1st-time volunteer & camper @ Mary D. Illium!

[Borntobuild]

Hi, I'm Lauren 30 yr old from Houston! I attended the fest way back in '08 & loved it, and so I'm finally coming back for Round 2 this year & am in search of friends and info!  I will be traveling with my husband, Chris & the plan is to fly into Denver on June 7th & rent a car - hiking, camping & checking out breweries on the way to Telluride  We haven't booked camping yet for the fest, but since Town Park is sold out, I'm Ieaning towards Mary D over Lawson, since it seems a bit more chill.  This will be my 1st time volunteering, and this is my hubby's 1st time in CO ever, so naturally we are so excited to meet people & enjoy the fest. If there are any fellow TX folks or people camping at Mary D who would like to meet up, we'll bring the brew  And if anyone has any tips on 'must do' CO hikes (we are on the more 'intense' side - did Torres del Paine Q circuit in Patagonia, Inca Trail, etc) or any other suggestions for breweries, things to do, etc - please share! Thanks!! x

 Listening to: Milkdrive

[tupelohoney]

Welcome back! While I can't speak to your camping questions, I'd recommend looking into the following hikes for a great taste of the San Juans:

1. Ice Lakes Basin above Silverton. There will probably still be snow in the basin - make the extra jaunt up to Island Lake - it's worth the effort!

2. Climb 14er Mt. Sneffels from the Blue Lakes side, or if your car has 4wd do it the shorter way from Yankee Boy Basin.

3. Look into the Owl Pass and Silverjack Reservoir area - I've driven up that way, but have never had the opportunity to hike there and it looks amazing!

[TellurideTom]

It's Mary E. Ilium, and I wouldn't wait too long to buy your camping passes as they will sell out soon.

[mountainjam]

14ers are great but will likely be holding lots of snow in early-mid June, especially this year. I just checked out a trip report from Mt Sneffels from June 15 of last year and it was a full-on snow climb. If you're planning an alpine hike/climb you'll want to keep an eye on current conditions closer to when you leave. Probably the same for Ice Lake/Island Lake. Spectacular area, one of the prettiest in CO, but check current conditions closer to festival.

Rest assured though there will be tons of great hiking opportunities and breweries along the way. One thing to decide is which route you are taking from Denver to Telluride? The two main routes are I70 through Summit County/Grand Junction or 285 through Buena Vista/Gunnison/Black Canyon. I would tend to pick 285, it's going to be more scenic and you'll be driving past the southern Sawatch Range which usually melts out quicker than other areas. I know of several great breweries on either route. You can't go wrong either way, but that would be something fun to research over the next several months. Happy planning 

 Listening to: GSBG

[fivetornadoes]

the crater lake hike at maroon bells is a great hike. maroon bells is a must if it's yer first time to CO

best place to spend a night or 2 is right here
http://avalancheranch.com/

driving back to denver via independence pass is also great

all if u have extra time

[Pass Port]

Welcome B2B!   

I haven't camped at Mary E. but hear it is pretty a cool spot with some great festivarians that camp there year after year. It is also the farthest out so you bring everything you need with you when you leave in the morning. Weather here can change quickly, even the temperature drop from a sunny day to clear night can be dramatic.

That said you mentioned Town Park, and while it sells out in a lottery, tickets will show up on the Ticket section of this forum. I'd still get 2 Mary E. camping passes like Tom said, just so you are covered. Personally ... I stumbled onto a TP pass my first year only 2 weeks out, the same way as I mentioned. That TP experience has changed my life ... I bet many would also say that.

Loads of great hiking, climbing, and mountaineering especially in the San Juans! There is a very popular technical hike just up canyon from T-ride. It is fashioned from the euro style iron ladders found all over the Alps, hence its' name Via Ferratta. Most people use a guide service, which is why so many are doing it. If you have your own gear you can do it yourselves and avoid the crowds. Still great views and adrenaline rush!!

Hope to see you and Chris in June!