We arrived at 10:45am and got the last spot right on the lake's edge facing the mountains (there were other spots but were further from the lake). Facilities: The campground offers 14 campsites, three of which are accessible, for tent and RV camping. Switchback up through flower filled meadows to an overlook above Cecret Lake. Alta Lakes Road is 6 miles south of Telluride on Hwy. Painted Rocks Lake is located less than 5 miles away by paved road. Working clockwise you can now descend from Alta Pass through talus and forested slopes to the lower Lila Lakes basin rejoining the crowds before making your way back down the trail. We integrate with the National Weather Service to provide valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers. Probably need 4x4 tho. First allowed campsite - Cahoon Meadow (3 miles). There are 20 designated campsites that are completely undeveloped. The three lakes that make up the group can be found above the mining ghost town of Alta, Colorado at an elevation that is over 11,000 feet above sea level. We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Read more. At an elevation of 4,500 feet, the campground encompasses 6 acres. A Subaru or a brave sedan could make it no problem. Hike up the short trail to view the remnants of the old mining town with many of... Ophir Pass (el. Trailers and RV's are not … It is close enough but far enough away that you don't get stuck with crowds or big groups, Wild boy basin just a short drive away provides some of the most secluded alpine lake camping ever! A vaulted toilet and no water. (For now!) A few miles before you reach the turnoff for Ophir, there's a brown forest service sign for Alta Lakes on your right, and a dirt road immediately after to your left. The Alta Point Trail is accessible. Note: Camping is permitted around the lake. So drink plenty of water, you'll be camping and recreating at just over 11,000 ft at the campground. Autumn days in Aspen are filled with sunshine and nights with crisp cool air. Reservations are required for groups of 11 or more and cost $25 - $35. We made it up in our campervan but it was a little dicey at times. Open Sky Campground with Lakeside Features! Alta Lake State Park in Pateros, Washington: 8 reviews, 4 photos, & 1 tips from fellow RVers. Bring a water purifier and make use of the natural spring that flows through the middle of the site. They draw over two million visitors a year. Near historical town of Alta, the first Ranger Station in the United States. The park offers good trout fishing during summer months. Alta Lakes features a beautiful and popular campground located at an elevation of 3,353 m (11,000 feet). The Outbound works best with JavaScript enabled. site (which is surrounded by development). Bueller? From the Mountain Village near Telluride, drive south on CO 145 toward Lizard Head pass. A beautiful popular campground area located at 11,000 feet that is generally snow-free by late June. That sure applies to Alta Lakes Campground, which is accessed only via rugged road that requires high clearance and all wheel drive. Matterhorn Campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145), near the quaint town of Telluride, at an elev... Overview Hipcamp makes it easy to find unique camping experiences. Alta Lakes Campground. I would absolutely recommend camping here if you want to visit Telluride. V... Alta Ghost Town is located about 10 miles from Telluride on Alta Lakes Road. Once you get up here, the primitive dispersed camping in a sweeping alpine setting, fishing, and hiking are real, real worth it. Sharing is caring, y'all. From the trailhead, follow the trail signs and fill out a hiking permit. The Cold Lake Provincial Park has many sites, and is more secluded than the M.D. Learn more, Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future. With nearby mountains, US Forest Service Land, and a wide range of elevation-dependent temperatures and a great community of year-round outdoor enthusiasts, Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains are an ideal place for trail runners. Couldn't have picked a better spot to camp. And even some locals seem to have never heard of it. Take the left-hand turn, and stay on the main road for 4 miles to reach the ghost town of Alta. View Map. Alta Campground is located in Bitterroot National Forest of southwest Montana. The views are stellar and the abandoned mine town you pass on the way up is pretty cool! And keep in mind that there are very limited facilities up there. Facilities for small groups. Nearby Campgrounds Westerly RV Park 4.6 - 7 Reviews $$$ (970) 247-1275 Durango, Colorado King's Riverbend Park 4.7 - 7 Reviews $$$ (970) 249-8235 Montrose, Colorado Alta Lakes is situated north of Ophir. It should be noted that the sun hits the east rim of the lake (closest to the mountain face) an hour later than the western side. Lake Chelan, with its many activities, is 30 minutes away. A lot of the camping around Alta Lakes has been taken away. Note - camping is ONLY allowed in numbered spots, though there are an abundance of other sites w fire pits Ranger Pete explained the plans to restore the area surrounding the upper lakes to the unscarred alpine meadows they’re meant to be. This campground is gorgeous! Cayton Campground is located along the San Juan Skyway (Colorado Highway 145) and the Dolores River. Enter your email below to be notified when we get access. Also known as "Skier's Alta" or more technically "Peak 11,328", this is actually the highest point on the Alta Peak ridge, about 3/4 mile NE of Alta Peak. There are a lot of great paved or gravel bike routes in the Telluride area, including segments of the Galloping Goose Trail, the Telluride town trail and this rough gravel road leading to the Alta Lakes Recreation Area. Priest Lake Dispersed Camping Area in Uncompahgre National Forest, Telluride Colorado. Turn east on Forest Road #632 (Alta Road) and climb about 4.3 miles, pass the Alta townsite. Alta Lake's beauty and stately mountains that guard the peaceful valley are magical. This location is beautiful but I had to hike the last mile becuase someone parked their rental jeeps in the road. You know that saying, "If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth it."? High-clearance vehicles recommended. Painted Rocks Lake is located about five miles north of the campground. Alta Lakes Campground is not operated by Hipcamp and can only be booked externally. Don't be dissuaded by the rough road. High-clearance vehicles recommended. Bring a jacket too, even in summer I have woken up to frost on the ground. A short and easy approach hike with minimal elevation gain, along with excellent views of the ski resorts and Little Cottonwood Canyon, make this an excellent peak for beginning or intermediate hikers. And, it's free! But I do it in my Suby Forester all the time... just go slow :) There are campsites all around the three lakes, so take your pick! The Alta Lakes are located in the Uncompahgre National Forest near Telluride, Colorado. Hughes Creek was the site of early placer gold mining. Walk up the path, pass the entrance to the bike park, and continue up the gravel road until you come upon signs for the Village Trail. Camping is allowed only in designated campsites. Alta Lakes from Mapcarta, the free map. Helpful. There are approximately 16 primitive camping spots that are completely undeveloped. We have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp and are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper community be inclusive. Your total drive to the lakes is 5 miles each way and you gain 1700 feet elevation. And keep in mind that there are very limited facilities up there. Turn east on Forest Road #623 (Alta Lakes Road) and climb about 3 miles, pass the town of Alta to the lake. adventures and follow local regulations. Even though a high clearance 4x4 is required to reach this area it still gets very crowded with visitors and campers. - Winter Alta Peak. The views become more stunning the higher you gain the ridge to the top of Alta Mountain. The marmot town in Alta ghost town was quiet as they were winterizing. Share. 5.0 - 1 Review (970) 327-4261 ... High profile trucks will not have a problem. Elevation: 11060. Alta Lake is about two miles long and a half mile wide. Turn left and follow the main dirt road for about four miles until you reach a old mining ghost town. Turn east on Forest Road #623 (Alta Lakes Road) and climb about 3 miles, pass the town of Alta to the lake. Must camp in designated sites. Visitors enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Direction: Travel approximately 5 miles south of Telluride, CO on State Highway 145. Your total drive to the lakes is 5 miles each way and you gain 1700 feet elevation. Would you recommend Alta Lakes Campground? We didn't have any issues with people being too close. Haviland Lake Campground is situated on its beautiful namesake within the San Juan National Forest, 18 miles north of Durango. Hopper211 wrote a review Aug 2020. Words can't describe how incredible this spot is. So drink plenty of water, you'll be camping and recreating at just over 11,000 ft at the campground. Lakes Trail: Begins at Wolverton. Make sure your car is up for the trek though. © 2020 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your Hipcamp is working closely with the government to allow bookings here asap. I've been visiting Telluride, CO for the last 20 years, and I'd never once heard of this place. Pass a nearby ghost town en route to camping with beautiful lake views. Continue on to the pass, for panoramic views of Alta. Natural features you'll find at Alta Lakes Campground. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. For more information, head to the US Forest Service website. The only developed facility in the area is one older vault restroom. Please explore responsibly! Germania Pass via East Greeley Distance: 2.5 miles (one-way) Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet Follow this old mining road from the Upper Albion Meadows trail, or the Cecret Lake parking area. Supporter Subscription ... Alta Lakes Designated Dispersed Campsites. Alta Lakes is a lake in Colorado and has an elevation of 11,312 feet. Pack your trash out, Leave no trace. Go PRO to support our mission and get benefits like gear deals, no ads, and more! Get here early!!! Recreate responsibly during COVID-19. Everything is well spread out and it's dispersed camping. The access road to the area is narrow and rough, requiring a high clearance vehicle. The Observatory is nestled underneath the 13,000-foot Palmyra and Silver Peaks of the San Juan Mountains and is adjacent to the Telluride ski area. Twin Lakes Trail: Begins at the Lodgepole Campground. Primrose Lake About: Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. Large yellow-barked Ponderosa Pine tower above many of the campsites which along with fir, aspen and lodgepole pine provide shade for many of the campsites. To get to the lakes, turn right at the town and follow the signs to Alta Lakes. Forests, meadows and lakes. Alta Lakes is a popular dispersed camping area that offers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine setting. General Notes: Visitors enjoy the area for... Overview Take the rugged dirt road approximately 2 miles until the ghost town appears on the left. Use our interactive ADA recreation mapto search for other state parks with ADA amenities and facilities. Spectacular views along the way! Colorado, Alta Lakes Campground, Gunnison National Forest (Dispersed camping). Mystic Falls is not marked on any map I've ever seen. campground has powered sites, shower facilities with flush toilets, a covered camp picnic area, and a lookout. Consider combining this adventure with a climb of Alta Mountain or with a trek to Rampart Ridge Lakes on the Southeastern flank of the ridge. Date of experience: October 2020. Access to Silliman Pass and Jennie Lake Wilderness. This perfect summer weekend destination is available from late June, when the snow melts, to late September. Alta campground is located along the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, a popular fishing river in the area. Lakes Trail - Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes, near Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park. Camping is allowed around the lake. Lower Soldier Lake This 19.2-mile loop crosses Cottonwood Pass and New Army Pass to visit a beautiful lake that is an ideal camping spot for backpackers heading higher and deeper into the sierra. Type: Forest Service Elevation: 9282 Season: Jun 28 thru Sep 15 Forest campground near the top of Little Cottonwood Basin, SE of Salt Lake City. Starting at Highway 135 just a mile or so south of the excellent Sunshine Campground, Alta Lakes Road has some great views, especially on the lower section. No one? Directions: Travel approximately 5 miles south of Telluride, CO on State Highway 145. All Hosts should review and adhere to these standards around providing a positive Hipcamp experience, being a thoughtful neighbor, and serving as a responsible citizen. Watch the mountains and valleys turn gold with the changing Aspen trees. Just like a phoenix, we’d bet Alta Lake State Park Campground is going to emerge from its 2014 fire damage even more beautiful than before. Moderately steep climb. Anglers will find mountain whitefish and a variety of trout. The lake and surrounding area were absolutely beautiful. A huge expanse of moderately graded slopes and bowls that separates the Pear Lake/Tokopah Valley area from the canyons that drain north into Kings Canyon. Cold Lake is situated near many campgrounds due to its proximity to the lake. Worth the trip up to lake at 11000 ft elevation. All Hipcampers should review and adhere to these standards for safety, trip preparation, and respect in order to uphold Hipcamp’s most important value: “leave it better.”. 16 primitive sites that are completely undeveloped, 7-day limit, 2 vault toilets and no water. Open late June to late September. It can get chilly at 11,000'. Denver, Colorado 205 … Learn more about our photo removal policy if you would like to proceed with flagging this photo for removal. Alta Lakes is tough to get to, but is 110% worth it. Favorite campsite of all time right here. Discover campsites, ranches, vineyards, farms, glamping, public parks and more. It is one of only a few homes in the United States … Elevation: 11,060' Directions: Travel approximately 5 miles south of Telluride, CO on State Highway 145. Moderately strenuous climb. See views of the Central Cascades from the summit. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping—everywhere from national parks to blueberry farms. The scenic lakes are a popular mid summer destination for camping, fishing and hiking. There are picnic areas and 43 campsites and 2 group campsites at Lake Alva. Lake Alva Campground is situated in thick spruce and sub alpine trees 11 miles north of Seeley Lake at an elevation of 4,100 feet. Alta Lakes Campground; Alta Lakes Campground . Finding few campgrounds open around Telluride, I headed to Alta Lakes which was already crowded on a Monday. 145. With a growing population of 9,500 people, new vacation rentals and real estate properties are readily available. Camping is allowed around the lake. © 2020 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Please take care of this place. The sport of trail running is growing very quickly in Utah and beyond. Alta Lake State Park is a 181-acre camping park where the mountainous pine forests meet the desert. 11,114’), officially known as Forest Service Road #630, is one of the easiest of the high alpine trails in the San Juan mountains, but still can provide trouble to the inexperienced or when bad weather is present, particularly on t... Take the Gondola from either Telluride or Mountain Village and get off at mid station. Once you get up here, the primitive dispersed camping in a sweeping alpine setting, fishing, and hiking are real, real worth it. Alta Lake State Park in Pateros is rated 6.8 of 10 at Campground Reviews. While Alta Lake State Park is currently being restored due fire damage suffered last year, the park still meets high standards of beauty, cleanliness, and campsites that are private. Real-time Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watch Warnings help keep our community safe. ... Elevation 9,580 ft / 2,919 m. Tent Camping Yes. General Information. Reminder — You can select the order of your own photos in your Host Dashboard so that they will show up exactly where you want them to on your listing. Alpine vistas and lakes. Free: Yes. The Lakes Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia National Park, climbs through dense forest to a landscape of polished granite dotted with four beautiful lakes and set amid a backdrop of rugged ridges anchored by Alta Peak (11,204-ft.). 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The only developed facility in the Lower 48 summer I have woken up to Lake at 11000 ft.! With beautiful Lake views their rental jeeps in the United States valuable fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers people alta lakes campground elevation! Fire advisories to Hosts and Hipcampers fishing and camping in a spectacular alpine.... Hiking permit ft / 2,919 m. tent camping, fishing and camping a. Which was already crowded on a Monday Service website population of 9,500 people, new vacation rentals real... Ft elevation the last mile becuase someone parked their rental jeeps in the United States … Alta State! Park is a popular fishing River in the Uncompahgre National Forest near Telluride, Colorado 205 … total! Being too close people, new vacation rentals and real estate properties readily! To building a better, more inclusive home for the last 20 years and... Lakes road is 6 miles south of Telluride, I headed to Lakes!