Additional Sources for Camping Information

Transcription

1 Camping

2 Additional Sources for Camping Information 100 pages Day hikes Fourteeners Weekend camping Extended Activities High Adventure Camps Council Camps Cross Country Skiing 40 pages Helpful Tools Colorado Nebraska Wyoming

3 Paid Campsites Camping Categories Primitive Camping Camps Requiring Longer Distance Travel Camps with Cabins

4 Paid Campsites

5 Meeker Park Overflow Boulder Ranger District Roosevelt National Forest Open/Closed: Reduced-service camping is generally available mid-june until the first weekend after Labor Day, weather permitting. Reservations Accepted: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No campsites are available for reservations. Sites: There are 29 sites; a maximum of 8 people are allowed per site. Elevation: 8,600 feet. Maximum Vehicle Length: 30 feet. Daily fee: Campsite fees are $6.00 per day, with an additional fee of $3.00 per day for a second vehicle. Location: The campground is on the west side of Highway 7 at mile-marker 11, approximately 13 miles south of Estes Park, or 10 miles north of the Highways 72 and 7 intersections, (approximately 21 miles west-northwest of Lyons). Amenities: Fire rings, vault toilets and trash services are provided. There are no picnic tables, grills, electrical hook-ups, dump stations, drinking water stations or showers. Trip Notes: Although not a full-service campground, Meeker Park Overflow tends to fill up early, due to its proximity to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Longs Peak Trail Head is approximately 2 miles north of the campground, and the Wild Basin Ranger Station is approximately 3 miles south. Meeker Park Overflow is more suited for tent camping than trailers or RV's, due to the unpaved roads, steep hills, and short pull-ins. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.

6 Pawnee Campground Boulder Ranger District Roosevelt National Forests Open/Closed: Full-service fee camping is generally available beginning the first of July through the middle of September. Reservations Accepted: Reserved sites are available from the first Friday after the Fourth of July through the Saturday of the Labor Day weekend. Call toll-free , or visit the National Recreation Reservation Service website. A reservation fee of $8.65 is charged per reservation. All even-numbered sites are reservable, and the odd-numbered sites are first come, first served. Sites: There are 55 sites that will accommodate tents and campers, trailers, and motor homes. A maximum of 8 people are allowed per site. Elevation: 10,350 feet. Maximum Vehicle Length: Forty-five (45) feet from bumper to bumper. Daily Fee: The fee for each campsite is $12 per night, which covers use of the site and one vehicle. Many sites will accommodate a second vehicle for an additional $6.00. Location: Drive 17 miles west of Boulder on Colorado Highway 119 to the town of Nederland, then north on Highway 72 for 13 miles to the Brainard Lake Road (aka County Road 102, Forest Service Road 112), just north of the town of Ward. Turn west on the paved road; Pawnee Campground is approximately 5 miles in on Forest Service Road 112. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire-rings, grills, water, vault toilets, and trash services are provided. There are no electrical hook-ups, dump stations or showers. Trip Notes: Situated at the foot of the Continental Divide, Pawnee Campground is in a mature spruce-fir forest. Be prepared for cold and wet weather at any time. The campground is part of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, a very popular day-use area. Trout fishing in Brainard Lake and numerous hiking opportunities exist in and around the local area. Those intending to overnight camp in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness should contact the Boulder Ranger District ( ) regarding specific regulations that apply. Pawnee Campground is usually full to capacity on weekends. Plan to arrive prior to the weekend or consider making a reservation. Dogs are allowed in the campground and within the Indian Peaks Wilderness but must be on a lease at all times.

7 Camp Dick Boulder Ranger District Roosevelt National Forests Open/Closed: Full-service camping is generally available mid-may through mid-october, weather permitting. Reservations Accepted: Reserved sites are available from Memorial Day weekend through mid-september. Call toll-free , or visit the National Recreation Reservation Service website. Reservation fees are $8.65 per reservation. Campsites 7-10, 12, 21-23, 25, 27, and are reservable. Sites: There are 41 sites; a maximum of 8 people are allowed per site except for the oversized sites, units 7, 11, 12, 21, 24, 28, 38, 39, and 40, which allow a maximum of 12 people. Elevation: 8,650 feet. Maximum Vehicle Length: 55 feet. Daily fee: Campsite fees are $12.00 per day, with an additional fee of $6.00 per day for a second vehicle. The oversized sites are $15.00 per day. Reservation fees are $8.65 per reservation. Location: Camp Dick is located one mile west of Colorado State Highway (CSH) 72, at mile-marker 50. It is approximately 19 miles north of Nederland or 20 miles south of Estes Park. It can also be accessed via CSH 60 west to Lyons, then southwest on CSH 7 for approximately 12 miles to CSH 72, then south on CSH 72 approximately 4 miles. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, water, vault toilets and trash services are provided. There are no electrical hook-ups, dump stations or showers. Trip Notes: Camp Dick is situated in a glacial valley adjacent to Middle St. Vrain Creek. Recreation opportunities exist for hikers, backpackers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, 4x4 and off-highway vehicle users, and anglers. Camp Dick was once the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp, established in the 1930's. Those intending to overnight camp in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness should contact the Boulder Ranger District ( ) regarding specific regulations that apply. Dogs are allowed in the campground and in the wilderness but must be on a leash at all times. Camp Dick is normally full for the weekend by early Friday afternoon, so plan to arrive early or consider making a reservation. Peaceful Valley Campground is approximately 1/2 mile east of Camp Dick.

8 Rainbow Lakes Campground Boulder Ranger District Roosevelt National Forest Open/Closed: Fee camping is generally available beginning mid-june through mid-october. Reservations: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. NO CAMPSITES ARE AVAILABLE FOR RESERVATIONS. Sites: There are 16 sites that will accommodate tents and campers, trailers and motor homes. A maximum of 8 people are allowed per site. Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and vault toilets are provided. WATER AND TRASH SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED. Please pack your water in and your trash out! Elevation: 10,000 feet Maximum Vehicle Length: Up to 20 feet in length from bumper to bumper. Daily Fee: The fee for each campsite is $6.00 per night, which covers use of the site and one vehicle. Many sites will accommodate a second vehicle for an additional $3.00. Location: Drive approximately 17 miles west of Boulder on Colorado Highway 119 to the town of Nederland, then north on Highway 72 approximately 7 miles to the Colorado University Mountain Research Station Road (County Road 116 or Forest Development Road 298). FDR 298 diverges to the left (south) after appx. 1 mile; it is approximately four miles to the campground from this point. This is a rough, rocky, native surface road. High clearance vehicles are recommended. It is passable by passenger vehicles and vehicles towing trailers at slow speeds. Trip Notes: Rainbow Lakes Campground is situated adjacent to the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The campground offers a more primitive and quieter camping experience than other District campgrounds. Be prepared for cold and wet weather at any time. Trout fishing in Rainbow Lakes and numerous hiking opportunities exist in and around the local area. Those intending to overnight camp in the nearby Indian Peaks Wilderness should contact the Boulder Ranger District ( ) regarding specific regulations that apply. Dogs are allowed in the campground and in the wilderness but must be on a leash at all times.

9 Kelly Dahl Boulder Ranger District Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests Open/Closed: Full-service camping is generally available mid-may through mid-october, weather permitting. Reservations Accepted: Reserved sites are available from Memorial Day weekend through mid- September. Call toll-free , or visit the National Recreation Reservation Service website. Reservation fees are $8.65 per reservation. Campsites 21 through 46 are reservable. Sites: There are 46 sites; a maximum of 8 people are allowed per site. Elevation: 8,600 feet. Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet. Daily fee: Campsite fees are $12.00 per day, with an additional fee of $6.00 per day for a second vehicle. Location: Drive approximately 17 miles west of Boulder on Colorado Highway 119 to the Town of Nederland. Continue south on Colorado Highway 119. The entrance to Kelly Dahl Campground is located on the east side of the highway at mile-marker 22, about 4 miles south of Nederland and approximately 2 miles north of Rollinsville. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, water, vault toilets and trash services are provided. There are no electrical hook-ups, dump stations or showers. There is a playground suitable for small children. Trip Notes: Kelly Dahl Campground is situated in a wooded setting adjacent to the Peak-to-Peak National Scenic Byway. The Campground provides the visitor with spectacular views of the Continental Divide. The historic mining towns of Nederland, Rollinsville, Central City and Black Hawk are nearby. Limited-stakes gambling is allowed in Central City and Black Hawk. Other historic sites include the Rollins Pass (Moffat Road) Railroad grade and the Boulder Wagon Road. Four-wheel-drive roads can be found in the Tolland to Apex to Idaho Springs area. Kelly Dahl is the closest Forest Service campground to the City of Boulder. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times. It is usually the last Boulder Ranger District campground to fill, however, reservations are recommended around major holidays.

10 Olive Ridge Campground Boulder Ranger District Roosevelt National Forest Open/Closed: Full-service fee camping is generally available beginning mid-may through mid-october. Reservations Accepted: Campsites # s 1A, 26, 27, 29 41, 44, 45, 47 53, 55, and 56 are reservable from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through the middle of September. Call toll-free , or visit the National Recreation Reservation Service website. Reservation fees are $8.65 per reservation. Sites: There are 56 sites that will accommodate tents and campers, trailers, and motor homes. A maximum of 8 people are allowed per site, except for oversized sites 26 and 40 which will accommodate 12 people. Elevation: 8,400 feet. Maximum Vehicle Length: 40 feet. Daily Fee: The daily fee for each campsite is $12 per night, which covers use of the site and one (1) vehicle, except for oversized sites 26 and 40, where the fee is $15.00 per night. Many sites will accommodate a second vehicle for an additional $6.00. Location: The campground is located on Colorado Highway 7, between Allenspark and Meeker Park, at mile-marker 14. It is approximately 6 miles north of the intersection of Highways 72 and 7, or approximately 15 miles south of Estes Park, 29 miles north of Nederland, and 20 miles west-northwest of Lyons. Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, grills, water, vault toilets, and trash services are provided. There are no electrical hook-ups, dump stations or showers. A playground suitable for small children is located on site. Trip Notes: Olive Ridge is located within the Roosevelt National Forest and at the southeastern boundary of Rocky Mountain National Park. Nearby hiking trails lead visitors into Wild Basin (Rocky Mountain National Park). Park Service information can be obtained by calling Olive Ridge Campground is normally full for the weekend by early Friday, so plan to arrive early or consider making a reservation.

11 Name: Flatiron Reservoir Distance: Car Camping Difficulty: Easy Activity: Hike and Explore Note: Camping Mailing Address: Flatiron Reservoir 1800 SOUTH COUNTY ROAD 31 LOVELAND, CO Phone Number: Information: (970) , Electric and non-electric $15/night Oct Mar For a Tee Pee $35 per night (only certain times of the year) Campers visiting Flatiron Reservoir southwest of Loveland can now spend the night in a tipi. Three tipis are available for reservation via with reservable dates beginning August 28. The tipis will be up through the summer camping season but the sites will revert to walk-in tent sites between October 15 and April 30 each year.

12 Name: Crater Lake Reservoir Distance: Car Camping Difficulty: Easy Activity: Hike and Explore, Boating, Skiing Note: Camping Directions: see map

13 Name: Pawnee Buttes Trail Distance: 4.1 miles Difficulty: Easy Activity: Hike and Explore Note: Camp at nearby campground Directions: 2 hours from Longmont to the Pawnee National Grasslands

14 Name: Union Reservoir (Scout Circle) Distance: Car camping Difficulty: Easy Activity: Camp, swim and Fish Note: Reservations needed, Location of BSA 11 year old Campout Directions: Just outside of Longmont

15 Name: St. Vrain State Park Distance: Car camping Difficulty: Easy Activity: Camp, fish and ice fishing Note: Reservations needed Directions: Just outside of Longmont

16 Name: Meadow Park Lyons, CO Distance: Car Camping Difficulty: Easy Activity: Games, Tubing, camping, etc. Note: Need reservations Directions: Downtown Lyons, CO

17 Name: Curt Gowdy State Park, WY Distance: Car Camping Difficulty: Easy - Moderate Activity: Camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing Note: Need reservations Directions: Between Laramie and Cheyenne, WY

18 Name: Rocky Mountain National Park Distance: Car Camping, Hiking and Backpacking Difficulty: Easy to Hark Activity: Camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing Note: Need reservations Directions: Near Lyons

19 Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is in southern Colorado. It s known for huge dunes like the towering Star Dune, and for the seasonal Medano Creek and beach created at the base of the dunes. The backcountry Medano Pass Primitive Road winds through a canyon toward the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Trails lead to forests, wetlands and alpine lakes like Medano Lake, which is home to trout and tundra wildlife. Address: Colorado Area: mi² Established: September 13, 2004 Phone: (719) Management: National Park Service

20 Primitive Camping

21 Name: Ceran Saint Vrain Trail Distance:.5 to 3 miles along the river Difficulty: Easy Activity: River Action, great camping, fun hikes Note: Purify Water Directions: Past James Town to top of mountain. When the road turns to dirt count.5 miles and then turn right into the trailhead.

22 Name: Hidden Cliff Camp, Along upper Johnny Park Road Distance:.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Activity: Watch Sun Set over the Rockies, Great Cliff Pics and nice primitive campsite Note: No water Directions:7.9 miles past junction of Hwy 7 and 72 or ~ 4 miles past Allenspark on HWY7 toward Estes Park, Take a right and follow the dirt road to Johnny Park Road (~3.1 miles), ~.5 miles down Johnny Park Road. Hike to Cliffs if you have time Several poles in the area Car Camping along this dirt road

23 Name: Pierson Park Area Distance: 0 10 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Activity: Camping hiking and exploring. You could backpack along the dirt roads from Estes Park to Pierson Park (~25 miles) Directions:7.9 miles past junction of Hwy 7 and 72 or ~ 4 miles past Allenspark on HWY7 toward Estes Park (at the sight "Forest Access 2 Miles" Boulder 82 County Rd) 1 mile Stay right and continue to Pierson Park sign 1 mile Turn Left up the hill to camping area Some vehicles could drive in - shuttle others with low clearance Pierson Park Camping Area

24 Name: Hidden Meadows Hike along Sourdough Trail Distance: ~ miles Difficulty: Easy Activity: Meadows and small lakes Note: Purify Water Directions: Near Beaver Reservoir. Take camp Tahosa Scout Camp Road off of HWY 72, then left on Jeep road before the Beaver Reservoir

25 Name: North Sourdough Trail Distance: 1 to 10 miles Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Fishing/Exploring, Mountain Biking Note: Purify Water Directions: Start at Camp Dick or Red Rock Trail head near Brainard Lake Area

26 Name: Waldrop (North Trail to South St Vrain Trail to North Sourdough Trail to Peaceful Valley Campground Short Path The Long Path No permits required

27 Name: South Sourdough Trail Distance: 1 to 5 miles Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Exploring Note: Purify Water, No permits required Directions: Start at Rainbow Lakes Trail Head or Brainard Lake Area

28 Name: Left Hand Reservoir Distance: ~ 1.75 miles Difficulty: Easy Activity: Reservoir Note: Purify Water Directions: Near Brainard Lake Area just above Ward

29 Name: Snow caving near Brainard Lake Distance:.25 miles to Red Rock Lake Difficulty: Easy Activity: Snow Caving Note: Check with Ranger for winter camping beyond the sign that says no camping they always let us do it. Directions: Red Rock Lake Near Brainard Lake Area

30 Name: Saint Vrain Mountain Hike and camping area Distance: ~ 1.75 miles if you take the Jeep road back before starting to hike or longer on the trail Difficulty: Moderate to difficult Activity: Incredible views Note: Purify Water Directions: Near Allenspark The last 2.25 miles of the dirt road gets rough so you may have to hike along the road. North on Hwy 72 from the Hwy 7 and Hwy 72 Junction on the Peak to Peak Hwy At Allen's Park turn Left and take the Allen's Park Business Loop 1.9 Through town and then Turn Left on to Ski Road 0.5 Turn left and continue following the dirt Road 1.2 Left down the road to the camping area

31 Name: Airplane Wreck Hike Distance: ~ 3 miles Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Old airplane crash site Note: No water Directions: Near Peaceful Valley at Camp Dick Entrance.

32 Name: Backpack past Camp Dick Distance: ~ 1 miles to 5 miles (to Coney Flats) Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Activity: Fishing/Exploring Note: Purify Water Directions: Follow trail or Jeep road back from Camp Dick.

33 Name: Cave of Doom (an old mine), Button Rock Dam from Johnny Park Distance: ~ 3.7 miles one way Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Fishing/Exploring Note: Purify Water, you cannot camp near the Reservoir, you must camp up by the meadow and hike down to the lake and the mine. Directions: From Johnny Park to Button Rock Dam to the river. You must cross the river to get to the Cave

34 Name: Bright Trail and Bright Trail Extension Distance: ~ 3 to 4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Exploring, Hiking and camping Note: Purify Water Directions: Take 3301 off of Hwy 7, left into housing before Allenspark

35 Name: Crossing the Chasm on Bright Trail Distance: ~ 10 miles Difficulty: Difficult Activity: Cross Country Hiking - Fishing Note: Purify Water Directions: Start at the Bright Trail and come out at Johnny Park

36 Name: Button Rock Mountain Distance: ~ 3 miles one way Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Exploring, Hike, Camping Note: Purify Water, No facilities Directions: Small parking area 1 mile before Johnny Park

37 Name: Bunce School Road Area Distance: Drive in and hike around Difficulty: Easy Activity: Rock Climbing and Exploring Note: No water bring your own, no cost, camping first come first serve Directions: Near the intersection of Hwy 7 and Hwy 72 on Peak to Peak Hwy

38 Name: Forest Canyon Distance: 6 to 10 miles Difficulty: Difficult Activity: Intense Hiking/backpacking Note: Purify Water, reservation required Directions: Shuttle cars from Top of Trail Ridge Road down to Moraine Park Hiking Path no Trails Shuttle cars on this road

39 Name: Snow caving between Fern/Odessa Lake and Bear Lake in RMNP Distance: 2 to 3 miles to near the Two Rivers Lake Difficulty: Hard when there is snow Activity: Snow Caving Note: Sometimes caves are already made, but a sign might show when the party that made it plans to show up and use it. If there are open caves you might be able to use existing caves Directions: Start at Bear Lake in RMNP Snow caving areas Trailhead

40 Name: MacGregor Ranch Distance: TBD Difficulty: Easy Activity: Hiking and Camping Note: Need to get permission from the owners, Purify Water Directions: Near Estes

41 Name: Brainard Lake Back Country Distance: Depends, but the loop will be around 8 miles Difficulty: Depends, can be tough if you make the loop near Pawnee Pass Activity: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, etc. Note: Purify Water Directions: Up above Ward

42 Name: National Forest Land Near Distance: Car Camping to 1.5 miles Difficulty: Easy Activity: Camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing Note: Bring your own water Directions: ~ 1 hour from Fort Collins CO

43 Name: Hog Back Forest Distance: TBD Difficulty: Easy Activity: Camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing Note: Bring your own water Directions: TBD

44 Name: Lyon s Gulch Trailhead and Homestead Ranches Distance: ~4 miles Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Camping, Backpacking and exploring old homesteads Note: Filter water Directions: See Map

45 Name: Taylor Road Near Allenspark CO Distance: miles (depends on if the gate is open) Difficulty: Easy Activity: Exploring/Hiking Note: Purify Water Directions: North on Hwy 72 from the Hwy 7 and Hwy 72 Junction on the Peak to Peak Hwy 2.5 miles turn right on to Taylor Road and.7 miles through the houses and continue on dirt road to campsites.

46 Camps Requiring Longer Distance Travel

47 Name: Maroon Bells and Snowmass Area Distance: Depends on the route Difficulty: Difficult Activity: Backpacking, fishing, hiking Note: Several different areas to explore Directions: Near Aspen, CO

48 Name: San Isabel Mountain Range Crestone Needles Distance: ~12 miles Difficulty: Difficult Activity: Backpacking, hiking and fishing Note: Possible loop trail Directions: Directions to Crestone Needles

49 Name: Sand Dunes National Park, CO Distance: ~1 mile to the top of the dunes, many other trails Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Sliding down the dunes, playing in the early spring river, Also visit Zapata Falls nearby Note: Other camp sites are nearby Directions: TBD

50 Name: Devil s Causeway, CO Distance: 3 miles Difficulty: Easy Activity: Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking Note: Surrounded by Flat Top Mountains Directions: Depends

51 Name: Havasupai Indian Reservation Distance: miles Difficulty: Difficult Activity: Canyoneering, Swimming, Camping Backpacking, Hiking Note: Spring water in the Canyon Directions: See Map

52 Name: Wind Rivers, WY Distance: Depends Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Activity: Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking Note: Ruff Country Directions: TBD

53 Name: Historical Pioneer Trails, Wyoming Distance: Depends Difficulty: Moderate to Hard Activity: Hiking, Backpacking, Handcart Trek Note: Oregon Trail, Overland Trail, Mormon Trail, etc. in the Sweetwater County Earn the Historical Trails Award Directions: See map

54 Name: Grand Tetons, WY Distance: miles Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult Activity: Fishing, Hiking, Backpacking Note: Permits Required Directions: Depends

55 Name: Death Hollow, UT Distance: 10 miles Difficulty: Difficult Activity: Canyoneering Note: Purify Water Directions:

56 Name: Ding and Dang Hike and Camp Distance: 5 miles Difficulty: Difficult Activity: Exploring/Hiking/Camp Note: Purify Water Directions: Google Directions to Ding and Dang in Southern Utah

57 Name: Moab Distance: Depends on the hike Difficulty: A variety of places to hike and camp Activity: Hiking/Camping, Mountain Biking, White Water Rafting, etc. Note: Great place to explore Directions: 6 hours from Longmont

58 Name: Corona Arch (Moab) Distance: 2-3 miles Difficulty: Easy Activity: Hiking Note: Purify Water Directions and Description: See Map

59 Name: Fisher Towers (Moab) Distance: 6 miles Difficulty: Moderate Activity: Hiking Note: Purify Water Directions and Description: See Map

60 Name: Chesler Park (Moab) Distance: Depends Difficulty: Depends Activity: Hiking Note: Purify Water Directions and Description: See Map

61 Camps with Cabins

62 Name: YMCA of the Rockies Distance: Depends on the hike Difficulty: Easy Activity: All Kinds of activities Note: Reservations Required Directions: Near Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies

63 Name: Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter Park Distance: Depends on the hike Difficulty: Easy Activity: All Kinds of activities Note: Reservations Required, cabins or tent sites Directions: Near Winter Park

64 Name: Conifer Community Park Distance: Depends on the hike Difficulty: Easy Activity: All Kinds of activities Note: Reservations Required Directions: See Map Conifer Community Park

65 Name: Hynds Lodge, Wy Distance: Car camping at a lodge Difficulty: Easy Activity: Annual Planning Meetings, Youth Conference Note: Need reservations Directions: Between Laramie and Cheyenne Wy Hynds Lodge is a conference and accommodation lodge originally built by Cheyenne, Wyoming businessman Harry P. Hynds and donated to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) in It is open from May 1 to October 1 by reservation only. It has accommodations for 30 people (max occupancy of 90), a large kitchen, dining room, living room, covered porch, stone fireplace and chimney, and 9 acres (3.6 ha) of land. [4][5][6] The lodge was originally used by Wyoming Boy Scouts as a recreational camp. [5] Later it was used by churches, social groups, and businesses. It was built on land that became part of Curt Gowdy State Park in 1971 and is now operated by the park. [2] The south fork of Crow Creek lies nearby, with a granite outcrop and woodlands of cedar and spruce. [5] The lodge has many large trees around it, towering granite behind it, and is built into a hillside. Its construction with granite stone in ashlar masonry gives it a unique architectural style. [3] The University of Wyoming's Department of Geology and Geophysics offers summer field courses in the area of the park and stays at the lodge. [7] The lodge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 23, [2][8][9] Hynds arrived in Cheyenne in 1882 from Illinois. He began working as a blacksmith but in 1883 he acquired the first of several gambling saloons. [3] This made him quite wealthy and he entered other businesses and also became an philanthropist. He was a founder of Frontier Days Rodeo. The Boy Scouts of America was very popular in Cheyenne by 1922 and their leadership approached him to help raise money for a cabin. Instead, Hynds paid for the cabin himself. The cabin was completed in the summer of 1922 and measures 36' x 35'. The lodge was operated by the Young Men's Literary Club for the Boy Scouts until 1935, when the City of Cheyenne took over. Many civic organizations have used it since, including the Boy Scouts. Major repair efforts were made in In 1971, the lodge and its land were leased to the Wyoming Recreation Commission by the City of Cheyenne. [3] Hynds Lodge near Curt Gowdy State Park beds Kitchen Camp Jack Greekly Superintendent = Bill Connor Woods Landing Jan Oct, Nov, Dec?