Our site appeared very level to the eye but unfortunately it was slightly off. Also we were surprised to find out that we couldn't quite get level. I guess we forgot how from last year. After 30 min. trying we gave up and just decided to not be level. The doggies were a bit disgusted with our efforts as it kept them from exploring the area.
When we checked this site out last year the fire pit and table were at the end of the site nestled in some trees. This year they were next to the road. There were only 8 campsites on this loop so it wasn't busy.
Here is a view from the main road. Hardly anyone except park personnel checking on the sites went by this road.
After giving up on the leveling we decided to take a hike. There was a path nearby.
It had a good amount of trees.
The path was very nice and fairly level.
Just a little up and down but not much.
It was starting to get dark so we headed back.
Back at the campground Blossom keeps and eye out for wildlife.
Surprisingly we didn't see any. But I love getting pics. of Blossom at the drivers wheel. She is so cute!
We moved the picnic table to better take advantage of the site.
This is the view of the valley.
Another view from the new table location.
The other sides of the site are surrounded by forest.
Doggies relaxing in their new location waiting for a dog walk. Unfortunately they are now in the sun so we will move their pen later.
The rocks at our site, just beyond the table.
And we are off to explore the forest behind our site.
Blossom finds a little fort probably built by kids.
Sunshine and Blossom like to explore the rocks.
Blossom says she has found something good. Sunshine wants to know what it is.
To get to it she needs a better angle.
She can really get her snout in from this angle. Sunshine decides to take off and go up the same way she did.
She is using all her strength to hang on to the rock. Sunshine realized there wasn't room for two so came back to see what he could from below. She is hanging on to the ledge by her toenails.
She's slipping...but recovers.
Since there were no critters there it was time to explore the top of the rocks.
Sunshine hangs on with his toenails as he maneuvers around the rocks.
The rocks are fun but the forest beckons.
We explored a little more.
Back at the campground Blossom drinks up.
Then it was time for a new adventure. This time along the road. It is adjacent to a wetland.
A view of the site from further down the road.
A picture of our Brave.
The dogs relaxing in their new location.
We deployed the awning to check it out. It was in great shape.
All too soon it was time to leave the campsite. But they have a nice trail at this park that we decided to hike so we went and parked there.
The trail is up to a look out point.
On the way up you see trees and some views.
The look out point is fabulous! Unfortunately we had some haze, likely due to the Arizona fires as you could smell them.
Absolutely stunning!
This is a stitched together panoramic photo.
After the look out I went a little further down the trail.
Sunshine always enjoys the rocks.
It ran pretty level for a very short time.
However when it started to go sharply down I turned around and headed back. Gave me another chance to enjoy the look out.
On the way down it was pretty also and alot easier going.
As we get closer to the parking area we get some pretty valley views.
We enjoyed the park but it is probably a better destination for out of state visitors to Estes Park or Rocky Mountain National Park as it is very close to these locations. In addition it allows dogs on the trails and in the forest whereas RMNP does not. The trails are pretty and the one has a great view over Estes Park. Also you can walk through the forest exploring with your dogs and they will love it.
The various campgrounds offer many sites with very pretty scenery. Some more forested than others and some with views and rock formations. Hermit Hollow is probably the most forested and has alot of nice rock formations. Bobcat is partly on the flatlands and probably has more than half the sites in the forest. Kruger (the area we were in) is forested but adjacent to the wetlands. We picked it because it was walking distance to the first trail we went on. The parking area for the second trail was a ways away and without a tow vehicle we knew we would hit it on the way out when we could drive there. The spacing between most sites is generous.
For more pics of the campground see my scouting post. http://1994brave29rqrv.blogspot.com/2011/04/estes-park-hermit-park-campground.html
For the locals it is better to take your chances and go to the non-reservable national forest campgrounds. The fee to stay here for one night was $20 +$2.50 processing fee + $6 park pass. Too much for no-hook ups and a place that wants you out of the park by noon the next day. We stayed later and no one said anything but you should be able to stay the whole next day, as long as you vacate your camping spot.
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