This weekend we decided to venture in to the Culebra Range of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of the…read moreSan Isabel National Forest to enjoy the wildflowers and try our hand at fishing. The headwaters of the rainbow trout-stocked Purgatoire River run through Purgatoire Campground and we were lucky enough to pitch our tents just a few paces from it this weekend; the crashing and tumbling water providing a surprisingly perfect "white noise" each night for slumber. The area surrounding the river is absolutely stunning with wildflowers and dense aspen and conifer growth everywhere. And, as is usually the case, it isn't until after we experience a place such as this that I become curious about its history. This weekend was no exception. Just 30 minutes of research this morning revealed an intriguing irony: the attraction and abundant life that characterizes the Purgatoire River is shrouded in historical mystery, hardship, and death: "It was once thought that Spanish explorers, namely a party led by Francisco Leyva de Bonilla in 1593, were the first to visit the Purgatoire River in the sixteenth century. An attack by Native Americans killed all but one of the Bonilla party at some point after it left New Mexico and reached the Great Plains. The attack was initially thought to have occurred on the Purgatoire; the river was so named because of the unblessed Catholic souls that were allegedly sent to el purgatorio--purgatory--along its banks. The name stuck (its current version is French), but the river may be named for the souls of men who never reached it--the location of the Bonilla expedition's demise remains uncertain." (Ref: https://coloradoencyclopedia.org/article/las-animas-county) At any rate, it is well worth the 2-1/2 hour drive from Colorado Springs to visit this alluring area and imagine what it was like before paved roads, iPhones, and grocery stores. To get there: Purgatoire Campground GPS coordinates are: (Latitude, Longitude): 37.2525, -105.10917 37°15'9"N, 105°6'33"W From La Veta, Colorado, take State Route 12 south for 25.3 miles to Purgatoire campground sign. Turn right onto gravel Route 34. Go 0.2 miles to "T" intersection. Turn right and drive 4 miles on rough gravel road to campground. The campground is very clean and monitored by camp hosts, Helga and Larry. I recommend Site 4, in particular, because it sits on the river and is sandwiched in between just one other campsite to the right and open space and the 5-mile North Fork Trail trailhead to the left.

An Afternoon Well Spent !!…read more It has been many years since I've been to the Raton area and typically whenever I was in the area it was just a quick to use the bathroom or get gas. On this visit, it was on a Friday afternoon and I had a few hours to kill and wanted to actually see some of the area. I remembered from years past that there were some lakes up in the mountains that I had always wanted to see and now was my chance. The Park is only about 20 miles from Raton and the roads were not that busy. The drive up is really nice as you see mountains, hills ranches, and some great scenery. On the way to Lake Maloya I stopped at one of the smaller lakes, Lake Alice and spent about half an hour checking it out. There really isn't access to that lake but you can tell its frequented by anglers. It is a nice small scenic lake. I then made my way up to Lake Maloya which is a reservoir for the area and right on the Colorado border. The lake is magnificent!! On a nice warm summer day, there was a nice breeze and no bugs. There were boaters on the lake, some people canoeing and some campers but it was not that busy at all. I spent a good two hours stopping and driving farther up the lake until I came to the gate that takes you to Dorothy Lake ( for another time). The views are just amazing, I suggest bringing a canoe or kayak and spending a good day there. I'm not sure if there is swimming since I didn't see anyone swimming in the water. Next up was Sugarite Canyon, and when you stop at the main entrance they use the honour system where you pay, so please pay!!! I made my way to the visitors center and got a map of the trails. The canyon is a great place to hike and I saw no one else on the trail and felt like I had the place to myself. I can't describe how nice it was walking through the canyon, and all there is to see. I highly recommend hiking with a buddy since it is in a remote area and I saw a few different animal tracks as I made my way through the trails. In short, this area is worth a visit, you can spend a few hours there or a few days, its truly part of the magnificence that is New Mexico.

Google know all about this place but not yelp? We are fixing…read morethat right now. As the parks service says "The nature enthusiast will appreciate the abundance of wildlife, birds, butterflies, and wildflowers among the lakes, creeks, forests, and meadows. Nearly all outdoor recreation activities are possible: Fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, and camping." All true. This is a huge park. Full of lakes, trails & wildlife. We took a 6 mile loop trail starting at the dam yesterday and saw NO ONE else. Lots of scat indicate there lots of moose and bear around, so be aware. There are numerous other trails as well add the aforementioned activities. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area.

I loved this spot. We have not been out to camp in a while now. I chose this spot mainly because of…read morethe lake. The pictures I had found were beautiful. Unfortunately for us it was not a swimming lake. It is for fishing, kayaking. In any case, it was just gorgeous. There was many campsites that you can reserve online but since we just decided to go on a whim, we got a first come first serve campsite. I believe there are 10 of them available. As of right now, the restrooms are open and well maintained. The camping area was very clean and we ended up in a great spot and just had a great time. Campsite #20 sold batches of wood for guests convenience but you can also cut your own wood if you chose to do so. Also for those that like to drink, alcohol was allowed as well as campfires. And if you happen to forget anything there is a Liquor store 15-20 minutes away.

Great camp ground right next to the Lake! You can buy firewood and had the cleanest bathroom we…read morehave come across for a camp ground. It was cleaned or checked 3-4 times a day. Staff were amazingly friendly. Lake Isabel has Perch that we're delicious over the camp fire!

I would rate it 0 . the gentleman that drive the side by sides , are rude as hell and I wouldn't…read morecome to this place . they handle stuff very poorly

So beautiful and peaceful! Very nice spot! We didn't catch any fish from the shore and most we saw…read morewere pretty small, however still a beautiful and relaxing experience

This place is crazy cheap, 11 bucks a night, and just beautiful. The campsites are spread out, so…read moreyou are not on top of each other, there is no tourist traffic to the Falls because the campground is off to the side, and the views of the mountains and Great Sand Dunes is just beautiful from here. And the sunsets.....stunning! The campsite itself is very clean. There are vault toilets which we didn't use due to having an RV, so I cannot speak to those. There are no dump stations or amenities, but when you come prepared you don't need that. Definitely come prepared because the nearest store is Alamosa. We absolutely would come back and stay here!

This campground is about 9 miles from the Great Sand Dunes national park. You'll have views of the…read moredunes from up there. To get here from the main road will take about 15mins/3.5miles uphill. Camp sites are first come first serve. We arrived during sunset at around 6pm on Labor Day weekend and was able to secure the last spot. Get there early for awesome sites with amazing views. The one we stayed at did not have views but we were able to stargaze as the location is pretty dark. This is walking distance to the Zapata Falls trailhead so expect a lot of people arriving to hike by early morning.

I took a "donner pass" style shortcut through the rockies during a blizzard, and ended up stuck in…read morea ditch by the side of the road on US 165. One of the proprietors actually towed my car for me, to the campground, and helped me start it the next morning. You know how sometimes in the mountains, two of the "ridges" in the mountains will come together to form a little valley-like spot in the heights? That's where Pine Lodge is. The cabins are warm, even in deep snow, and well appointed with leather sofas, stoves, sinks, bathrooms and beds, the lake brims with trout, and the proprietors are helpful and neighborly beyond any of my expectations. P.S. Do not underestimate "mountain gazing" as an activity. Seriously.

My second stay at the The Pine Lodge in Rye, CO was less than stellar. Being in and out, mostly…read moreout of the cabin, during the 2 day stay, it wasn't until the second day I realized how much dirt was on the floor. Grabbing the broom I swept the whole cabin and came up with a considerable pile which I had to sweep in the corner because there was no dust pan. Then I found food and crumbs in t]he refrigerator and the kitchen sink wasn't very clean. Worst of all, at that point when I realized the cabin hadn't been cleaned between customers, I began to doubt the bedding had even been changed as the bottom sheet found sort of sandy. I did write to the proprietors to give them a chance to at least respond to me, but nothing. Too bad, as it was fun staying at this small mountain area - at least until this happened.

Just past the (fake) police car, through the town of Twin Lakes, and to the left, lies the sweetest…read morelittle campground to date. PARRY PEAK! My family and I have been camping up here many times and again most recently. I love this campground because: ++ The host (and family) is beyond friendly, super accommodating, generous, always has a smile on his face and is quite the talker. He and his wife come up each summer to run the joint, and as a result, they have made many friends, and have a great energy about them. ++ Bathrooms! Yes, I will admit I am more of a "glamper" - meaning I'm okay to not pee in the woods. With restrooms located throughout the two-loop campground, I can do my business in peace. The facilities are well equipped with toiletries, air fresheners and isn't too bad for a toilet that doesn't flush! ++ Loop one features LARGE campsites perfect for tents and trailers, are close to the roaring water, and provide so much shade! Loop two, is closer to the camp host, main road to town and provides less shade, but is just as nice! Sites are well maintained, clean and provide plenty of room to spread out. ++ Fires are allowed! With fire bans throughout the state, it's nice to have the ability to have a contained fire in the pit. We roasted marshmallows, cooked steaks and spent ample time talking, singing and staring at the stars. It's not truly camping, without a fire! ++ Firewood delivery! The hosts granddaughter (who is all of 10 years old), makes a point to deliver firewood to anyone that requests and pays for the three-pack minimum - all for $20, plus a few buck tip for the delivery! ;) ++ Views for dayyyyyssssss! Overlooking the twin lakes that the town was named after, and just at the base of Mt Elbert - it's hard to go wrong with a view that great! ++ Just a short 2 1/2 hour drive from Denver, 20 minutes from downtown Leadville, and 2 minutes from Twin Lakes! --No reservations are allowed - meaning this place fills up FAST as it is a first come, first serve basis. Previously when camping here, we were able to come up Friday morning to grab a killer spot. With its popularity increasing, now one must come up earlier in the week (like Wednesday!) to get a spot. We were lucky to snag the LAST spot in loop two. --For $22/night, I found this to be a bit steep for an overnight price. --Less privacy in loop two! Our little site was a bit small for the four of us, and the only decently flat and shaded place for our tent was awfully close to our neighbors. Despite the few downsides, I know we'll continue to summer camp at Parry Peak!

I so can't believe this place has been here so long (owners bought the property in '73) and not a…read moresingle review on Yelp? Far and away, one of the better camping arrangements we had on our 2,000 miles thus far... $18 tent site, free showers, wifi, coffee and tea, as well as honor system soda and ice in a common room, great value and super nice owners - highly recommended if you're passing through. Close to the Great Dunes and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, to name a couple. :)

This campground is a hidden jewel! It is surrounded my majestic mountains with postcard perfect…read moreviews. Very quiet and private campground. Lots of trees to offer shade and privacy. Million dollar views!! Also has full hookups. Highly recommend!!