Small Group Campout at CROW VALLEY near Pawnee Nat Grasslands

Friday June 19th is a Federal holiday so fed employees are off, there's no mail service, banks and the stock markets are closed

Therefore, join us to get away JUNETEENTH WEEKEND for THREE (3) nights camping, hiking and socializing at CROW VALLEY SMALL GROUP CAMPGROUND next door to the PAWNEE NATIONAL GRASSLANDS near Briggsdale CO

A very popular site with bird enthusiasts -- over 200 species can be found in the area. Hiking and star gazing are favorite activities in this remotely located campground

The campground is rated highly as a clean and lovely with birds singing, amazing stars and beautiful sunrises
Each group site is named for a species of birds that inhabit the adjoining wildness area, we are in the "Plover" site

Our campsite can accommodate up to 25 people and is wheelchair accessible. Picnic tables and a campfire circle form a common area with tent pads are arranged around the perimeter, and an adjacent small parking lot that only allows 7 vehicles. There are no RV hookups and no electricity. Potable water is nearby but it's probably best to bring enough drinking water for your individual needs. Trash dumpsters and vault toilets (that are cleaned daily) are conveniently located nearby, Dogs are allowed but must be on a hand-held leash. There is supposed to be pretty good cell service.

COST: There are no senior/veteran discounts on group sites so in order to recoup the cost of the site and to encourage carpooling, THE COST IS $40/PARKING SPOT, which you can split with whoever you carpool with (and save by sharing the cost of gas, as well) -- if we have more than 7 vehicles there is purported to be overflow parking available at the nearby picnic area that costs $8/nite, collected by the camp host (couldn't be confirmed because the campground is still closed for the season)

Bring your own choice of food/beverages, extra to share if you'd like, your camping gear/equipment, binoculars/telescope, flashlight, maybe some firewood, cards/board games and a good attitude!

Liability-wise, everyone's on their own and responsible for their own safety but we usually have a happy hour together in the afternoons and share/pot luck meals, if you choose to participate. DRIVE SAFE

## Natural Features

Crow Valley sits at an elevation of 4,800 feet. Cottonwood and elm trees dot the landscape, providing pleasant shade in the family campground, though there is less shade in the group campsites. Short grass prairie surrounds the recreation area.

The Pawnee National Grassland sits east of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. Eroding creek drainages crisscross the area. Elevations range from 4,375 feet on the prairie to 5,685 feet.

## Recreation

Birding, exploring nature trails, viewing wildlife and star gazing are popular activities at Crow Valley. A volleyball court, horseshoe pit and ball field are available.

The Lee and Dorothy Rhoads Farm Implement Museum is located within the recreation area. The collection of tools, donated by the descendants of homesteaders, can help one imagine what life was like in pioneer days.

DIRECTIONS: From Ault, head east on Highway 14 for 22 miles, turn north on Weld County Road 77, travel 1/4 mile to campground entrance on the west side of the road

Text your host with questions/comments; drop a note below if you have room or would like a ride (I can fit 2 to 3 others in my RV)

Your host is Peter J 303-229-5452