Last month I headed to Rifle, Colorado, one of the best climbing destinations in the United States. Long-time readers may remember I don’t climb – I had a traumatic climbing incident in which I dropped a Tinder date from the top of the wall. No, that is not a joke. #thisiswhyimsingle
But despite my fear of climbing, I still loved camping in a climbing area. The camping area was gorgeous, with craggy cliffs on both sides of the main road. And in case you guys don’t already know, climbers are beautiful. Real talk, I’ve never seen more eight-packs in my life than on this trip. So single ladies, get theeselves to Rifle.
Over the weekend, Murphy’s law was in full effect – everything went wrong and yet we still had a blast. We got pulled over, we couldn’t find my friends we were meeting, and one of my friends got caught in a barbed wire fence.
What was crazy was that at the beginning of the weekend the four of us hardly knew each other, and by the end we were all basically best friends.
Overall the weekend reminded me of how much I love camping. Sleeping next to a beautiful stream, looking up to the milk-white stars, cooking eggs and bacon in a skillet for breakfast, reading in the hammock, driving around in my Jeep while blaring EDM. Such good, simple times.
Anyway, I know this is a departure from my usual travel coverage, but I wanted to share it because I want to share more of my life in Colorado. And because it was a good reminder that you can go on an adventure no matter where you are.
What about you? Are you a camper, a climber or both?
Important info:
In White River National Forest there is no cell service whatsoever, so I’d highly recommend bringing a portable GPS. I was kicking myself for not bringing one!
The climbing is expert-level, so only climb if you’re an experienced climber.
Non-climbers don’t really camp in Rifle – be aware you will probably have to drive to find a good hike!
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I actually was not a big camper at all… that was until I met some friends online and started going to Nudist Resorts with them. (long story short I was looking for roommates when moving to a new town, I didn’t end up living with them but they were my best friends in the area). We go once a month from April to September, from Florida to Toronto, and its always a great time! I now believe in the importance of getting outside and unplugging… no wifi can be a good thing :)
Totally agree! My best weekends are generally the ones when I’m not on my phone or laptop at all :)
Did you see the Comfort Inn in Rifle? I stayed there for an evening after going to Glenwood Springs and it was a great value…not the nicest place, but who can complain for $70 a night?
Xoxo
Thanks for this super useful comment, AD! Come back soon :P
I love this post! Would love to continue to hear more about your life in Colorado…these are always my favorite posts!
Aw thanks, Mallory! It’s great to hear that :)
I’m not a climber, but will read anything Colorado-related! I’ve only passed through Rifle, but sounds like it’s worth a second glance. Would love more info such as where you camped!
Oh shoot, I meant to put that! I believe it was Rifle Falls State Park :)
I may not be big on camping, unless there’s indoor plumbing somewhere ;) But I do love the great outdoors and hiking! I try and hike every weekend, or every other.
It’s incredible what we find when we explore our own backyards. I’ve taken this year off international travel to slowly explore my home province of Ontario. I’m astounded every time I discover a new amazing trail or charming small town, some of which strangely remind me of some in Europe.
I totally agree! For the longest time I wasn’t that interested in domestic travel, but the more I do it the more I like it :)
I like reading about your “ordinary” life in Colorado so more of the same please!
I’m not a camper although I have camped loads in the last few years ‘cos of Boy Scout son, and I really hate it lol, however, I do like a good hike, as long as there are no monkeys involved….!
I know what you mean about camping. I love everything about it except sleeping on the ground – I just never sleep well at all :/
What a great experience to climb in a risky mountain to accept the challenge,right? Go girl!
Thanks! :)
I am big camper. I just really love to campaign. Thanks a lot for sharing this.