La Plata | Highway 82 (Independence pass)

[cobalt]

I'm coming from the upper midwest to hike La Plata at the very end of October. I see on google maps and looking it up that highway 82 is closed in the winter months. Does anybody know if they keep the road open to the NE trailhead along 82?

It appears there is a lodge open year round only 4 miles down the road from the trailhead, I would assume they would plow the extra 4 miles if they do it just for a lodge? Also assuming there's no snow, do they throw gates up regardless if it is closed?

Thanks in advanced!!!!


ALSO: I'm roof top tenting, I see there's some dispersed spots close by, but also there's a couple designated camps. (Twin peaks and perry peak campgrounds.) The site says they're closed for the season, but are we still allowed to camp there? Not sure if they gate them off.

[Trotter]

if paid campgrounds are closed, then they are gated with bathrooms locked.

[constipated_pete]

The road should be open to the trailhead through the end of October unless the dry/hot fall takes a dramatic turn in the next two weeks

[CaptainSuburbia]

I'm coming from the upper midwest to hike La Plata at the very end of October. I see on google maps and looking it up that highway 82 is closed in the winter months. Does anybody know if they keep the road open to the NE trailhead along 82?

It appears there is a lodge open year round only 4 miles down the road from the trailhead, I would assume they would plow the extra 4 miles if they do it just for a lodge? Also assuming there's no snow, do they throw gates up regardless if it is closed?

Thanks in advanced!!!!


ALSO: I'm roof top tenting, I see there's some dispersed spots close by, but also there's a couple designated camps. (Twin peaks and perry peak campgrounds.) The site says they're closed for the season, but are we still allowed to camp there? Not sure if they gate them off.

82 is open to the La Plata trailhead all winter.

[CheapCigarMan]

The gate is located about 2 miles past / west of the La Plata TH. The La Plata TH is open nearly year round minus bad snowfalls until it’s plowed.

You’d be able to car camp with your topper at the La Plata TH.

[Ssgustafson]

You could also try pulling into the Black Cloud TH parking area near the lodge (39.06944, -106.43361). Good luck

[Chicago Transplant]

There are good dispersed sites on the left side of the road just past the LaPlata TH if you wanted to roof top tent a little off the road. Gate to Indy Pass is a couple miles up from the trailhead so unless there is a big snow event that snows in those dirt pulloffs, they should be easily accessible.

[two lunches]

You could also try pulling into the Black Cloud TH parking area near the lodge (39.06944, -106.43361). Good luck

this ^
level spots, and it's nice and quiet over there