Colorado for 4 days, Planning to start from Durango
Jul 26th, 2012, 01:02 PM
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Colorado for 4 days, Planning to start from Durango
I am planning on a 4 day trip to Colorado. Yes, a short trip 
. This will be my first trip to Colorado. I am planning to start from Durango as my primary objective is San Juan Parkway(Millon Dollar Highway). So I will be driving Durango-Ouray-Montrose. This is the only part of the trip that I have planned.
There are many 14ers around this highway - Handies, Sneffels etc. Which one is the easiest to climb? I am a beginner when it comes to climbing. If there is a trail, I don't mind the distance or the height, but if we need special climbing gear, I don't think I can do it. Are any of the 14ers in the San Juan area motor-able?
I have read that Pikes and Evans are motor-able. Are these the only motor-able 14ers? If these are the only motorable peaks, I can drive to these peaks. I will be renting a car from Durango. Can any mid-size or full size car climb these peaks, or do I have to select any specific car? Load - just 2 (Driver + 1 Passenger)
. This will be my first trip to Colorado. I am planning to start from Durango as my primary objective is San Juan Parkway(Millon Dollar Highway). So I will be driving Durango-Ouray-Montrose. This is the only part of the trip that I have planned. There are many 14ers around this highway - Handies, Sneffels etc. Which one is the easiest to climb? I am a beginner when it comes to climbing. If there is a trail, I don't mind the distance or the height, but if we need special climbing gear, I don't think I can do it. Are any of the 14ers in the San Juan area motor-able?
I have read that Pikes and Evans are motor-able. Are these the only motor-able 14ers? If these are the only motorable peaks, I can drive to these peaks. I will be renting a car from Durango. Can any mid-size or full size car climb these peaks, or do I have to select any specific car? Load - just 2 (Driver + 1 Passenger)
Jul 26th, 2012, 01:20 PM
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Both PP and Mt. Evens have roads to the summits but both are a long ways from where you will be. Evens is paved and PP is part gravel but easily done with any vehicle. I believe you can get to the top of Red Mountain but that requires a short wheel base, 4 wheel, high center vehicle. Best to use a tour for Red Mountain. What is your end point? Curious what the attraction is for the Million Dollar Highway? That part of the state is beautiful but not significant more so than many other areas. And time of year?
Jul 26th, 2012, 01:34 PM
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Thanks for the reply. I am planning to go around August 3rd weekend. I haven't booked tickets yet. Which part of the state is the best for a 4 day trip (first time, looking form some good scenic places and scenic drive)? The area around Denver/Colorado Springs/Aspen or the Durango/Ouray/Monterose area?
I have seen some pics and videos of the Million Dollar highway. I have also seen some pics of Mt Evans and PP. I don't know a lot about Aspen/Colorado Springs. Open to suggestions.
I have seen some pics and videos of the Million Dollar highway. I have also seen some pics of Mt Evans and PP. I don't know a lot about Aspen/Colorado Springs. Open to suggestions.
Jul 26th, 2012, 01:52 PM
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You need to spend some time with a map. Aspen/Colorado Springs are not close together - 4 to 6 hours depending on route. I don't think any part of the state is best. Certain areas are different with different appeal. What are your specific goals and objectives? Four or five days is not a lot of time. I would stay in the Durango area, two days at Masa Verda would be worthwhile. Do an over night in the park. In August it was be damn hot so mid day activity should be limited. Do the train out of Durango. Where is your return flight?
Jul 26th, 2012, 06:32 PM
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There are many 14ers around this highway - Handies, Sneffels etc. Which one is the easiest to climb? I am a beginner when it comes to climbing.
You're kidding right? You are a beginner and want to do a 14er?? Are you coming from sea level? Are you in top notch physical condition? I strongly suggest you find other ways to enjoy SW Colorado.
You can go beyond Montrose, head to Telluride and then down thru Rico, Dolores, Cortez and then over to Mesa Verde.
I doubt you will find a room in the park for next weekend at Far View Lodge, but you can call every day to see if anyone canceled. Cortez is 10 minutes from the entrance to MVNP and there are lots of motels there and some decent restaurants.
You're kidding right? You are a beginner and want to do a 14er?? Are you coming from sea level? Are you in top notch physical condition? I strongly suggest you find other ways to enjoy SW Colorado.
You can go beyond Montrose, head to Telluride and then down thru Rico, Dolores, Cortez and then over to Mesa Verde.
I doubt you will find a room in the park for next weekend at Far View Lodge, but you can call every day to see if anyone canceled. Cortez is 10 minutes from the entrance to MVNP and there are lots of motels there and some decent restaurants.
Jul 27th, 2012, 07:57 AM
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Chiming in re climbing/hiking 14ers. I've hiked a bunch in the Summit County area, so I'm generalizing but many of them are not climbs, but hikes. They are usually long and steep hikes, with lots of rocks above treeline. You don't necessary need to be in top-notch shape, but quite-good shape, to climb one.
I would STRONGLY suggest that you not hike one alone. That's good advice for anyone.
And as already pointed out, to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, where you do not want to be at the top of a tall mountain, you need to be heading down by noon or so, depending on the clouds. So you honestly need to have started quite early in the morning.
You can enjoy many parts of Colorado, and enjoy many amazing views, without hiking a 14er.
Many areas of Colorado could easily fill 4 days - base your decision on which side of the state (Durango or Denver) is easiest for you to get to. Factor in weekend traffic from Denver into the mountains on Saturday morning and back down to Denver on Sunday night, if you would be travelling either of those days.
I would STRONGLY suggest that you not hike one alone. That's good advice for anyone.
And as already pointed out, to avoid afternoon thunderstorms, where you do not want to be at the top of a tall mountain, you need to be heading down by noon or so, depending on the clouds. So you honestly need to have started quite early in the morning.
You can enjoy many parts of Colorado, and enjoy many amazing views, without hiking a 14er.
Many areas of Colorado could easily fill 4 days - base your decision on which side of the state (Durango or Denver) is easiest for you to get to. Factor in weekend traffic from Denver into the mountains on Saturday morning and back down to Denver on Sunday night, if you would be travelling either of those days.
Jul 27th, 2012, 11:02 AM
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One a clear July day - where you could see for miles and miles - we (a friend who had lived in Utah his whole life0 hiked a mere 11,000 footer behind Alta - in our shorts and tank tops. No problemo - until we got to the top and a single cloud appeared (those peaks can generate their own weather) - and we were being hailed on, nonstop.
Skipped down the mountain as fast as we could - and at about 8,000 feet - I dove in a small mountain lake - which actually felt warm.
Morale of the story: Be prepared and take a small pack with at least some water and food - first aid kit, ideally a small hatchet - and a "thermal" blanket, and some fire starting equpment should you get stranded.
Nature doesn't always give you a nice warning in the morning.
Skipped down the mountain as fast as we could - and at about 8,000 feet - I dove in a small mountain lake - which actually felt warm.
Morale of the story: Be prepared and take a small pack with at least some water and food - first aid kit, ideally a small hatchet - and a "thermal" blanket, and some fire starting equpment should you get stranded.
Nature doesn't always give you a nice warning in the morning.
Jul 27th, 2012, 11:26 AM
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Easiest 14ers:
http://www.14ers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15217
http://www.trails.com/list_922_five-...-colorado.html
http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_5668540
As one person put it, they should be called the "least difficult" 14ers as easiest implies that they are easy.
Take sensible precautions and attempt your more difficult/high altitude hikes at the end of your trip. With 4 days, you have little time to acclimate to that altitude.
Since you haven't already purchased airfare, you may want to consider flying into Denver rather than Durango. You would be considerably closer to Evans and Pikes if you want to drive, or most of the hikeable 14ers.
http://www.14ers.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15217
http://www.trails.com/list_922_five-...-colorado.html
http://www.denverpost.com/fitness/ci_5668540
As one person put it, they should be called the "least difficult" 14ers as easiest implies that they are easy.
Take sensible precautions and attempt your more difficult/high altitude hikes at the end of your trip. With 4 days, you have little time to acclimate to that altitude.
Since you haven't already purchased airfare, you may want to consider flying into Denver rather than Durango. You would be considerably closer to Evans and Pikes if you want to drive, or most of the hikeable 14ers.
Jul 27th, 2012, 12:44 PM
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Please avoid Catherine Lamaak on VRBO #109768 as a vacation rental, 1313 Spring Valley Drive in Divide, Colorado. House was dirty carpet was not clean, appliances were broken, and she refused to fix anything in the house, during our stay. We had to unplug a toilet and garbage disposal as soon as we got to the house. Don't waste your money.
Jul 27th, 2012, 01:19 PM
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Hail is the least of your problems; lightening is way more of a concern doing monsoon season.
Do not treat this lightly -- the weather turns fast from a beautiful sunny day, to a dark and very ominious and dangerous situation.
Do not treat this lightly -- the weather turns fast from a beautiful sunny day, to a dark and very ominious and dangerous situation.
Jul 27th, 2012, 04:31 PM
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Totally agree on the weather. If you hear thunder it's time to get a move on and get below treeline ASAP. Rain and hail will make you uncomfortable and wet, lightning can kill you even before a storm hits.
It's very easy to focus on the hike and scenery and forgot to look at the sky in all directions every now and then. Don't make that mistake, you have to be aware of what storms might be building. Most weather tends to come from the west, so it's a bit tricky if you're hiking in that direction with a big mountain blocking the sky. Start early and get off the mountain early. Even if you're below timberline when a storm hits, it's still not a lot of fun hiking out in the rain.
It's very easy to focus on the hike and scenery and forgot to look at the sky in all directions every now and then. Don't make that mistake, you have to be aware of what storms might be building. Most weather tends to come from the west, so it's a bit tricky if you're hiking in that direction with a big mountain blocking the sky. Start early and get off the mountain early. Even if you're below timberline when a storm hits, it's still not a lot of fun hiking out in the rain.
Jul 3rd, 2013, 04:34 AM
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There is no such thing as an "easy" 14er - yes, some are easier than others, but all hard IMHO! My husband and I are avid hikers - but flatlanders. When we've hiked 14ers we spend at least 7-10 days hiking at altitude first before doing a 14er. If you're not acclimated you can get headaches, stomach problems, etc., and it can be pretty miserable.
Aug 10th, 2013, 07:20 AM
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If you get a guide, you can climb Sneffels and Wilson Peak (not Mt Wilson). Both allow parking a 4 wheel vehicle at about 11,000' and hiking/scrambling to the top. Both are real mountains and not to be taken lightly.
The Million Dollar Highway is a great mountain drive. I've driven Durango, thru Silverton and Ouray, to Telluride three or four times. Each of the towns is a change of pace. Telluride is probably my favorite.
The Million Dollar Highway is a great mountain drive. I've driven Durango, thru Silverton and Ouray, to Telluride three or four times. Each of the towns is a change of pace. Telluride is probably my favorite.
