This past weekend was the first time I have been camping without another human being. I did bring the dogs, but their conversational ability is lacking. Next time I need to remember to bring a book.
We went to Curecanti Nation Recreation Area, between Gunnison and Montrose (Colorado). We stay at the Gate View Campground. Gate View is a first-come, first-served place. There are 5 small and one larger camping areas, a vault toilet and potable water (in season). It is about 6 miles down a canyon on a 1 ½ lane gravel road, at the southern end of the Lake Fork Arm of the Blue Mesa Reservoir. The larger site is right on the stream.
Ever the procrastinator, I was late leaving and arrived well after dark. I set up quick and we went to sleep. First time the dogs slept in a tent. Their dog beds make a great filler for the space between the front and rear seats.
Temp fell into the low 40’s overnight.
Breakfast was rehydrated Pad Thai. It was filling.
We headed out by 9, lazy morning, and took a left over a bridge the brought us up to the 9000’ level and through a Ute reservation. Great views from up there. We then headed to the Gunnison State Wildlife Area, just inside the border of the recreation area on RT50. We spent a few hours exploring some of the trails. One trail ended at a locked gate. The “trail” was opened at the other end, and public access is supposed to be allowed, there is a sign indicating modes of travel behind the gate. Turned around and headed back up a very loose “trail”. Stopped for lunch at a place called Sun Park on CR 896. It is a big meadow at about 9500’. So quiet the birds made echoes. We follow the road further and ended up in more meadow at 10,500’.
4wd is needed in a few areas, so as not to dig up the roads. Stock clearance on most trucks and SUVs is fine. I would recommend skid plates. I drove at normal drive height (my jeep has air suspension). I run 31+” KO2’s. The jeep performed flawlessly. Stayed in 4low. Very glad to have skids. I aired down to 30 for the way in, but went down to 25 after lunch. My dogs found a deer leg to roll on. They had a great time exploring at our lunch stop also. CR896 links up to a few other “roads”.
If I had a RTT or off-road tent trailer I would camp out in one of the meadows. It is Elk season now, so remember your Orange.
We went to Curecanti Nation Recreation Area, between Gunnison and Montrose (Colorado). We stay at the Gate View Campground. Gate View is a first-come, first-served place. There are 5 small and one larger camping areas, a vault toilet and potable water (in season). It is about 6 miles down a canyon on a 1 ½ lane gravel road, at the southern end of the Lake Fork Arm of the Blue Mesa Reservoir. The larger site is right on the stream.
Ever the procrastinator, I was late leaving and arrived well after dark. I set up quick and we went to sleep. First time the dogs slept in a tent. Their dog beds make a great filler for the space between the front and rear seats.
Temp fell into the low 40’s overnight.
Breakfast was rehydrated Pad Thai. It was filling.
We headed out by 9, lazy morning, and took a left over a bridge the brought us up to the 9000’ level and through a Ute reservation. Great views from up there. We then headed to the Gunnison State Wildlife Area, just inside the border of the recreation area on RT50. We spent a few hours exploring some of the trails. One trail ended at a locked gate. The “trail” was opened at the other end, and public access is supposed to be allowed, there is a sign indicating modes of travel behind the gate. Turned around and headed back up a very loose “trail”. Stopped for lunch at a place called Sun Park on CR 896. It is a big meadow at about 9500’. So quiet the birds made echoes. We follow the road further and ended up in more meadow at 10,500’.
4wd is needed in a few areas, so as not to dig up the roads. Stock clearance on most trucks and SUVs is fine. I would recommend skid plates. I drove at normal drive height (my jeep has air suspension). I run 31+” KO2’s. The jeep performed flawlessly. Stayed in 4low. Very glad to have skids. I aired down to 30 for the way in, but went down to 25 after lunch. My dogs found a deer leg to roll on. They had a great time exploring at our lunch stop also. CR896 links up to a few other “roads”.
If I had a RTT or off-road tent trailer I would camp out in one of the meadows. It is Elk season now, so remember your Orange.
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