Camping along Lake Como Road

[SchralpTheGnar]

Let's say, hypothetically speaking, that I wanted to hike up the Lake Como Road and camp around 10,000 or 10,500 feet. Is that feasible? Is there good camping along the road, is it even allowed? I'm looking for some relatively snow free camping up as high as possible on that road around that road Memorial Day Weekend. Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[davebobk47]

I suppose it would be possible to find a spot for a small tent in places although I don't remember seeing many places that would be good. IMO I'd just camp at the lake.

[JB99]

We posted up in a two person tent on Como Road right after the first major switchback. I'm not sure but I think that's around 10,500. It wasn't an official spot but we found a nice eco-friendly pull off.

[Alpine]

The Commodore mine and townsite is at about that elevation, and there are several nice spots for camping. There are a handful of old building ruins, and lies right at the point (Jaws1) where you couldn't drive any further even if you wanted to, unless you have a highly modified vehicle and know how to drive it. This is a little ways (1 mile maybe?) beyond the switchback mentioned by JB99.

[CRAIGO]

I was up there this past weekend. There was hardly any snow until above 10,500'. I parked my jeep at jaws 1/2. You will be fine to camp below lake como.

[SchralpTheGnar]

Thanks for all the replies, some useful information.

I was up there this past weekend. There was hardly any snow until above 10,500'. I parked my jeep at jaws 1/2. You will be fine to camp below lake como.

Did you get up high on any of the teener's back there? What are the snow conditions like up high. Ideally I like a lot of snow above 11,000 and not much below.

[CRAIGO]

Did you get up high on any of the teener's back there? What are the snow conditions like up high. Ideally I like a lot of snow above 11,000 and not much below. [/quote]

I turned around do to an encounter with a bear. From the valley, it looked like there was a LOT of snow up high still. I'll post a pic when i get home from work of the 3 peaks so you can see what the upper route looks like.

[CRAIGO]

Here is a shot from just outside of Alamosa on 4/26:

Ellingwood, Blanca, and Little Bear

Sand Dunes 042.jpg (112.94 KiB) Viewed 700 times

[g-man]

There is a great camping spot around 10,300 on the right. It's after chokecherry canyon, right before you drop into Huerfano river valley. Cant miss it.
G

[JA_son27]

Can a Tacoma make it up the road to around 10,300ft for that camping spot right after chokecherry canyon, right before you drop into the Huerfano river valley? And if so, can someone give me a landmark to look for due to the fact that I still live in the stone ages and don't currently possess a GPS. Thank you!

[JA_son27]

bump

[Sourdough]

I expect the Tacoma can make it if you are a good driver. There are numerous other threads that discuss this topic.

http://www.14ers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20032&hilit=lake+como

In terms of landmarks, the parking/camping area at 10,300 is obvious to the right of the trail as you climb. Just after the site, the trail descends steeply for a short stretch. At the base of the descent, there is a significant mud obstacle. If you get to the derelict cabins and Jaws 1, you passed the site by about 0.5 miles.

[JA_son27]

Thanks Sour, I checked the other threads and resurrected this one, the thread you linked was helpful too. I will keep that landmark filed in my head!

[JBS]

Just to add to Sourdough's useful description, here is a view of the turn into the parking/camping area at 10,300'. The road heads up to the left. The parking/camping area is to the right.

comoparking10300.JPG (130.35 KiB) Viewed 202 times