My Definition of Recreation is Camping and Hiking

Aug 12th My Definition of Recreation is Camping and Hiking

The Dog Days of Summer are upon us, but there is still plenty of camping and hiking opportunities abound. So stock the RV full of food and supplies, or pack that tent and hit the road. In our case, we hit the road with a dog, parrot and 40-year-old box turtle in tow.

Steamboat Lake Sunset

Recreational opportunities abound in Colorado. Exciting state and national parks, national forests and private camping areas are sprinkled over the state. Among our favorites are Rocky Mountain National Park for its wildlife and natural beauty, Steamboat and Pearl Lake for kayaking and aquatic wildlife, Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve for hiking and Lost Burro in Cripple Creek for relaxing and a bit of easy hiking.

We encountered the mother of all lightning storms in Sand Dunes our first year camping. We hope for a repeat performance this year when we return.

One trail that you shouldn’t miss in Colorado is the one to Hanging Lake just outside Glenwood Springs and you’ll want to pack a lunch. Rated easy but in my opinion it’s more of an intermediate hike so be prepared. Make sure to wear hiking boots, if caught in rain or misty conditions the trail can be slick.

Outside of Colorado, we’ve enjoyed camping adventures in the Grand Canyon, the hiking trails and scenery there are fantastic. Yellowstone and Glacier National

Bridal Veil Falls, Yosemite Nat’l Park

Parks offer exciting wildlife, unique scenic views over a multitude of excellent hiking trails. Maps of the hiking trails and their ratings are available at the visitor’s centers or ranger stations in most national, state or regional parks.

We’ve also camped in Yosemite National Park where you’ll find activities for everyone in the family. Our favorite was the hike to Bridal Veil Falls. That place has its own atmosphere, cool and misty.

White Sands, Blue Water – Florida beach

In the Florida panhandle, we stopped in Niceville, they have several beach front campgrounds in the area next to the whitest sand we’ve ever seen. The ocean water is warm even in October, which was when we were there. Didn’t realize we were traveling at peak hurricane season then, we do now. In our defense hurricanes are not a problem in Colorado, our home base.