Garden of the Gods and Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado

Chatfield sunset

As June melted into July, we planned a much anticipated trip to Gunnison, Colorado.  We left Chatfield early on a Monday; Bill driving the rig and me behind the wheel of the Kia.  We figured it would come in handy while we toured the area.

Our first stop was Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs.  They have an amazing nature center and great parking for RVs.  We went into the center first and looked at all the cool stuff.  Bill couldn’t resist a couple souvenirs, including a grilling cookbook.  The kids all smashed a penny.  
After we went outside and looked at the view from the balcony, Kyla said, “Hey Mom, I can see my house from here...”  Sigh.  A chip off the old block.  Much to my dismay sometimes.

After a quick bite in our rolling house, we decided to take the driving tour of the Gardens (in the Kia).  Just as we exited the rv, it started dumping rain and hailing.  We dashed to the car, everyone screaming and laughing. 

Cheyenne State Park

The drive was absolutely beautiful.  Everyone thought so.  Including the fifty other cars we slowly drove behind.  I guess some people don’t know how to drive in the rain...

After the storm passed, we drove to Cheyenne Mountain State Park.  It is one of Colorado’s newest state parks and very nice.  Full hookups and a nice level concrete pad.  The fire ring was large and well covered.  Gambrel oak is everywhere and well-maintained walking paths meander throughout.  No wifi.  But a breathtaking view of Colorado Springs. Cheyenne Mountain is right behind the park and we could see the gated entrance to the tunnel leading under the mountain.  If you are a Stargate fan (we are), it is a geeking-out moment. (The tunnel is right above the back half of the rig).

The next morning, we trucked on down the back roads to Gunnison.  I have to say that the Shell gas stations we’ve run into are very accommodating to our rig.  It is always a gamble when looking for gas stations on the smaller highways.

Driving along Gunnison River is beautiful.  There are quite alot of RV resorts, cabins and shopping opportunities that crop up every few miles along the river.  Our destination was the Blue Mesa RV Ranch Resort across from the Blue Mesa Reservoir.  Sigh.  So beautiful.