One Tank Trip for Colorado Camping

The rugged country of Colorado has spectacular views everywhere you look. Majestic mountain ranges, rolling hills, and wide expanses of plains combine to showcase some true masterworks of nature. Thanks to more than 300 days of sunshine, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing and camping. During the winter months, this region is covered by a blanket of pure white snow just waiting for you to be the first to mess it up. The "Centennial State" is known as a skier and snowboarder’s paradise, but tucked away in the mountains lie exciting, modern cities that feature breathtaking sights and sounds all year long.
Your starting point on this one tank trip of Colorado Springs is easily accessed from the I-25, and you’ll notice a definite change in the atmosphere here, as the city is more than a mile above sea level. Colorado Springs is the home of the U.S. Air Force Academy, which is open to visitors on a daily basis. There are several historical exhibits on display here, and you may want to take a brief stroll along some of the hiking trails used by the cadets. If you’re looking to spend an afternoon touring through a museum or art gallery, Colorado Springs has several to pick from. One big draw is the Garden of the Gods, an incredible work of nature that covers over 3,000 acres. There are some bizarre and unique rock formations, which attract rock climbers from all over the world to test their skill. A great way to see this fantastic site is from horseback, so hop on your faithful steed and tour some of the most unusual and eye-popping rock formations ever created. Wondrous as the Garden is, no visit to Colorado Springs would be complete without a visit to Pikes Peak. Take a wonderfully scenic drive up the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway and see the world from 14,000 feet, and you’ll understand why this is the most frequently visited mountain in North America. The view is indescribable. See the link below for recommended Colorado camping destinations in the area.
Take the US-24 west for a little over 90 miles to the whitewater capital of the U.S., the town of Buena Vista and your next one tank trip stop. Positioned at the foot of the Continental Divide and with the Arkansas River running past the east side of town, you’ve got some of the most exciting whitewater rafting to be found anywhere. Hop on an ATV, or a mountain bike, and explore the historic mining sites in the area, or try your hand at any of the fly-fishing sites along the river. Buena Vista is surrounded by over 10 magnificent mountains, most of which tower over the 14,000-foot mark, and a great way to see them is by taking a cruise down the Collegiate Scenic Byway, which runs parallel to Highway 24.
When it’s time to pull yourself away from this natural splendor, drive east on the US-24 for 76 miles, then merge with the US-50-E for 10 miles, which takes you into Canon City. This is a very popular destination for tourists who come to take in some of the most wildly scenic spots in the continental U.S.; a particular favorite is the suspension bridge at Royal Gorge, which hangs more than 1,000 feet above Royal Gorge Canyon (this is a world record, by the way). An excellent way to enjoy the views of the area – including from on the bridge itself – is by taking a ride on the Gorge Route Railroad, which takes you on a two-hour journey through this awe-inspiring part of Colorado.
To find your way back to Colorado Springs, head east on the US-50 for 11 miles then take the northbound CO-115-N for the remaining 33 miles back to the city. But if you’re like most people who come through this area looking to lose themselves to Colorado camping in the glories of nature, most likely you’ll be in no hurry to head home. Woodall's Recommended Colorado RV Campgrounds