Fire pits

Campfires are often a favorite past time for families and friends and although the snow gives us hope that there’ll be lower fire restrictions, there’s still good reason to have a gas/propane fire pit.

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The campfire is a one of the most sublime aspects of recreation and camping. A natural fire with real wood crackling and popping, flames dancing and jumping provide a mesmerizing calm like no television or device can. It takes work to get the coals hot and the fire blazing, but the work is satisfying. But Colorado’s arid, dry climate often leads to high fire danger in as summer reaches its peak. I was inclined previously to resist the gas/propane fire pit, but as it provides an alternative to the beloved campfire, I’d prefer to enjoy this than nothing at all.

Price

The price range for gas fire pits starts below $100 and goes up from there. Your most likely looking at $150 to $500 depending on what you want. The real key for camping is portability. If you can’t stow it away and set it up quickly it’s more hassle than it’s worth.

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Size

Sizes are pretty similar as you might expect and again, the main consideration is portability. You’ll likely find a unit that measures around 20” diameter and 15” high. Some units are square or slightly rectangular. Of course the can be much larger if you have greater storage capacity. Weight is the other consideration, you don’t want to have to lug some behemoth around just for a little warmth after dark, but expect anywhere from 20 to 40 pounds.

Heat/Capability

How close do you have to get? How many people will be with you? The heat produced by a propane fire pit is likely lower than what you can produce with a fire ring (depending on how much wood you burn!). Find a unit that produces 30,000 to 60,000 BTU’s (British Thermal Units) and you’ll get sufficient heat for your campout.

Hose Length

Don’t overlook the regulator hose length. If you don’t have a long enough hose your propane tank might need a stick and a marshmallow while Johnny goes in the tent/camper/RV. If the unit you like doesn’t come with a decent length hose, you can probably purchase a longer one for $15 or $20.

Ignition Type

Often times the ignition type will be a push button or turn style. These are usually pretty simple…just beware not to let the gas run too long before you ignite it.

Features

Carrying cases and cook grates can be desirable features. Some units come with canvas type carrying cases while others have locking lids with handles. The preference here will be the available storage space and it might offer significant convenience with cooking capability. You might decide to do away with your old camping stove and go with an all-in-one solution.

Portability

I’ve mentioned this a couple of times previously. I’m putting it last because after all the other items, this one can make the most difference. If you’re buying this online, read reviews and look at the specs closely to consider how easy it will be to move around. If it doesn’t have a carrying case or a way to contain all the pieces, you might be making more trips to and fro than desired.

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Colorado offers the most complete outdoors experience anywhere. The diverse geography from high peaks to large lakes and reservoirs means you never have to go far to find the perfect getaway!

Hiking and Camping – Colorado is home to several national parks and wilderness areas, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, which offer a wide variety of hiking trails and camping opportunities. There are 17 National Parks, Monuments and Historic sites throughout the state. Often times campers will find a State Park near one of the national parks, there are 42 state parks in all. Many of the hiking trails become snowshoe trails in winter.

Fishing and Rafting – Colorado is home to many rivers, lakes and streams, which offer great opportunities for fishing and rafting. The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is one of the most popular rafting destinations in the United States. Colorado also 322 miles of Gold Medal fishing waters. This designation is granted to water that can produce 60 pounds of trout that are at least 12 14-inches or larger per acre.

Rodeos – During January Colorado is home to the National Western Stock Show, running strong for over 100 years! Other major events include the Greeley Stampede and Colorado State Fair (Pueblo), with many more localized events occurring throughout the summer.

Wildlife Viewing – Colorado has a diverse wildlife population, from elk and bighorn sheep to black bears and mountain lions, making it a great destination for wildlife viewing and photography.

ATVing, Jeeping & Snowmobiling – With its rugged terrain, Colorado is a great place for off-roading and snowmobiling. The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway provides extraordinary views with many additional activities along the route. Snowmobilers can find meadows and trails near Rabbit Ears pass east of Steamboat Springs.

Rock Climbing – Colorado is home to many popular rock climbing spots, such as the Garden of the Gods and the Flatirons, which offer a variety of routes for climbers of all skill levels.

Hot Springs – Colorado is known for its many hot springs, which offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience for visitors.

This is virtually possible to pin down. Colorado’s vast geography and collective area provides everything except beachfront property. Nonetheless, we’ll take a stab at providing a high level view of where to visit for your next camping trip in the Centennial State.

Let’s start with Rocky Mountain National Park. Located between Estes Park and Grand Lake, the park covers more than 400 square miles preserved for outdoor enthusiasts. There are more than 60 peaks above 12,000 feet including Longs Peak towering at 14,259 feet. Rocky Mountain National Park is home to the Trail Ridge Road Scenic Byway, the highest continuous paved road in the United States. The byway also connects Estes Park and Grand Lake.

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, is known for its stunning red rock formations and hiking trails. The park spans over 1,300 acres and offers many different hiking trails that vary in difficulty. Visitors can hike through the towering rock formations and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers rock climbing and mountain biking opportunities.

Mesa Verde National Park is located in the southwestern corner of Colorado and is known for its ancient cliff dwellings. The park contains over 5,000 known archeological sites, including over 600 cliff dwellings that were built by the Ancestral Pueblo people in the 13th century AD. Visitors can take ranger-led tours of the cliff dwellings and learn about the history and culture of the people who built them. In addition to the cliff dwellings, the park also offers a variety of hiking trails that showcase the stunning landscape of the region, including canyons, mesas, and forests. Visitors to Mesa Verde National Park can also stay overnight in the park’s campground or in one of the nearby lodges. Overall, Mesa Verde National Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived in the region over a thousand years ago.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a remote and rugged park located in western Colorado. It is named for the steep, narrow canyon carved by the Gunnison River, which drops an average of 34 feet per mile through the park. The canyon is over 2,000 feet deep in some places, and the walls are composed of a dark, volcanic rock that gives the canyon its name. Visitors to the park can take scenic drives along the rim of the canyon, hike down to the river, or camp at one of the park’s campsites. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and mule deer. Overall, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Colorado who is looking for a remote and rugged outdoor experience.

Great Sand Dunes National Park is located in southern Colorado and is known for its towering sand dunes, which are the tallest in North America. The park covers over 30,000 acres and includes the Great Sand Dunes themselves, as well as wetlands, grasslands, and forests. Visitors to the park can hike on the dunes, camp in the park’s campground, or take a scenic drive through the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. One unique activity that visitors can enjoy at the park is sandboarding, which involves surfing down the sand dunes on a specially designed board.

National parks offer indisputable recreation opportunities and while we could provide more examples, such as Colorado National Monument, there are other notable places to visit with unrivaled charm.

• Breckenridge – located in Summit County, is primarily known for its alpine skiing. The town has a beautiful old-style charm with modern flare. During the warmer months locals and visitors enjoy hiking, bicycling, fishing and the best outdoors experiences anywhere.
• Durango – near Mesa Verde National Park in the southwest corner of Colorado, Durango is also known for the Durango Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad and Vallecito Reservoir.
• Telluride – As with many towns in the Colorado Rockies, Telluride is also know for vibrant skiing during the winter. Summertime also provides similar activities to other towns but is especially known for festivals.

There’s really no end to the possibilities for camping and outdoor recreation throughout Colorado. Whether you like hiking and biking or boating and watersports, you don’t have to go far to find a great location.