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Take me to the river

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Contributed by: Michael Rule on 2/7/2007

Getting a little cabin feverish? How many of you have taken the easy road trip to the South Platte River and the Deckers area?

The South Platte forms the western border of Douglas County. Susan and I went down there the other day and it was spectacular. We had the road pretty much to ourselves, which was a good thing, as at times the snow plow had left it a little narrow for two way traffic.

Back in the late 70's and early 80's the river was quite the weekend party hangout. Trucks and cars were parked everywhere, bonfires would blaze and kegs of beer were more common than fishermen. It is safe to say it was a little out of control.

Since then the Forest service has formed parking areas and done a good job of taming the place down. Go down there during the week and you'll likely have most of it to yourself. Even on the weekend the area is much more family friendly, with camping areas available.

The South Platte is also a renowned gold medal trout river. The regulations as far as what is allowed for fishing are posted at several rest areas. One of my unfulfilled lifetime goals is to learn fly fishing. I am sure more information is available when you pick up your required license. Some areas are open for bait, some are lures and flies only so be sure you know where on the river you are.

Getting to the river is easy, although at this time of year I would recommend a 4WD vehicle. As Douglas County seems to be the SUV capitol of the world, for most of us that shouldn't be an issue!

Go to Sedalia and turn west on Hwy 67. Just stay on 67. After about 8 miles you will enter Jarre Canyon and start going up. The road winds around through beautiful foothills country. You will pass Rampart Range Road on your left and begin a descent that eventually takes you to the Sprucewood Bar. The Sprucewood, as it is affectionately known, has seen it's share of wild times over the years, but was pretty quiet when we went by the other day.

There is a Y intersection at the Sprucewood. Either way will get you to the river, but you will want to stay to the right. It is more direct, and I am not sure the road to the left is even plowed during the winter. Save that for exploring in the summer.

Both ways also turn to dirt here. Going right you will come to a steep hill that will take you all the way down to the river. Flatlanders tend to get a little nervous here. You don't necassarily need a 4WD, but it is a comforting thing to have on the way back up. This section can be a little slick if there is snow or mud present.

Once you reach the river itself, you will be at a T intersection. Go left and you will eventually reach Deckers, and if you keep going you can get all the way to Woodland Park. Go right and you will come to the confluence of the North Fork and the South Fork, where they merge and head down into Waterton Canyon.

On the hillsides above you are the blackened skeletons of trees that burned during the Hayman and Pine wildfires. South of Deckers you will drive through an area where the fire crossed the road and burned down the Horse Creek Tavern, a favorite watering hole from years gone by.

As you enjoy the serenity and beauty of this area, contemplate if you will the fact that this entire area at one time was slated to be flooded forever by the creation of Two Forks Dam. Strong local opposition and environmental concerns have shelved this proposal. Will our unquenchable thirst for more water for our lawns and landscaping bring the dam back to life? Time will tell.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Michael Rule

Larkspur , CO

Michael Rule has posted 47 stories and 542 comments since joining on 2/23/2006. Michael Rule 's average story rating is 4.94.

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