I made one more stop before I reported for my seasonal camphosting job in Twin Lakes, keeping with my high elevation campsites. This time I found a lake-side spot in a state wildlife area called “Mountain Home”. This one was under “Colorado Parks & Wildlife” and so required a permit which, fortunately, I already had. No amenities here except pit toilets but it was a popular spot, with local fishermen showing up every day. It was not at all crowded, however, and I recommend this beautiful area.
After a few days at Mountain Home, I made my way to my “summer home”, Twin Lakes, Colorado. Like most of Colorado, it is a beautiful here. My campground, called “Parry Peak”, was just up the mountain from the tiny Twin Lakes community and the lakes themselves. It is one of several National Forest campgrounds close to Twin Lakes managed by my summer employer, the concessionaire, “Advenco/ExplorUS”. In addition, they manage quite a few more campgrounds around Turquoise Lake, just west of Leadville, about 20 miles away. Leadville to the north & Buena Vista to the south were my supply towns. Knowing these small tourist towns were going to be my main grocery sources for the summer, I had previously stocked up in a big way at a Phoenix Walmart.
This area is a mecca for hikers, particularly because of several nearby “fourteeners” (mountain peaks at 14,000 feet or more in elevation). Those include Mt. Elbert, the highest point in Colorado. I had hoped to attempt that hike, as it is not technical, but the altitude proved to be too much for me; I was able to manage only short hikes while in Twin Lakes. Even my campground was at 9,400 feet, and I felt it when doing physically demanding tasks. In general, however, I did fine.
There will be several posts from Twin Lakes.
(After clicking the first photo in the gallery for a slideshow, click the “i” for full captions/more info).
COLORADO. MAY.
