This year’s four-wheeler camping trip will be to Little Molas Lake in the San Juan Mountains south of Silverton, Colorado. In my opinion Little Molas is one of the most beautiful camping spots in Colorado with spectacular views of a lake and surrounding mountains.
Most people will be tent camping but there will no doubt be some in campers or RV’s. The campground is only a mile off the highway and the gravel road is normally in good shape so access is easy for all types of vehicles. The turnoff to Little Molas is about halfway between Coal Bank Pass and Silverton. To get there take Highway 550 from Bernalillo through Durango all the way to the lake turnoff. As you get close there will be a large scenic overlook with a public toilet on the right side of the highway. The turnoff is about a ¼ mile north of there on the left side of the highway. Don’t confuse Little Molas with Molas Lake which is another mile down the highway on the east side of the road. You can see Molas Lake from the highway but not Little Molas. Little Molas is a forest service campground but there are no camping fees. No fee means minimal facilities. There is a pit toilet but no water or picnic tables so bring your own.
There will be the usual activities. Four-wheeling, fishing, hiking, sightseeing or just relaxing under a shade tree. If we are lucky there will be lots of wildflowers this time of year. Some people will go up as early as Wednesday or Thursday (including me) but most will be arriving Friday night. The campground is around 10,000 ft. so bring warm coats and a good sleeping bag even if its 100F in Albuquerque!!
I don’t plan on having an organizing meeting this year. Most of the people who go on these trips know the routine. However I would like to know about how many people are planning on going. You can either call me (Urey Lemen) at 821-6057 or e-mail me at ublemen@swcp.com. If you are interested in car pooling as either a driver or rider let me know.
Hope to see you on the trip.
Ophir Pass, San Juan Mountains, August 2000
