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02-13-2018, 07:14 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 120
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Buena Vista or Moraine (Estes Park)?
First of all, let me start by saying I really appreciate all of the feedback/advice that I have received from this forum either through my personal questions or from reading others'. I have been planning our family cross country trip for what feels like forever!! After reading some often repeated advice I'm second guessing my first major Colorado stop.
We (myself, wife, and 3 daughters ages 12, 10, and 5) will be driving from Vermont to St. Louis, stopping for a day or two and then drive to Cherry Creek State Park in Denver to get altitude adjusted for a couple of days (something I never even knew existed until this forum). I had originally planned to go to Moraine Campground (have a great site reserved) for 3-4 nights and then head down to Ridgway State Park and explore that area for another 3-4 nights before going to Mesa Verde. I keep reading that the Estes Park area is too much of a circus and to stay clear of it. I also keep reading about the Buena Vista area. The drive from Denver to Buena Vista will be much shorter. If we don't go off-roading, is there enough in that area to justify abandoning Moraine? I like to fly fish, although that will likely only happen if we don't already have plans and are just hanging around camp. We will most definitely do some hiking, but with a 5 year old we won't be doing super long or difficult treks. I guess I may have had it in my head to do the Estes Park thing but am wondering if it's worth the extra 3 hours of driving time. Thoughts???
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2015 Chevy 2500HD Crew Cab Duramax
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02-13-2018, 07:27 AM
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: western NC mountains!
Posts: 4,106
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came thru Americus and Buena Vista CO last summer when returning from Alaska, on the way home to Georgia(Funny, our area in Georgia that we are from is Americus and Buena Vista GA!) : )
fly fishing? yes, drive thru Buena Vista on 371, thru the Midland Tunnels(FUN!), and try the RAILROAD BRIDGE Campground. No hookups, but right on the Arkansas river, with a R/R trestle bridge. The drive alone is worth it.
or, just thru the Tunnels is Elephant Rock campground, you can't miss it - it's a big rock!
There are also several rv parks in Buena Vista, such as a KOA and some other private parks, if you need full hookups.
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02-13-2018, 09:29 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Enjoying the Western States!
Posts: 19,771
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If you've never been to Rocky Mtn. Nat'l Park I'd recommend that you keep your much sought out reservation for Moraine campground. I think with the ages of your girls you'll enjoy the park even though it will be crowded. Moraine is right on the main hiking road, Bear Lake, which is a big advantage in getting to the trailheads early before the crowds. Parking is limited at the trailheads. At Moraine, take advantage of the nightly campfire programs and other Ranger programs throughout the park. Even going into Estes Park at least for a few hours is doable - again - early morning will be best. Another day take a drive over Trail Ridge Rd. for some oohs and aahs! Buena Vista is very nice but there's not much to do like at Rocky Mtn. You could drive the highway through it on your way to Ridgeway via 24/50.
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Full-timed for 16 Years . . .
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02-13-2018, 10:27 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 2,231
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Definitely keep the Moraine Park reservations. And while Estes Park is crowded, it is also an enjoyable place to visit. We usually go there for a day while at RMNP, and your kids will love it. Quite touristy, but nice. While in RMNP take the shuttle bus to the Bear Lake area for kid friendly hikes. Visit the museum across the main road from the campground. Take The old Fall River Road if it is open, and definitely take Trail Ridge Road. Bring coats because it can be cold on top. There are some short alpine hikes at the top which give views for many, many, many miles. Fishing is popular in the meadow outside your campground too.
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02-13-2018, 11:18 AM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 32
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I live an hour from Estes Park, as a native to CO I hate going there. That being said it's probably something you should see and there is a lot for your kids to do. Be aware HWY 34 is closed until May for road construction, coming from Denver you would want to take 36 anyway.
Another option for you if you didn't want to stay in Estes is Jellystone RV park. Lots of activities for the kids and only a 15-20 minute drive to Estes to take in the sights.
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02-13-2018, 12:13 PM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,007
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[QUOTE=flintsters;4037215] I also keep reading about the Buena Vista area. The drive from Denver to Buena Vista will be much shorter. If we don't go off-roading, is there enough in that area to justify abandoning Moraine? I like to fly fish, although that will likely only happen if we don't already have plans and are just hanging around camp. We will most definitely do some hiking, but with a 5 year old we won't be doing super long or difficult treks. I guess I may have had it in my head to do the Estes Park thing but am wondering if it's worth the extra 3 hours of driving time. Thoughts???[/QUOT
things to do:
Fly fishing - Arkansas River & fish in several lakes
White water rafting, stand up paddle boards
Climb 14er or lower
Ghost town near Mt. Princeton
mt. bike riding
Hot springs
Legal pot smoking
Drive to Aspen
Museum of mining
Leadville, Salida
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02-14-2018, 11:20 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 298
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Buena Vista or Moraine (Estes Park)?
Be careful white water rafting with young children, especially in spring and early summer. Keep Rocky Mountain National Park! Consider driving Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake. We loved Moraine CG. We saw elk there every evening.
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02-15-2018, 06:26 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Tiffin Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Where we park it!
Posts: 13,145
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Keep to your original plan of RMNP.
Ridgway and the Black Canyon will blow you a way.
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momdoc
2018 Tiffin Allegro RED 37PA
2020 JEEP Trailhawk
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