, and Mt. This is a good option for those without a high-clearance vehicle, as much of the route is a well-graded gravel road. Most people would go 4.5 miles south, then take a left (heading east) to the dispersed area on the small forest service roads there. Although not the absolute most peaceful camping site, the Jones Pass sites are close to Denver and really easy to access. Review our Privacy Policy. You will find about 5-7 large campsites near this area, which is usually fairly crowded during peak season. Nearby youll find theButler Gulch trailhead which features a beautiful hike. First-come, first-served. Just as you enter the main area of downtown Winter Park, take a left onto Vasquez Road, also known as Forest Road 7. Whitefish Mountain Resort. You are in bear country after all! 17 sites. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Youll also find some good sites close to the water, but be sure to consult the MVUM to be sure camping is permitted before setting up. 3. The wildflowers are blooming and the scenery is to die for! Once you approach the mine there will be a gate and to your rightb202 (FR144) continues and changes to dirt/gravel. So, be sure to stop by during the best month to ski in Colorado. There are a lot in open areas with great fews but may be super windy depending on when you go up there. Dream of spending the night under the stars without a noisy campground? You will lose cell service and the roads can loop around in a bit confusing of ways. The following list contains the7 best dispersed camping areas surrounding Winter Park, Colorado. Fort Collins, CO 80526 Photos (235) Directions. LockA locked padlock We have divided the Jones Pass descriptions into three areas: Jones Pass South, Point 12,118 Zone, and the West Fork Bowl. 2. Day 1 - Hike into Baker Lake Campsite via Boulder Pass (13.1km) Day 2 - Hike to Merlin Meadows Campsite via Jones Pass. 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. Or, you can venture on the East or West side of the road and do out and backs. And dont forget to stock up on the best new gear and camping gadgets. From Denver: 1 hour, 15 minutes Final Destination: This about five-mile dirt road, which requires four-wheel drive, climbs to 12,600 feet on the Continental Divide. In Yosemite Valley, Upper Pines Campground and Camp 4 are available. There is also the Midland Campground adjacent to the dispersed camping area should a developed site better suit your needs. The trailhead provides access to the Butler Gulch Trail (#144)and the motorizedroad to the top of Jones Pass. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Butler Gulch is a pristinely beautiful day hike in the heart of the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Colorado. I found the cl Butler Gulch is a pristinely beautiful day hike in the heart of the Arapaho National Forest near Idaho Springs, Colorado. However, there are several large pull outs that can accommodate larger rigs, and you cant beat the proximity to Winter Park. While still technically a dispersed camping . Do you enjoy the solitude of the wilderness? It is a very short distance from town but somehow seems like it is hours away from humanity. Theres a variety of options, including skinning the trail and skiing trees or making your way up to the low-angle bowls. The approach to Jones Pass follows that of the local cat operation Powder Addiction, and as a result Reservations taken all year for camping, yurts, cabins and vacation houses. In addition to the campsites along the main road, you can find a quieter site on one of the many spur roads that lead south off of 72. If you make it past the initial pot holes it is decently smooth sailing from there. Tolmie Peak Lookout - Eunice Lake Hike to an old fire lookout with in-your-face The lower half of the circle has the better road. The trail is extremely rocky and steep. Many people think winter camping is something impossible or extreme. Road 72 offer mile upon mile of dispersed camping near Winter Park, just southwest of the town of Fraser. Shortly thereafter, make a right onto Road 50 and keep going until you find a spot. The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. Maybe 5 mph average. $20 per night. Most require a permit to park overnight, which was $10 per night for a 2-axle vehicle during the summer of 2018. Print/PDF map. Looking for other great dispersed camping in Colorado? This spot is super easy to access from Denver. Wonderful pictures and useful iinformation links. However, there is substantial avalanche risk so do your homework before heading out. Moderate 4.4 (310) Arapaho National Forest. For those looking for more solitude and a quieter dispersed camping area near Winter Park/Fraser, look no further than Country Road 50. adventures and follow local regulations. The lower down campsites are reachable by most vehicles, but the further up you travel the higher the need for 4WD. From the Tenmile range all the way to Longs Peak. The park provides mooring buoys on two coves, a dock, an ADA trail, a Cascadia Marine Trail (PDF) campsite and 24 primitive campsites. Check out the Motor Vehicle Use Maps here. 3. 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 . Because its a road, the grade is not very difficult, and its wide and well-packed. The following sections contain all the basic information you need to plan a free, dispersed camping trip near Winter Park, Colorado. 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. This is where you can go if you really want to get away from people, but stay relatively close to Winter Park (and Denver). To get there: Take I-70 west to the US-40 exit towards Winter Park. From the Berthoud Pass parking lot, follow the Continental Divide Trail south for 2 miles up to Colorado Mines Peak. Is this location at elevation? The campground is mostly gravel and packed dirt, with not much vegetation, on the lake shore. Have you written a blog post about Jones Pass Road Dispersed Camping? The closest and most convenient option for dispersed camping near Winter Park is Forest Service Road 128. There was maybe one site where you might be able to squeeze in a roof top tent but the site was occupied and we weren't going to investigate. Youll need to drive a bit past the Henderson mine before camping is permitted, but then youll find several sites on both sides of the road. Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. This is a popular dispersed camping area that is accessible for most vehicles, including small RVs and those pulling a trailer. From the top of the pass you can do shuttle runs down the south side of the pass. This highway can bring you south to Silverthorne or north past Green Mountain Reservoir and Kremmling. We highly recommend downloading offline maps (Google Maps app, Motion-X GPS, and Gaia GPS are all great options). Camping. An official website of the For this area, we recommend checking out the motor vehicle use map (MVUM) of the area to make sure you are camping in an appropriate area. They provided a great visual representation of the camping sites and really showcased the stunning scenery that surrounds Winter Park. Continue straight along the dirt road. Heres some fun-filled activities along the pass. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip! Location submitted by: Loving Every Mile. Although I typically use this area as a nice, liesurely overnight camp spot, there are a few hiking trails nearby. Photo: Rob Writz. on official, secure websites. connected to the .gov website. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Your email address will not be published. There were approximately 4 sites on the road up but they were more suited for vans or tents. About a quarter-mile up, youll see Butler Gulch branch off to the left; keep going on the right fork. How to Get to Vasquez Creek Dispersed Camping AreaThis one is so easy to get to, its almost laughable. Enjoy the amazing view and waterfalls all by yourself. Do you not enjoying having camping neighbors right next to you? Jones Bay is a reservation only campground with 9 . As always, if youre pulling a trailer, camping in a van, or have a heated RV, you can certainly extend this season by a month or two. Pack Your BagsWondering what to pack? It has a capacity of 36 people and 10 cars. And for good reason. Just a few more minutes up the road youll find some short hikes, killer views, and even more backcountry terrain. As some of the best free camping near Denver, Jones Pass offers up killer mountain views and plenty of activity. Additional parking is located at the back of the building. Located in Arizonas Sonoran Desert, Quartzsite is a popular RVing destination, especially for th With more than 30 parks to choose from, Arizonas state park system is filled with diverse landsc Arkansas excellent state park system provides RVers and tent campers with well-maintained campgr Indiana RV Campgrounds: 7 Places to Camp, Hike, and Explore the Hoosier State. 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. There are road signs once you get off I-70 that will help you the rest of the way that say Jones Pass. As a Colorado resident of nearly 11 years, I make it a point to visit this . Show up too late? 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. You can continue down this for about 2 miles until you reach the National Forest and dispersed camping area. These are also great options when Stage One fire restrictions are in place because you can usually still have fires in permanent fire pits found in campgrounds. You will pass by the permit area on your way to the reservoir, so make sure to stop to get one. The trail becomes indistinguishable after the first mile or two, but usually you can follow previous skiers' tracks up the mountainside.What you miss in wildflowers or mine sightings, you gain in pristine, untouched, classic blue and white Colorado winter beauty. Given the reservoir and creek, it is important to follow Leave No Trace camping principles and be sure you are not impacting this fragile environment. 9 Essential Winter Camping Tips: 20. It is critical that you check and obey any and all fire restrictions. Find a spot that fits your needs and enjoy! We decided to try our luck higher up and followed the road until we ran into a jeep that had set up camp in the middle of the road because it was snowed out just beyond them. Michael is the snowboarding and mountain loving half of Off Path Travels. The absolute best way to make sure everyone is talking about the same place. View a COTREX map here. Past this trail head the road narrows and heads a steady uphill. Be the first to add a video for Jones Pass Road Dispersed Camping! 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. 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. Idlewild Campground and Robbers Roost Campground are two good options if youre looking for an established campsite with toilets nearby. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center winter hours Nov 1 - March 31: open Wed through Sun 10 am - 5 pm. In fact, the annual pilgrimage to this place has become quite a ritual every year. Until at least May of 2022, Vasquez Creek will remain closed to dispersed camping. When I was a there, a car was stuck in the snow at the three mile mark; Id like to know that story! If you have a decent 4x4 vehiclethe road is a breeze. Be sure to keep food and trash stored properly (away from your tent, sealed up in a car with the windows rolled up and doors locked). With so many options around Winter Park, you can find whatever it is youre looking for. From here you can find the Continental Divide Trail and sweeping views of the Colorado Rockies. Hot Sulphur Springs is another very popular spot nearby. Well cover: Head up I-70 and take the Hwy 40 exit. The trek to Parry Peak crosses three other peaks (Colorado Mines Peak, Mt. For further information see: Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Pawnee National Grassland - Jones Pass Trailhead (usda.gov) Travel the first mile along the Jones Pass Road to the top of the valley floor, then leave the road and proceed north . Would not recommend any rig longer than 22ft beyond the main camping area. Distance to Winter Park: 16 milesRestrooms:NoWater:No, but may be pulled from Meadow Creek/Meadow Creek ReservoirCrowds: BusyMap. Thinking of getting some new gear for the trip? San Bernardino (/ s n b r n d i n o /; Spanish for "Saint Bernardino") is a city and county seat of San Bernardino County, California, United States.Located in the Inland Empire region of Southern California, the city had a population of 222,101 in the 2020 census, making it the 18th-largest city in California.San Bernardino is the economic, cultural, and political hub . Located in the heart of the Rockies, theres a lot of adventure close to Jones Pass. There is little water here, so make sure to bring plenty along. Everything from when to camp, what to bring, and how to get there. Your descriptions of the outdoor activities and adventures that can be had in the area also caught my attention and have inspired me to plan a trip there soon. Unless there has been a deep snowfall recently, you may not even need snowshoes; YakTrax should be sufficient. Get to know this 7.1-mile out-and-back trail near Georgetown, Colorado. Plus, geta free Carry-on OnlyPacking List! You can always camp low and hike high. Elevation: 12,454 ft (3,796 m) County: Clear Creek County / Grand County. Youll be very close to downtown WP, the Jim Creek trail, as well as Berthoud Pass here. 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. As some of the best free camping near Denver, Jones Pass offers up killer mountain views and plenty of activity. (15.6km) Skill Level: Medium. Pro Tip: There are a LOT of active bears here! ( Keep in mind, there is no winter maintenance on this road and it can be quite treacherous in bad weather! The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. - Bring food/water for the hike. Ever? You'll want to pack wicking base layers for camp, a fleece mid-layer, and a down jacket for insulation. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. 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.