[Wow pics!] Day Tripping: BuckHorn Lakes State Park – Colorado

Most that know me know I hate sitting around, especially when it is nice outside. With the Covid19 mass hysteria running rampant, like many people, it has hit me hard. Even if it’s just for a few hours in my jeep driving, it fills my soul. Since I have been in Colorado I have not been able to do much since we travel for work, but since this Pandemic, I have been sitting…a lot…and going crazy. As things start opening up and the snow is melting we can venture a little further. We attempted Buckhorn a month or so ago and didn’t get far due to the snow and trying to be safe. My first time there was back in summer of 2018 and it was a nice little getaway for a few hours. It is literally across the valley from the house so it makes it a short nice getaway (and absolutley beautiful!). 

This is an area that is relatively close to Montrose and that most any vehicle with a little clearance can access, barring any strong rains or snow. From what I’ve heard the area can get pretty busy on weekends and holidays so if you go you might try to do it during the week. This area is also used as the starting point for the trail up to the Sawtooth Rocks and over to the summit of Castle Rock, so there are some hiking opportunities as well. This is definitely an area to put on the to-do list.

Higher up and across the valley are awesome views of the San Juan’s along with the Uncompahgre Plateau and the Grand Mesa. So far the road surface has been a fairly smooth and well graveled road. A couple miles prior to the lakes the road turns from the nice gravel to dirt and rocks. In years past this last section of the road was known to be very rough and rocky requiring a higher clearance and possible 4wd vehicle.  There is fishing, hiking and camping in this area. AND for this first time EVER, we got to see a baby MOOSE! Even though he was about 200 years out…it was truly cool to see him…or her…

What a beautiful little hidden gem in Montrose! Come on out and visit!