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Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:56 am
by jibler
Thinking about an off season scouting trip up that way.

looks like some possible chill terrain? flattops junior. with potential good views back down on elks??


will that Coffee Pot Road stay open this month?

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 11:23 am
by SkiFree
Some of the best caving in the state is off of coffe pot road.


Typically the coffe pot road would start to close this time of year due to snow but with our dry start to winter you could get lucky. If you do camp up there, make sure to check the weather before you go so you don't get snowed in

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 11:28 am
by Chicago Transplant
There are probably some hunters that have driven up there, but the road is not plowed at all so 4WD and maybe clearance for any deeper drifts would be a good idea. The road gets above 10k. Also note that some of the areas to the south of it are closed still from the Grizzly Creek Fire, map in this link: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DO ... 811257.pdf

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 11:40 am
by jibler
Chicago Transplant wrote: Mon Nov 02, 2020 11:28 am closed still from the Grizzly Creek Fire,
yes i forgot about grizzly creek. that's right up in this area.

might complicate everything

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 1:50 pm
by SkiFree
I dont think the fire closures would effect you as much as the road conditions....personally I don't think there are any worthwhile campsite until you get ontop of the plateau and that is located after the deep creek overlook which will keep you away from the fire line. For the most part the fire stayed south of the coffepot road and the further you down the road the more distancesbetween you and the fireline.

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:42 pm
by handonbroward
SkiFree wrote: Mon Nov 02, 2020 11:23 am Some of the best caving in the state is off of coffe pot road.

Tell me (or point me to) more about this...

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 5:56 am
by SkiFree
groaning, fixin-to-die and premontion are three that are popular.

There is a grotto club in Glenwood Springs and they would be your best resource if you wanted help exploring the caves in the area. Especially for groaning cave(longest cave in CO) since they have the keys to the gated entrance.

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 6:12 am
by Furthermore
I would highly recommend getting in touch with one of the local grottos if you're interested in caves or caving.

https://www.coloradogrotto.org/
https://frontrangegrotto.org/

For more resources regarding caving, I would also recommend joining the National Speleological Society or using them for a reference for information.

https://caves.org/

Unlike Colorado 14ers, caves/caving requires specialized gear and skill sets.

It should also be noted that Fixin-to-Die and Premonition are both very dangerous caves and are NOT recommended for new cavers. Groaning is more forgiving. Moreover, Premonition has a year-round closure and Fixin-to-Die is closed from mid-August to mid-April (usually isn't even accessible by mid-May). Also, these caves require permits.

Bottom line, contact a grotto for more information.

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 7:05 am
by handonbroward
Thanks for the info! Much appreciated.

I have done some caving back east in ADK, so I am aware of the dangers and won't go get myself stuck in a cave solo like an idiot...

Re: Tell me about the Deep Creek region - Dotsero'ish

Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2020 7:44 am
by jibler
seems like most of those caves are on the 'other' side of Deep Creek right?


I was a little surprised to see Deep Creek Caves Geologic Area on the map