lodgepole flats 130S

For Colorado locals who truly appreciate the untamed beauty of our state and seek an authentic, off-grid camping experience, Lodgepole Flats 130S offers a remarkable opportunity. Unlike developed campgrounds with their amenities and designated sites, Lodgepole Flats 130S embodies the spirit of dispersed camping at its finest: free, raw, and deeply connected to nature. Situated in the stunning high country of Lake County near Leadville, this area provides spacious, private spots where you can truly escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the serene vastness of the national forest. It’s a perfect retreat for those who come prepared to be self-sufficient and value the quiet solitude that only true wilderness camping can provide.

Lodgepole Flats 130S is a destination that speaks to the adventurous heart of Coloradoans. It’s where you can wake up to crisp mountain air, enjoy incredible starry nights with minimal light pollution, and feel the genuine tranquility of the forest. While it requires a bit of navigation and a willingness to drive on less-traveled roads, the reward is an unparalleled sense of freedom and access to breathtaking landscapes that characterize our beloved Rockies. Whether you're pitching a tent, setting up a small teardrop camper, or bringing a larger rig, Lodgepole Flats 130S provides the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable Colorado outdoor memories.

Lodgepole Flats 130S is located in Lake County, CO 81251, USA, specifically within the Pike-San Isabel National Forests. Its general proximity is to the historic mining town of Leadville, making it accessible for many Colorado locals. However, as dispersed camping, finding "the most precious spot" requires a bit of navigation beyond a simple address.

Access to Lodgepole Flats 130S involves navigating Forest Service Road 130 and its spurs. A helpful tip from a local reviewer suggests getting a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) from the forest service ranger station on the south side of Leadville. Even without a map, the roads are generally marked, but familiarity with the area or a good navigation app is recommended.

The journey begins near Highway 24 on the west side of Leadville, across from the expansive Twin Lakes, identifiable by "a large bank of mailboxes." After passing a sign requesting respect for private property, you’ll proceed uphill until you find "forest service signage indicating the public lands." While many visitors might stop at the initial public land areas, the "truly spectacular sites are a couple miles further."

The roads leading to these coveted spots, while "narrow and steep," are described as "manageable" for various rigs. Continuing down 130, you'll reach an intersection with 130A (going north) and 130B (going south). The key is to "keep going till you reach a T intersection" where Road 160 goes north and 130S goes south. Turning "left, south" onto 130S will lead you to a "slightly challenging switchback." Just beyond this switchback lies "a wide open space with room for many rigs including good size trailers," which is often the prime camping area.

It's important to note that these are unpaved forest service roads, and conditions can vary with weather, especially after rain or snow. While a sedan might manage some initial sections of FR 130, accessing the more remote and desirable spots on 130S with a larger rig or in adverse conditions might require a vehicle with higher clearance and potentially 4WD. Always check current road conditions and weather forecasts before heading out. The effort is well worth it for the quiet and secluded sites this area offers.

As a dispersed camping area, Lodgepole Flats 130S offers minimal to no developed services. This is precisely what appeals to campers seeking a truly primitive and self-reliant experience. It’s essential to understand that you are responsible for bringing everything you need and packing out everything you bring in.

• Campsites: The area offers numerous informal, pre-existing campsites. These are not designated or numbered but are natural clearings or pull-offs along Forest Service Road 130S. The review highlights "a wide open space with room for many rigs including good size trailers" past a challenging switchback, indicating ample room for various setups.

• No Potable Water: There is no access to treated drinking water. Campers must bring all their own water or have a reliable method for filtering/purifying natural water sources (if available and safe).

• No Restrooms: There are no developed toilet facilities. Campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal, which typically involves digging a "cathole" 6-8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites, and packing out all toilet paper.

• No Trash Services: Pack it in, pack it out. There are no trash bins or disposal services. All garbage, including food scraps, must be carried out of the area.

• Fire Rings: While not formally provided, campers often utilize existing fire rings left by previous campers. It is crucial to always check for current fire restrictions in the Pike-San Isabel National Forests before lighting any fires. Bring a shovel and water to ensure fires are completely extinguished.

• No Cell Service: While some dispersed camping areas might have sporadic cell signal, it is generally unreliable or non-existent in remote areas like Lodgepole Flats 130S. Campers should be prepared for no connectivity.

• No Reservations: Dispersed camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no reservations required or available for individual sites.

• Leave No Trace: Adhering to Leave No Trace principles is paramount. This includes camping on durable surfaces, respecting wildlife, minimizing campfire impacts, and packing out all waste.

Lodgepole Flats 130S is celebrated for its distinctive features and highlights that make it a premier dispersed camping destination for Colorado locals.

• Stunningly Beautiful Dispersed Camping: This is the primary highlight, offering a truly wild and scenic camping experience away from crowded, developed areas. One reviewer perfectly summarized it as "Stunningly beautiful dispersed camping at its best."

• Privacy and Seclusion: The further you venture down Forest Service Road 130S, the more private and spacious the campsites become. The review notes, "Many people don't go much further. But the truly spectacular sites are a couple miles further," leading to "Very quiet with very little traffic of any kind." This solitude is a major draw for many.

• Accessible to Various Rigs: While the roads can be "narrow and steep," they are described as "manageable" for "good size trailers" in the "wide open space" past the switchback, making it suitable for more than just tent campers.

• Proximity to Leadville: Its location near Leadville offers convenient access to a historic town for supplies, gas, or a brief visit, balancing wilderness immersion with necessary provisions.

• Leadville 100 Race Route: For outdoor enthusiasts, the "Leadville 100 foot race goes right by every August," offering a unique spectator opportunity or a challenge for those training for the event. This indicates the area's suitability for endurance sports.

• Wildlife Potential: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided review, the surrounding national forest is home to various wildlife, offering opportunities for observing local fauna, although specific sightings might not be as common as in more concentrated wildlife areas.

• Starry Nights: With minimal light pollution in this remote area, Lodgepole Flats 130S offers incredible opportunities for stargazing, providing a breathtaking view of the night sky.

• Mt. Elbert Area: Located in the vicinity of Leadville and the Twin Lakes area, campers are near some of Colorado's highest peaks, including Mount Elbert, offering extensive hiking and exploring opportunities for those willing to venture further.

As a dispersed camping area, Lodgepole Flats 130S does not have a direct contact phone number or visitor center on-site. All inquiries and information regarding dispersed camping regulations, road conditions, and fire restrictions should be directed to the managing U.S. Forest Service office for the Pike-San Isabel National Forests.

Address: Lake County, CO 81251, USA (General geographic location)

For specific information and the most up-to-date details, particularly for the Leadville Ranger District which manages this area, it is best to contact them directly:

Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands - Leadville Ranger District

Phone: (719) 486-0749 (This is a general number for the Leadville Ranger District, not specifically for Lodgepole Flats 130S).

It is highly recommended to obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the Leadville Ranger District before your trip. These maps are available at local Forest Service offices or can often be downloaded from the U.S. Forest Service website. Always check the official Forest Service website for the latest alerts, fire restrictions, and dispersed camping guidelines to ensure a safe and responsible trip.

For Colorado locals, Lodgepole Flats 130S is an ideal destination that perfectly embodies the spirit of self-reliant outdoor adventure, making it highly suitable for those who truly embrace our state's rugged beauty. The clear emphasis on "stunningly beautiful dispersed camping at its best" directly appeals to the desire for genuine wilderness experiences, a sentiment shared by many residents who seek to escape crowded areas. The reviewer's detailed instructions on how to find the "most precious spot" and navigate the "narrow and steep but manageable" roads speaks to the local's appreciation for insider knowledge and a willingness to explore beyond the beaten path.

The promise of a "very quiet with very little traffic of any kind" environment is a significant draw, offering a level of solitude rarely found in more developed campgrounds. This makes it perfect for those seeking peace, quiet, and a truly immersive natural experience. While it requires campers to be entirely self-sufficient – bringing their own water, managing waste, and being prepared for no cell service – this aligns with the ethos of many Colorado outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize primitive camping and adhere to Leave No Trace principles. The proximity to Leadville for quick resupply runs and the unique highlight of being on the route of the Leadville 100 race further cement its appeal as a distinctive and cherished local secret for an unforgettable high-country escape.

lodgepole flats 130S

Lake County, CO 81251, USA