September 15-20, 2024
On the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park the Gateway City is Grand Lake. I camped at Stillwater Campground which is located on Lake Granby, six miles southeast of Grand Lake and part of the Arapaho National Recreation Area.
It was a great location to explore the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park and some of the nearby Colorado ski towns (and breweries).
My first morning on Lake Granby did not dissapoint.
I set out to explore the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park. After stopping at the visitor center I headed to the Holzwarth Lodge Sites and the Colorado River Trail.
Having seen the Colorado River near Yuma Arizona it hard to believe it starts as a trickle in the Rocky Mountains.
The Colorado River Trail follows the river for several miles passing the Shipler Cabin remains (dating from the 1800s). The trail continues to Lulu City – and old silver mining town – but I turned around shortly after the Shipler Cabin remains.
The next morning I explored the small town of Grand Lake and found a great little bagel shop – Bighorn Bagels. I returned to this shop several times during my stay at Stillwater campground. At this point (60 plus days into my trip) I was getting tired (maybe even sick of) of preparing meals in the airstream.
While eating my bagel I noticed the birds took a liking to my truck.
Into the park I hiked Green Mountain – I suppose it was green before the 2020 “East Troublesome Fire” which burned 100,000 acres in one day, the largest single day run by a wildfire in state history. The trail takes you to “Big Meadow” seen above the trail sign. Also, for a very short stretch you are on the Continental Divide Trail. Done by noon and drove to Fraser for lunch and beer.
The next day I stayed close to camp. Adams Falls is the east inlet to Grand Lake. The trail head is outside the National Park entrance, just a few blocks east of Grand Lake town center. It’s a very short hike, maybe a mile total.
After the short hike I headed back to town.
That night I had dinner at the Grand Lake Lodge.
I started to explore the valley west of the mountains and stopped at several breweries. I can’t be 100% certain but I believe this picture is from the men’s bathroom at Hideaway Brewing in Winter Park. It was wallpapered with ski resort maps.
My last day at Stillwater Campground I stayed close to home. The evening was beautiful … I had been running the furnace a few nights as temps were getting into the high 30s. Snagged this pretty cool picture of the big dipper over my airstream
.The next day I moved further south.