DUTCH TOWN CAMPSITE

Number of Sites - 1
Privy - No
Distance From Trailhead - 6.2 miles
Campsite Elevation/Elevations Gain From Trailhead - 10,760/1,700 feet

Review

Located 6 miles from the Colorado River Trailhead, it is up mountain all the way. There is a long, boring walk along the Grand Ditch, which you reach after 4 miles of climbing. The site is across the ditch up a steep grade.

There is a pretty view of the valley just below the site where you can gather water. If you plan to go to the Lake of the Clouds walk up this valley to the boulder field just beyond rather than go back to the trail which will be about a half mile further.

When you reach the site DO NOT put you tent (room for 2 is really tight) in the flat area by the arrowhead. If you look carefully at the photo you will see that the ground begins to rise to the right of my son's timberline tent. When it rains (as it does nearly every afternoon) the entire camp area goes under about 4-6 inches of water. The sites acts like a bowl and holds vast amounts of rainwater that will float your tent. My little blue tent stayed dry but my son's was under water. There is no other area at the site to pitch a tent, unless you have a small single person tent, then you might be OK at the general location where I was standing to take the picture. Biting insects are also in abundance. I strongly recommend staying at Hitchens Gulch, only .2 miles back down the trail.

Pros = beautiful location, short and easy walk to water, closest camp to Lake of the Clouds (a must see place)
Cons = If it rains--YOU WILL DROWN!!!