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Mesa Verde and Durango 7/24-7/27/25

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Finding Trails and Futures: Our Durango & Mesa Verde Adventure July 24–27 Travel Blog We planned this trip with one big goal in mind: to help Camilla decide where she might want to spend her college years. Durango had made the shortlist—mostly for its blend of outdoor access and small-town charm. As a bonus, it’s a dream for cyclists, and we’re the kind of family that builds vacations around trails. As we passed through the park entrance and began the winding, scenic drive up the mesa, it felt like we were climbing into another world. Towering cliffs and deep canyons gave way to forested plateaus and panoramic overlooks. Just four miles in, we reached  Morefield Campground , our basecamp for the next few nights.   Our site was tucked among Gambel oaks and shaded by junipers—quiet, private, and surprisingly lush for a high desert landscape.  We  rolled into Morefield Campground in Mesa Verde National Park around 7 p.m. on July 24th, just in time to settle into our...
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Lathrop State Park July 3-6, 2025

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Camping at Lathrop State Park: Beauty, Chaos, and Unexpected Moments Tucked at the base of the stunning Spanish Peaks and just three miles west of the nearly abandoned town of Walsenburg lies  Lathrop State Park , Colorado’s very first state park, established in 1962. Don’t let Walsenburg’s boarded-up buildings fool you—the park itself is a hidden gem. With two serene lakes (Martin Lake and Horseshoe Lake) and 1,600 acres of space, it’s the kind of place that surprises you in the best way. I managed to snag a reservation at one of the park’s 103 campsites five months in advance, and it paid off. Our site was super private, giving us plenty of room to spread out. We brought three tents, but thanks to Arlo (our enthusiastic and overly curious dog), the biggest one now has two holes. A metal crate is definitely coming with us next time. Day One: Barking in the Bathroom The first night, I went for a solo walk with Arlo under a sky so dark I could only see by headlamp. Of course, I had ...
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First backpacking trip Barr Trail and Barr Camp July 25-26, 2025

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A while back, Camilla asked me if I’d ever be willing to go backpacking with her. I’ll admit—I hesitated. Despite having run up and down Pikes Peak multiple times, the idea of   carrying everything on my back   made me anxious. But when your daughter invites you on an adventure like this, you say yes. And I’m so glad I did. To make things a little easier, I booked us a  bunkhouse at Barr Camp , so we didn’t have to carry a tent. Barr Camp is a historic, rustic cabin complex nestled along the Barr Trail—about 6.5 miles and 3,500 feet up from Manitou Springs, sitting peacefully at 10,200 feet. Originally built in the 1920s as a burro-train rest stop, it's now lovingly cared for by  Karla Lowery & Robert Tegtman , a sweet couple from Ohio who keep the camp running, meals warm, and spirits high for every weary hiker that passes through. We started gathering gear a couple of months before our trip. We got three  Teton Scout 45 packs , inflatable pillows, water fi...
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