One of the things I love about staying in the Phoenix valley are the views. The Arizona desert provides a unique beauty especially in the spring when she’s in bloom. The desert sunrises and sunsets are some of the best I’ve ever witnessed. That said, since I’ve traveled a lot I’ve seen my fair share of spectacular sunrises and sunsets but none better than in Arizona.And then every now and then I happen to be in the right place at the right time to see the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. Just when I think the view couldn’t get any better….. it gets better!The moment doesn’t last long as the winds carry off the people filled baskets high above the desert landscape.Each morning and evening I’ll search the skies never knowing exactly where I might spot these colorful balloons or even if I’ll spot any at all.
The moment is usually fleeting….. ephemeral you might say.Thus, I keep the camera at the ready.It’s a fantastic sight that I never seem to tire of.
One minute the sky is filled with balloons and the next they are gone with the wind.
At the end of September we spent our last week in Colorado. You’d think after spending four months in the Denver area that I’d be ready to get our wheels rolling again. Although I was ready for a change of scenery from our extended stay at the Westminster Elks Lodge, I wasn’t ready to leave Colorado or say goodbye to our daughter. After all, the Aspens were just starting to peak in the high country.
This was the view out of my RV door. I could get used to this!
The Chatfield State Park turned out to be the absolute perfect change I was craving. I can honestly say one week here was definitely not enough. I could’ve easily stayed a month – regardless of their 2 week rule 😉
The Chatfield State Park is located near Colorado’s lower foothills at the southwestern edge of the Denver metro area. The gently rolling prairie sits at an elevation of 5,450 feet and offers a little something for everyone.
There’s over 26 miles of an extensive trail network for hikers, bikers, and equestrians to enjoy and can be shared with your favorite pooch.If boating is your thing, there’s several boat ramps and a full service marina. I will note; Chatfield Reservoir is very popular with locals especially on weekends. To say it ‘gets crowded’ is an understatement. So you’ve been warned 😆With over 200 species of birds in the area, birding is a popular activity with regular ranger lead treks.
The Chatfield State Park also offers a model airplane field, on site equestrian stable, swim beach, and numerous picnic areas.
But for us, the main attraction was the camping facility.All campsites are within walking distance to the lake and are surrounded by native vegetation. Very few sites have natural shade though.
There are 197 campsites all offering electric hook-ups. Sewer and water hook-ups are also available at select sites. There are 4 Loops and Loop D appears to be the most popular and has a new camper services building.
Loops A and D offer full hook-ups. Loop B is split between full hook-ups and electric only. Loop C is only electric as is the Group camping area. A sanitary dump station is conveniently located nearby.
We stayed in Loop B and absolutely loved our views and the spacing between sites.
The majority of the sites appear to be mostly level with minimal leveling required and most seem to be able to accommodate any size RV. Weekends do book up quickly. Thus, reservations are a must especially during the summer.After our week-long stay, we begrudgingly pulled up stakes. I could easily live here ….. well, maybe not in the winter, but definitely the rest of the year. However, I’m sure the park service might have issue with me planting myself here longer than that 2 week max stay.
Alas, when one lives in a home on wheels, those wheels are meant to turn.With daughter moved and settled into her new place and with impending cold temps approaching, it was time for us to head to the desert southwest. We bid farewell to our daughter in Colorado and look forward to saying hello to our son in Arizona, but first we needed to make a quick detour to Lake Mead …..
And then every now and then I happen to be in the right place at the right time to see the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. Just when I think the view couldn’t get any better….. it gets better!
The moment doesn’t last long as the winds carry off the people filled baskets high above the desert landscape.
Each morning and evening I’ll search the skies never knowing exactly where I might spot these colorful balloons or even if I’ll spot any at all.
Thus, I keep the camera at the ready.
It’s a fantastic sight that I never seem to tire of. 
Live Laugh RV 