In Part II of my RV adventure series (Read Here!), I shared some of our highlights as we explored the towns of Creede, Pagosa Springs, and Durango. Creede, a charming mountain town, left us wanting more—we are already dreaming of a longer visit to uncover all that it has to offer. On the other hand, Pagosa Springs and Durango did not quite meet our expectations, but the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding San Juan National Forest made up for it.
As we reached the final three stops of our journey, the pace of our travels slowed down. We did not experience as many grand adventures. Instead, we embraced quieter days and peaceful moments that life on the road brings. Read on as I share the last chapter of our trip, where stillness and simplicity became the highlights.
Fifth Stop: Telluride
As we headed towards Telluride from Durango, we were rolling the dice on where we would find our next campsite. There were not any RV resorts available in the area so we knew we would have to find a place that offered first come first serve availability. Given that we were traveling on a Friday, it made our chances very slim. We checked three options before we stumbled upon what would be my second favorite campsite of the trip: Sunshine Campground. We even scored the best site. It did not provide any resources, but we arrived prepared with our generator and a tank full of water.
Sunshine Campground
The site that we were lucky enough to claim was tucked inside a corner of a forest full of Aspen trees. It was right next to a small walking path that led us up a hill and offered spectacular mountain views. We spent each morning walking up that path to greet the world with our baby girl, Chihuahua and a warm cup of coffee in hand. It was at this point in our journey when we really started to slow down on our adventures, and I began to soak in the healing elements of nature that surrounded us. I made it a point to create time for myself to sit alone and reflect on how much my life has changed since becoming a mother. This campsite will always hold a special place in my heart—it is where I first found the words to capture this new chapter of my life.
Magic Meadows Spur Trail
Each afternoon, we took turns running the Magic Meadows Spur Trail, conveniently located just across the street from our campsite. The trail led us uphill through a dense forest of towering trees, eventually opening up to a breathtaking view of the San Juan Mountain range. Having such a lush, scenic trail right at our doorstep was a rare treat, perfect for both running and hiking. Staying active on the road is not always easy, so I was grateful to find a campsite that combined adventure, nature, and exercise—making fitness feel like a rewarding part of the journey rather than a challenge to fit in.
The Town of Telluride
My husband and I always joke that every time we visit Telluride, it rains—so much so that we have nicknamed it “Tellu-rain.” True to form, one of our days there was spent dodging raindrops as we wandered through the town’s charming main strip, browsing shops and restaurants. Once the skies cleared, we took a stroll through Town Park, stopping to watch a baseball game in the crisp mountain air. Though Telluride is a well-known tourist hotspot, it is absolutely worth a visit—whether it is for the delicious food or the iconic gondola ride, which offers stunning views of the town from above.
Sixth Stop: Crawford State Park
In my first adventure post, I briefly mentioned the town of Crawford. We stopped there on our way to The Black Canyon National Park for a bite to eat and realized quickly we had to return. The state park was just down the road from the town and located right off of the Crawford Reservoir. We secured a waterfront site that we were able to see through the kitchen window of our camper. We spent the mornings taking turns paddling around on the kayak, the afternoons running on the trail that looped around the reservoir, and the evenings watching the beautiful sunsets fall behind the mountains. The water was even the perfect temperature for us to enjoy a few swims in.
Town of Crawford
By now, it is no secret that I love exploring quaint mountain towns. Though Crawford was on the smaller side, it still delivered—offering great food, three unique gift shops, and that irresistible small-town hospitality that I can never get enough of. One spot we could not help but visit daily was Lazy J Coffee Shop, where we happily indulged in one too many of their delicious breakfast sandwiches. We grabbed lunch just across the street at North Fork Boardwalk that doubled as a local bar. The unique thing we felt about Crawford is that it is a farming and ranching community, located within the Rocky Mountains.
Seventh Campsite: Granby
Our last stop of the trip brought us back to where my husband and I held our beautiful wedding – Granby Colorado. We stayed at the ultimate RV resort of RV resorts: Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains. The place was so massive that people rented golf carts to get around the place. It offered two restaurants/bars, a pool, a miniature bowling alley, a game room, a gym, and so much more. We could see ourselves returning to this destination a little later in life when our baby girl is old enough to enjoy all of the amenities. In the meantime, we were simply happy to have taken her to such a meaningful place.
Monarch Lake
Tucked beyond Lake Granby and deeper into the Rocky Mountains, Monarch Lake is a true hidden gem. Finding parking was a challenge, and the weekend crowds made it busier than we had hoped, but the breathtaking beauty made it well worth the visit. The clear blue water shimmered under the sun, surrounded by towering mountains stretching in every direction. Lush green trees framed the shoreline, and a scenic trail wrapped around the entire lake, offering peaceful views at every turn. If we return, we will be sure to visit on a weekday to fully enjoy it without the crowds.
As our month-long RV journey through Colorado ended, I found myself reflecting on the incredible places we explored, the challenges we overcame, and the simple living that life on the road offers. From breathtaking mountain views to serene lakes and roaring waterfalls, every stop left its unforgettable print on all of our hearts.
It was not always easy— there were mediocre campsites and the challenges of exploring the outdoors with a newborn—but those moments only added to the experience. We learned to slow down and appreciate the beauty that is found in the in-between moments.
Are we sold on the RV life? Absolutely. As I write this in the middle of winter, I am already dreaming of our next adventure. Until then, we will carry the memories of this journey with us – at least until the open road calls again.
