Flat Tops and Adams Lake

White river national forest must have more lakes than any other national forest in Colorado. The Flat Tops are a lime stone wonderland filled with springs, caves, sinks and lakes. We were on the flat tops looking for a cave that we never found. Our destination was Adams Lake. We had already attempted to make Adams Lake but we had been stopped by a large mud hole in the road.

A new day brought a new attempt to make the lake taking an alternate route. After exiting the south route back to Bison Lake our friend in the Jeep headed home and we decided to attempt the north route to Adams.  I had been told that the route was not nearly as muddy and should be an easy drive.  What we found was a rocky and twisty decent into the valley where Adams Lake is located.

Climb to Adams Lake

We continued the drive south and then up the climb to Adams Lake making camp at about 12:30. Adams Lake is a great fishing destination with the lake nestled below a long limestone cliff band.

Adams Lake

 

It rained on us most of the afternoon so we were unable to explore the sink hole that I wanted to look at. Instead we hung out a camp and did a few hikes looking for other caving options.

The following morning brought sunshine and warmer temperatures. We packed up and got a start home at about 9:30. We took the south road as our route out. There is a very rocky climb out of the valley that Adam Lake is in. This climb requires high clearance and 4 wheel drive. Pulling the trailer there was one point where I had to use A-Trak and the rear locker to get enough traction.  The rest of the drive out was relatively uneventful with one mud hole in the road being a challenge. This was the same hole that we got stuck in 3 nights prior. With a downhill run through the hole it was little problem for the Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Serious Mud on the Flat Tops

 

On the drive out we stopped and enjoyed the wonderful view of Deep Creek from the overlook then it was back home to Colorado Springs.

View From the Deep Creek Overlook

One Muddy FJ Cruiser

 

Adams Lake Google Earth KML file

tomas

Tomas has lived in Colorado since age 5. Having grown up on the Western Slope of Colorado lots of time was spent in the Desert Southwest. Tomas' father introduced him to the love of 4 wheeling at an early age in the high mountains around Aspen, Colorado. While an avid Mountain Biker, Tomas and his Family enjoy adventures in the mountains and desert in the remote locations that can only be reached by 4wd. Day hikes are always a must when on the family trips. While enjoying outdoor activities he wants to share his love as a certified 4wd trainer and ski instructor. Tomas also enjoys caving and cave exploration. Tomas currently resides in Colorado Springs. 

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