Before the mountains rapidly changed seasons to winter, we were able to get some moments of solitude and isolation through camping. **Disclaimer: These trips were my first two times doing some big boy camping.** Albeit slightly scary with some unexpected events, it was such a good time to disconnect, enjoy the company with our good friends, and plunge into nature to just be present.
Adventure Numero Uno: Beaver Reservoir Road - Ward, CO
So, our first camping trip was a little past Brainard Lake Recreation Area, near the Boys Scout Camp and St. Vrain Trailhead - that was like, real dispersed camping, or to me it was. We traveled through the main road, veered off onto a side road, and continued through bumps and lumps and trees to a very desolate spot. I liked it. We were with good company and I was really plopped into the camping experience. We made tacos, enjoyed some drinks, and did the whole camping thang. We were awoken by a bear trying to steal the Yeti - he must like Press Hard Seltzers. What can I say? Smokey has good taste. This slightly (quickly) sent me into a mild (big) panic attack BUT, I made it with the help of our handy dandy Mazda CX-5 car alarm ;)
The next day we made the trek to Rocky Mountain National Park and did the Sky Pond Hike (last phot or above top right), my favorite hike, and it ended up being the best weather. The fall leaves were peakinnnnn' and the sun was shining! We returned just before dinner, made some burgers, drank some dranks, made some sh'mores, attempted some card games, and then slept nice and snug in our tents. Jk, I slept in their camper because I am not getting woken up yet again by Smokey.
Review: It was a quick trip but a great experience! The location was great to camp as it is approximately an hour and a half outside of Denver and about 20 minutes away from Netherland. It is easy to find with lots of stuff to do nearby - rivers, hikes, national and state parks, and towns nearby for provisions.
Adventure Numero Dos: Peru Creek Road #260 - Keystone, CO
The next camping adventure was, well, an adventure. This time several more people joined, we had a SICK location down Peru Creek Road #260, outside of Keystone, nuzzled amidst Loveland Pass. It was downright ethereal. We all set up our spots, had dinner going, sat amongst some rainfall, and soaked (literally) in the night. We woke up to about 2 inches of snow, which I'm like, WTF? I was not expecting this, I knew it would be cold, but snow?! It just felt weird.
And the adventure begun. It was freezing and I didn't realize we were camping in a snowfield. It started to clear a bit, so we could explore our surroundings. The water was so insane, it has some magical properties FOR SURE. Maybe some anti-aging properties or botox-in-a-river? We hiked up the opposite way and received a really wide span view of the mountains we borrowed for our living quarters. Lastly, we climbed the boulder field to take in a bird's eye view of our surroundings. I felt very child-like as we wandered through the forrest just intrigued with curiosity. As we continued, we learned we were surrounded by 360 degrees worth of mountains and it was mystical.
And then.... a blizzard. Truly, a whiteout. No, it didn't snow us in or anything, but it was coming down hard to the point where we were looking around like should we do this? Is this safe? Do we leave?
Luckily, we were with some prepared individuals with quick, impromptu thinking. We (they) set up a canopy next to the fire, underneath the trees, put the food in the canopy, backed a car in, hung up some tents, and just made ourselves a comfy, warm fort. Although the blizzards were on and off, whiteout to not, wind whipping to peaceful - it was very tranquil to be outside, in the middle of nowhere, living through some strange, typically unideal circumstances. I embraced every second of it. Maybe not at that exact moment, but I knew once I was in the car home, I'd look back and be grateful to experience something unique like we had.
And, I know you are all wondering, but no bears came (!!!). They must've been snuggled up with their blankets and s'mores, too. We all woke up at sunrise, packed up, and headed back to 90 degree Denver!
Review: This is also a quick find right outside of Keystone, about 10 minutes and approximately 1.5 hours from Denver. If you want to find secluded happiness, tranquility amongst the mountains, and serene beauty surrounding you - please go here. It will not disappointment. I recommend traveling two to three miles up the road to get the best views and there are ample camp sites of all sizes. We had three tents, a camper, four dogs, a huge canopy, and three cars and we still had a lot of space to play with.
Sidebar: We did not do a hike on Peru Creek Road due to the conditions - and we had other activities like painting, reading, hammocking - that were also rudely interrupted due to the adverse weather conditions - but a good hike to do on this trailhead that we have done previously is:
Chihuahua Lake Trailhead (pictured above right / last photo): hard / 7.8 mi RT / 1879 ft elev gain / out & back.
* The lake is the most unreal blue with dramatic, jagged edge mountains protecting the lake. It is a tougher hike yet totally manageable. Also, you really can't drive to the actual trailhead unless you have a 4x4 or some sort of helicopter, but if you park right on Peru Creek Road, AllTrails shows the trail beginning there *
I think, out of both experiences, the message I managed to receive or the lesson I learned, is camping is just one huge mindfulness practice. It allows you to be present, stare at the fire, try to start a fire, take in the scenery surrounding, and just sit and be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Disconnecting allows for introspection and delving deep into yourself to learn more about who you are without the everyday distractions at our fingertips. My soul is rejuvenated and I feel cleansed.
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