Day 1: Setting Up Camp
A couple of weeks ago, Bill, our dogs Lennon and Dasher, and I embarked on a scenic drive and picnic along the edge of the Rawah Wilderness in northern Colorado. Enchanted by the area’s beauty, we decided to dive deeper into its wonders, hooking up the trailer and returning for a weekend adventure.
We found an idyllic dispersed camping spot to call home base. Bill arrived on Thursday afternoon and was greeted by an unexpected visitor: a moose grazing about fifty feet from camp. The dogs, initially unsure, watched quietly. The moose seemed unfazed by their presence. That evening, Bill cooked his dinner over an open fire, basking in the tranquility of the wilderness. It was a perfect start to our adventure.
Day 2: Fishing, More Moose and Relaxation
The next morning, Bill and the dogs had a hearty breakfast before setting out for a fishing excursion at the lake. Bill caught a fish! Along Poudre Canyon, just beyond Cameron Pass, he saw four more moose enjoying the day—a magnificent sight. After their outing, they returned to camp, where I found the dogs resting in the shade and Bill lounging in the hammock, completely relaxed.
The setting was breathtaking. I sat by the river, listening to the soothing sounds of nature. I watched hummingbirds dart by and a woodpecker tapping away at a tree. As the day cooled off, we gathered around the fire, enjoying dinner and each other’s company. When the evening rain began, we cozied up in our spots, drifting off to the comforting sound of raindrops.
Day 3: Hohnholz State Wildlife Area and Bull Mountain Adventure
After a pancake breakfast, we headed to the lakes in Hohnholz State Wildlife Area. On our drive, we spotted deer and antelope. At the lakes, a pelican and seagulls greeted us. The shore was littered with crawfish claws, a curious sight I had never seen before. The dogs had a blast running and playing in the water, with Dasher swimming around Bill as he fished. As the winds picked up, we headed back to the Jeep for our next adventure.
Not far from the lakes is Bull Mountain OHV trail. We found a picturesque spot for lunch among thick aspen groves and forests. A scarcely used trail off Bull Mountain road led us through beautiful wildflower meadows. On our way back, Bill spotted a woodchuck scurrying across the road.
Back at camp, we took a nap as the afternoon rains passed through. The dogs, exhausted from their day, slept soundly. When the sun reappeared, we gathered around the fire, roasting marshmallows and enjoying the evening.
Day 4: Discovering the Mini-Monuments of Sand Creek National Natural Landscape
On our last day, we embarked on a scenic drive around the area, reaching the Colorado-Wyoming border. Here, it seemed as if a piece of Southern Utah rock garden had been transported, spread along five miles of meandering Sand Creek. We marveled at rock chimneys, hoodoos, and towers of rust and mauve capped with swirls of grey. Red-walled cliffs curved above the sage. A great butte, called “Chimney Rock,” soared skyward over 200 feet. These “min-uments,” though smaller than Monument Valley’s grandeur, were no less impressive and unique to northern Colorado.
Reflection
Our weekend on the edge of the Rawah Wilderness in northern Colorado was a magical blend of adventure and serenity. The sights, from serene lakes and lush forests to the whimsical “min-uments” of Sand Creek, left us in awe of nature’s wonders. We shared moments of joy, from fishing and hiking to simply lounging by the fire, creating memories that will last a lifetime. This trip reminded us of the simple joys of exploration and the profound beauty of the natural world.
As we packed up and headed home, a deep sense of contentment washed over me. We had discovered new places, reveled in the company of friends (both human and canine), and reconnected with nature. Northern Colorado offered us a weekend of peace, beauty, and adventure, and I couldn’t have asked for more.
Western Wanderlust Chronicles 
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