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Breckenridge, Estes Park, and Fort Collins in May

Breckenridge, Estes Park, and Fort Collins in May

Old Apr 21st, 2017, 05:47 AM
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Breckenridge, Estes Park, and Fort Collins in May

We are planning a trip out to CO this May (11-16). We're flying into Denver and will then travel to Breckenridge, Estes Park, and Fort Collins. We don't know much about this area so we're looking for some advice, especially tips on hiking, mountain biking, breweries, and restaurants. What should we not miss in these areas? Also, what is the weather typically like in early-ish May?
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 06:49 AM
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First, in May the weather and trail conditions are anybody's guess, and depends a lot on the elevation. Could be wet, snowy, cold, muddy, dry, or very likely all of the above on the same day.

There will still be a lot of snow on the ground around Breck and in the higher elevations of Rocky Mountain National Park, but the lower RMNP elevations could be snow free. As of yesterday there are 47 inches of snow sitting at Bear Lake. You can check that here:
https://wcc.sc.egov.usda.gov/reportG...ue,TAVG::value

But hikes around Lumpy Ridge, Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park chould be OK. The trails around Bear Lake will be snowy but packed down from many people. You can walk them but they might be slippery and/or you might posthole into the snow a lot, very tiring at 10,000'. But worth heading up there, having a look and walking around.

The main Fort Collins trails around Horsetooth and Lory State Park have been dry the past couple of weeks, but that could change. (You'll notice how uncertainty keeps cropping up this time of year!) These are both major hiking and mountain biking areas.

My favorite brewery for sitting outdoors is O'dells. They are only a couple blocks from famous New Belgium so you can wander between them easily, There is a lot of construction in the area, so be prepared to face detours whether driving, cycling or on foot. A major bridge over the Poudre is being replaced. There are nearly 30 breweries in town, so you'll have no trouble finding one. The Mayor of Old Town on Mason Street has 100 beers on tap, many of them are local.

The Rio Grande has been the happening Mexican restaurant in town for decades.

Have fun.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 07:48 AM
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Correction: 43 inches of snow at Bear Lake yesterday. I didn't have my glasses on!

And try a Horse and Dragon Brewery Sad Panda. I don't know anyone who does not like that beer, regardless of what style they typically enjoy. Only available on tap around town or at the brewery.
http://fortcollinsbreweryguide.com/default.aspx
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 07:56 AM
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Thank you so much! All of this information is so helpful.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 09:04 AM
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Check into the opening date for Trail Ridge Road. We are still getting snow in the mountains now.

If it's not open, you will have to drive the long way to Estes from Breckenridge.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 10:00 AM
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snow on the ground may be an impediment, but with that caveat: There are a lot of great hikes in Summit County (Breck). You can find them online or visit the visitors center in Breck. There is a great bike/walking trail that I think connects Breck to Frisco and maybe beyond. Breweries: Breckenridge Brewery (Breck); Dam Brewery (Dillon) and Backcountry Brewery (Frisco). (If you don't know, Dillon and Frisco are pretty close and the Breck is south maybe 20 miles from frisco.)

If you can get a table upstairs at the Dam Brewery it has a nice view. Backcountry has a nice outdoor deck.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 11:37 AM
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Pack some crampons - nothing fancy, doesn't have to be long spikes, just some rubbery stretchy slip-overs or the spiral-coil-spring style, they can make all the difference when you turn a corner and the shady stretch ahead is hard and slippery and risky without them. Look at Yaktrax for example - https://www.yaktrax.com/product/walk

Lightweight gaiters are a good idea also - if you encounter snow and your not-exactly-snowboot-footwear would sink in too far, strap-on gaiters keep the snow out and your feet dry. Something like you see here:
http://tinyurl.com/l856rcg or http://bit.ly/2pNuSst

Allow for the altitude - it affects different people differently, find out how you react (it also depends on what you ate, how you slept, what you drank etc.).

Double up on sunscreen even if you don't see the sun. Sunglasses are a must whenever snow is around.

Carry layers, temps can rise and drop at a moment's notice.

Afternoons carry more risk for sudden weather changes - the early [...] gets the [...].

All that said, you'll have a great time, just keep informed day by day on what's open and what's not, and use commonsense and caution.
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Old Apr 21st, 2017, 07:06 PM
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We call May mud season for a reason. We are coming off of one of our better snow season so there will be plenty of ugly, dirty snow on the ground in huge piles. Hiking any where will be limited to the very lowest levels. You might consider the Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville. It is a 12 mile loop and paved but don't know how clear it will be.

Breckenridge is only ten miles south of Frisco with a lot of road construction at the moment. Trying to make it 4 lanes to Breckenridge.

The target date for opening Trail Ridge Road over RMNP is always Memorial Day weekend. Sometimes it will be opened a couple days early but never two weeks. Too much snow. And some years the weekend is missed.

Micheal's advice is accurate for that time of year and conditions.

Try to avoid having to return to Denver via I-70 on Sunday.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 06:59 AM
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Would it be worth reworking our trip so that we go south from Denver rather than north? We know that it's not peak season (which is probably why we can afford it) but these responses are making me a little nervous...
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 07:12 AM
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You could go south along the front range - National Sand Dunes, Garden of the Gods in Co Springs but any turn into the mountains will find nearly the same conditions. Most of your original plan was west and not north. The lower levels of the mountains will be fine except for being able to hike the higher terrain.

Don't know if you want to go as far south and west as Durango but my guess is that it would better but significantly so. Remember May and even into early June is a transitional period as the mountains go from winter to summer. The last of the major ski resort are closing this weekend but snow in mountains will continue to be possibility till late May.

Where are you coming from?
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 07:18 AM
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We're flying from Memphis into Denver. As long as we can do some hikes in the lower levels and then use the rest of our time to explore I think we'll be fine.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 07:33 AM
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I was just about to suggest skipping Breck and just going to Estes and Fort Collins, especially with just 5 days. As I noted above the lower elevations of RMNP should be mostly snow free and dry, as will all the trails around Fort Collins. (No guarantees however!)

It's always a crap shoot this time of year. Going south can send you into a storm that tracks over Southern Colorado while Fort Collins is basking in sunshine. I've seen that many times, ... or vice versa.

Maybe keep an eye on the weather, but I'd drop Breck and stick to Estes and Fort Collins.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 07:37 AM
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If you decide to go to Estes / Fort Collins, note that Highway 34 between Estes and Loveland is closed until the end of May. So you have to take Highway 36 through Lyons instead, It's about a 20 minute detour, so not a big deal.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 08:30 AM
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You could stop in Boulder for a night or two. Chautauqua Park has great hiking. Also an excellent restaurant, and cabins for rent.

Winter Park ski area is open through next weekend.

We can get snow in the mountains on July 4, so plan accordingly.

Maybe go to Boulder, Fort Collins and Rocky Mtn Natl Park?
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 09:08 AM
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Coincidentally my friend in Estes just called. The snowline in RMNP is currently at Sprague Lake (~8,500'), so the lower park elevations are mostly snow free. He said wildflowers are starting to pop and the migratory birds are showing up.

Tabernash's suggestion of Boulder is good.

Keep an eye on the weather, things can always change. Note we also get upslope patterns, when its wet at lower elevations and dry up high, contrary to expectations.

If I was home I'd be happy to guide you up Horsetooth Rock via lesser known trails (perhaps in exchange for a beer ), but I'll be out of town on your dates.

Good luck whatever you decide.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 07:18 PM
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i would avoid Boulder 5/12 & maybe for the whole weekend. Graduation is Friday & hotel rooms are at a premium. Restaurants will be very busy. Many out of state kids with out of state parents, staying in the area.
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Old Apr 22nd, 2017, 10:48 PM
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Don't overthink it - book a few nights in Estes Park and when you get there, check with the visitor centers (each of the two park entrances has one) and the website to see what's possible or, rather, what's not possible. Most things will be possible by then.

Just be aware that the shuttle buses in the park don't start until May 27, so you have to drive yourselves to get anywhere that is accessible. Lots of things to do and places to go. Be equipped as I suggested earlier, and have a great time.
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Old Apr 23rd, 2017, 03:53 PM
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Betsy has a GREAT no no==Boulder during graduation--ANY college, ifyou are not a parent. Pat attention to it
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Old Apr 24th, 2017, 08:45 AM
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I agree, from the standpoint of finding a good price on lodging.
However, we kind of like the buzz of graduation weekend. It's festive.
But, I guess if I was coming from out of town, I'd avoid it, too.
Unless it's the only time I could see Boulder.
I'd look at lodging availability, and decide from there.
Chautauqua Park won't be any busier for hiking, though.
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Old Apr 24th, 2017, 10:30 AM
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The "buzz" may be fun, but traffic and finding a place to eat without waiting hours isn't--at least that's the way it is in NC on graduation weekend for Carolina, Wake, Duke and State!!
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