Southwest Highways April 2013 | Page 12

11 Southwest Highways & Fields

Colorado

The Arkansas River south of Buena Vista is a good spot to be

this spring. Nymph rigs work well on Brown and Rainbow trout,

Trophy fish can be caught here quite often.

40 miles of trails wind through the amazing scenery at Colorado

National Monument. Red rock monoliths and stunning canyons

make for a very memorable hike. There is a trail for everyone,

from 1/4 mile strolls to 14 mile treks. Watch for bighorn sheep

and the stunning Collared Lizard.

The Spring turkey hunt begins April 13, and runs to May 26.

The Karval Mountain Plover Festival is not just about the April

arrival of the Mountain Plovers that like to nest in the short grass

prairie, it is also about community, history, and the local way of

life. Eat home-cooked food and meet local residents who are proud

of their community; see the plovers on private lands that are

otherwise inaccessible. Go to karval.org for information.

Known as an "oasis on the plains", Jackson Lake State Park

40 miles east of Greeley, offers 260 campsites with water and

el electric hookups. Fishing, boating, waterskiing and swimming are

great activities on the lake, and the park is a stopover for

migratory birds. The Prairie Wetlands Nature Trail is a good place

to look for wildlife and birds.

The Campfire Outdoors Guide