By:
Submission
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads.
Travel approximately 8 miles south on State Highway 145 from Telluride, CO. Turn left on County Road 63A, then left on to Forest Road #628. Proceed one-half mile north on #628 to the Priest Lake Camping Area.
The most beautiful campground in all of Southwest Colorado in my eyes.
Truly, unbridled beauty that cannot be matched in America.
At least not somewhere where there aren't very many people.
I've lived 40 miles from this campground for years, and have spent a total of 6 months here over the years.
If you want a true Colorado Mountain experience, go here and explore. Hope Lake Trail is the hidden gem here if you're into hiking.
Elevation being at 10k' makes for nice days and cold nights in the Summer, and Frigid in the Winter. Spring and Fall can either be 70f and sunny or 15f and dumping snow. Check your weather forecasts accordingly.
Yes! So happy I discovered this fantastic spot! What a view to wake up to! Only about 8 vehicles with campers at the end of September/beginning of Oct, just above the lake. It was quite cold and my car was completely iced up. Took a stroll around the lake, when it got warmer in the morning and seeing the golden aspen and mist of the lake made my heart so happy! Bathroom onsite.
This is a truly exceptional place that can be best experienced at the early hours of the morning, preferably while too cold. you should spend your time here pacing around the boulders and grass confessing to the moon your overwhelming feelings of panic and stress at the state of the world and the fact that you keep vomiting even when you have only drank sport drink for two days. There are no priests in the lake that are dim enough to have been found at time of writing. Also I would suggest that while here you do not whistle or you may attract unwanted attention from the forest and those within, but as long as you show proper respect and reverence for the space I foresee you having no issues beyond bad luck and stupidity. The bathroom is warm and a bathroom. Friendly boulders and trees 5/5 "stars".
