Coyote Creek State Park
It was only 31 miles to my next destination at Coyote Creek State Park. You are on a narrow road leading to the park as you can see here.
It is nestled in the mountains and is a beautiful park. I would have to say that this is probably the most scenic park I have ever camped in within the New Mexico State Park system. The park is at 7,700 feet among the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Coyote Creek runs all thru it. There are quite a few electric/water sites near the Visitor’s Center , however I opted for one of the developed sites further away. Here is a pic of my home for a couple of days on my way to the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque. I also have beautiful flowers right next to my campsite.
Yogi pays me a visit
In the morning of the second day I was busy working on my computer at my dinette. All my blinds were closed except for the kitchen blind which I always leave open. Something happened to catch my eye while typing and I looked up to see this.
There was a big Yogi Bear walking down the road directly in front of “The Breeze” (my RV). I couldn’t believe it. I quickly grabbed my camera and started snapping pictures. But by the time I could get the blinds up he was gone down the road. My heart was POUNDING. What if Yogi decided to come back and rip into my rig? I got my keys and put them in the ignition in case I had to make a fast getaway. If Yogi decided to make a move towards “The Breeze” I was going to be out of there.
I looked for Yogi but had decided he had gone down the road and went back to my computer. I decided at that point to open all my blinds just in case Yogi came back. I call it Yogi because I don’t know if it is a male or female.
About a ½ hour later I see Yogi again on the left side of my rig only 15’ away. Yogi was headed to the back of my campsite where I had been barbequing chicken the night before (big mistake). Yogi walked right thru my campsite and just stood there for a minute. I grabbed my camera and tried to snap a few pictures in between heart beats. My heart felt like it was going to burst it was pounding so much. I got the following pics.
Then Yogi was gone never to be seen by me again. That was fine with me!
With all the excitement I make new friends
About 10 minutes later two people came by with their dog. I wanted to alert them to the fact that Yogi was in the area. I jumped out of my rig and asked them if they had seen a bear while on their walk. They were coming from the same area that Yogi had wandered off to. They said they hadn’t and I proceeded to show them the pics I had taken.
Then I realized I was standing there in my long underwear ONLY. In my excitement I had forgot to put on my clothes. OH WELL!!! They probably thought at the moment I was some kind of old pervert. After they left I got dressed and much later in the day hiked to their campsite and we have become good friends.
Coyote Creek SP lawnmowers
There is a big field next to the electric/water sites where there is a big cow pasture. Late in the day the cows meander into a large grassy area within the park. What an excellent way to keep the grass trimmed. The cows are very friendly and are interested in anyone walking down that road. Here is a couple of pics.
Coyote Creek
After the bear excitement calmed down I decided to take a hike around the park. Here are a couple of pics of the creek. It was a beautiful mountain stream and I saw lots of people pulling fish from it.
I would highly recommend Coyote Creek SP to anyone who is looking for a beautiful mountain campgrounds. It is very scenic with nice hiking and fishing. It was cold at night when I was here in September but I would imagine that the summer months would really be nice. Just don’t forget the BEAR SPRAY.
Jimbo's Journeys 
Great pix of Yogi. Scary maybe but what fun. You can be sure Yogi could not destroy The Breeze – it’s a Lazy Daze LOL!! The funniest part was your state of dress when warning the dog walkers about the bear. Sounds like something my hubby would do. Great post.
Maybe he was just looking for a pickanick basket – or Boo Boo.
I’m really disappointed that I won’t be making it to the balloon fiesta this year. I’ve been wanting to go for quite a while now. Was looking forward to meeting you in person. Guess it will have to wait for another time.
My ankle is getting better every day. Got a nice brace at Walmart that helps. It won’t be long now before the temps get down below the 90’s. There are a couple of lakes a few miles south of here that they stock during the winter months. I’ll definitely be making a trip or two down their way.
I too was hoping to finally meet you and put a face with a name. Maybe next year. I hope to see you sometime this winter if you are still in AZ.
Oh Jim, bears are always so exciting. Back in Alberta they came to our house every year. Looked into the kitchen window too!! Good thing you had on underpants at all! But why long? Is it that cold up there? I used to wear them only from -10 or so! We’d be taking off here around october 25. Crossing NM around the end of the month. If you should still hang around those parts maybe we see you… Check in on our blog, so you know our progress. Happy trails!!
Hi Peter,
It got down in the low 40’s at night. I know! That is not too cold. But I am single and don’t have anyone to keep me warm. Maybe I should get a dog. HA!
I don’t know if I will be in the area at the end of Oct. I am heading to Fernley, NV and have to be there by the 28th. Hope to catch up with youand Bea before you head back up north. I will watch your blog.
Too funny about forgetting to put your pants on! We’re jealous of your bear encounter as we have yet to see one that close. It looks like a lovely park.
For Sure dont forget the bear spray or your pants!!
Jim Jim Jim, what excitement does for you!!:) Glad the bear did not tear up you or your rig. Good thing that you later dressed and met the folks walking their dog. I could do without the bear excitement though.