Spend summer days in Sweetwater County, Wyoming

Sweetwater County in Southwest Wyoming is characterized by wide open spaces – 10,500 square miles of room to escape from the hustle and bustle of every day. Located halfway between Yellowstone and Canyonlands National Parks, Sweetwater Country is known as “Flaming Gorge Country.” The area is characterized by the 91-square-mile Flaming Gorge Lake, the famed Green River, expansive deserts, and rugged mountains.

Sweetwater County is best experienced in summer, when outdoor recreation opportunities are at their peak. Get there via The Rock Springs-Sweetwater County airport which was recently ranked 37th on a list of 322 airports from around the country by Travelmath.com.  

Here are the top seven ways to spend summer days in Sweetwater County.

Lake Flaming Gorge: Visitors can enjoy the same recreational opportunities as Lake Powell offers, without the crowds. For this reason, the lake has become a haven for boating, jet skiing, waterskiing and fishing.

Killpecker Sand Dunes: Nature’s sandbox--the huge sand dune field--spans 100 miles from east to west and reaches heights of up to 100 feet. At 11,000 acres, it’s the second-largest moving sand dune field in the word. A herd of rare desert elk found nowhere else in North America makes its home here. The dunes are a popular spot for hiking and exploring the area on ATVs.

White Mountain Petroglyphs: Explore history through the carvings in the sandstone walls of White Mountain that beckon history buffs, photographers and hikers. The etchings are the story book of the Plains and Great Basin Native Americans who lived in the area up to 1,000 years ago.

Mountain Biking: Sweetwater County features some of the nation’s most sought-after mountain bike trails. Wilkins Peak Bike Trail System, accessed on the southeastern side of Green River, has been named the top trail system in Wyoming. The extensive, well-maintained trails have something for any rider – from beginners to experts.

Camping: Sweetwater County has 17 campgrounds and RV parks, allowing plenty of opportunity to get out and breathe fresh air. The campsites offer something for everyone – gorgeous views, RV connections, perfectly flat tent pads and just the right amount of roughing it, depending on the site choosen.

Whitewater Fun: Green River runs through the town of Green River and can be accessed from many points throughout the county. The Whitewater Park and North Channel Tubing section at Expedition Island Park are fun for frolicking. Near the outdoor Splash Park there is a lazy river and tubing channel that features a series of drops and three large pools. The Castle Falls Feature, a state-of-the-art whitewater park and play area, is located at the southeast tip of Expedition Island Park.

Fishing: In Sweetwater County anglers have their pick of tail waters, reservoirs, streams and a river that lead to some of the best coldwater fishing in the country. The Green River runs into Lake Flaming Gorge, which is the largest reservoir in Wyoming and offers Burbot, as well as four types of cutthroat trout.

 www.TourWyoming.com 

Information and photo courtesy of Gaylene Ore, Ore Communications, and Jenissa Meredith, Sweetwater Travel & Tourism.

 

Camping for Earth Day? Keep it green.

Earth Day is just around the corner—April 22--reminding us to be good to our planet and take time to reconnect with Mother Nature. Many people are dusting off their tents and getting ready to head into the great outdoors.  This year during Earth Day, campers are encouraged to live green and follow the tips below to make sure their outdoor camping getaway is also eco-friendly.

Plan ahead to achieve no trace camping: The principle behind no trace camping is to leave nothing behind – what some people refer to as “pack it in, pack it out.” This requires planning ahead for things like extra bags to pack garbage away to be thrown out later.

Bring real dishes: Don’t fall into the trap of buying paper plates and silverware.  Take time to pack real dishes or reusable dining gear that you can bring home with you after your trip. 

Buy used camping gear: Recycle in a new way this trip. If you find you’re missing a piece of gear, consider buying it used (extra bonus: you’ll probably save some money)

Pick a site nearby: Cut car emissions by choosing a nearby destination. Thousand Trails and Encore have more than 180 campgrounds to choose from across the country. They are guaranteed to have one to fit your needs.

Lake Conroe is ideal for boaters.

Some of the most popular destinations for nature lovers include:

Lake Conroe Camping Resort: Located just outside of Houston, this campground is a paradise for water lovers with an onsite marina. Bring your boat or rent one there for plenty of family fun.

Indoor swimming is available at
Mt. Hood Village Resort

Mt. Hood Village Resort: If mountains and forests call to you then take a trip just outside Portland to Mt. Hood Village Resort. Opened in 1984, this location is perfect for large family gatherings, retreats of all kinds, or a quiet romantic weekend getaway in the mountains.

Outstanding scenery is a draw
for Yosemite Lakes Resort.

Yosemite Lakes Resort: Located adjacent to one of the nation’s most popular national parks, this resort has a little something for everyone, from a roaring stream and majestic mountains to a hauntingly beautiful forest. The South Fork of the Tuolumne River runs through the preserve making it ideal for swimming, fishing and panning for gold.

Information and photos courtesy of RJ Bruce, representing Thousand Trailsand Encore,

Don't call it off-season: Visit Grand County, Colorado in spring or fall

When visitors think of northern Colorado, two seasons come to mind: summer and winter. But there’s a great time to visit after the music concerts and festivals of summer have ended and before snow-packed activities of winter begin. If the opportunity to savor the scenery and hike or bike in relative serenity is more your style than shuffling through crowds, consider visiting towns in Grand County during the fall.

Aspens around Winter Park, Colorado glow in autumn
as leaves turn golden

Fall is an absolutely glorious time to enjoy the amenities—natural and manmade--of the Winter Park-Fraser Valley region, located 65 miles west of Denver. Golden aspens glow in the sunlight during late September when temperatures are cool in early morning and shirt-sleeve warm in the afternoon. There’s still time before snowfall to enjoy the lakes, either boating or fishing, or to check hot-air ballooning off your bucket list.

Here are some favorite activities to try before the snow returns (or after it melts):

Arrive in Grand Country from Denver by driving Berthoud Pass, a scenic highway that twists and turns its way through thick forests and past gushing waterfalls, summiting at the Continental Divide.

Water flows to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from
the Continental Divide in Colorado.

There’s a reason the region is called “Mountain Bike Capital U.S.A. It doesn't matter if you are a serious gear head or just interested in seeing the mountains in a new way, there are 600 miles of mountain bike trails that will satisfy beginner to expert bikers.

Saddle up. In Grand County, horseback riding isn't just a hobby — it's a way of life.

Grand Lake offers many recreational opportunities.

Sail on Grand Lake, Colorado's largest natural lake,which is known for spectacular views of peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Spend a night outdoors and get reacquainted with nature at one of Grand County's many public campgrounds.

Play a round at Pole Creek Golf Club in Winter Park, which has 27 holes on three courses. You’ll love how your game improves in the thin air. Golf balls not only travel further at higher altitude, but they spin less, too, meaning straighter approach shots (in theory anyway!).

You won't worry about where the golf ball lands when you have
scenery on the golf course this beautiful to grab your attention.

Paddle a canoe or kayak or cast your line on Monarch Lake, a small, scenic lake at the foot of the Indian Peaks southeast of Lake Granby (which is also a great fishing spot). On some days, your only competition for fish will be nesting ospreys.

Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is an exquisite
drive in fall--before it's covered with winter's snow.

Head to Rocky Mountain National Park and drive Trail Ridge Road. It’s a postcard in your windshield, a breathtaking view at every turn. Hike trails along the way, or bike down Trail Ridge Road when it is open.

Wild Horse Inn is an excellent place to relax and enjoy any
season in Winter Park, Colorado.

On the other hand, if your idea of the perfect vacation is peaceful relaxation in a rustic setting, check into Wild Horse Inn, an intimate bed and breakfast just outside Winter Park. A little further down the road you’ll find the larger Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa with more amenities—a great place if you prefer restful fun with a bit of zing for your holiday.

Think of Grand County as a four-season destination, with lesser-visited late spring and fall among the most glorious times to arrive.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

What is camping like in the Grand Canyon?

Typical camp for Beverly and Larry

Rafting on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon means camping out in the open every night. Many people have asked what that’s like on a 10-day trip such as the one we took in September with Arizona Raft Adventures, so here’s a quick overview.




Amazing view from inside the tent

 First of all, be assured that the Grand Canyon is so amazing that it’s worth any inconveniences. The scenery is outstanding and constantly changing; if you take time prior to the trip (or during by reading the provided guide) to learn a bit about the geology, you’ll have an even greater appreciation of what two million years of wind, water, and internal heat can create.



Dinner--time to socialize

 Sunrise (yes, you’ll be awake) and sunset are both incredible sights--watching shadows creep over canyon walls. Stars shine brightly at night, and shooting stars are a common occurrence. Camp fires are not permitted, so when it gets dark, everyone goes to their tents (gotta have a headlamp or flashlight).

At the end of each day when the guides have decided where to stop, everyone in the group pitches in to help unload the rafts. We formed lines to hand off our blue bags (personal waterproof bags that contained everything we’d brought), folding chairs for our friendship circles, tents, pads, and sleeping kits, kitchen supplies and toilets (one pot for each thing you do).



The groover

 The bathroom or “groover” was set up in a discreet spot but often required navigating through sand, rocks, or shrubs to get there. It usually had a lovely view of the river, so we waved if another raft came by while using the facilities. Unlike some camping situations, you can’t go behind a bush. All urine goes in the river during the day, but you can use the pee pot when in camp. Solid waste must be carried out, as is all garbage. Hand-washing is mandatory, with a station always nearby.

While we set up our personal camping spots, the guides set up the kitchen area containing pots, plates, and utensils, a stove table and prep table, and a dish washing line. Water from the river was filtered and Clorox added to kill any viruses (no one got sick, so it works). Although meal preparation was a task for the guides, guests were encouraged to help. And the meals were really delicious—not dehydrated camp food, but gourmet meals like steaks, pork chops, and salmon plus fresh salads, fruits, and vegetables.

Campsites in the Grand Canyon are primitive, usually sandy beaches with plenty of natural beauty all around. Speaking of sand—it’s everywhere. Once you’ve found your personal camp area and set up your tent, you won’t want to get inside unless absolutely necessary, or you’ll be sleeping in sand. Rocks are everywhere. Big rocks, toe-stumblers, and boulders. Only one night did we camp on pure rock—at Ledges Campsite—and there were no soft spots to be found.

Each person was assigned a life jacket that we strapped onto a tree each evening (to keep from blowing away). Wet clothing was strung out on large rocks or tree limbs to dry. Some brave folks actually bathed in the 45 degree water, at least until it turned muddy on day three.



Loading the rafts

 Early each morning (usually around 5:15 a.m.) the conch shell horn signaled that coffee was ready—time to rise and shine. Breakfast followed, and then we broke camp and began the process of repacking the boats. Again we formed a line to ferry items back onto the rafts. Then we filled water bottles, loaded our white dry bags with things we wanted access to during the day such as cameras and hiking shoes, and put on our life jackets and hats. We were on the river between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. ready to tackle more rapids and hike to scenic waterfalls.

Each day brought wonderful new adventures, many quite challenging. But it’s a trip you’ll look back on with fond memories and pride in your accomplishments.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier and Deb Delaney

Rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, part 1

First look at Colorado River from Navajo Bridge

The Grand Canyon of Arizona is one of the most spectacular natural sites in the world. It’s a grand geologic adventure with layer upon layer of rock—brown, red, gray, tan, black—that tell myriad stories of volcanic eruptions, upheavals, and the power of wind and water to carve a deep gorge through sedimentary and igneous rocks.



Our two rafts--transportation for 10 days

If you’ve seen the canyon from the rim, you understand the immensity of the formations which date back almost two billion years. Layers of sandstone and limestone form vertical cliffs that glow gold and red in brilliant sunsets, drawing visitors to this monument of natural effects and time. Far below the rim can be seen a winding ribbon of water, the Colorado River, which played a large part in carving the steep canyon called the Inner Gorge.



Starting our journey on the rafts

When I first saw this scene more than 10 years ago, I was fascinated by the enormity of this gorgeous site and decided some day to venture down into the canyon and traverse its depths on a raft trip along the Colorado River. I knew the trip would be a stretch for me because I’m not a camper, not fond of roughing it and foregoing usual habits of cleanliness and comfort. But for this adventure I was willing to challenge myself –as it turned out, in more ways that I realized.




View of Navajo Bridges from rafts at mile 4

For 10 days our group of 16 travelers and four guides explored 225 miles of river from Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek. We splashed over 160 rapids large and small, scrambled over boulders and rocks hiking to waterfalls and other scenic sites, brushed sand out of everything we had, pitched and broke camp and loaded and unloaded the boats daily, and marveled at the beauty that surrounding us. It was truly the experience of a lifetime and one that I’ll share with friends and readers through these posts. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier