Headed to the Front Range

[ozark trout fisher]

As a native West Slope Coloradan, I've generally considered the front range a really beautiful place that you are nonetheless supposed to drive over and keep on going. But next week I managed to get off work to join a group that is setting up on the edge of the Indian Peaks wilderness, specifically along one of the upper branches of St. Vrain Creek. Apparently there is pretty decent fishing in the creek we are camping alongside, which I fully intend to look into,  but does anyone else know the area well enough to offer suggestions? I'm willing to hike, a long ways and overnight if necessary, basicallly anything that doesn't require ropes. Lakes, streams, ponds, anything pretty and above 8000 feet is what I'm looking for. I have 5-6 days so there is plenty of time to explore.

Thanks for any help.

[ness]

Beautiful area. I've fished North and Middle St. Vrain. North in the Park and Middle down at Peaceful Valley. There are fish everywhere. Where are you staying?

[ozark trout fisher]

We'll be based out of Peaceful Valley, but we have a couple hikes into the high Country (including one two night backpacking trip into some cutthroat  lakes in Indian Peaks) tentatively planned.

[ness]

Hope to get a full report when you return. I haven't been to Peaceful Valley in several years, and never did do the backcountry hikes due to knee problems.

[ozark trout fisher]

Turned out to be a pretty good trip. Middle St. Vrain is a fine little trout creek, full of pocket water and little brook trout. The Indian Peaks are tall, imposing, a bit dangerous in spots, and, as we found out climbing a couple, liable to be wrapped in sleet and snow in August. A fine trip, and I found the front range (except Rocky Mountain National Park, which is a waking nightmare along the main roads) to be much more wild and beautiful than expected.

 

Full report with pics to follow.

[ness]

I love RMNP, but you do have to share. If you get out early it's not as bad. The worst is getting behind a big ol' freakin' motor home that wants to soak up the scenery without waiting for a pull off. I've only been during the summer months -- I suspect it will get a lot quieter in a couple weeks.

Looking forward to a report.