Greetings from Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park!
The past few days have been amazing. The boys have really connected, and everyone is having a blast. Here’s a recap of our recent adventures:
July 4:
We began the day at Green Ridge Campground on Shadow Mountain Lake. After a quick breakfast, we packed our bags and headed to the famed Colorado River to fish, camp, and celebrate the Fourth of July with a hot dog eating contest. Lucas and Cameron had a spirited showdown—each consuming five or more hot dogs—with Cameron narrowly coming out on top. Later, we organized our backcountry gear and began preparing for our next big outing before getting some much-needed sleep.
July 5:
As the sun rose, we enjoyed an egg and sausage scramble and continued prepping for our final backcountry leg. Once ready, we hopped in the van and drove to the North Inlet Trailhead. That day, we hiked approximately six miles to our first designated campsite. After setting up camp, the boys rigged their rods and quickly hit the creek, where native Colorado River Cutthroat Trout eagerly took dry flies. Back at camp, dinner was hearty backcountry chicken Alfredo, followed by an early bedtime to prepare for the next day’s adventure.
July 6:
The boys were up and moving early, packing daypacks and fueling up with oatmeal before tackling a challenging hike. The route featured steep switchbacks and an off-trail section. We first climbed three miles to Lake Nokoni, then veered off to reach Pettingell Lake. It was our most difficult hike of the trip, and the guides were all proud of the group’s determination and effort. Once we reached the lake, the fishing paid off—big streamers and dry flies brought in many gorgeous native Cutthroat. After a couple of hours on the water, we hiked back to camp and enjoyed a well-earned dinner. Everyone fell asleep quickly.
July 7:
After a long day on the 6th, the group enjoyed a slow morning and some extra rest. Once awake, we had breakfast, packed up camp, and hiked three miles toward the North Inlet Trailhead. We spent our final night in the backcountry at Twinberry Campsite, about two miles from the trailhead. The fishing was excellent here too—this section of the creek held Cutthroat, Brook, and Brown Trout. For dinner, we made Buffalo Mac and Cheese, which the boys devoured.
July 8:
On our last morning in the backcountry, we packed up early and hiked out. Everyone was tired but excited for a little rest and recovery. Once the van and trailer were loaded, we headed to Sun Outdoors, a glamorous camping facility. The crew enjoyed showers, laundry, swimming, cornhole, and just hanging out. Dinner was chicken quesadillas followed by ice cream for dessert.
July 9:
We woke up at Sun Outdoors and had our first cereal breakfast of the trip—a welcome change from daily oatmeal. Today was our service day. After breakfast, we headed to the Kawuneeche Visitor Center, where we met a National Park Service staff member for our service project. The boys spent the morning removing invasive chamomile from a parking area within Rocky Mountain National Park. Everyone worked hard, and it was special to see the group giving back to the public lands they’ve enjoyed all week. Afterward, we made the drive to Pumphouse Campground in Kremmling, right on the banks of the Colorado River. The boys set up camp, rigged rods, and began fishing this more technical stretch of big river. Dinner was a cookout of burgers and hot dogs.
We’ll stay at Pumphouse through the night of July 10, then transition to a campsite in Silverthorne for the final two nights. The next three days include two more days of wade fishing on the Colorado and Blue Rivers, and one day of float fishing with the guides at Cutthroat Anglers. Our final banquet dinner will take place the evening of July 12, and we’ll head to Denver International Airport early on the morning of July 13.
The boys have been awesome—this group has truly clicked. They’ve made countless memories, and we’re excited for the final stretch of our time together in the Rockies.
Until next time,
Hunter, Kitchel, Travis, and the Gang
