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Ben Stabley
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Nov 12, 2015
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Portland, OR
· Joined Sep 2014
· Points: 207
I'm planning to go to Ouray for a week in January after the festival with a friend and do some ice climbing at the park. This will be our first time ice climbing, and first time visiting Ouray. We're planning to meet up with a few other experienced folks who have visited Ouray a few times. We are hoping it'll be acceptable to drive there and sleep in my van, since we can't practically afford to stay in a hotel like the folks we're meeting up with. However, I'm a bit worried about getting harassed by the police or other authorities. Are the powers in Ouray generally accepting of a temporary transient who does his best to be respectful and maintain a low profile? Are there any recommended, ideally free, spots to park overnight? Any other tips? We're planning to hire guides for a few days, purchase park memberships, etc, so it's not as if we're leaches on the Ouray economy...just want to save a little money. Thanks!
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sean o
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Nov 12, 2015
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Northern, NM
· Joined Oct 2012
· Points: 48
I did this a few years ago, sleeping in my truck at one of the pullouts a few miles up Red Mountain Pass without any problems. You can get a cheap shower (and a nice warm soak) at the public hot springs on the lower end of town.
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Bill Kirby
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Nov 12, 2015
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Keene New York
· Joined Jul 2012
· Points: 480
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George W
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Nov 12, 2015
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Unknown Hometown
· Joined Sep 2015
· Points: 6
There are lots of dirtbags around here, so it's not unusual. Though, I can't speak to the cops typical behavior. If it's real cold, consider driving toward Ridgway/Montrose because the weather can be significantly different. Otherwise, I think you'll find a suitable pullout in the pass. Definitely go to Ourale house for a pint, or three. Hutch is an old dirtbag climber and has a wealth of info and funny history for those who fit in with his unique establishment. You have to like craft beer, don't ask for a Blue Moon ;)
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Kevin Zagorda
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Nov 12, 2015
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Glen Haven, Co
· Joined Jul 2008
· Points: 600
I've seen people camping at pullouts along Camp Bird Road - much quieter than Red Mtn Pass.
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Elias Jordan
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Nov 13, 2015
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Mazama, WA
· Joined Nov 2011
· Points: 136
Its very easy to car camp and sleep in the town of Ouray. Be friendly and low-key. If you're looking for a shower, feel free to message me. -Elias
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Ben Stabley
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Nov 14, 2015
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Portland, OR
· Joined Sep 2014
· Points: 207
Thanks all for your advice. I'm looking forward to the trip!
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garrettem
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Nov 16, 2015
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Unknown Hometown
· Joined Mar 2008
· Points: 575
I would second staying on camp bird rather than red mtn. Much closer to climbing and town than most, if not all the pull offs on Red mtn.
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Dave Burny
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Nov 20, 2015
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buffalo, ny
· Joined Mar 2013
· Points: 50
Enjoy, it's a fun place! Check out (even if just to hang after a climb) the hotel with a sauna basement (natural springs) pretty neat!
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ColinM McKim
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Nov 21, 2015
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Frederick, CO
· Joined Feb 2012
· Points: 50
It's a bit of a drive, but there's plenty of free BLM land to camp on west of Montrose off 90. Warmer too than in the mountains.
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Kevin Zagorda
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Nov 21, 2015
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Glen Haven, Co
· Joined Jul 2008
· Points: 600
Dave Burny wrote:Enjoy, it's a fun place! Check out (even if just to hang after a climb) the hotel with a sauna basement (natural springs) pretty neat! The Weisbaden "Radon Cave"
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