Lake Constantine/Hunky Dory Lake campsite availability

[rdp32]

I am planning on leading a large group on a backpacking trip in the Holy Cross Wilderness this summer. The maximum allowed number of people per group is 15; we'll probably have about 8 tents in the group (the group will have 10-15 people). I have a route identified, but am worried about whether there will be sufficient campsites at the planned camping locations. Does anyone know how much campsite availability there is at the following two locations?

• Hunky Dory Lake

• Lake Constantine

I know that both of these lakes have campsites, but I don't have a feel for how many they have. We'll be going mid-week and will get to the camping locations relatively early, so I'm not too worried about other people; I'm more worried about showing up and having there be only a couple of flat spots to put a tent. I'd like to keep our group together (within a quarter mile or so if possible)

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

[justiner]

There are some good spots at the north shore of Hunky Dory Lake. 15 people would be a squeeze for sure. If that's a bust, there looks like there could be some spots just to the north of the crux of the Holy Cross 4WD track, just a few hundred meters from where the trail to Hunky Dory starts.

I wouldn't be surprised to see others there.

[Bill G]

Neither lake has space for 8 tents. Missouri lakes is the only lake spot with enough space to accommodate.

[rdp32]

Thanks justiner and Bill G. Bill--how many campsites would you estimate that each lake has? We might split our group, in which case we could probably get by with 4-5 tents. If even that is unlikely, then I may just have to look elsewhere.

[justiner]

Thanks justiner and Bill G. Bill--how many campsites would you estimate that each lake has? We might split our group, in which case we could probably get by with 4-5 tents. If even that is unlikely, then I may just have to look elsewhere.

I'd check it out on Google Maps on Satellite view for Hunky Dory -- but I really don't think it's advised. You can see that the best camping would be right by the trail, about 120 feet wide,

hunky.jpg

Can't comment on Constantine -- never been there myself. But looking at the satellite, would not be my first pick. Rocky, pretty high up, little cover.

[Barnold41]

Constantine has room but it wouldn't be together.

[rdp32]

That's good to hear that Constantine has room; I'm fine if we're not all together as long as we're reasonably close (like near the same lake). It sounds like I shouldn't count on Hunky Dory though... does anyone know if Holy Cross City (or anywhere between Holy Cross City and Hunky Dory Lake) has good campsite availability for 5 or so small tents?

Thanks again justiner and everyone else for the info!

[Marmot72]

Map makes the area around the Holy Cross City look plausible and it would be less crowded than the lakes. I’ve not been on that spur, but only on the main trail that leads past Hunky Dory toward Holy Cross ridge (the long N-S ridge). The whole area between Hunky Dory Lake and the east ridge off HC ridge that separates it from the Tuhare lakes is scenic, holds snow into late June, can get boggy, and gets rockier as you near the ridge.

Sure, the trail gets a good amount of traffic but that is a good-sized wilderness area and I have to think you can find room for five tents on a weekday in July or August.

[Bill G]

Marmot, I had to chuckle at your post. Holy Cross city is a popular destination of the 4WD crowd. Yes there are a lot of spots to camp at but not exactly backpacker friendly. Also, Not a good water source. If you've never been there you wouldn't be familiar with Cleveland Rock--about a hundred yards past the ruins. Pretty amazing to watch modified rigs try to attempt but the noise is equally impressive. Check it out on Youtube. If you want to camp, go past Cleveland Rock to Cleveland Lake. That's a nice quiet and scenic spot with lots of spots to camp. When I was there I had it all to myself.

[justiner]

I agree. With roads come crowds.