Travel Diaries: Camping in Colorado

Traveling is something that both Tristan and I love to do. We are lucky that we both are willing to make sacrifices elsewhere so we can set aside funds to use for traveling. There is something magical about getting away together, exploring new places, and making new memories. I always come back from vacation feeling refreshed and renewed. 

For Tristan's 30th birthday, he decided on camping in Colorado once the Zika virus had pretty much scared us into staying in the US (no, I am not pregnant, but still don't want the virus :) ). We decided we would make it an adventurous trip and bring Moose with us.

Typically I do all of our trip planning, but I let Tristan take the reins on this one. The itinerary we decided on was stay the first night in Colorado Springs, camp 2 nights outside of Salida, then stay our last night in a hotel in the town of Salida.

My responsibility was finding 2 hotels that allowed pets. Not only did they have to allow pets, but there also couldn't be a weight limit. A lot of conversations ended with the 50 lb. weight limit, but I was successful in finding 2 hotels!

We left early after work on Wednesday and made it to Colorado Springs in decent time. Although we were apprehensive, Moose did amazing in the car. He slept most of the time. It was about midnight when we checked in so we pretty much crashed (Moose loved the king size bed).

The next morning we woke up early eager to hit the road and head to our campsite. Tristan knew that the campsite was about 10 miles on a dirt road off one of the main Salida highways so we figured it wouldn't take us too long to get there. WRONG.

As we pulled off the highway, the dirt road started out fine and we were cruising. The further we went, the rockier the road started getting, and the wiggle room between the road and the edge of the mountain was diminishing. I was starting to get a little nervous.... 

Long story short, the road was probably meant for off-roading in Jeeps- luckily we had my 4Runner and made it fine but it took us 2 HOURS to drive 10 miles. We also lost service about halfway there- which I expected but it made me a little apprehensive. The views were definitely worth the drive though, they were beautiful! 

Once we finally made it to the North Fork campground I was in awe of how beautiful it was. We were at about 11,000 Ft elevation and the campsite was right next to a beautiful lake. But, we were the ONLY ones up there. Now, I didn't expect the campsite to be full, but I always imagined a few other campers. I was counting on them if Tristan got attacked by a bear and I had to get us to safety. But, it was just Tristan, Moose, and me.....

Tristan could see that I was starting to get a little nervous but he assured me that we would be perfectly fine, so we committed and set up camp and explored around. As the sun started to set we started a campfire, made dinner, and enjoyed some wine next to the fire. There was something so relaxing (and terrifying) being in the middle of the mountains without cell reception, and without anyone else around. 

(Moose is such a tough pup that we had to get his bed out of the car because he kept circling around and wouldn't lay down...)

Unfortunately mother nature didn't cooperate with us and after a full night and morning of rain and really cool temps, we decided one night of camping was enough. Luckily, the rain stopped long enough to fish and hike around the lake for awhile before we packed up and headed down the mountain.

Again, so tough... 

The drive down the mountain was much more enjoyable since I knew what I was getting into, so I really enjoyed the views and we stopped quite a few times to take pictures. Photography has always been an interest of mine, so I always love opportunities to try improve my skills. 

The last day Tristan biked down Monarch Pass and I explored the town of Salida with Moose. 

The trip went by too fast, as they always do, and I am already wanting to go back. If you haven't been to Colorado in the fall, or to Colorado in general- I highly recommend it. It has always been one of our favorite places to vacation but being there in the fall took my love to another level. 

Now to plan the next trip... 

Thanks for reading- hope you enjoyed the pictures!

XOXO, Jenny