We camped at Lake Pueblo, Colorado on this first trip of the season. I was anxious to discover if everything still worked on the camper after sitting unused in storage for 5 1/2 months. Fortunately, there were no issues, although it was still too cold at night to test the water pump. The heat and electrical systems all checked out okay though - hopefully a good omen for the rest of the season.
This was my first time camping in this area, and it turned into a real adventure as we explored miles of single track biking at this scenic Colorado state park. We camped at the Arkansas Point Campground, and joined several friends on this Easter weekend mountain biking trip.The landscape is a rocky, dry, canyon area that has been dammed to create a reservoir that is enjoyed by boaters and fishermen. Cactus sentinels guard the limestone cliffs that rise dramatically out of the high desert, and Pikes Peak is ever present on the distant horizon.
Miles of mountain biking trails surround the area, crossing deep gorges, following the shore line, and rising over high cliffs. At times, it sounded like we were riding across broken glass as we biked through dry stream beds that are littered with sharp, broken shale. I was certain I was going to end up with a flat tire miles from camp, and so I was constantly checking to make sure my tire pressure was still good. Everything turned out okay, but carrying an extra tube and pump is advised. In many places the trails became rocky and steep, challenging even the most seasoned cyclists in our group. It is a fantastic landscape with views at every turn of the trail.
Saturday was very windy, so instead of grilling out over the camp fire for dinner, we opted for some local Mexican cuisine and margaritas in Pueblo. If you are in the area, I recommend Mi Ranchito just a short distance from the campground.It was a wonderful trip, and everyone seemed to have a great time. Although the weather was comfortable during the day, I'm looking forward to returning later in the season when it is warmer and checking out the many options for swimming and boating.
Many more pictures of this trip can be found here.
If you go:
Lake Pueblo State Park is located 125 miles south of Denver. The park requires an $8/day vehicle pass + camping fee ($20/night). The Arkansas Point campground has paved pads (many of them are pull throughs), electrical hookups, picnic shelters, and fire rings. There are flush toilets, laundry, and pay shower facilities ($.50 for 3 minutes) on site. Although when we visited, there was no hot water - (exhilarating!). There are fresh water spigots scattered throughout the campground, but no water/sewer hookups at individual sites. Firewood can be purchased at the campground entrance.
