Wed, August 21 Into Colorado, Rifle Falls area

 Wednesday,  August 21

Today we make our way into Colorful Colorado again, on Rte 135.   We pass a sign that says:

     Elk on your left, Elk on your right

     Elk in your lap will ruin your night.

     Watch out for Elk.

But we don't see any.

This rock formation was called Fortification Rock and a sign says the Indians used it for a staging area during skirmishes.

Sent Bryan this picture.  Sysco is everywhere.  They turned off where a sign advertised a ski resort ?

When we get into the mountains, there is much evidence of the bark beetle epidemic - lots of deadfall. And many places where aspen are taking over where the pines were.

Rifle Falls are quite robust and there is a fair number of people.  There is a $10 entry to the State Park and their camping prices are crazy (to us), plus the attendant says you have to reserve 3-6 months ahead!

We walk to the Falls and then climb the trail that goes through some interesting rocks and caves to a view from above. 

pretty cattails below the falls

After the Falls we continue up a gravel road, thinking we'd run into National Forest and maybe boondock.  Turns out the city of Rifle Falls has created Rifle Mountain Park with primitive campsites all along this road.  Some amazing rock formations and apparently it is quite popular for rock climbing.   We had no idea.  

 After several miles we decide to go ahead and camp here and luckily find a beautiful site right by the river.  Clouds have been rolling in and we hear thunder.  Some rain arrives not long after we stop, but doesn't last long.

 

Someone left this painted rock at our campsite.

We have salmon cakes for dinner with fresh peaches - a tasty combination! And Beth is the Colorado Cribbage Champion!