Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Winter 2015

by | Mar 17, 2015 | Camping, Hiking | 5 comments

Pulling into Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
Quite site at Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
We arrived at Golden Gate Canyon State Park just as the sun began to set. Only a handful of sites where taken and everything was covered in snow. There was just enough room to back the Airstream into the driveway. This was a good reminder that we need a snow shovel when camping in the winter!

Our Silver Bullet! Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
So much mud on the way in! Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
Amphitheater at Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
Play time in the snow! Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
The little playhouse. Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
To cold to go out with the pup. Hurry up, Daisy! Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
Taking off for another adventure!
Every time we head to a repeat campsite, we try and find something new to do in the area. During this adventure we head to Nederland for the Frozen Dead Guy Days. We made it in time for the parade (full of hertz vehicles that were all decked out) and then found a great place for the coffin races. A good time was had by all. At the end of the day we enjoyed ice cream with espresso from Blue Owl Books.

Cool, old, hertz with Beetle Juice enjoying the ride. Frozen Dead Guy Days. Nederland, CO
Cereal Killers. Frozen Dead Guy Days. Nederland, CO
New Orleans. Frozen Dead Guy Days. Nederland, CO
Trekkies! Frozen Dead Guy Days. Nederland, CO
Ghost Busters. Frozen Dead Guy Days. Nederland, CO
Blue Owl Books. Frozen Dead Guy Days. Nederland, CO
After returning home we went for a walk around the park, and found a quinzhee that Natasha visited later in the night for some star pictures.

The quinzhee that we found. Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
Night sky in Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
The quinzhee was large enough to fit three adults and a golden. Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
Once back at the camp, we gathered up as many dead twigs as we could find and sat around enjoying the warmth. Big thanks to the neighbors that gave us their extra wood.

Wonderful weekend at Golden Gate Canyon S.P.
During our last day we headed to Columbine Campground to scout around for a future glamping spot. We were surprised to find Central City Masonic Cemetery and a couple dozen ATV riders. We were not able to make it back to the Columbine Campground due to the snow and mud. We’ve heard that it is a favorite location for ATV users, and after checking out the area, I agree.

Heading into the cemetery. Central City, CO
The road leading to Columbine Campground. Central City, CO
One of the three cemeteries in Central City, CO
Beautiful iron work at one of the cemeteries. Central City, CO
A structure in the Catholic cemetery. Central City, CO
 We hope everyone is able to get out and do some glamping during the last weeks of winter. It’s quite, beautiful, and always a good time!

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When: Fall, 2014
Elevation: 9,137′
Reservation: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Misc: level, water, dump station

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Campground

Scenery

Hiking

5 Comments

  1. Janel
    Janel on March 17, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    What a fabulous post. I knew you had plans for some winter camping…and it looks like you scored on all counts. I have never heard of a quinzhee…..I guess I just call it a snow cave. What fun. Did you go inside it? Wondering about the great light….how was that achieved? Tripod? And the Frozen Dead Guys Days…never been but always wondered. Love your photos….looks like you had a wonderful weekend….and our blue Colorado skies….not much better against the beautiful white snow and green pines. Thanks for all the work in making this such a lovely post.

    Reply
    • Sara
      Sara on March 17, 2015 at 9:29 pm

      Greetings! We did score, it was such a beautiful weekend, we HAD to get away. Everyone did go inside the snow cave (quinzhee is new to me too!), and had fun sitting around and taking it all in. Whoever built it did a great job. You could tell they had a little shelf and a place for a stove. Natasha buried a very small flashlight inside the quinzhee, and then took the picture. I think it was about 11:00 p.m. I love the movement in the clouds, too. It looks like the wind was moving up high.
      Agreed, nothing beats the deep blue sky, green trees, and pure white snow. I love Colorado! 😀

      Reply
  2. Janel
    Janel on March 17, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    I just read about all of you going in the quinzhee…..sorry I responded before completely reading your post.

    Reply
  3. janel
    janel on March 23, 2015 at 8:01 am

    I know there are lots of groups on FB but there is a new one, small group that I know would really hearing about your adventures. It is called: Airstreamers: Airstream Lifestyle Group
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/airstreamers/
    I just wanted to let you know about it if you would be interested. Your photos and your expertise and knack for telling the story is wonderful. Just wanted to let you know. Hope you have a good week.

    Reply
    • Sara
      Sara on March 23, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      Thanks for the info, I’ve joined the group 🙂
      Sara

      Reply

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