Leadville camping over the JONG weekend

[nufenstein]

K guys, im headed up to leadville for the weekend to do some camping...any advice on good spots to go where i can car camp without being next to a RV or some post prom highschoolers...scenerey would be nice, but im mostly looking for peace and quiet and good fishing near the campsite...i hear the halfmoon creek trailhead area is a good spot to drop a tent...any thoughts/alternatives? Please dont rag on me for the car camping...i have a posh san diegan who is bravely tagging along and i dont think squatting is high on her list of wants this weekend...however, if it involves solitude, ill convince her holding onto a tree is a life changing experience...

priority
#1 solitude
#2 good fishing
#3 NO drunken lullabies or RVs
#4 nice views/sunset possibilities

NOTE this is dual posted in TGRskiing....

[MakersTeleMark]

I'd car camp on westin pass, then fish the ark below the hatchery.

1/2 moon will be really crowded with 14er types. For more developed camping, I'd suggest turquoise lake, but given the holiday w/e, you will see a bunch of folks.

[nufenstein]

thanks for nfo...appreciate it

[nufenstein]

about how long is the drive up to weston pass off of 24? Whats the bear situation like?

[MakersTeleMark]

You don't need to go more than a couple of miles past Mount Massive Lakes (don't even think of fishing them - private trout club) to find pleanty of car camping opportunities on your right. It usually takes me about 15-20 minutes to get to the first gas station in the ville from where I camp. I've never encountered any bear, or bear sign up there.

[nufenstein]

Hey man i guess il owe you a few brookies for all this good info...i am assuming thats what the hatchery produces...wherabouts is the Ark? is it obvious once i start driving up there? Feel free to pm me if you dont want to give any secrets away..

[MakersTeleMark]

I've got plenty of fish, but thanks. You are going to have to poke around the area, it will be worth it.

Here is a start, but focuses mostly on downstream areas:

http://www.fourteenernet.com/summer/fishing/arkansas.htm

http://coloradofishing.net/ft_caddis.htm

Look at a map for sure and don't trespass.