DISPERSED CAMPING: COUNTY RD. 48 TO DUNN DITCH ROAD: LEADVILLE, COLORADO

~Members from: https://www.meetup.com/hittinthetrails/events/308883844/?notificationId=%3Cinbox%3E%2114142557-1751686125827&eventOrigin=notifications, https://www.meetup.com/colorado-campers/?eventOrigin=your_groups and https://www.meetup.com/colorado-trail/events/308883892/?eventOrigin=your_events will be attending this hike.

Check each group and get to know the members you meet today and who could very well become one of your best friends tomorrow!!!

~When Meetup members sign up and accept the Meetup Terms of Service, they are agreeing to the Release found in Section 6.2: This Release states that members attend events at their own risk, and release The Organizers, the assistant organizers and Meetup from any claims that may result in injury or death.

The dispersed camping area on County Rd 48/Dunn Ditch Rd is quite possibly the best camping area I’ve ever camped in. The area we'll be camping is a dispersed camping area where we have camped many times a year for the past 3-4 years. However, I've been up there a few times this year and the dirt roads that lead to the campsites are very rocky, loose rock and kinda narrow. There are open campsites with fantastic views of Mt. Elbert and Mt Massive then sites which are surrounded by trees with hardly any views, yet an awesome secluded area with a lot of solitude.

~This area is great for those who would like to head to Turquoise Lake to: Paddle Board, kayak or canoe
~For those who like to fish you’ll be close to Turquoise Lake, the Arkansas River, Crystal Lake and Twin Lakes. Crystal Lake is fly fishing only.
~Hiking: I have already posted a hike for The Timberline Lake Loop for Saturday but there is also the: Turquoise Lake Loop, Native Lake, Windsor Lake and the trail heading to Haggerman’s Tunnel. But taking a walk on County Rd 48/Dunn Ditch Rd is very relaxing and a good time to take a walk with others.
~In addition, we are only 20 minutes from Leadville, about 45 minutes from Twin Lakes
~to make sure medical services have easy access in case of an emergency medical situation
~and the towns and cities nearby to attend festivals and special events.

~ You do not have to attend the entire weekend with us. Come and go as you please. This group is intended for everyone to go out and do whatever they want to do while they are here.

My written directions are probably a bit easier than figuring directions on a map or link
~Once you arrive a mile from Leadville you’ll come to the Safeway Store before heading into Leadville. From the parking lot take a right on Lake Cty 17 (Mountain View Rd). You’ll see a Taco Stand on your right and a Taco Bell to the left. The Taco Stand on your right has some of the best tacos you’ll ever taste. Pick up a few for the remainder of the trip to the campground
~Continue your drive down Mountain View Rd/CTY Rd 17 until you arrive at the crossroads of Lake Cty 17 and Lake Cty 9 take a left until you come to Lake Cty 4 then take a RIGHT, across the railroad tracks then continue until you come to a cluster of roads coming together. The paved road is Turquoise Lake Rd the other is a dirt road CTY RD 48/DUNN DITCH RD. which is the one you'll take up towards the campsites.

I’d have to say about .7 miles you’ll come to an very large area about the size of 3-4 football fields side by side…You don’t want to go there instead continue up the dirt road until you come to a pukish greenish-yellow winter gate where you’ll want to take a left as it’s the only way you can go. On the right hand side you’ll come to a road where you'll see a sign that tells you not to enter as it’s a private residence road. Once you make the left hand turn from where you see the winter gate, continue on County RD 48 use the pinpoint map to Dunn Ditch Rd. Continue until you see my Colorado State Flag.

I’ll do my best to pinpoint the area on the Google map. If I don’t hit the target you can bet it’s going to be close. Just look for my Colorado State Flag.

Be sure to pick-up forgotten groceries at Safeway and pick-up some tacos.
Have a good day everyone and drive safely.
Don