From Pagosa Springs we headed to Chimney Rock. After snapping a few pictures from the road, we parked and stopped and the visitors center located in a small cabin. We had not realized there were ruins near the top of Chimney rock. However to see them you needed to take a guided tour which was $14 each.The National Parks Annual pass did not help here.
We have seen a number of ruins already and had planned to see others that would not cost us. From the road we snagged some nice pictures and moved on.
We had seen a number of larger boats being trailered and had heard that Navajo Lake was where most people went. It was just 20 minutes south of Chimney Rock and our Colorado annual pass covered our entrance fee.
Again boat rental cost seemed crazy to us – $300 for the smallest boat they had. There were no kayak or sailing boat rentals.
Rather than going out in a boat, we figured we could just toss in a line at the fishing pier.
One look and we realized that might not be safe option. Mrs Ram fished from the shore.
According to the ranger at the office the water level is down almost 40 ft from “full pool” and about 20 ft from last year at this time. Nearly everyone we talked to said the low levels were caused by light snowfall last winter.
As our stomachs rumbled we thought we might settle in near the lake, make dinner and stay the night. The “beach” campground was nowhere near the beach , there was no shade and it was still blistering hot.
Sparty encouraged us to head north and up. Eventually we landed at Lower Piedro Campground with its shaded sites and running creek.
