WRoberson's Blog

Elbert Creek:

From Leadville follow highway 24 to state route 300.  Take 300 to county road 11.  Turn left.  Drive about 1.5 miles.  11 turns to the right.  3 miles to Halfmoon CG, Emerald Lake, Elbert Creek CG and at the very end of the dirt road is the trail head for Mt. Massive.  Elbert Creek CG is a camp used by people climbing Mt. Elbert, Colorado's highest peak.  The trail is good.  .5 miles to cross Elbert Creek.  2 miles to tree line. 2 miles to the summit.  Total distance is 9 miles round trip.  Please allow 2-3 days to become accustomed to the high altitudes.  Pack in what you need.

Saddlehorn:

This Campground is located in Colorado National Monument near the Book Cliffs.  I suggest arriving late in the evening around 5pm as the temperature will be close to 100 during most of the summer.  Stop by the vistors center, it closes at 6 and spend the rest of the evening at the Book Cliff Shelter.  It's awesome.   All types of food is available 7 miles in Frutia, Colorado.

Paonia State Park:

Spruce Campground is in the middle of nowhere, but is easy to get to on state highway 133, a scenic loop that takes you from Carbondale, colorado to Crested Butte, and is along a small flowing creek.  Pack what you need, including water.  I found the place to be infested with mosquitos, but was pleased to see a snake take refuge under a truck several sites from the one I was using.