Colorado Springs to Durango 9 days

Old Apr 24th, 2015, 01:10 PM
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Colorado Springs to Durango 9 days

My son and I are planning a boys trip. Flying into Denver we land at 7:06 AM our first stop is Colorado Springs my plans are to see valley of the Gods and Pikes peak (anything else and what would be a great place for lunch?) then we will head to Canon City for the night hopefully get there early enough for the bridge. Day 2 Rafting the Gorge then heading up to Mt Princeton Resort for 2 nights. Day 3 open for suggestions around that area. Day 4 rafting the Numbers. Then that night need a town to stay in as we head to venture the Black Canyon on Day 5 in the AM and want to get to either Telluride or Ouray and then stay the night in one of those towns I think so suggestions. Days 6, 7 suggestion Day 8 maybe raft the Animas and then day 9 Mesa Verde NP. I have a room for 3 night in Durango so looking forward to all of your comments and suggestion

Thanks

Dave
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Old Apr 24th, 2015, 02:01 PM
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I am guessing this is for this summer. Depending on when, the Animas may not be running very much. Not a lot of snowpack this year, means less flow.

I can't tell from your plan but if you're day/night in Telluride is weekend - there is a very good chance that there is a festival going on - they are on every weekend but one. And most weekends/festivals are going to be 2 night minimum. So check that out.

A day in Mesa Verde isn't enough. 2 minimum; hiking and visiting the 3 big sites and going to Wetherill Mesa which very few people do - which is a shame since it is the only location where you can actually climb INTO the dwellings and look out and see virtually the same vista as the Native Americans saw over 1000 years ago. Ony 10$ of park visitors go out there as it is another 45 minute drive along the mesa top, but SO worth it.

Also, if you do 2, I would try and get a room at Far View lodge as the drive in and out of MV is 45; then another 40 to Durango. You may need to keep trying as it is likely to be booked, but cancellations happen daily.

IF you decide to do 2 days [and I strongly recommend doing so] and cannot get into Far View, I would stay the night in Cortez, much closer [10 minute drive] than Durango.
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Old Apr 24th, 2015, 06:18 PM
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I would suggest Ouray over Telluride if you are just overnighting there before continuing to Durango. You could then drive the Million Dollar Highway and do some hikes along it on your way to Durango, depending on your son's age I would suggest Ice Lakes just north of Silverton. I've also heard Mt. Sneffels is a great hike (elevation of 14,150 ft), but I've never personally done it. Depending on the time of year, you can also stop at Lime Creek Canyon, which I've actually jumped from the waterfalls and such in August without any difficulties or concerns. Then you could raft the Animas (I've been told a friend who leads rafting trips on it that the level is low now and is better done in an inflatable kayak) the following day, and then spend 2 days at Mesa Verde. I recommend spending two days there as well, it's definitely worth it and there is plenty to do/see.

Are you driving back to fly out of Denver? If so, (and the rafting the Animas doesn't work out) you could maybe drop a day in Denver and go see Great Sand Dunes NP near Alamosa on your way back. I really enjoyed visiting there. But that's just a suggestion, not sure if you would want to add in the extra driving.
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Old Apr 24th, 2015, 07:05 PM
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What are your dates? Rafting has a season that tends to peak around mid June. This year could be earlier since snowpack in the SE part of the state was below average. Snowpack in central and northern Colorado was average. And Brown canyon might be a better choice for rafting.
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Old Apr 25th, 2015, 06:43 AM
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We fly into Denver and out of Durango. July 20 - 28. Yes a little concern about the snow pack but of course all of the river outfits I have talked to tells me I will be fine so that is why we will check with this site up until we leave to see what the true conditions are. My itinerary is not set in stone except that we land in Denver and depart from Durango. So looking for the best things to see and do between those two cities and I think I have a good start. Here is what I have booked so far for accommodations all of which can be changed
1st Night Best western in Canon City

Next two nights at Mt Princeton resort

Next Hampton Inn in Montrose (I am flexible here since I will pass black canyon , Gunnison and other sites to stay in Montrose) so wondering do I stay another night in Mt Princeton or head to Gunnison or some other spot so we can get an early start to our day to explore)?

Next the Camel Garden Hotel in Telluride

Then three nights at the residence inn in Durango

So Please help alter/suggest/recommend we are outdoor enthusiast love to raft, hike, off road jeep, etc. and history
We like to camp at least my son loves it. I am more of an upscale hotel person if I had to choose. I know there are some camping opportunities along the way at each of these rivers but the problem is we will have to rent a lot od stuff pillow, blankets so that is why the hotel seems better. We are from CT but making this trip after my son's week at dive camp. He trains at Indiana with the 2012 Olympic dive coach. So between his soccer camp and dive camps we are throwing in this 8,9 day excursion. We are excited thank you for your assistance

Dave
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Old Apr 25th, 2015, 08:31 AM
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DebitNM is the expert on this region, but I'll add my $0.02:

I know your time is short but if you can swing a night in Mesa Verde that would be great. I first visited in the early 60's as a 12 year old and was really impressed. Have returned a few times since and loved it on each occasion. Renting camping gear is probably too much of a hassle for your short trip, but there is a campground in the park, as well as the Far View Lodge. The latter would be a better option if you can get it. They may be booked up but no harm checking. Being in the Park allows you to visit some sites or get out to Weatherhill before it gets too crowded.

See if there is a special guided ranger walk when you will be there:
http://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisi...ntry_hikes.htm

My wife and I did an all-day tour when we were there this past September and it was the highlight of our visit to the Park.

There is an incredible amount of hiking around Telluride and all of SW Colorado. I've only done a small amount but the area around Lizard Head Pass has some great, easy hikes, for example:
http://4cornershikestell.blogspot.co...zard-head.html

Walking right out of town is a hike to a waterfall along an old road which is easy. This is the Bear Creek Trail. It's a nice, easy and popular walk, but in forest much of the way and without the dramatic views of other hikes. But there are loads of options:
http://www.visittelluride.com/things-to-do/hiking

Nothing wrong with Durango but I'd be tempted to give Telluride more time (depending on the festival issue mentioned by Debit) and /or staying in Cortez for Mesa Verde access.
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Old Apr 25th, 2015, 01:21 PM
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Thanks for the nod, Nelson.

Wetherill is greatly under visited. I just looked back at my post! That should have been 10% not 10$. There are several things to see back there - pit houses and Step House along with Long House. I love climbing up there...seeing the natural spring that still brings fresh water to the dwellings. But best is looking out across the trees; then closing my eyes and trying to imagine what it was like here when it was an active community. If you are lucky, the wind will be blowing and you might here the spirits.

Be careful about hiking at altitude. It can be sneaky and make you feel pretty awful. So read up on Altitude Sickness, know how to recognize it and what to do about it.

Bring LOTS of water, WAY more than you think you could ever need. It is really easy to get dehydrated since you never feel like you are sweating. Hat; sunblock, chap stick all help. Not to gross anyone out, but your pee should look like wheat - pale yellow. If it's not - drink !!
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Old Apr 29th, 2015, 09:11 AM
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fmpden, about the rafting season. We're coming to Colorado October 15, can you raft then? Are there better areas to raft for children under 10 and a husband that can't swim? Thanks!
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Old Apr 29th, 2015, 09:28 AM
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I think it is highly doubtful that they raft in Durango in October; there is very little water by end of summer, October would be less.
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Old Apr 29th, 2015, 08:42 PM
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Rafting may not be good in October but please be careful about rafting & not being able to swim. Not a good combination.
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Old Apr 30th, 2015, 07:14 AM
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Groogs -- Swimming is not critical since you cannot swim in the rapids anyway. They use huge life vests and wet suits but there will be no rafting in late October. Maybe skiing but no rafting. You need to understand the geography. By mid October it will be snowing in the mountains, the head waters will be freezing so limited water is coming down the rivers. It could be cold on the river with freezing water. That !!! is not a good combination. The ski areas will starting opening by the end of October. Trail Ridge road and Independence Pass will either be closed or close to it. October is the change over season from summer to winter.

What are your plans for that time period?
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Old May 1st, 2015, 09:14 AM
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fmpden, thanks for the rafting news. I'm just beginning the research - I have a lot of ideas, but need to know if they are open in October and are desirable. Would love feedback on these places for our October 15-20 family trip with a 7 and 10 yo.

Pikes Peak
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Breckenridge (looking for a family friendly off-season ski town)
Glenwood Springs (for the hot springs, adventure park, don't know what else - it had the best advertising)
Red Rocks
The Rocky Mountains
Coors Brewery Tour
Boulder (to see Mork - LOL)
Continental Divide
Ride a gondola somewhere
Sand Dunes National Park
Garden of the Gods
Maroon Bells in Aspen
Coors Field tour

Suggestions are appreciated too, I know this is an odd time of year to visit. Thanks!
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Old May 1st, 2015, 11:36 AM
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Wow, that is way too ambitious for about five days. You would need four days of driving just to get around. Don't know where you are coming from but I sure you are thinking that Oct is the fall and it is on the front range around Denver. In the mountains it will be beginning of winter. The Breckenridge ski area has often opened during the last two weeks of October. So you need to be prepared for cold and snowy weather. And, of course, it can be warm and dry. It is just that time of year. At that time of year none of the gondolas will be running in the ski areas.

You need to check web sites for opening and closing times of the various sites - Pike Peaks, Royal Gorge. The Royal Gorge is just struggling back into operations since it was severely damaged by the fires last year.

A simple trip would be spend a day in Denver and then follow I-80 west. The Georgetown Loop railroad would be good for the kids. It should still be running during the week. From there you could hit Breckenridge, or continue through Vail to Glenwood Springs and the big pool. Side trip to Aspen and the Bells. Then come back to Denver. IF the weather and Independence Pass is still open you could come back out of the back side of Aspen through Leadville. Leadville has the Mineral Belt trail that is really interesting. It is a 12 mile loop - walk or bike. The is the Cowboy mine at Breckenridge. I don't see how you would have time to do much more. And everything will be very weather dependent.
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Old May 2nd, 2015, 02:06 PM
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RMNP is #1 on our list and I want to head up at 9am when we land in Denver. I see some roads close mid-october. Any ideas on a October-friendly 1-day route in RMNP?

Thanks for the Leadville tip fmpden. I see all is dependent on the weather.

I do need to fine tune the running list. Steamboat appears to be popular and good for kids. Are there ski areas that typically would open before others? We would love to ski, except for husband.
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Old May 2nd, 2015, 07:23 PM
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You only have two approaches to RMNP - either via Estes Park and Trail Ridge Road over the top. Or via US40, Winter Park, and that is a long way around. The probability of Trail Ridge being closed at that time could be less than 50%. The road is always closed by the end of Oct but between the 15th and 30th who knows? They try to keep it open through the first couple of snows but a heavy one will close it partly because of the high winds at the top. So you do need a Plan A and B and it can change hourly.

Steamboat is no more popular or better for kids than Breckenridge. I would stick to Breck. Steamboat is over four hours from and kind of off to the side. Not much else around it. The first lift to open is generally Loveland. Always a contest between them and Breckenridge or one of the other Summitt county ski area. Even if they have the snow, Steamboat will not open till the week prior to Thanksgiving.

I know I am sounding a little negative with regard to weather. In all probability you will be OK BUT the possibility is always there that you could run into snow and perhaps heavy snow. You just have to be prepared for a wider range of weather at that time of year.
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Old May 3rd, 2015, 07:14 AM
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On the skiing, in mid-October, Loveland and Arapahoe Basin MIGHT be open. They are located at the highest altitude, and have a yearly contest to see who can open first.

But "open" means, really, one run with a million people who like to say that they skiied in October.

And everything that you've heard about the weather in October, I would confirm. Just keep an eye on the weather forecasts running up to your visit, and then you'll know whether it will be more of a cold-weather trip, or a fall trip.

We have a place in Breck, and kids who are now late teens, so I'll post later with all sorts of things to do in Breck during different weather conditions.
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Old May 3rd, 2015, 08:34 AM
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Top-notch info fmpden and Lexma90 - thank you! Exactly what I'm looking for on RMNP, snow and ski towns. I appreciate this insider info and think we'll stick to towns off I-70. Please do send me Breck info Lexma90.

If we're able to do RMNP from 9am Denver airport, is there a good stopping place for the night? I'm thinking it's too rushed to do RMNP and sleep in Breck. Any good accommodations surrounding RMNP?

Are there other family-friendly hot springs we could visit other than Glenwood Springs? Maybe something in the triangle of Denver/RMNP/Breck?
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Old May 3rd, 2015, 05:20 PM
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What do you means by "do RMNP ...."? What are you expecting to see and/or do in RMNP? There will be motels, hotels all along the road once you exit the park. Grand Lake is a big summer mecca, Grandby a substantial town, and little further is Winter Park. WP is an old and large ski area with lots of condos, hotels, etc. So any of those areas would work. Depending on how fast your drive, Breckenridge is a little over two hours from the west entrance to the park.

There is nothing similar to Glenwood Springs in the immediate Denver area. There are some out-of-the way hot springs I could direct you to but really not appropriate for 7 and 10 years.
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Old May 3rd, 2015, 05:26 PM
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"There are some out-of-the way hot springs I could direct you to but really not appropriate for 7 and 10 year". Hahaha
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Old May 3rd, 2015, 05:37 PM
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I do hope you apologize to downedl for hijacking his/her question.
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