Colorado Fall Trip

[Issaquahiker]

Currently planning a trip and would like some feedback. Plan is to move the RV about once a week and utilize the Jeep for day trips instead of moving the RV a lot. We want to hike, see some aspen changing colors, off road in the Jeep.

Departing from Arkansas Sep 2nd, arriving in Colo Sep 4th. 7 nights Colo Spgs (touristy stuff plus some family/friends). 6 nights Granby area (RMNP, Steamboat, Vail area). 8 nights Glenwood Springs (Aspen/Maroon Bells, Dinosaur NM, Colo NM, Grand Mesa). 7 nights Montrose (Blk Canyon, Ouray/Telluride/Silverton). 5 nights Cortez (Mesa Verde, $1M Hwy, Durango). 3 nights Great Sand Dunes. Depart Colo around Oct 10th. Approximately 6 weeks.

I'm thinking I need to make reservations for Colo Spgs, Granby, Glenwood Spgs and not the rest? I prefer to be flexible without reservations. Also would you stay longer/shorter in any of those places? Or am I missing something that I should do? Thanks.

[HavingABlast]

I agree with your wish not to make reservations. Sometimes you just do depending on where, when, and the amount of flexibility in your schedule. We don’t generally make reservations (but then again we don’t travel in the peak summer months). But if we do have to make reservations, we plan in a few (3-5 wiggle days) in between booked places to accommodate the unknown and spontaneous side trips.

For example, we are heading out in the fall for a 3-4 month 8-9 thousand mile trip. In the last two days I booked only two CG’s. Both centered around family reunions (no real flexibility in timing there). Other than that we travel where and when we want to.

When we first started RV’g 4 years ago, we booked everything out well in advance. DW didn’t like that we had to pass up so many interesting little towns in order to keep to our “schedule”. I didn’t either.

So if you must book...my advice is to leave plenty of spontaneous days in between. You will most likely be glad that you did.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Issaquahiker

Currently planning a trip and would like some feedback. Plan is to move the RV about once a week and utilize the Jeep for day trips instead of moving the RV a lot. We want to hike, see some aspen changing colors, off road in the Jeep.

Departing from Arkansas Sep 2nd, arriving in Colo Sept 4th. 7 nights Colo Spgs (touristy stuff plus some family/friends). 6 nights Granby area (RMNP, Steamboat, Vail area). 8 nights Glenwood Springs (Aspen/Maroon Bells, Dinosaur NM, Colo NM, Grand Mesa). 7 nights Montrose (Blk Canyon, Ouray/Telluride/Silverton). 5 nights Cortez (Mesa Verde, $1M Hwy, Durango). 3 nights Great Sand Dunes. Depart Colo around Oct 10th. Approximately 6 weeks.

I'm thinking I need to make reservations for Colo Spgs, Granby, Glenwood Spgs and not the rest? I prefer to be flexible without reservations. Also would you stay longer/shorter in any of those places? Or am I missing something that I should do? Thanks.

Reservations might only be needed on the Weekends (JMHO) Aspen time generally is set on the Last 10 Days of September so Be in the Mountains just before and Just after and every day in between - https://lynn.smugmug.com/Travel/Colo...pens/i-tsVRkXg

Great Sand Dunes NP, unless it has some great attraction for, you is a One day Park - only get so much sand in your shoes - again, JMHO.

Montrose would not be my choice for the San Juan's - Ouray - or Silverton. I would add time there as IMHO this area is a Treasure - http://www.irv2.com/forums/f42/ouray...it-442372.html - if you can do 4X4 trails in your Jeep you will be rewarded Big Time. - Especially Alpine Loop to Lake City and Back - https://www.flickr.com/photos/michae...n/photostream/

Keep in mind that the Aspen Gold is more prone to Altitude than North South so keep that in Mind. 4X4 Trails are everywhere. State Parks are Great. The trip appears to be well thought out - But - did you leave out Leadville/Buena Vista/Collegiates/Gunnison and Crested Butte for a reason or just run out of time.

IMHO you have chosen the Best time to be in Colorado - You will not be disappointed.

Will follow as this could get interesting,

Best of Luck,

[Peto]

If you like adventure and have good jeep driving skills the Black Bear Pass drive from Ouray to Telluride is a must do.... It's only driven one way. The switch backs coming down into Telluride can be daunting so I recommend a UTube search before committing.

[Issaquahiker]

Great feedback. So cut down GSDNP to 1 day, timing for apsens should be in the ballpark. Montrose not the choice for Ouray, etc. How about Ridgway SP? And add some time here as we will do some 4x4 but perhaps not Blk Bear Pass!

Buena Vista & Salida I was thinking about doing from Colo Springs. Gunnison & Crested Butte from Montrose. Leadville from Glenwood Spgs. I know that is a lot of driving. I have also thought about cutting out the north (Rocky Mtn NP, Steamboat, Dinosaur, etc and focusing time in the center and SW instead of trying to do too much. So many choices....

[twojayhawks]

Don't know if you are looking for any recommendations for CG's but the KOA just outside of Glenwood Springs is very nice.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Issaquahiker

Great feedback. So cut down GSDNP to 1 day, timing for apsens should be in the ballpark. Montrose not the choice for Ouray, etc. How about Ridgway SP? And add some time here as we will do some 4x4 but perhaps not Blk Bear Pass!

Buena Vista & Salida I was thinking about doing from Colo Springs. Gunnison & Crested Butte from Montrose. Leadville from Glenwood Spgs. I know that is a lot of driving. I have also thought about cutting out the north (Rocky Mtn NP, Steamboat, Dinosaur, etc and focusing time in the center and SW instead of trying to do too much. So many choices....

Click on this - zoom gown to see if it's too Crazy for you -
https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=5ae73...=2&form=S00027

Springs to Golden/Denver/RT 6 to Grand Lake/Kremling then on to StageCoach SP - on the Lake in September not crowded - to Steamboat and Steamboat Lake then on out to Yampa River SP as you head to Dino NM on the Green River - Down to Colorado Monument - Glenwood Springs/Carbondale for Aspen and Maroon Bells - could even do Independence Pass to get the first real Color then back on I-70 to Minturn through Red Cliff and the Green Bridge - to Leadville - 10,000' and Turquoise Lake - Camp Hale - Quincy's - Buena Vista - More Collegiates - K's - Browns Canyon - Cottonwood Pass and Independence pass again to see the Difference a week Makes I've lost track of the days but my guess it's getting close to the 20th and I want to be in the San Juan's and on those trails, color is like nothing you've ever imagined. Now bump around - up and Down till beginning of October Silverton/Ouray/Telluride/Dunton/Lake City...... now the color is going a +++ a good chance for a little Snow - so Cortez and Great Sand Dunes will be Fine. Now a Bee line home if you are out of time.

That's simple and might just work for you,

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Issaquahiker

How about Ridgway SP? And add some time here as we will do some 4x4 but perhaps not Blk Bear Pass!

Ridgway SP is a very nice place to stay for Ouray/silverton 4x4 trails. I agree, if you're not a very experienced 4x4 driver, skip Black Bear. There are plenty of other gorgeous trails where you don't have to concentrate so much on the switchbacks but more on the scenery.

Buena Vista & Salida I was thinking about doing from Colo Springs. Gunnison & Crested Butte from Montrose. Leadville from Glenwood Spgs. I know that is a lot of driving.

Yes, too much driving. Move the RV. It's not that difficult.

I have also thought about cutting out the north (Rocky Mtn NP, Steamboat, Dinosaur, etc and focusing time in the center and SW instead of trying to do too much.

I agree.

Another nice stop in the area would be Pagosa Springs. Spend a morning soaking in the immaculate hot springs concrete pools of varying temperatures overlooking the yellow aspen mountains, river and small town. It's so relaxing! Pack a small cooler.

Then return south via Hwy 84 in New Mexico and take in Taos or Santa Fe.

I also agree not to load yourself with reservations. We didn't and never had an issue. Just be in place on Thursday and stay for the weekend.

Six weeks isn't enough time!

[Issaquahiker]

This route is very similar to the route I started out with. It seemed like a lot of traveling but then again, its a lot of backtracking in the jeep otherwise. I will do some more thinking about what the priorities are. I could maybe do one more week, putting us at 6 weeks in Colo and 1 week to travel.



PS - I was thinking about hitting the springs in Glenwood, Ouray and Pagosa!

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Issaquahiker

This route is very similar to the route I started out with. It seemed like a lot of traveling but then again, its a lot of backtracking in the jeep otherwise. I will do some more thinking about what the priorities are. I could maybe do one more week, putting us at 6 weeks in Colo and 1 week to travel.



PS - I was thinking about hitting the springs in Glenwood, Ouray and Pagosa!

The Big thing is to be sure you are in the High Passes early and in Dino - Cortez - Great Sand Dunes NP when the color is not at its peak.

RT 40 and Berthoud Pass has a Little Pucker for some, but is Just Beautiful - When in Grand Lake the drive over Trail Ridge in the Jeep, it might just surprise you with early Color as it just reopened this week from the Snow

The Bells never disappoint - https://www.google.com/search?q=maro...w=1229&bih=608 - and you might even Jump into Devils Punch Bowl on Independence Pass - https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&....0.ql5OdE6azG8 - We pulled in on the 27th of September and DS had to make the Jump into the
"Pool" - when we came back on the 2nd it was in 6"'s of Snow at the Pass And the Hills/Mountains were all GOLD.

Never enough time, but you will Love every Minute of It!


https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ta...NBpLjtTGSpcpDx

[RickNC]

Since you are in Glenwood Springs for a few days I would recommend taking the jeep up to Dotsero (~20miles) then getting on FR 600 (also called Coffee Pot Rd) It takes you up into the Flat tops. Flat tops is a high plateau. IMO one of the most gorgeous areas in Colorado. FR 600 will take you in about 30 miles or so with various jeep and hiking trails leading from it. I camped 28 days up there, hiking,fishing and drinking schnapps with the sheep herders.

[BirchyBoy]

If you do plan to stay at any state parks, look for spaces now. The popular ones fill up quickly, sometimes six months out. Weekdays are easier to get last minute. Also, some state parks have switched to a reservation-only system; driving up and finding a spot may not be possible.

[Issaquahiker]

Today I am thinking about cutting out the northern part of the route. Go to GSDNP for 1 night, Colo Sprgs, then maybe Silverthorne/Dillon area. South down to Twin Lakes at White Star NF, where we could get to Aspen via Independence Pass, do Leadville area, etc. Take Hwy 50 to Curecanti and use that as a base for Blk Canyon and Kebler Pass and many scenic Jeep drives. To Ouray KOA (because I will be desperate for laundry by then) and do that area for some days. Somewhere near Mesa Verde for night or so. Pagosa Springs maybe. Then head to Taos and back home. I will need to map that out a little and see where it puts me mid-Sept to early Oct to see if I need to adjust departure.

[Busskipper]

Originally Posted by Issaquahiker

Today I am thinking about cutting out the northern part of the route. Go to GSDNP for 1 night, Colo Sprgs, then maybe Silverthorne/Dillon area. South down to Twin Lakes at White Star NF, where we could get to Aspen via Independence Pass, do Leadville area, etc. Take Hwy 50 to Curecanti and use that as a base for Blk Canyon and Kebler Pass and many scenic Jeep drives. To Ouray KOA (because I will be desperate for laundry by then) and do that area for some days. Somewhere near Mesa Verde for night or so. Pagosa Springs maybe. Then head to Taos and back home. I will need to map that out a little and see where it puts me mid-Sept to early Oct to see if I need to adjust departure.

Note below on Independence Pass - 35' limit and that is pushing it a Bit

https://www.codot.gov/projects/SH82/...formation.html

More to follow,

https://www.bing.com/maps?osid=5028c...=2&form=S00027

Have not stayed here but would if I could - https://www.ourayrvpark.com/