SP Campground Review – James M Robb State Park, Fruita, CO

Looking across the Colorado River and into the Colorado National Monument at Fruita Section of the James M Robb Park

A pristine campground with views of the Colorado River and National Monument in Fruita, CO in Western Colorado.

Link to campground here: James M Robb State Park, Fruita, CO
Link to map location here: James M Robb State Park, Fruita, CO

1. Site Quality = 5/5
   These are probably the most pristine sites I’ve seen in a state park. Perfectly flat, large, manicured sites with central concrete section (for support), beautiful “sitting areas” with fire-pit, picnic table and shelters, good separation and absolutely lovely, green grounds. There’s a selection of full hookup (50Amp/water/sewer) or electric (30Amp/water). Sites at the outer end 36-44 have the bonus of lake and stunning monument views
2.  Facilities = 4/5
   Excellent facilities here. There are flush toilets, large showers (only ding is that they are pay only, $1 for 4 mins), and modern laundry (book-swap there too). Park also has several on-site lakes, a swim beach (indefinitely closed due to e-coli problems while we were there), boat ramp, picnic areas, fishing and trails. On-site dump station.
3. Location = 5/5
   Lovely location here. You are right next to lakes and the Colorado River as well as within sight of the gorgeous Colorado National Monument. Nearby Grand Junction has restaurants and all major shopping needs.
4. Pet Friendliness = 4/5
   Good doggie spot. On-site hiking trails and space to “play” by the river. Only dings are that the lake was closed to swimming while we were there, plus some of the trails were closed from damage and needed re-work. A short drive to McInnis Canyons BLM (just across the river) provides masses of additional pooch-friendly hiking. Poo bags provided on-site.

Overall Rating = 4.4
BONUS ALERT = Camp with stunning views of the Colorado National Monument & McInnis Canyons!

Summary: Well, this turned out to be soooo much nicer than we ever imagined. James M Robb SP actually offers 2 campgrounds in the area, but the one we chose was the Fruita section. The campground is set beautifully by a lake and the Colorado River and has stunning views of the Colorado National Monument in the background. The grounds themselves are more like a fancy RV resort than a state park with manicured grounds, trails, lakes, fishing and simply pristine sites (beautifully flat, large, well-kept pads with selection of full hook-up too!). Lots of green, modern facilities and the draw of the surrounding nature makes this a hidden gem. The only possibly dings I could give it is that the sites closest to the main road (12-19) have some road noise, the swim-beach was closed indefinitely due to e-coli problems and some trails were closed due to flood damage, but overall the campground is simply lovely. This place was miles better than the KOA we stayed at last year and we enjoyed it so much we extended our stay. No doubt when we come back this is where we’ll camp again.

 Extra Info:  Full Verizon signal on both smartphone and aircard. Sites cost $20/night for electric (30Amp/water), $24/night for full hook-up (50Amp/water/sewer). There is an extra daily park fee of $7/day (can be covered with the Colorado Annual Parks Pass). Over 57 sites, all reservable. On site dump station and laundry.

Typical pull-through site (#41 shown)

Typical back-in site (#14 shown)

View down back-end of loop. Our RV in site #40 on right. Lake is off-pic on the right side.

Another view down loop (site #20 on right, #21 on left)

View down middle of campground to the main facilities (showers, laundry etc.)

View of lake and beach

View of playground

Mountain Air, Gunslingers and…weed? (Glenwood Springs, CO)

We had a lot of expectations coming into Glenwood Springs. It’s the final resting home of notorious gunslinger Doc Holiday, is located just south of upper-class Aspen and is set in a winding canyon right alongside the Colorado river. All this we knew and were prepared for. When we arrived the glorious cliffs did not disappoint, the Colorado was roaring in all it’s glory and the glossy local magazines reflected there’s money in the place.

What we did not expect was the weed.

Slipped in amongst the historic 1893 Colorado Hotel (a favourite of President Roosevelt in his time) and centuries-old vapour caves used by the Ute Indians (now a posh spa) are over 100 dispensaries of local ganja, freely advertizing up to 50+ different strains of medicinal weed. It’s an odd mix and we can’t quite get a grip for how it happened, but I guess these parts have always attracted the eccentric.

Glenwood Springs also surprises in other ways. Despite a mere ~8,000 population it’s got the feel of a big city in a small town. There’s an active theatre scene, plenty of downtown restaurants and a local brewery. Add to that endless options of outdoor activities including hiking, river rafting, rock-climbing, biking and riding…and that’s just the summer roster. It’s a fine melange and the first place we’ve come across outside of CA where we could envision settling down. But then again, we’re a bit odd too….

Biking along the 16-mile Glenwood Canyon Recreational Trail

Late afternoon light on the mountains in Glenwood Canyon

Dandelion in morning light

Polly and Paul on the trail

"green" medicine in downtown Glenwood Springs

Red Rocks and Animal Spirits (Page, AZ)

“If you look closely you can see the bear’s mouth” pointed our young guide. I squinted and did my best to make out the shape in the red rock.  You see, we were taking a tour of Antelope Canyon in Page, AZ and according to the local indians, the rocks are alive with animals.

Although the shape didn’t exactly jump out this concept was not new to me. In fact, it reminded me of an incident several years back…well, let’s just say many several years back, in the budding youth of my college years. A few friends and I had taken a primitive backpacking trip in Nevada and we had fortified our sustenance with beer and, shall we say, unusual fungi. After the evening meal, much of which involved the two aforementioned items, I hiked solo up onto the mountain face and sat down to absorb my surroundings. In the midst of mountains and nature, I was suddenly barraged by animals seeming to come out of the rock-face. So, I connected, if you will, to the mountain spirits.

Despite the lack of enhancing supplies in my current situation, I could easily see how the spirit of animals would abound in a place like this too. There is, indeed, something awe-inspiring and spiritual about red rock. The massive faces loom majestically in the landscape and reflect the forces of millions of years of history that have gorged their mark into the landscape causing both deep chasms and delicate patterns on their faces. They stand unmoving and strong, yet ever-changing in the light from fiery red in the early morning to shades of ochre by noon and purple hues in the evening.

So far, first impressions of this area are breath-taking. I’ll let you know if I see more animals…

Paul soaks in the view at Horshoe Bend. The Colorado River runs off into the background.

The awesome and crazy Horshoe Bend

Red sand and lots of space

Stunning Antelope Canyon