Lake City/Creede, Co July 4th

[smokey73]

We (me, wife+1 and 4yo daughter) are planning a trip to the San Juan's this summer. Right now the plan is to pull the TT to the Creede/Lake City area and stay at an RV park for two - three nights the week of July 4th. We're gonna run some of the passes around there for a couple of days. Anybody have any suggestions for rv parks in the area? We're looking for a quite, family friendly spot. Also as far as trails, we're more interested in the destination. Also keep in mind I've got a 900 mile trip back pulling a 6000lb camper. If anybody else is going to out there that week, maybe we can hook up.

 

[RonJR]

From Lake City one obvious route is to do the Alpine Loop; Engineer Pass over to Animas Forks, and return via Cinnamon Pass. Both of those should be plowed open by July 4, and both are very scenic and not particularly difficult.

If you want to drive more, from Animas Forks the Mineral Creek road goes down to highway 550 south of Ouray. That's a bit more difficult, but shouldn't be a problem for your rig. May be some snow and boggy spots at the top where it branches off of Engineer Pass.

You could then return via 550 back to Silverton, head up 7 miles of good gravel to Animas Forks, and complete your day with Cinnamon Pass. You might also be able to return to Animas Forks via Corkscrew and Hurricane passes, but I'm not sure if they would be open that early in the season. Stop into any outdoor shop or Jeep rental place in Lake City for the latest backcountry road info.

Have fun; there should be plenty to do and look at!

 

[Cuse Runner]

We tent camped 2 yrs ago just outside of Lake City off the Alpine Loop trail and there were some big campers and RVs around that had atvs/ SS. It was not very packed compared to other big camp grounds. I don't know the name as we happened across it as we were driving.