jaye

My son and his friend are considering a road trip from FL to CO in December. They hope to start in Denver and then proceed to RMNP for a few days, then on to Sylvan Lake State Park.

Any input on how roads might be and if the parks are worth seeing at this time of year. They are thinking of staying in cabins (Estes Park) etc. Also, how are the prices of accomodations just before Christms??

Thanks so much.

tekwriter

My husband and I always spend our anniversary in Estes Park in February. The wintertime is excellent at RMNP with a lot of activities like snowshoeing and gorgeous scenery. The roads from Denver have never been a problem, even if it's snowing. There aren't any mountain passes to contend with, which helps. As long as the travelers keep abreast of the weather forecast and don't try to get there in a blizzard, there shouldn't be much problem with roads which are very well plowed and maintained in the winter. December is low season as far as lodging rates go, which is another advantage of visiting in the winter.

jaye

Thank you tekwriter. That is very helpful and a relief. I'm hoping they are wise enough not to try to travel if there are blizzard conditions!

I am hoping that someone with some winter experiences with Sylvan Lake State Park will share what they know.

Thank you.

yale

The only thing I can think of though, is that Trail Ridge Road through RMNP could be closed up higher (which is the most impressive part) when they visit in December. I'm not familiar with Sylvan Lake State Park. What is their goal for this trip? Camping, hiking, snowshoeing?

jaye

The goal is to experience a totally different climate and to have some "adventures". I will say snowshoeing has not been mentioned. Although, if that is the best option to do and see things, I could start to talk that up. I'm assuming that novices can catch on quickly??

They have discussed some camping and they would probably be up for some hiking. Being primarily from FL, I do not know how long it will take before they abandon camping plans.

It is one of those first trips without parents adventures. I am trying very hard not to focus on my reading of Into The Wild.

Thank you for any pointers.

sylvia3

Trail Ridge road is closed for the season, and will not open until spring.
RMNP (and all western national parks) is gorgeous in the winter, although I don't know how you'd spend "several" days, unless you were into snowshoeing; there are many rental places, and another option that is very nice for beginners is cross-country skiing. There are many trails in the park. Lots of options in Estes Park for lodging, but make sure you have reservations for the holidays. Roads are usually no problem at all, unless there's a storm.

yale

Camping at that time of year will be difficult if they are novices. My husband is into winter sports including camping and backcountry skiing, and I can tell you that if they don't have the right kind of gear, they are going to freeze. I just looked at the Sylvan website and it's at 8500 feet... it will not be warm. In my opinion, I'd recommed they hit someplace like Summit County and explore from there. There's a place in Breckenridge called the Fireside Inn that has pretty cheap hostel rooms - I'm assuming that's a consideration. They could base themselves there and have all kinds of adventures... skiing, snowshoeing, etc. Or, they could come back in the summer when Colorado camping, hiking and outdoor exploration is it's best... again this is just my opinion. The weather and temperatures are somewhat limiting in the winter unless, as I stated above, you have the right gear and know what you're getting yourself into.

MaureenB

I agree that winter camping is a serious challenge, even for those who know what they are doing. You have to have the right gear and be used to cold weather-- two things you son probably doesn't have.

Lodging prices just before Christmas will be high, especially near the downhill ski areas. Maybe Estes is a better bet for them, since they aren't going downhill. Nordic skiing is a blast, especially if Estes has nicely maintained trails. Can't get lost, really, and you stay very warm while you're skiing. It would be a great way to see some of the country.

I'm not familiar with Nordic at Estes, though. Try the Y facility at Estes. They could have trails, like Snow Mountain Ranch, a Y facility near Winter Park. They could also offer inexpensive sleigh rides, lodging, swimming pool, and other activities.

The roads to Estes would probably be easier to navigate than driving to Summit County. You just never know what December weather will bring-- could be 60 degrees and sunny, could be 6 below and blizzarding.

Tell them to bring lots of layers of clothing, hats, gloves, and some good waterproof shoes with tough soles.
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RedRock

Don't take winter camping lightly in that part of the country. This site will give you some real time road and wx info for the state.

http://www.cotrip.org/atis/web.Zoomb...CCTV&Zoombox=0

jaye

Thank you everyone. The parents have completely nixed the camping idea. We plan to make reservations for each location where the boys plan to stay.

Unfortunately, the hostel in Breckenridge is totally booked up. I was thinking about having them stay in Dillon, but having just read about the road conditions variability in Summit County, I think we should just cancel that idea.

It looks like they will be in the Denver, Estes Park, RMNP area. They will be there for 5 days or so. Any other suggestions on some activities, locales for college age boys. How is Boulder for spending one night? Is there night cross country anywhere in that area?

Thank you all for your input.

MaureenB

I think college age young men would prefer Boulder to Denver, actually. From what my college age kids tell me, Denver isn't much fun at night until you turn 21 and can do the LoDo scene. Assuming they are interested in nightlife, too, the Denver crowd tends to be more young professionals than college kids in general.

Boulder is also better for hiking and sightseeing IMHO. I'm not aware of cross country skiing there, though. Chautauqua Park, in south Boulder, is very nice for hiking and panoramic scenery. I wonder if you contact CU-Boulder if maybe they have links to reasonable lodging and activities for college age kids. Maybe some dorm housing available if its during the winter break--??

The Hill, across from campus is full of places for student age kids, as is the Pearl Street mall in downtown Boulder. It's a lively and young atmosphere in Boulder.
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sjde53

For Estes Park cabins check out www.vrbo.com or www.estesparkrealestate.com (click on vacation rentals).

sue