2025
Summer
Hmmmm
(something happened and I can't edit anything above here)
Day 1 – Saturday, June 28
Route: Friendswood, TX → Abilene, TX (approx. halfway point to Caprock Canyons)
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
Overnight: Abilene State Park (campground)
Day 2 – Sunday, June 29
Route: Abilene → Caprock Canyons State Park
Drive Time: ~3.5 hours
Overnight: Caprock Canyons SP
Day 3 – Monday, June 30
Route: Caprock Canyons SP → Storrie Lake State Park (near Las Vegas, NM)
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
Overnight: Storrie Lake State Park
Day 4 – Tuesday, July 1
Route: Storrie Lake SP → North Rim Campground (Black Canyon)
Drive Time: ~6.5 hours
Overnight: North Rim Campground
Note: Last good gas stop is in Gunnison, CO. Top off your tank before heading toward the North Rim via Hwy 92 and unpaved roads.
Arrival Timing: Aim to leave early to increase chance of first-come-first-served site availability.
Day 5 – Wednesday, July 2
Activity: North Vista Trail / Exclamation Point hike
Drive Time: None
Overnight: North Rim Campground
Day 6 – Thursday, July 3
Activity: Green Mountain Trail or rest day
Drive Time: None
Overnight: North Rim Campground
Day 7 – Friday, July 4
Activity: Day trip to South Rim: Visitor Center + short hikes:
• Warner Point Nature Trail (~1.5 miles RT)
• Oak Flat Loop Trail (~1.4 miles loop, moderate)
Drive Time: ~2.5–3 hours round trip
Overnight: North Rim Campground
Day 8 – Saturday, July 5
Activity: Final morning at North Rim / depart to Crested Butte
Route: North Rim CG → Crested Butte area
Drive Time: ~2.25 hours
Scenic Stop: Visit Curecanti National Recreation Area en route – Blue Mesa Reservoir has picnic areas and scenic pullouts for a break or quick lunch.
Evening Activities: Walk Elk Avenue for shops and restaurants, visit Crested Butte Museum, or relax by the Slate River.
Overnight: Walmart or dispersed camping near CB
Dispersed Camping Info: Free camping is available in the Gunnison National Forest outside Crested Butte. Look for open forest service roads (e.g., Washington Gulch, Slate River Road, or Gothic Road past Schofield Pass). Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
Day 9 – Sunday, July 6
Activity: Hike Trail 401 (start early)
Trailhead Location: Search "Schofield Pass Trailhead – Trail 401" in Google Maps
Evening Activities: Walk Elk Avenue for shops and restaurants, visit Crested Butte Museum, or relax by the Slate River.
Drive Time: None
Overnight: Same area – Walmart or dispersed camping
Dispersed Camping Info: Continue using nearby forest roads with pull-offs above Gothic or near Slate River. Arrive early for best spots and check road conditions—some may require high clearance.
Day 10 – Monday, July 7
Route: Crested Butte → Clayton Lake State Park, NM
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
Overnight: Clayton Lake State Park (campground)
Day 11 – Tuesday, July 8
Route: Clayton area → Mother Neff State Park, TX
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
Overnight: Mother Neff State Park (campground reservation recommended)
Day 12 – Wednesday, July 9
Route: Final leg: Return to Friendswood, TX
Drive Time: ~5.5 hours
Overnight: Home