CSP - Northup Lumber Camp Traditional Geocache

Northup Lumber Camp

This geocache is part of Colorado's South Park GeoTour, which means you can win prizes by finding 20 or more caches. Visit our website for more information and to download your GeoTour Passport!

Container Type: Lock & Lock
Code Location: Inside container
Access Info: This cache is located on USFS property.
Winter Access: Park at the winter closure gate and hike up the road.

Northup was one of the last operating lumber camps in Lost Park and was of considerable size during the height of its operation in the 1950s. The camp was operated by Tom Northup, Jr. and contained at least ten structures for the isolated workers, but seems to have been demolished by the 1960s. Little remains of the camp today, but those with sharp eyes might spot evidence of the former sawmill site. A maze of old logging roads crosses the north side of Topaz Mountain as well as the ridge that separates Lost Park from the meadow above; please follow all posted signage when exploring these roads.

Northup Lumber Camp in the winter of 1956, courtesy of the Park County Local History Archives

Take the Lost Park Road (County Road 56) southeast from Highway 285 past the winter closure gate. Drive for approximately 16 miles until you see Forest Service Road 825 and turn left. It is a short walk to the cache if you park on the road.