Back to school seems earlier and earlier every year. After such a long, hot summer, there’s a chill in the air and before long the leaves will be turning and the season will be winding down once more. But there’s still a few weeks left to get into the mountains before the end of summer. It might be just what you needed.
With still some sweltering days on the horizon, an end of summer road trip will get you out of the heat and give the kids something to talk about when it comes to “what I did for summer vacation.” Just a few hours from the Front Range, nestled in the Rocky Mountains, you’ll find a destination to experience the real Colorado.
Take a Scenic Drive
North Park is an intermountain basin about 50 miles across that sits between the Park Range, Never Summer Mountains, and Medicine Bow Range. Synonymous with Jackson County, North Park holds the headwaters of the North Platte River, with Gold Medal Waters certified fishing, and stunning views for days.
Walden, CO sits at the hub of all major highways that pass through Jackson County. Highway 125/127 from Wyoming, Colo HWY 14, and even US 40 bring thousands of motorists through Jackson County, but the real treat comes to those who slow down, take their time, and even stop to stretch their legs for an hour…or a few days.
The Cache La Poudre/North Park Scenic Byway brings motorists into North Park via HWY 14 from Ft. Collins along the Cache La Poudre River. Heading west from the Front Range, this canyon road takes you along pure Colorado whitewater, just north of Rocky Mountain National Park.
You’ll know you are in North Park once you see the stunning Nokhu Crags. Descending from Cameron Pass the valley opens up ahead of you, courtesy of several million years of geological change. Once a vast inland sea known as the Western Interior Seaway, volcanism and tectonic drift raised the Cretaceous seabed with the Rocky Mountains. Subsequent ice ages carved the plateaus into the rugged crags and peaks you see today.
There’s still evidence of the ancient seabed at the North and South Sand Hills at the foot of the Medicine Bow mountains and some fossil beds throughout Jackson County which reveal evidence of ammonites and other invertebrates. Even the stone quarried for the Jackson County Courthouse and IOOF Building on Main Street originated from this prehistoric landform.
Get Back to Nature
Along the way you’ll find plenty of opportunities to get out into nature. North Park is home to Colorado’s only state forest at the Colorado State Forest State Park, along with the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, Routt National Forest, and tens of thousands of acres of BLM land. Along with our National Forests you’ll have access to the Rawah Wilderness and Mt. Zirkel Wilderness via extensive trail networks.
From any direction you first encounter North Park, you’ll see incredible mountain views, river valleys, and high mountain desert plains. Unlike many other Colorado destinations, what you won’t see are miles of cars lined up on the highways. Leave crowds and congestion of the more well-known destinations behind and discover a place where you can see for miles and miles.
Best Moose Viewing in Colorado
These wide open spaces make the perfect habitat for large browsing herbivores such as deer, elk, and pronghorn. North Park is the Moose Viewing Capital of Colorado for a reason! The lush wetlands and shelter of the alpine forests have allowed moose to thrive here since their reintroduction in the 1980s. Since then, many moose that have been reintroduced to other regions in the western states have come from North Park!
If you are looking for the best place to see moose near Walden, the real answer is just about anywhere. Keep an eye out for large animals along the river basins, fields, and forests. Once you see a moose they are unmistakeable. In late summer the bulls have large antlers called “paddles” and the cows will often have calves or yearlings with them. Just be sure to keep a safe distance away from these large mammals. Moose can run as fast as a horse and have the temper of a grizzly bear.
Long Weekend Plans in North Park
If you enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or backpacking, here are some things you can plan for a long weekend in North Park.
Hiking, Backpacking, and Camping
Visit the State Forest State Park
Whether you enjoy RVing, tent camping, or backpacking, the Colorado State Forest State Park gives you access to world class views, hiking trails, and even lake fishing. Reserve your spot on the CSFSP website or get a permit to hike into the high country to see Kelly Lake, Lake Agnes, or other beautiful spots along the vast trail system. The State Forest State Park runs all the way from Cameron Pass to the North Sand Hills along the Medicine Bow mountain range.
Hiking trails here range from strenuous to difficult. Keep an eye on the weather, as late summer storms can bring temperature drops and lightning unexpectedly (snow in July and August isn’t uncommon). Bring your camera for some perfect shots of mountains, wildlife, and even in the late summer weeks wildflowers along the trails.
Rainbow Lakes Trails
On the east side of North Park the Rainbow Lakes Trails feature some of the best backpacking and hiking trails in Colorado. In the shadow of the Park Range, Mt. Zirkel, and Red Canyon, this trail system puts you in touch with a wide range of wildlife, alpine forests, and snowy peaks to inspire every footstep forward. Within sight of Rabbit Ears peak and Delaney Buttes, the microclimates of this side of North Park lend themselves to a wetter climate where lily pad ponds, ferns, and lush forests invite hikers and backpackers to take their time on the trails.
Thru-hiking in Colorado
Walden isn’t just the hub of winding mountain highways, it also sits pretty close to the midway point of some major thru-hikes. The Continental Divide Trail skirts along the southern edge of North Park. The newly created Northern Colorado Trail makes Walden its mid-point between Estes Park and Glenwood Springs. Check out the links to read more!
Where to Find the Best Fishing
Where is the best place to fish near Walden, CO? There’s almost too many to list. Here are some of the most popular places to fish nearby. Each has ease of access, camping facilities, and some real monsters to reel in.
Lake John and Delaney Lakes
One of the most recognized landmarks of North Park, Lake John has been drawing anglers to the area since the beginning. Stocked several times a year with lake trout, brook trout, browns, and other sport fish, Lake John delivers whopping fish-tale sized sport fish with an up close and personal view of the Park Range. Lake John Resort provides RV camping spots with full hookups as well as a general store for snacks, drinks, bait and tackle. Boat trawling and lakeside casting keep the hot summer days at bay.
Check out Delaney Lakes for Gold Medal sportfishing just a few miles over. With a limit of two fish, its quality over quantity, but you’ll also get bragging rights for having fished some of the highest rated waters in Colorado.
Big Creek Lakes
Further north along the Park Range, at the edge of Jackson County and the Wyoming border, you’ll find deep lake fishing at Big Creek. Anglers revere Big Creek Lakes for tigermuskie, mackinaw, and other large lake fish. Plenty of RV spaces and tent pads provide accommodations for whatever kind of camping you prefer.
Much Much More!
Check out our summer fishing guide here! There’s too much to cover in just one post. Anglers all around the world have fished the waters around Jackson County. Check out our local angler’s supply stores and outfitters to learn where all the fish are biting in North Park.
Go 
Stargazing!
With the light pollution of the Front Range blocked by mountain ranges on all sides of Jackson County, we have the benefit of clear views of the night sky. Nearly any night of the summer when you are just a few miles out in the country, you’ll be able to see the Milky Way, millions of stars, and even clear views of the planets.
The Moose Visitor Center at the State Forest in Gould, CO sometimes hosts stargazing events during the new moon during summer months. They are working towards getting DarkSky certified, which adheres to strict standards to guard against light pollution. As cities grow, fewer people have actually seen a full night sky filled with stars. North Park is the place to go to see stars in the night sky all year long!
What to Do in Walden, CO
The Jackson County seat and North Park’s only incorporated town still has lots to do with the remaining weeks of summer. Here’s some of what is going on in Walden this summer.
Balloon Fest
August 8th and 9th hot air balloons will fill the sky around Walden. Expect to see them shortly after sunrise when air currents are typically at their optimum condition.
Summer Main Street Market
The last big vendor show of the season hits the ground running on August 9th on Main Street in Walden, CO. Browse through several vendor tents as local artisans show off their wares in this farmers market style event. Check out fresh produce, handcrafted items, and unique giftware items to get a jump on holiday shopping!
North Park Pioneer Players
August 9th local theatre troupe, the North Park Pioneer Players, is closing up the summer season with the Treasure of Shiver River at the Old Gym (5th Street and Washington, in Walden). Come cheer for the hero and boo and hiss for the villain in this locally written, produced, and performed melodrama. Matinee starts at 4pm, evening show begins at 7pm. Check out their Facebook page for info on how to buy tickets for these last two showings.
North Park Pioneer Museum
One of our favorite destinations for visitors, the North Park Pioneer Museum is a repository of local history going back over 150 years. Locally donated artifacts from the early homestead days, boom and bust eras, WW2, and so much more await you. Donations are encouraged and appreciated. Come and experience a beloved part of local history before the season ends!
Night Life in Walden
The Stockman Bar and Grill has been around for generations. Just recently, the Stockman celebrated 40 years of ownership under the same family. It has been an iconic part of Walden nightlife for even longer. When you visit the Stockman, don’t be surprised if you see a mix of local characters, out of towners ranging from rodeo bull riders to bikers, and even families passing through for a cool drink and a delicious dinner. In recent years it has been at the center of everything from the Never Summer Rodeo to North Park Days, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and just about any other main event you’ll find in town. Check it out on Main Street in Walden, CO. Open seven days a week!
Visit our places to eat directory for other great stops to fill your stomach and wet your whistle on the way through Walden.
Beat the Heat with a Retreat to North Park
There’s still so much to do in North Park, even as summer is coming to a close. So when you are visiting Jackson County, you are going to want somewhere to stay. You can find most vacation rentals on VRBO or AirBnB. Check out last week’s blog for ideas on where to stay on your visit. Be sure to look at some of the listings we have on our lodging page here. With plenty of outdoor activities, hiking trails, fishing, and sights to see, you’ll have your weekend booked in no time. We will see you soon!
