Coolest campsite ever is a real-life cliffhanger
Camping is commonplace in Estes Park, Colo.. With crystal-clear lakes, snowcapped mountains and abundant wildlife, it’s irresistible for those who love the great outdoors.
Kent Mountain Adventure Center in Estes Park, Colo., takes guests cliff camping, a 24-hour experience where you hike up to base camp, then up to the top of Deville III, a nice little perch with views of Rocky Mountain National Park.
You’ll spend the night snoozing under the stars on a portaledge, a nylon cot no bigger than the size of two sleeping bags.
When you are on the ledge, there is no barrier that prevents you from falling off the side. However, because you are securely roped in, you would only fall a few feet.
Breakfast on the side of a cliff.
After speeding the night on a cliff, the famous Stanley Hotel is a popular place to stay.
“We are currently the only ones in North America offering this,” says Dustin Dyer, a guide with Kent Mountain Adventure Center.
At the summit you clip into fixed ropes and rappel down to the itty, bitty portaledge where you chow down on dinner and fall asleep (hopefully) until morning. After breakfast, you rappel back down to the ground.
“There’s no prerequisites of skill,” says Dustin Dyer, a guide with Kent Mountain Adventure Center. “I mean, we have people that have never put on a harness before that can do this.”
“Most climbers wouldn’t even consider going out onto a portaledge until years into their career,” says Dustin Dyer, a guide with Kent Mountain Adventure Center. “But we can do this with 20 minutes of training.”
"More often than not, we are working with complete first-timers,” says Dustin Dyer, a guide with Kent Mountain Adventure Center. “It’s really more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge.”
Guides set up the portaledge for you.
“I found Estes Park many, many years ago in my youth and basically couldn’t not move here,” says Dyer. “And I moved here and I haven’t been able to leave. Estes Park is one of the prettiest spots in America.
After a series of rappells, you’ll be at the portaledge taking in views of Rocky Mountain National Park, Jurassic Park (a series of gorgeous domes) and Mummy Range.
It’s no wonder why Estes Park is such a popular destination. It’s stunning, especially from this angle.
Test out your climbing skills before dinner time.
Not only is Estes Park a great destination for adventuring, it also offers shopping.
Don’t worry, though: If cliff camping isn’t your cup of tea, there’s plenty to do on the ground like hiking, biking, paddleboarding or just strolling around the village.
A stroll through the village in Estes Park is a wonderful way to relax.
If cliff camping isn’t for you, there is plenty to do on the ground like catching a movie.
Estes Park welcomes loads of visitors every year thanks to its natural beauty.
The Riverwalk in Estes Park is a great place to explore.
Along the Riverwalk in Estes Park you’ll find restaurants, shops and places to sit a spell.