The Wanderlust Festival is back for another year at Copper. This one-of-a-kind festival combines yoga, music and food, with Copper’s idyllic setting and outdoor recreation. Other activities include hiking, biking, rock climbing, rafting and standup paddleboarding.

It’s held for 4 days, from Thursday, July 4 through Sunday, July 7, 2013.

Lineup:

Yoga teachers – Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Gurmukh, Desiree Rumbaugh

Music acts – Moby (DJ & Acoustic Sets), Quixotic, Caravan Palace, DJ Drez, Hannah Thiem, East Forest, MC Yogi

Speakers – Dr. Mark Hyman, Joel Salatin, Congressman Tim Ryan, and many more

Past Highlights:

 
Find more info at colorado.wanderlustfestival.com

Last minute tickets are $130-$155/1 day, $385/3 days, $475/4 days, and includes access to yoga + other activities, and music. Concerts by themselves are $15-$25.

Local Camping:

Copper Mountain – For the 4th of July weekend only, Copper is permitting camping at the resort a 1/2 mile from the village. The fee is high ($108) because it requires you to pay for 4 nights, no matter how many days you stay. Shuttles are provided to/from. More info on the Wanderlands Campground.

Lake Dillon – A large reservoir located only a few miles from Copper. Most spots for the holiday weekend are already reserved. Take I-70 east to Frisco to lake.
Heaton Bay CG – 67 sites, electric & basic, Reservations
Peak One CG – 113 sites, basic, Reservations
Prospector CG – 105 sites, basic, Reservations
Lowry CG – 23 sites, electric & basic, Reservations
Windy Point Group CG – 1 group campground, Reservations

Green Mountain Reservoir – A bit of a hike from Copper (30 miles/45minutes), but campsites are lakeside and non reservable (except one). Take Highway 70 east to Silverthorne, and then follow for about 16 miles to reservoir.
Cataract Creek CG – 5 sites, first-come, first-serve
Prairie Point CG – 33 sites, first-come, first-serve
McDonald Flats CG – 13 sites, first-come, first-serve
Cow Creek North CG – 15 sites, first-come, first-serve
Cow Creek South CG – 40 sites, basic, Reservations
Elliot Creek CG – 15 sites, first-come, first-serve
Willows CG – 35 sites, first-come, first-serve
Dispersed camping can be found in the White River National Forest, west of the lake. From the north end of the reservoir, go about 3 miles north on US 9 to Spring Creek Rd. Take a left and follow for 7 miles or so until you reach the national forest and camping is allowed.

Colorado, California, Washington and Alaska all have mountains over 14,000 feet. Colorado has the most 14′ers with 54. Mt. Elbert is the highest at 14,440′.

5280 Magazine’s June issue has an article called Higher Ground, with a remarkable guide for those looking to tackle a few of the easier high altitude peaks.

Highlights: A few of the topics covered.

• 9 easy fourteeners
• 3 harder fourteeners
• 4 sub fourteeners
• glossary of hiking terms
• local hiking history
• hiking equipment checklist
• first-person hiking stories
• places to camp near trailhead
• expert hiking and medical advice

Beginner Fourteener’s: The easier 14′ers listed.

• Mt. Bierstadt – Guanella Pass near Georgetown, 1.5 hours from Denver. Hike is 7 miles, 4.5 – 5 hours round trip.
• Grays & Torreys Peaks - West of Georgetown on I-70, just over an hour form Denver. Hike is 8.25 miles, 6 hours roundtrip.
• Mt. Democrat, Mt. Cameron, Mt. Lincoln, Mt. Bross – Known as the Decalibron Loop near Fairplay, 2 hours from Denver, 7.25 miles, 6 hours roundtrip.
• Mt Sherman – Near Fairplay 2 hours from Denver. Hike is 5.25 miles, 3.5 hours roundtrip.
• Huron Peak – North of Buena Vista, 3.5 hours from Denver. Hike is 6.75 miles, 5.5 hours roundtrip.

Q&A with Features Editor Lindsey Koehler:

CTB: What was your favorite 14′er to hike?

LK: Of the nine 14ers that we tackled as a staff, I think we would agree the Decalibron Loop was the most rewarding for a feeling of accomplishment, for the elevation of Mt. Lincoln, and the views from four different peaks.

CTB: Which one is supposed to be the easiest?

LK: There are nine fourteeners generally considered to be the easiest of the 17 “easy” ones. Of those, Grays, Torreys, and Bierstadt are very do-able and they’re close to Denver, which makes the trip that much simpler.

CTB: Which ones are best for dogs?

LK: This is a difficult question because whether you should take your dog on a fourteener depends on the health and fitness level of your dog. It also depends on how comfortable you are keeping your dog on a leash for the entire hike. If you do take your dog on a fourteener, I’d definitely recommend going on a Class 1 route first and frequently checking your dog’s paws for cuts and blisters. If you see damage, turn around. If your dog seems fine and is handling the hike well, keep on going. Just remember that you are responsible for your dog; treat him or her like any other climbing partner.

CTB: Do you have any advice for a first timer?

LK: Start your hike as early in the day as you can—6 a.m. is not an unusual start time. You’ll want to do this so that you can go at your own pace, summit, and finish your hike before afternoon thunderstorms roll in.

Read 5280′s Higher Ground for the full beginner’s guide to 14′ers.

Why hike? When you can drive:

• Mt. Evans – The easiest hike of all if you drive up to 14,130′. The summit is at 14,264′.
• Pikes Peak – A highway takes you to the top at 14,115′, so there’s no hike, but it’s 14k.

For a complete list of 14K peaks, check out 14ers.com.

Summit of Mount Evans Scenic Byway.

Colorado’s “New Switzerland” opened by 1930. It was built as a result of Pikes Peak Highway and Denver’s competition for tourists. Pikes Peak Hwy is Colorado’s 2nd highest road (not all paved), reaching 14,115 ft.

The byway begins by Echo Lake, south of Idaho Springs, at around 10,600′. It then travels 14 miles to the top. Once at the top parking lot, there is a short, but rewarding hike to the summit at 14,264 ft.

There is a $10 per vehicle fee for visiting, if you planning on parking at the top. Otherwise it’s free to drive the highway.

Highlights:

• Echo Lake Park – Situated before the start of the byway, this picturesque lake features camping, hiking and picnicking. The fishing is ok, but lots of seaweed.
• Echo Lake Lodge – Built in 1926, it features a great restaurant, large gift shop and bar.
• Nature Center – 3 miles west of start, it features a variety of plant life and 2 nature trails.
• Summit Lake – Acquired in 1924, it’s Denver’s only treeless park and the highest city park in the U.S (12,840′). It was named a National Natural Landmark in 1965. Summit Lake is a naturally formed glacier lake, covering 35 acres.
• Summit – Parking area, restroom, Crest House ruins, Mt Evans Observatory, 360 views’, and a the final (short) trek to the summit.

Camping is available at Echo Lake and in the surrounding Arapaho National Forest. There is no camping on the byway. More details below.

This is a short video with a few highlights from the drive.

Echo Lake.

Echo Lake Lodge

Slideshow: 37 images

 
About Mount Evans Byway:

Address: CO 103 & Mt Evans Rd, Idaho Springs
Phone: 303-567-3000 – Clear Creek Ranger District
Season: late May to mid October
Fee: $10 per vehicle parking fee for summit. It’s technically free to drive the byway though.
Camping: There are 2 campgrounds near Mt Evans and some dispersed camping options.

• Echo Lake CG – Beside Echo Lake Lodge, 18 sites, 11/RV, 7/tent, Reservations
• West Chicago Creek CG – 9 miles from lake, near Idaho Springs, 16 sites, Reservations
• Dispersed camping can be found on Hefferman Gulch Rd and West Chicago Creek Rd, both located north on CO 103 toward Idaho Springs. Each has about a half dozen or so spots.

Website: byways.org/…

Uncover Colorado has more on Mount Evans Byway.

View Larger Map

Clear Creek Whitewater Park in downtown Golden.

It’s free to use and open daily. There are several man-made features to ensure whitewater and big waves. The water generally warms up and calms down as the season progresses.

Clear Creek travels about 44 miles from the top of Loveland Pass to Golden. In route it drops 4,500 feet in elevation, creating quite a swift force.

This weekend the current was fast and the waves were fierce. Aside from the cold water, it was a blast.

There are several free lots and street parking located on the west end of 10th street by Clear Creek. Then a trail leads west up the river, allowing many opportunities to drop in.

This short video was shot with a point-and-shoot camera, so the quality is so-so.

A path runs along the bank of Clear Creek.

Clear Creek flows from the top of Loveland Pass.

Slideshow: 18 images

 
Tips:

• Bring a loop for your sunglasses or you could lose them (like I did).
• No flip flops – footwear has to strap to feet
• Sunscreen – wear it
• Tube – get a nice tube for a nice time, like this one from Amazon.

 
About Clear Creek Whitewater Park:

Address: 1201 10th Street, Golden
Season: June – September
Fee: None
Website: cityofgolden.net/…

Check out last year’s post on Clear Creek Whitewater Park.

View Larger Map

Bear Creek Lake in Lakewood.

It’s a surprisingly large park that’s home to 3 unique lakes. Bear Creek Lake is the largest at around 100 acres. It’s open to motorized boating from March 15 – Nov 15. Big Soda Lake is nearly the same size, and limited to non-motorized boats. Little Soda Lake is only open to private boats with the Water Ski School.

There are 47 campsites at the park, 2 yurts and 3 cabins. It’s the closest campground to Red Rocks, which makes it great for concerts.

Horseback riding, biking and hiking are popular on the park’s trails. There are 15 miles of multi-use dirt trails. Pets are welcome on-leash everywhere except the Swim Beach.

The Soda Lake Marina is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, and offers paddleboat, canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals. Little Soda Lake has a Water Ski School, with a variety of lessons and camps.

Big Soda Lake Swim Beach.

Archery Range.

Slideshow: 24 images

 
More water recreation can be found 20 minutes south at Chatfield State Park.
 


 

Uncover Colorado has more on Bear Creek Lake Park.

Address: 15600 W. Morrison Rd, Lakewood
Phone: 303-697-6159
Vehicle Fees: $7/General, $5/Senior
Camping: $20/night – Reservations
Website: lakewood.org/bclp

View Larger Map

Barr Lake State Park in Brighton.

The highlight is the nearly 2,000 acre (when full), Barr Lake. It’s open to sailboats, hand propelled crafts, and boats with electric trolling motors or gas motors less than 10hp.

The park is open for day use until 10pm, unless fishing. Other activities include biking, birding, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking. Waterfowl hunting is permitted during the season in the Wildlife Refuge. Depending on winter weather, snowshoeing, cc skiing and ice fishing may be available.

There are numerous trails within the park, including a 8.8 mile, Bar Lake Perimeter Trail, a 1.3 mile Gazebo Boardwalk and a Neidrach Nature Trail through the wetlands.

The park is located just off Hwy 76.

Bald eagle.

Slideshow: 10 images

 
Another metro area lake is Cherry Creek, located about 30 miles south.


 

Uncover Colorado has more on Barr Lake State Park.

Address: 307 W. S13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton
Phone: 303-655-1495
Season: Year round
Vehicle Fee: $7/daily, $70/annual
Map: Barr Lake (PDF)
Camping: No, day-use use only.
Website: parks.state.co.us/Parks/barrlake

View Larger Map

Jackson Lake in Orchard.

It’s popular state park to escape to in the summer. The 2,700-acre lake is open to boating and fishing. A variety of lakeside campsites are available, as well as picnic areas and multi-use trails.

There is also a Visitor Center open daily with exhibits and a small gift shop.

Another northeast attraction, the Pawnee National Grassland, is located about an hour north.

Welcome to Jackson Lake State Park.

The Visitor Center is open daily.

Slideshow: 21 images

 
More fishing and wakeless boating can be found at Prewitt Reservoir, about an hour east.
 


 

Uncover Colorado has more on Jackson Lake State Park.

Address: 26363 County Rd 3, Orchard
Phone: 970-645-2551
Vehicle Fee: $7/daily, $70/annual
Map: Jackson Lake Brochure (PDF)
Camping: 260 sites,year round, $16/basic, $20/electric, showers and laundry, Reservations
Website: parks.state.co.us/Parks/jacksonlake

View Larger Map

Evening at Prewitt Reservoir.

Activities at the park include wakeless boating, camping, fishing and hunting. Visitors ages 19-64 must have a state hunting or fishing license, or an Annual Jumbo SWA/Prewitt SWA to access the property (so a sign read).

The area is full of wildlife, especially waterfowl. They flutter around, flying to and from the lake. It’s quite a sight. The reservoir is also calmer, and less windy than nearby North Sterling Res or Jackson Lake.

There are no established campgrounds, but dispersed camping is permitted around the property, unless posted. There are numerous lakeside campsites marked by a fire ring. It’s the closest free, lakeside, camping to Denver (that I can think of).

The town tiny plains town of Merino is about 10 minutes north on 6. There is one restaurant in town called Jambalaya’s that’s worth a visit. Hillrose is also just to the south, and has a restaurant and a bar. The closest large town is Sterling, which is only 20 minutes northeast on US 6.

Prewitt Reservoir State Wildlife Area.

Map of the lake.

Slideshow: 27 images

 
Fort Morgan is the largest town to the southwest of Prewitt, about 30 minutes east on 76.

 
Uncover Colorado has more on Prewitt Reservoir.

Address: Highway 6, Merino
Phone: 970-842-6300 – area SWA office
Season: Year round
Map: Prewitt Reservoir (PDF)
Camping: No campgrounds, but dispersed camping is permitted.
Fishing: Fish Survey and Management Data (PDF)
Website: wildlife.state.co.us/landwater/statewildlifeareas/pages/swa.aspx

View Larger Map

North Sterling Reservoir.

This large state park lies about 30 minutes north of Sterling in the high plains. It’s centered around the 3000 acre North Sterling Reservoir. There’s lots to do in this oasis in the desert, including biking, birding, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting and horseback riding.

Due to it’s location, North Sterling gets a lot of wind and afternoon thunderstorms in the spring. I hated camping at this place for a while, about 2 hours, until the wind stopped. I had to get the fire going in my car using a steel dog dish.

There are 3 campgrounds and 141 campsites, most with electric hookup, some basic. It’s $20/electric, $16/basic, covered table, fire pit, tent pad. A plus to camping at the park, is a camper services building, with restrooms, showers, laundry and water faucet, all open 24 hours.

After the wind stopped, it was better. The next day, the wind crept back early, and storms threatened again.

The park charges $7 per vehicle or an annual pass for $70.

The dam discharge.

 
Slideshow: 21 images

 
Two other Northeast attractions include Pawnee National Grassland and Prewitt Reservoir.
 

 

Uncover Colorado has more on North Sterling State Park.

Address: 24005 Co Rd 330, Sterling
Phone: 970-522-3657
Vehicle Fee: $7/daily, $70/annual
Camping: 3 campgrounds, Chimney View, Elks, Inlet Grove – Reservations
Website: parks.state.co.us/parks/northsterling

View Larger Map

Sunset over the Pawnee National Grassland.

The land is mostly flat with some rolling hills, bluffs and buttes. Most of the land around the grasslands is open to the public, but some of it is private. It’s usually marked, but not always well. There is not a whole lot specific to see. The main attraction is probably the Pawnee Buttes, 2 small mesas that rise strikingly around the expansive flat plains.

The main activities within the park are biking, birding, camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and driving scenically.

Dispersed camping is available on many of the roads within the park. The most concentrated number of sites is probably near the Pawnee Buttes on the eastern grasslands.

It gets real windy at night. The wind was thumping against my tent loud enough and non-stop enough, that I had to move outside for the night. It was beautiful, but I wouldn’t be in a hurry to camp here again. Although, if you want to catch a lightning show in the distance, the plains are the place to go.

For those that prefer a campground, Crow Valley, is the only one in the grasslands. It’s shaded by tall trees and there is a baseball diamond at the campground, which is kind of cool.

The roads within the park are not super well marked, nor is there really any place to go. Just drive into the grasslands and check it out. It’s best to have at least a CO map in your car, the more detailed, the better. There are several tiny, plains towns around the grassland worth checking out too.

The west side of the grassland.

Found a nice campsite, but should have realized that the wind turbines meant it gets winddy.

Slideshow: 17 images

 
For water recreation in the Northeast, try Prewitt Reservoir or North Sterling State Park.
 

 

Uncover Colorado has more on the Pawnee National Grassland.

Address: Grover
Phone: 970-346-5000
Fee: None
Campground: Crow Valley – 15 sites, Reservations
Website: fs.usda.gov/…

View Larger Map