Labor Day 2011 at Lake Pueblo State Park

Bambi and TV

Work and other commitments have kept me from hitching up and heading out for a few weeks, but the Labor Day holiday finally offered the chance to camp at Lake Pueblo State Park.   It was a fun weekend of relaxing in the camper, enjoying the company of some biking buddies, tubing down a lazy river, and mountain biking in the nearby hills around the reservoir.

Bike trails meander around the cliffs.

Lake Pueblo is a great destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor exercise.   There are miles of mountain biking trails that wrap above, below, and around sandstone cliffs on this high, arid plateau.   The stark desert beauty is contrasted by the wet, cool, and inviting waters of Pueblo Reservoir, a 5600 acre man-made lake  that is open to fishing and boating.

Although very inviting, we didn't make it into the reservoir this year, but we did enjoy an afternoon of tubing down the Arkansas River that spills out of the dam on the east side of the lake.  A warning to tubers - be sure to wear a life jacket.  We witnessed a very serious-minded ranger patrolling the area and enforcing that particular policy.

Arkansas Pt. Campground 

The best part of the weekend for me, though, was biking along the river trail (paved) and also tackling the single track dirt trails that meander around the state park.  I was, however, reminded that prickly pear cactus needles and bicycle tires don't mix well. Halfway through a ride, my front tire went flat, and I ended up carefully plucking out cactus needs from my bike tire.  Always carry a spare!

Otherwise, it was a perfect weekend with nice weather (albeit a bit windy one day) and great views.  I love the luxury of camping in an Airstream again, and am looking forward to the next outing.

If you go:

I promise, no death wish.

We camped at the Arkansas Point Campground.   There are hot showers and a laundry facility on site.   Water spigots are scattered around the campground, but individual sites do not have water.  Sites are paved, many are pull throughs, and include electrical hookups.  There is a dump station near the campground entrance. Reservations can be made through ReserveAmerica.com.