Cutty’s is a family-owned resort located outside the town of Coaldale, Colorado off US HWY 50. The resort sits a few miles down a paved road in the crux of the mountain range. The resort offers various hook-up types. We had a site that offered both water and electric (no sewer), though full hook-up sites were also available. We enjoyed our assigned spot near the center of the campground, next to the river, surrounded by trees. The campsites vary in typography, privacy and size. Our site was very unlevel. The back of the site swiftly deteriorated into the river. We had to use every means available to level the camper. However, once level, we enjoyed this spot because it was private, though close to all the amenities Cutty’s offers.

Cutty’s has been in business for decades and we had heard about it from several people. There is a pool, mini golf course, a camp store, outdoor movies shown on the weekend nights, a concession stand, and dinners and breakfasts served (pre-order). A tennis court, basketball court, and large ball field are also available for use. Some campers appear to be here for much of the summer, but most are like us; making a fun weekend trip to the area. The staff was helpful and friendly and we interacted with them several times; at check-in, in the store, getting mini-golf equipment, and at the cook-out. The arcade was closed when we arrived due to COVID.

We enjoyed our first night at Cutty’s by grilling dinner and finished eating before the thunderstorm brought rain. The next day, we decided to try fishing on the Arkansas River that runs next to HWY 50 in the canyon. There are numerous federal and state recreation areas along HWY 50 to pull over, park, and enjoy the river. We went to Canyon Trading Post, which ended up being a perfect spot. Fishing was not that great (probably due to the temperature and time of year), but a heard of big horned sheep were grazing on the mountains across the river. We watched them enjoy their food and we enjoyed trying to catch the fish that never materialized. Picnic tables and clean restrooms were available at this pull-out, and only a handful of people stopped that Saturday. We enjoyed a picnic at one of several picnic tables at this location. It was a relaxing morning.

We drove toward Salida, wanting to spend time walking through this small town. We made a few stops on our way, trying again to catch fish at these various turn-outs, but we only caught amazing scenery instead. Salida was bustling. Shoppers, people dining, and others enjoying the well-designed Riverside Park that provides an opportunity for rafters to enter the river and others to enjoy the green grass under large cottonwoods. We shopped in stores, stopping for ice cream and later decided to stay for dinner at Moonlight Pizza, voted the “best of” several categories in the town that is teaming with restaurants.

Moonlight Pizza has a monthly creation (which we didn’t try), but also has a “standard” menu that includes the usual pizzas plus a raft of entertaining combinations. I am not a fan of Hawaiian pizza, but their Southern Colorado spin on the pineapple dappled pie is worth the purchase. Their Cosmic Hawaiian has BBQ sauce, pineapple, Canadian bacon, jalapenos and cream cheese. It sounds weird, but it’s delightful and pairs well with one of their in-house craft beers. We ordered a few kinds of pizza and all were delicious. We headed back to the campground satisfied with the choice.

The next day, we had reserved a time for the pool (required during COVID). The pool was freezing, which should not have been surprising since it was in the mountains and does not seem to be heated. My son would barely enter the water. We left the experience early, but then played mini golf and decided to walk around the campground and behind the campsite (near the water in the trees). A myriad of make-shift paths wander near the water, but don’t travel anywhere in particular. That night, we tried Cutty’s BBQ, each having a different item and side so we could try them all. It smelled great roasting all day and the food was tasty. The chef and those in the kitchen were abundantly friendly.

We also enjoyed watching “The Incredibles”, the lawn movie they were showing that evening. It was a relaxing end to the day and the sunset over the mountains was also beautiful from our movie-watching spot on the lawn.