Aug or Sep for CO trip
Jan 29th, 2009, 03:17 PM
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Aug or Sep for CO trip
My husband and I are in the beginning stages of planning a week trip to Steamboat/Estes Park/Boulder (and anything else we can fit in) and we're not sure which week to shoot for. Looking at the last 2 weeks of Aug or the 2nd week in Sep (which would begin with labor day wknd)
Any insights as to what week might have advantages? We're looking for great weather for outdoor activities- hiking, possible canoeing or other water sports, sightseeing - trying to avoid busy, tourist activity. Thanks!
Any insights as to what week might have advantages? We're looking for great weather for outdoor activities- hiking, possible canoeing or other water sports, sightseeing - trying to avoid busy, tourist activity. Thanks!
Jan 29th, 2009, 04:14 PM
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There's not a whole lot of difference in weather over the space of a few weeks, but going the 2nd week of September would probably be slightly cooler and drier than August. Since it's after Labor Day there won't be as many people either, so the September dates fit best for you it would seem. I would not start in Estes Park on Labor Day weekend as it'll be busy there, save that for mid-week or the following weekend.
Jan 29th, 2009, 04:57 PM
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Sept and Oct are PRIME "grown-up" tourist season here in SW; because of foliage, cooler weather, kids back in school. August is "family" tourist season.
Water activities - water levels can be low if we don't get rain in monsoon season [July through September] and we haven't been getting it for a few years, so don't count too much on water related activities on rivers.
Deb
Water activities - water levels can be low if we don't get rain in monsoon season [July through September] and we haven't been getting it for a few years, so don't count too much on water related activities on rivers.
Deb
Jan 29th, 2009, 08:39 PM
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To me it looks like "6 of one, and a half a dozen of the other". Not generally a lot of difference between those weeks. I'd say that if you're looking to do your outdoor activities in shorts, then the late August period is the more logical choice. By the second week of September you'd probably be best off investing in some convertible pants.
If you're looking at tubing on the Yampa River around Steamboat, then I'd say August. August is also great for wildflowers around Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat. That being said, I did spend a weekend around Steamboat in the middle of last August when the high temps for 3 days in a row did not get above 50 - but then after that it was in the 70's and low 80's for the rest of the following week. Go figure.
If you're looking at tubing on the Yampa River around Steamboat, then I'd say August. August is also great for wildflowers around Rabbit Ears Pass near Steamboat. That being said, I did spend a weekend around Steamboat in the middle of last August when the high temps for 3 days in a row did not get above 50 - but then after that it was in the 70's and low 80's for the rest of the following week. Go figure.
Jan 30th, 2009, 09:25 AM
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Since people have brought up the school thing for August I can tell you from experience that if you are flying into Denver, there are no cheap flights to be had in August! Don't know if it makes any difference. Maybe you are driving. I would think the aspens might be turning in the higher elevations by mid September. We certainly have missed them in October.
Jan 30th, 2009, 08:21 PM
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Those are some of the best days in the high country. August is warm and sometimes hot, but with frequent afternoon showers. The wild mushrooms are growing everywhere.
September is drier but the colors kick in the 2nd & 3rd week if all goes well. Can't go wrong either way and you'll still have a great time. Schools are back in session in September so it may be less busy in some areas.
September is drier but the colors kick in the 2nd & 3rd week if all goes well. Can't go wrong either way and you'll still have a great time. Schools are back in session in September so it may be less busy in some areas.
Feb 1st, 2009, 11:35 AM
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Some of our best weather occurs during this time period, so you really can't go wrong. If you are of Celtic descent, or like that sort of thing, the Longs Peak Scottish/Irish Festival (Estes Park) starts 9/10. It can snow ANY DAY of the year in the mountains, so bring a fleece jacket & hat.
Feb 1st, 2009, 08:28 PM
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Spend a night in Estes Park, get up long before sunrise, drive into the park (they leave the gates open at the times when they are not manning the booths) and be in place at the Many Parks Curve lookout when the sun comes up.
Bring your cameras. With a bit of luck you will get some awesome pix. Maybe the valley below is fogged in so you look down on stunning illuminated cottonwool for as far as you can see. Or the mountains above (snow on top probably in Sep.) will light up. Or both.
http://rockymountainnationalpark.com...s_curve_1.html
Then come back down and drive to the Moraine area to look for elk. Bring the longest lens you have. By about nine or ten they tend to wander off the open areas into the hidden parts where you can't follow.
Then drive up to Bear Lake. Wow! You'll have earned a good lunch back down in Estes Park!
Bring your cameras. With a bit of luck you will get some awesome pix. Maybe the valley below is fogged in so you look down on stunning illuminated cottonwool for as far as you can see. Or the mountains above (snow on top probably in Sep.) will light up. Or both.
http://rockymountainnationalpark.com...s_curve_1.html
Then come back down and drive to the Moraine area to look for elk. Bring the longest lens you have. By about nine or ten they tend to wander off the open areas into the hidden parts where you can't follow.
Then drive up to Bear Lake. Wow! You'll have earned a good lunch back down in Estes Park!
Feb 2nd, 2009, 06:23 AM
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Hello - I'm so grateful for all the responses. We're pretty settled on going to CO 9/11-9/20.
New question - we have access to timeshares in both Estes Park area and Steamboat. Need to book 7 nights. We figure 4 nights in one area, 3 in the other. Where would you stay longer - Estes or Steamboat?
We plan a night in Boulder on our way to Estes and one probably near Dillon or Winter Park on way home - any recommends there?
THANKs!
New question - we have access to timeshares in both Estes Park area and Steamboat. Need to book 7 nights. We figure 4 nights in one area, 3 in the other. Where would you stay longer - Estes or Steamboat?
We plan a night in Boulder on our way to Estes and one probably near Dillon or Winter Park on way home - any recommends there?
THANKs!
Feb 2nd, 2009, 10:12 AM
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Tell us more about what you are looking for in Boulder, in terms of why you're stopping there for the night, what you expect to see (there isn't very much but...), and what type of lodgings/budget you prefer?
About the split of the week, gee, that's finessing it. I like fall in the Rocky Mountain National Park a lot, can never get enough of the exhilarating thin air and vast views and constantly changing weather up top - can easily go there three days in a row, and throughout the rest of the park, with camera and tripod and picnic and hiking gear.
But what's your speed in a mountain area, have you researched the two, E.P. and S.S. and connected with anything in particular that would give us a lead?
About the split of the week, gee, that's finessing it. I like fall in the Rocky Mountain National Park a lot, can never get enough of the exhilarating thin air and vast views and constantly changing weather up top - can easily go there three days in a row, and throughout the rest of the park, with camera and tripod and picnic and hiking gear.
But what's your speed in a mountain area, have you researched the two, E.P. and S.S. and connected with anything in particular that would give us a lead?
Feb 2nd, 2009, 10:33 AM
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Hi DalaiLlama - Okay, I have to admit my preliminary research began here on Fodor's. I do have a couple books ordered from Amazon which I look forward to getting ideas from. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how to split the week to get the places secured.
Good point on Boulder. We aren't wedded to staying there the first night. I wanted to see the town but could do it on the way to EP. As far as what we like to do...we are mid-40s, in decent shape and want to do some hiking in EP, check out the Nat'l park sights, take pics, etc. We might want a guided hike that could challenge us a little - though neither my husband or I have done much hiking. I'm glad to hear that the park at that time of year has much to offer/see. sounds like we would have no problem finding things to do for 3 days.
Good point on Boulder. We aren't wedded to staying there the first night. I wanted to see the town but could do it on the way to EP. As far as what we like to do...we are mid-40s, in decent shape and want to do some hiking in EP, check out the Nat'l park sights, take pics, etc. We might want a guided hike that could challenge us a little - though neither my husband or I have done much hiking. I'm glad to hear that the park at that time of year has much to offer/see. sounds like we would have no problem finding things to do for 3 days.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 12:25 PM
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As someone already mentioned, the weekend of 9/10-9/13 is the Scottish Irish festival in Estes Park. If that interests you, make sure you go to Estes Park first. Otherwise, you really should go to Steamboat first and save Estes Park for the 2nd half of your vacation. EP is not a big town and it will be quite busy with the festival.
EP is very touristy and there is a lot to do in RMNP, so 4 days there and 3 in Steamboat should be about right.
EP is very touristy and there is a lot to do in RMNP, so 4 days there and 3 in Steamboat should be about right.
Feb 3rd, 2009, 09:29 AM
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To help you form an opinion on Boulder, look at www.bouldercoloradousa.com/.
In my book it is worth a half-day visit or so - on a good day it looks very pretty as you come over the top of the 36 past Broomfield (there is a look-out - pull over), with the Flatirons rockfaces lighting up in the sun.
In town itself there isn’t all that much to marvel at. Pearl street is a pedestrian mall for a bit, some street performers, some nice shops, ok but don’t expect too much, there is no real “wow factor” there.
Check the concert schedule, the local Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is quite good on some nights, usually performs at Macky Auditorium Concert Hall on campus. In summer there are very nice classical concerts at Chataqua.
Walk through the university campus, it has a certain allure.
If Asian cuisine appeals, have lunch at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse at 1770 13th Street, quite special, at least take a look, it's a landmark. (www.boulderteahouse.com/).
The nicest drive from Boulder to Estes Park is to first go up the Boulder Canyon (119 west) to Nederland then take the 72 north past Ward and Peaceful Valley, take the left half of the fork of the 7 (don't turn right towards Lyons) and the 7 North takes you right into Estes Park.
Estes Park has really only one long street full of touristy shops and eateries where you can walk, and some more restaurants along a couple of roads leading out of town in two directions, you’ll need wheels.
Other than that it is the surrounding areas, mostly the RMNP, that make your stay worthwhile (unless, as mentioned, a festival is happening).
You don’t need a guide, there are very good descriptions of hikes of varying lengths and difficulties written up all over the place, use the RMNP website, google, go to the Estes Park library (estes.lib.co.us) when you get there, or buy one of the many booklets.
The main thing is to get there a day or two before you want to do strenuous stuff, because the altitude can knock you around, it is amazing how even fit and robust folks can get loopy after one drink, and how quickly some folks fade away on a harmless hike, just because they haven’t had the time to get used to it, or are simply more prone than others - you don’t know until you try, just like with seasickness, fear of height, and other such unknowables.
If you come from Steamboat Springs, drive along the 34 via Grand Lake, it will take you over the top down into the park and to Estes Park - now that's an exhilarating drive!
Take along water and picnic stuff and stop a few times along the way, even just for twenty minutes at a time, otherwise the altitude might spoil the excitement if you drive right up in one quick move.
There are rest rooms on top, and a visitor's center.
In my book it is worth a half-day visit or so - on a good day it looks very pretty as you come over the top of the 36 past Broomfield (there is a look-out - pull over), with the Flatirons rockfaces lighting up in the sun.
In town itself there isn’t all that much to marvel at. Pearl street is a pedestrian mall for a bit, some street performers, some nice shops, ok but don’t expect too much, there is no real “wow factor” there.
Check the concert schedule, the local Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra is quite good on some nights, usually performs at Macky Auditorium Concert Hall on campus. In summer there are very nice classical concerts at Chataqua.
Walk through the university campus, it has a certain allure.
If Asian cuisine appeals, have lunch at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse at 1770 13th Street, quite special, at least take a look, it's a landmark. (www.boulderteahouse.com/).
The nicest drive from Boulder to Estes Park is to first go up the Boulder Canyon (119 west) to Nederland then take the 72 north past Ward and Peaceful Valley, take the left half of the fork of the 7 (don't turn right towards Lyons) and the 7 North takes you right into Estes Park.
Estes Park has really only one long street full of touristy shops and eateries where you can walk, and some more restaurants along a couple of roads leading out of town in two directions, you’ll need wheels.
Other than that it is the surrounding areas, mostly the RMNP, that make your stay worthwhile (unless, as mentioned, a festival is happening).
You don’t need a guide, there are very good descriptions of hikes of varying lengths and difficulties written up all over the place, use the RMNP website, google, go to the Estes Park library (estes.lib.co.us) when you get there, or buy one of the many booklets.
The main thing is to get there a day or two before you want to do strenuous stuff, because the altitude can knock you around, it is amazing how even fit and robust folks can get loopy after one drink, and how quickly some folks fade away on a harmless hike, just because they haven’t had the time to get used to it, or are simply more prone than others - you don’t know until you try, just like with seasickness, fear of height, and other such unknowables.
If you come from Steamboat Springs, drive along the 34 via Grand Lake, it will take you over the top down into the park and to Estes Park - now that's an exhilarating drive!
Take along water and picnic stuff and stop a few times along the way, even just for twenty minutes at a time, otherwise the altitude might spoil the excitement if you drive right up in one quick move.
There are rest rooms on top, and a visitor's center.
Feb 4th, 2009, 02:16 PM
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DalaiLlama- Thanks for great insights and recommendations. Because there is the big Celtic festival going on in EP, we probably will stay first night in Boulder and then head out early to EP. The teahouse, university, all sound like nice stops and I'm sure that there's good food to be had in Boulder. I was looking at a couple B&Bs for our night in Boulder - The Bradley and the Briar Rose. Not the cheapest deals in town but look like a nice way to unwide and start our vacation. Any info on either of these places or hotels? We're not set on higher-end, a nice place in good location works.
Thank you, too, for the reminder about acclimating to the altitude - we're coming from the midwest so it's good advice for us to heed. I appreciate the driving info as well.
Think we're getting close to booking the flights, etc. !
Thank you, too, for the reminder about acclimating to the altitude - we're coming from the midwest so it's good advice for us to heed. I appreciate the driving info as well.
Think we're getting close to booking the flights, etc. !
