The Coke Ovens of Cokedale

I took this picture of the old coke ovens of Cokedale, Colorado, from the road in the fall of 2025.

Old coke ovens near Trinidad Lake. ~350 in total. All beehive-style. The former mining town of Cokedale is almost a ghost town now (population: 127 in 2020). It was born in 1899 with 100 souls and a decade later reached 1,500. Coal operations ended in 1947. Impressive lines of old ovens - the rows can be seen in the satellite layer of Google Maps). 

Where are the coke ovens of Cokedale? - Map my location. 

Previous Post > Camping in Trinidad Lake

Camping in Trinidad Lake

View of Trinidad Lake from a trail. Fishers Peak in the background - fall 2025. 

Two nights camping at this state park in southeast Colorado. Campsite at the Carpios Ridge Campground - the others were closed for winter. Good views of the lake and Fishers Peak. Nice trails surrounded by pinyon trees and cactus (including Colorado Cholla). Spiny hikes. Be careful. 

Where is Trinidad Lake? - Map my location.

Previous Post > Sunset Over the San Luis Valley

Sunset Over the San Luis Valley

The orange tones of the latest lights of a day - fall 2025. 

A view from my campsite by Lake Como Road in BLM land. The image looks awesome. But don't be deceived by the beauty. Weather was ugly. Wind was wolfy cold. This place is not for everyone.   

Where is the San Luis Valley? - Map my location.

Previous Post > Bad Weather in the Sand Dunes

Bad Weather in the Sand Dunes

They look to us like wondering how do we dare to visit with this awful weather. Crazy humans! - Autumn 2025. 

We are going in while they are fleeing the dunes. They know better. The famous place is foggy, wet, cold, and as windy as it always is. Campground still full. Not even a way to reserve for the same day. What a mess has become to wander the West in these days.

Where are the Sand Dunes? - Map my location.

Previous Post > Dispersed Camping Under Blanca Peak

Dispersed Camping Under Blanca Peak

Entrance to BLM land at Lake Como Road with Blanca Peak in the background - Fall 2025. 

Rain followed us through the windy San Luis Valley. We camped free in BLM land under the fourth highest summit of Colorado: Blanca Peak (also the highest in the Sangre de Cristo Range with 14,351 feet - 4,374 meters). The peak was hidden by clouds most of these days. This mountain is sacred for the Navajo. They called it “Sisnaajiní” (means “Dawn” or “White Shell Mountain”).

Where is Blanca Peak? - Map my location.

Previous Post > Eagle View of the Sand Dunes

Eagle View of the Sand Dunes

Cold day of fall in the mighty dunes of Colorado (2025). 

Here they are! The famous Sand Dunes of Colorado. The highest pile of sand in North America. I took the photo high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains - near the Zapata Falls. The Utes called them the "sand that moves". Then came the Spaniards, followed later by the trip of Zebulon Pike through the White Mountains - old name for the Sangre de Cristo Range. Windy cold day of autumn. Beautiful wilderness. 

Where are the Sand Dunes of Colorado? - Map my location.

Previous Post > The Hike to Zapata Falls

Hike to Zapata Falls

End of the walk at the new bridge over South Zapata Creek - Fall 2025.

Busy place. Many cars up there. Different six years ago - a harder climb on a rough road. The campground? Packed - no open campsite. The falls? A walk in a shopping mall - crowded. I passed the falls and hiked up to a new wooden bridge over South Zapata Creek. Humid cliffs nearby. The creek was probably named after the old "Zapata Ranch" down in the San Luis Valley. Spanish surname. Good views of the Sand Dunes from these mountains. 

Where are the Zapata Falls? - Map my location.

Previous Post > Lower Beaver Creek Campground