Summer is here! Upon the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend, everyone is antsy to get their camping gear out and head for the hills. Typically by this time of the year it is starting to get too warm for desert camping, but with the heavy snowfall the mountains received this year, most campgrounds will be opening late for the summer season. On the Grand Mesa, the snow level is almost as high as the roof at the visitor center. During my recent trip to Denver, I looked out the window of the plane and saw the mountains heavily frosted with snow, which made me think it may be July before I set up camp in the basins of my favorite mountain areas. Even if the snow melts off quickly, mountain campsites and trails will remain muddy for a period of time, especially those areas that are north facing.
If you are ready for camping season to start, plan a few trips for lower elevations while the temperatures are still cool enough for desert adventures.
Primitive Desert Camping
There are a few important things to know about primitive desert camping. First, water is not available, campers will always need to pack in their own water. In general, it is a good idea to pack one gallon of water per day per person, this will allow for enough water for drinking, cooking, and brushing your teeth. Second, reservations are not available for these sites; they are all first-come-first-serve. Third, there are rarely trash cans available so plan to pack out everything you bring in. When setting up camp in dispersed camping, be sure to adhere to all rules and reduce your impact as much as possible.
If you like a little dirt and want ample space to play near your campsite, try Rabbit Valley, which has plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for off-highway vehicles (OHV), equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers. Rabbit Valley is a large recreation area, located within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, approximately 10 miles from the UT/CO border. Dispersed camping is available for both trailers and tents. There are also a handful of established group and individual camp sites equipped with vault toilets and picnic tables. Some roads are rough, especially after a heavy rain; high clearance vehicles are recommended, but a standard car can easily navigate most of the roads in Rabbit Valley. Hikers looking to have the trail to themselves should try McDonald Creek Trail, which is roughly 3.5 miles round trip, features rock art, and will lead all the way out to the river, following the wash. Another great hike is the Rabbit Ears Trail, which is rated moderate to strenuous and is close to 7 miles round trip, but has excellent views of the Grand Valley and the Colorado River. Mountain Bikers looking for a long cross-country ride should give the Western Rim Trail a try, this is an intermediate skill level trail and ranges from 11-14 miles round trip depending on the route and intersecting trail sections. The scenery on Western Rim is vastly changing, riding over the top of several small canyons, slick rock, and views of the La Sal Mountains on a clear day.
Mountain Bikers can hit up the famous 18 Road trails, located in the north Fruita Desert along the Bookcliffs, 12 miles north of downtown Fruita. There are 31 trails, the majority are rated intermediate to advanced, some for beginners and kids, and a few recommended only for the expert rider. 18 Road also includes 58 campsites each site contains a fire ring with a grate and a picnic table, and limited shade offered by the pinyon pine and juniper trees. Vault toilets are also dispersed among the clusters of campsites. Each designated site is $10.00 per night. Dispersed camping is available, but it must be outside of the trail system and it requires the use of a portable toilet and fire pan. 18 Road is a perfect spot for those that enjoy doing multiple rides throughout the day with short siestas mid-day to refuel and enjoy the camaraderie of other riders, sharing stories of each epic ride. During your stay, if you need a break from the dirt, head into Fruita for a meal, and if you happen to be in town on a Thursday, check out the free live music in Civic Center Park; part of the Thursday Night Concert Series.
Established Camping
Enjoy boating, paddle boarding, or swimming? Make an overnight reservation at Highline Lake State Park, located in Loma, CO. Highline Lake is a great place to camp with 36 camp sites that have access to flush toilets, potable water, coin operated showers, trash receptacles, picnic tables, fire rings, and charcoal grills. In addition, camp sites also have grass and lots of shade. This is a relaxing destination for families, kids, and an adventure for the outdoor enthusiast. There are so many activities, Highline Lake has something for everyone. Bring your water craft and ski or fish on the lake; if you enjoy water sports, but don’t own your own boat, jet skis and paddle boards are available for rent. There is a great swim beach and plenty of room to play in the water, so pack along water toys and floaters for the kids. If you enjoy yoga, try yoga on a paddle board. SUP yoga classes are frequently offered near the swim beach, check out GJ SUP for info on rentals, classes, and tours. Mountain biking and hiking are also popular activities, with a selection of single-track trails looping around the reservoir. Biking is also a great way to get around the camp ground. Roadies will love the scenery as they head out of the State Park on a road ride through open fields and farm land. Highline Lake is also home to many bird species and an assortment of critters, pack binoculars for wildlife viewing. Sand volley ball and a playground will also keep the kids occupied during their stay. State parks rangers host lectures and interpretive programs for visitors of all ages. With all the opportunities, visitors can easily spend their whole vacation in the park.
Looking for a glamping experience? Head out to Palisade, CO for a stay at Base Camp RV Resort, which features country home suites, cabins and cottages, RV camping with full hookups, and tent camping. Base Camp also has a centralized bath house with flush toilets, hot showers, plenty of space to get ready for the day, and a laundry facility. If you enjoy river sports, Base Camp has river access for rafters and floaters. Bring your bike along and enjoy a ride into Palisade to visit the shops, check out the weekly Farmer’s Market, or visit a selection of wineries and farms. There are a few hiking trails that are only a short drive away. Palisade Rim Trail offers great views of the entire Grand Valley, vinelands, and Mt Garfield and there are two sections; a four mile loop and a 12 mile loop. Follow I-70 east a few miles to Cameo at exit 46 and take a hike in Coal Canyon or Main Canyon to try to spot the wild mustangs. After each adventure, head back to Base Camp for a dip the heated pool or lounge in the shade and enjoy the 360 degree scenery of your camp-site.
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