Crosho Lake

We took this trip the first weekend of June 2012. Camping the first weekend of June?! Well, normally that’s a pretty chilly weekend but because of the dry winter and hot spring we gave it a go. Of course, we ended up happy we did it as soon after the fires began raging out of control and the statewide fire ban was put in place. It was a bit chilly at times and we had a few storms…but plenty of good weather to enjoy this gem of a spot!

Getting there: To get to Yampa from Denver we took 170 to Silverthorne and then hwy 40 to 134 and then 131. You may continue on 170 to the Steamboat exit as well…… From Yampa, go 4 miles west on county rd 17 then 6 miles west on county rd 15.

This is a small “campground.” No fees, reservations or host…but there was a vault toilet. 10 spots. It was fairly full when we pulled in Friday afternoon. We pulled up next to the lake and repaired a fire pit and had a great spot! This was a group camping trip for us so there were actually 2 very large spots side by side. We thought this was Crosho Lake…as it turns out you go a few feet from our campsite up a little bluff and there is the bigger lake. However, we loved camping right next to this littler lake. This area is beautiful and it was very quiet despite having people nearby. Great hiking trails as well. You are in Routt National Forest.

Here is a slideshow showing the area…including other views of the campground and both lakes.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Ute Lodge

This camping trip was 8 years ago! However, before I posted, I made sure that the place was still in existence. Ute Lodge is outside of Meeker, Colorado. What a great find! They have cabins, rv camping, tent camping and even a yurt! Just above the campground they also have a private stocked lake. AND horseback riding. When we were there you could even stay in a tent that they provided–no setting up and taking down. Our kids–pretty little then–really enjoyed exploring this property. We found it to be quiet at the time and had a feel of “privately owned.”  I remember most that the walk to the small lake above the property was really beautiful and made you feel like you had your own piece of paradise. As we have said, we mostly like to dispersed camp. However, Ute Lodge was very laid back and didn’t have that tourist campground feel to it. Would be anxious to know if it is still like this…..

Trappers Lake is  nearby and they do have a little chunk of white river that is private for fishing. This is the gateway to Flat Tops Wilderness and White River National Forest is nearby.  Beautiful!!

Here is the link to the resort: Ute Lodge      Directions and a map

This is Trappers Lake…

This is the stocked lake and a view of the property below……