Posted 2009-07-23 7:25 AM (#108419) Subject: Flat Top's Wilderness Info?
Veteran
Posts: 174 Location: Missouri
Has anyone ridden/camped near the Trapper's Lake and Sweetwater Lake areas near Meeker Colorado? What is the riding like and where is the best places to camp? How are the facilities and roads getting to Horsethief and Marvine campground? Thanks.
Posted 2009-07-24 8:47 PM (#108516 - in reply to #108419) Subject: RE: Flat Top's Wilderness Info?
Regular
Posts: 74
The road to Marvine campground was real good about four years ago. The campground is nice; no electric. Water for people at campground, water for horses in stream close by. Trail up to the lakes is good and there are places to camp by the lakes. Also, trail up to to top (past the lakes) is good and there is plenty of riding and camping on top. There are two other trails to top from Marvine campground, but not sure what they are like.
Also, Southfork campground is OK, but the road is not as good. Narrow in spots and would be hard to get a large trailer turned around if the trailhead is full. Riding up southfork is good.
We backpacked up from Trappers Lake. Not sure if there is any horse camping by the lake, but once again, there is plenty when you get on top.
Depending on the time of year your are going, you should check with forest service to make sure the trails are open and not blocked with snow.
Posted 2009-08-02 2:34 PM (#108861 - in reply to #108419) Subject: RE: Flat Top's Wilderness Info?
Expert
Posts: 1205 Location: Arkansas
The road into Sweetwater lake is very good, gravel but not too steep or narrow. trail access is great, just ride from your trailer. We camped there and rode over 60 miles, you can ride to several lakes around there. We were camped close to Brinks outfitters, there is a cafe with surprising good food, and you can wash clothes there etc. You can rent pens to put horses in and in non freezing weather arrange hookups if you like. We rode there 2 years ago.
Posted 2009-08-03 1:41 PM (#108906 - in reply to #108419) Subject: RE: Flat Top's Wilderness Info?
Veteran
Posts: 174 Location: Missouri
Thanks for the info. We are going to stay at Sweetwater for a few days and then head up to Trapper's Lake. I'll try to post some pictures when we get back.
Posted 2009-08-08 12:20 AM (#109156 - in reply to #108419) Subject: RE: Flat Top's Wilderness Info?
Member
Posts: 25 Location: Sedalia, Colorado
My daughter and I have base camped at Indian Camp Pass (bad road, pony horses from a mile past Deep Lake) and on the north east side near the Pyramid Ranger Station (Transfer Trail).
Great riding, good fishing for cutthroat trout in both lakes and streams.
Sweetwater has good camping and all weather road. The lake is good for brook and rainbows. The Ute Trail runs around the base of W Mountain, with the W Mountain Trail connecting to several others on top the plateau. Keep north to cross to Trappers, was well marked last I saw.
Strenuous climb, portions of very rocky trail. Be aware severe weather is often encountered on top (11500 ft). Treacherous dropoffs along Chinese Wall (Lost Lakes side) and Devil's Causeway.
An incomparable ride!
Horse Camp at Indian Camp Pass
Saddle Up - Indian Camp Pass
On the Trail - Indian Camp Pass
Horse Camp - Transfer Trail
West Lost Lake - Transfer Trail - Chinese Wall in Background
Big Aspen - Transfer Trail
Highline - Transfer Trail
The Devil's Causeway - Natural bridge from Chinese Wall to Little Flattops - NO PLACE FOR A HORSE - 5 foot wide - 1000 foot drop!
Flat Top's Wilderness Info?
