View Full Version : Camping 2 hours or less from Denver that allows shooting?
Since our old favorite area, Mt Herman, has been completely closed to shooting and utterly trashed thanks to the idiots, is there anywhere less than 2 hours drive including trail time recommended by the hive?
Just have time for an overnight trip and one of us has to be back in Denver for work by Noon Saturday.
I have a fullsize 4x4 Diesel, son has a stock Nissan fullsize SUV.
I'm considering just saying f*ck it and go pitch a tent at BLGC since I don't want to drag the trailer out.
We like Fall River Reservoir just passed Idaho Springs, but it's one of those places where you have to get there early to get a good spot. Loch Lommand is up there as well. It's on the way to Alice.
I'm considering just saying f*ck it and go pitch a tent at BLGC since I don't want to drag the trailer out.
You wouldn't be the first. Got everything you need there, grills, fire pits, kitchen, restrooms, showers, and all the ranges you want.
I like up around red feather.
gnihcraes
05-12-2016, 20:15
Area north of city park? 33rd and MLK or something like that? [Sarcasm2]
HoneyBadger
05-12-2016, 20:22
If you drive all the way over Mt Herman, I believe shooting is still allowed back in the National Forest by Rampart Range Road. Lots of good campsites up there too.
mtnrider
05-12-2016, 21:07
If you drive all the way over Mt Herman, I believe shooting is still allowed back in the National Forest by Rampart Range Road. Lots of good campsites up there too.
As long as you are out of El Paso county your good. With that said they have blocked off a Lot of areas even on the Teller county side. Your probably better off coming in from the Woodland Park side. A little easier drive.
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Since our old favorite area, Mt Herman, has been completely closed to shooting and utterly trashed thanks to the idiots, is there anywhere less than 2 hours drive including trail time recommended by the hive?
Just have time for an overnight trip and one of us has to be back in Denver for work by Noon Saturday.
I have a fullsize 4x4 Diesel, son has a stock Nissan fullsize SUV.
I'm considering just saying f*ck it and go pitch a tent at BLGC since I don't want to drag the trailer out.
That place was so nice back in the 80s when I was in high school. I went up there a few times with my son about 10 years ago and it was heartbreaking...I can't imagine what it looks like now. There are some nice places north of divide by the 4x4 trails as well as out by Jefferson. It is getting harder and harder because they keep closing everything. The secluded place out by Jefferson that I took my son for 9 years closed last summer...it really sucks. And a lot of the closures are a result of people being stupid.
That place was so nice back in the 80s when I was in high school. I went up there a few times with my son about 10 years ago and it was heartbreaking...I can't imagine what it looks like now. There are some nice places north of divide by the 4x4 trails as well as out by Jefferson. It is getting harder and harder because they keep closing everything. The secluded place out by Jefferson that I took my son for 9 years closed last summer...it really sucks. And a lot of the closures are a result of people being stupid.
We moved here in 92 and started going there with my boss/friend and the kids grew up camping there, Wildcat past Deckers, Cheesman, etc.
Last time I was up on Mt Herman for a day 4x4 trip with the nephew from out of state, most of the areas were already blocked off. The last time we could actually get back to our favorite spot, we were sending my friend's son off to Iraq. Thankfully, he came back but now we can't go to that spot any more unless we hike in.
We always packed out more trash then than we ever brought in. After seeing the devastation online, I'm afraid if I went I would be heartbroken even more than I already am.
If you drive all the way over Mt Herman, I believe shooting is still allowed back in the National Forest by Rampart Range Road. Lots of good campsites up there too.
The internet sayz everything is pretty much closed off all the way to Woodland Park.
Area north of city park? 33rd and MLK or something like that? [Sarcasm2]
Certainly a target rich environment.
How's the tent camping?
I like up around red feather.
That's a hike.
We hunt just up the road a ways around Gould.
We like Fall River Reservoir just passed Idaho Springs, but it's one of those places where you have to get there early to get a good spot. Loch Lommand is up there as well. It's on the way to Alice.
Top of my list so far. Just above BLGC where the Scouts camp. :-)
Shooting areas? Seems not lacking for backstop area.
Top of my list so far. Just above BLGC where the Scouts camp. :-)
Shooting areas? Seems not lacking for backstop area.
I'm sorry, I completely missed the shooting part. I think I have heard shooting while up there, but I wouldn't recommend it and wouldn't even know where to suggest.
I'm sorry, I completely missed the shooting part. I think I have heard shooting while up there, but I wouldn't recommend it and wouldn't even know where to suggest.
Thanks,
Now it turns out he has a later work start time Saturday so we may just venture over Mt Herman after all if I can figure out a spot to shoot.
I don't think I can bear to camp anywhere on Mt Herman based on the chatter and images I've seen. Dunno, maybe since all the shooting is closed it's gotten cleaned up. If I had more time, I would make it a mission and do some reclamation.
HoneyBadger
05-13-2016, 04:55
The internet sayz everything is pretty much closed off all the way to Woodland Park.
That's so disappointing... Shit like that makes me less excited to get back to Colorado. :(
Jeffrey Lebowski
05-13-2016, 05:33
Can't you camp, shoot, and 4x4 near Jenny Creek West of Rollinsville?
I haven't been in that area in years, though.
Walker2970
05-13-2016, 06:05
Saxon Mountain
http://www.traildamage.com/trails/index.php?id=125
I decided we're going to suck it up and go up Mt Herman. I think my son was looking forward to a little mild 4-wheeling, instead of just pitching a tent and shooting, then finishing the night with a little dinner and drink.
Last time I was up there, the turn north off Mt Herman Rd onto Beaver Creek Rd was still blocked off from vehicle access as it had been for probably 10 years or more now, but we're going to see if the north end access off Balanced Rock rd is perhaps open. My hope is that, or some of the other areas you can only get to with a 4x4 are still reasonably good.
Thanks to all for the suggestions. Heading out when he gets here in a few minutes.
colorider
05-13-2016, 12:02
Go over Kanosha pass. When you hit the bottom, turn left on the wide dirt road. Enjoy.
Go over Kanosha pass. When you hit the bottom, turn left on the wide dirt road. Enjoy.
Specifics? That's all pasture and ranch land below Kenosha Pass AFAIK. Looking at it on Google Earth.
Specifics? That's all pasture and ranch land below Kenosha Pass AFAIK. Looking at it on Google Earth.
If you make that first left, it will take you in to a bunch of ATV trails; the other entrance through Jefferson, gets you on the good side of the trail system. Anyhow, if you take that first left, it will take you to the Ben Tyler trail head. Finding a safe place to camp and shoot with a good backstop is a challenge. I had one great spot, but it closed last year. This area fills up fast; a lot of people go there to use the trail system for dirt bikes and ATVs. I'll see if I can find a pic.
colorider
05-13-2016, 14:37
There are several great shooting areas there, just not right at the camp spots. I see a lot of people shooting w tables set up right off of lost park road. I think that is the road name. Just drive around. It won't be won't be full of trash either. People seem to really clean up after shooting. I like it. We will be there next weekend camping, shooting, and riding the trails.
colorider
05-13-2016, 15:00
Tre te several great shooting areas there, just not right at the camp spots. I see a lot of people shooting w tables set up right off of lost park road. I think that is the road name. Just drive around and you will see the shooting spots. They won't be full of trash either. People seem to really clean up after shooting. I like it.
hurley842002
05-13-2016, 16:58
Tre te several great shooting areas there, just not right at the camp spots. I see a lot of people shooting w tables set up right off of lost park road. I think that is the road name. Just drive around and you will see the shooting spots. They won't be full of trash either. People seem to really clean up after shooting. I like it.
Repost after happy hour?
From Mt Herman Rd, we took Ramport north a mile to Balanced Rock Rd (322).
We were able to camp about 4 miles in and shooting appears to be allowed there. Only saw "DO NOT SHOOT TREES" signs for the first mile. There's a spot about 1.2 miles in down in a valley that looks well used and appeared to have a decent hill backstop but we didn't venture down for a closer look. Saw someone much closer to Rampart on the way out this morning. Backstop looked a bit sketch to me with just a rise behind their targets.
The north end of the Beaver Creek Rd access was also barricaded.
Oh, and the turn in to Balanced Rock Rd was littered with a pile of shotgun shells right on Rampart.
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