Colorado Vacation

[TN2shot07]

What time of year, how long will you spend, driving own vehicle? Along with everything else mentioned here there are world class hot springs in Glenwood, Steamboat, Ridgway, Durango, Pagosa, Buena Vista and the San Luis valley. IME, the ladies really enjoy the springs. So do I. Our national parks are epic and diverse. Rocky Mountain near Denver, Black Canyon near Montrose, Sand Dunes near Alamosa and my favorite, Mesa Verde near Durango.

She’s a teacher so probably sometime late May-June. Definitely driving out there, probably 7-10 days total. Can’t burn all my pto before hunting season

 

[Phaseolus]

I'll toss in the Grand Valley as well. Lotta wineries and orchards in the Palisades area. Grand Mesa, Colorado National Monument, and the Dominguez-Escalante Natl, Conservation Area is good as well. Lots of Native American pictographs to be seen in the area.

There is only one “S” in my town of Palisade. I’m not sure I would recommend The Grand Valley as a place for a first visit to Colorado with a short period of time. If you are a wine fan then sure. I’d say Durango/Silverton narrow gauge, Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks would be on my list for Southwestern Colorado. If the OP is landing in Denver I’d steer them to the Bestern Slope by driving over Trail Ridge Road in RMNP. If you arrive at the gates before 0900 you won’t need to make reservations to get in the park but would be limited to the great drive over Trail Ridge Road. It should be open by Memorial Day.

 

[GrantK]

If you fly into Denver, A drive through RMNP will remind you why you don't go to national parks during peak season. But if it is on your way to somewhere else it's a nice check off....

My off the cuff loop...
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that would be good but you shouldn't miss Durango to Ouray over 550, and I personally would avoid I70 as much as possible if the goal is to have a relaxing vacation...

 

[Phaseolus]

I agree, there really isn’t any point to driving I-70 if you plan around it. If you decide to visit RMNP don’t backtrack to the Front Range. Drive over Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake and then on to other locations on The Best Slope.

 

[jpc01101]

Go later in June if you hope to hit any offroad passes (depending on snowpack and weather that can be as late as July).

 

[Southern Elk]

If you’re a baseball fan and going through Denver, try to catch a Rockies game. We had a ton of fun at our first game there last year.

 

[GrantK]

I’d say Durango/Silverton narrow gauge, Mesa Verde and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Parks would be on my list for Southwestern Colorado. If the OP is landing in Denver I’d steer them to the Bestern Slope by driving over Trail Ridge Road in RMNP.

you would be hard pressed to beat this list...

 

[mevertsen]

From Denver to Fairplay, over Monarch Pass and into Gunnison Basin was a very interesting drive. You could spend a lot of time there and never make it out.

Ouray is crazy cool. Soft spot for me, as we spread my brother's ashes there.

I would avoid the I70. So many cool places.

 

[TOGIE]

i'd definitely treat it like a road trip. personally, if you've never been to colorado and start coming in from the east that first hit of south park as you come over kenosha pass is a great way to start getting introduced. then move your down to salida then alamosa and work your way to south fork, creede then durango to silverton.

but, also never a bad idea to watch some chunker get gored by an elk on trail ridge whilst trying to take a selfie then go link up with i70 and get flattened by an out of control semi when traffic inevitably comes to a halt.

 

[noharleyyet]

i'd definitely treat it like a road trip. personally, if you've never been to colorado and start coming in from the east that first hit of south park as you come over kenosha pass is a great way to start getting introduced. then move your down to salida then alamosa and work your way to south fork, creede then durango to silverton.

but, also never a bad idea to watch some chunker get gored by an elk on trail ridge whilst trying to take a selfie then go link up with i70 and get flattened by an out of control semi when traffic inevitably comes to a halt.

I70 is ruthless...

 

[LuketheDog]

Ouray/Telluride/Ridgway...I have a buddy with some rental cabins down there, if you need shoot me a PM

 

[TOGIE]

I70 is ruthless...

emotionally and physically.

 

[MtsPSU]

Wife has never seen the Rockies. What’s are some vacation ideas/spots. No specific area locked down yet (except not Denver) but also not a camping trip…

Thanks!
Josh

Salida is a favorite for me and my buddies. Be sure to hit Mt. Princeton Hot Springs (you can rent a room or cabin there too). Cool old mining ghost town of Mt. Elmo is nearby and known for the hummingbird flyway.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a must see too.

Cheers!

Mark

 

[belshawelk]

Summertime it’s Independence Pass.

 

[JV842]

Silverton/Durango rail is nice

 

[Dave N]

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I rode it way back when I was a teenager. Thought it was cool! I even met a cute blonde that lived about 8 miles from me!

 

[JV842]

Dolores n Rico are also cool little towns. Covid hit some of the small businesses hard there but there still are some good spots n damn good folks

 

[Bigjay73]

Lake City, Colorado..Lake San Cristobal surrounded by 14'ers. the majestic Alpine Loop connecting Silverton and Ouray, rafting near Creede...gorgeous and simple.
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The best answer in this thread

 

[Bigjay73]

you would be hard pressed to beat this list...View attachment 355948

I've seen that view a couple of times. Some of the best fishing I've ever found

 

[Wild Bill]

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Rode the train up into the forest and cut down a Christmas tree when I lived in CO. That was kinda cool.