The summer is almost over, and it the time to prepare for winter. It’s the best time to be a camper, at least for those looking for great campgrounds and quiet spaces. But it’s also time to put away your sleeping bag and bring out the tent and air mattress.
When I got the chance to go camping, I jumped. I’ve always wanted to experience this incredible place. I figured there must be some good stories to tell, so here they are! So I headed up to New Mexico to spend a week camping at Red Feather Lakes.
Camping at Red Feather Lakes is one of the coolest things you can ever do. I love to camp and have tried many different camping experiences. I remember my first experience in 2000 when we went camping at the Red River Gorge in Kentucky.
It was amazing! We had great food, fun friends, and an incredible mountain range view. But camping is more than just eating and enjoying nature. It’s about creating new memories and connecting with the world around us.
Why Camping
Camping is a great way to disconnect from technology and get out of the routine. It’s a perfect break from the stress of life.
Camping provides a beautiful escape, whether at a campground or a remote area. There’s no better way to feel more relaxed than in the fresh air, listening to nature.
But most importantly, camping allows you to connect with nature, which is a great way to appreciate the beauty of life.
Red Feather Lakes
Red Feather Lakes is a tiny town in the heart of the beautiful Red Mountains region. It’s a quiet town with a friendly atmosphere.
When you enter, the main street is lined with shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. The restaurant is a small cafe where you can grab a healthy breakfast or lunch.
There’s no big city in sight, so the pace is slow. I’d say the only thing to do is enjoy the scenery. The local newsstand sells some interesting snacks and drinks. There’s even a local coffee shop that offers free Wi-Fi access.
Camping in the desert
I had no expectations of anything happening, so I just hoped the weather wouldn’t be terrible. I packed a tent, sleeping bag, cooler, stove, and other items. I left behind my laptop and phone, knowing I would need both to finish work.’
When I arrived at the campsite, I took a moment to breathe fresh air and soak in the view. The next morning, I woke up and enjoyed a breakfast of cereal, fruit, toast, and eggs.
I set off to explore the area. I saw a few monuments from the nearby military base, a sign of what the place was like during the Civil War.
I saw a hiker who was wearing a backpack and a fanny pack. It was a sight I’d never seen before. A hiker carrying all of his necessities in a fanny pack? What is he thinking?
Hiking Red Feather Lakes
You may already know that New Mexico has amazing national parks. But did you know that the state also has some incredible national monuments? The Navajo Nation has four such sites, the most prominent of which is Red Feather Lakes. This National Monument is located in San Juan County, southeastern New Mexico. Its primary feature is a series of red sandstone canyons, which make this area an excellent site for hiking.
The hiking trail I took is called the Navajo Loop Trail. It takes about 4-5 hours to complete, depending on how fast you want to hike. If you’re looking for a long hike, I recommend going the whole loop. I started from the bottom, where the trail begins, and then worked around the canyon’s rim. As you hike, you’ll notice small wooden bridges along the way. These are railroad bridges, and they’re a part of the Navajo Loop Trail.
The beauty of the Navajo Loop Trail is that it offers a variety of different landscapes. Along the way, you’ll see several other trails branching off. Several courses can lead to beautiful waterfalls, caves, and other areas. I suggest you take some time exploring these side trails.
The most famous part of this hike is the “Devil’s Bathtub.” This is the name given to a deep sinkhole at the trail’s end. It’s a pretty impressive sight! While waiting for it to fill up with water, you can spot several other interesting features. It’s a great opportunity to spot wildlife, such as deer, elk, and mountain sheep.
As you hike, you’ll also find lots of interesting rock formations. One of my favorite parts of the hike is when you reach a bridge. You’ll see that some very large rocks support the bridge. I recommend walking across this bridge, as the stones are a great vantage point for taking pictures.
Frequently Asked Questions Camping
Q: What would be your first reaction to camping out at Red Feather Lakes?
A: I would think it would be beautiful!
Q: What would it be if you could do anything this summer?
A: My dream is to go to Hawaii or Fiji.
Q: What would you like to try doing for the first time?
A: I want to try cooking an authentic Indian meal.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do?
A: I love riding my bike, hanging out with friends and family, playing tennis, reading, going on vacation, and trying new foods.
Top 3 Myths About Camping
1. There are too many New Mexico campers at Red Feather Lakes.
2. The water is contaminated.
3. No water is available for camping at Red Feather Lakes in New Mexico.
Conclusion
I’m going, to be honest with you, camping isn’t my favorite thing. I’ve done it once; a total waste of time and money. The campgrounds in New Mexico are some of the best I’ve ever been to. The staff is friendly, and the grounds are nice and well-kept. There’s no better way to get away from it and reconnect with nature. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants a good quality camping experience but not a long-term commitment.
