Mileage: 67,037 Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Ruby Mountain Campground Nathrop, Colorado
We began our day with the inclination to head west but without any real plan. Highway 96 away from Lake Pueblo was not a designated scenic route but it was a very pretty drive. We left Pueblo which sits at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. We traveled across the high plains toward the Sangre de Christo Mountains.
From there we took 50W. It meanders along the Arkansas River and the elevation steadily increased. The scenery was spectacular. We felt ourselves relax and we really began to enjoy the ride!
We decided to stop at the Salida Arkansas Headwaters Visitors Center and get some information about camping and Jeep trails. Sometimes you meet the perfect person to help you make a plan. Mary was able to direct us and even make reservations for a campsite.
We stopped in Pancha Springs for fresh water and made our way to Ruby Mountain Campground. Tommy, the camp host, greeted us warmly. He walked with Tim down to the site to check things out and then helped us get our RV parked. He helped us with directions for the Jeep trails and we set out.
We followed forest road 300 and passed through Bald Mountain Gulch and took the Bald Mountain Loop. The loop was labeled as an advanced trail. It was very rocky and had some switchbacks but it wasn’t too difficult.
At the top we were at 9,620 feet of elevation. We noticed a tiny shortness of breath with exertion but otherwise felt fine. We ate our lunch on the top of the mountain.
I drove on the smoother easier part after we exited the loop.
We took a paved road into the town of Buena Vista where we found ourselves at the Jailhouse Craft Beer Bar for happy hour.
Back at the RV, we prepared a tray for our picnic dinner. The tortilla chips at 7,000 feet of elevation…
Tommy joined us for awhile this evening. We chatted and munched on grapes and chips and cheese.
Our campsite sits right along the river. I think we should be able to hear the rushing water tonight.
Today was a very good day.