Colorado Trip 9/15-20
 

Instead of the usual NFL/college football trips I usually give my boys for their bd's in Oct... I've decided since we have never been to Co, that would be their/ our 😉trip this birthday. Especially with wanting to be outside as much as possible. Since they are both away at college ... its my bribery to spend 24/7 with them lol! Not liking the empty nest.That said...my ocd self may be planning way too much. But we want to see as much as possible . Our base is Colorado City.

Wed- Fly in early .Garden of Gods. check in airbnb Colorado Springs. Manitou Springs that evening to meet friends.
Thurs- Only day I could get a 12-2 timed entry at RMNP. Every other day was 3-5. Drive up and hang out/lunch/ Stanley Hotel till 12.This is where I need help. We want to drive Trail Ridge Rd up to??? But want to take shuttle to Bear lake. Havent seen where we even get shuttle or should we chance it and just drive and try to get parking. We like to hike but wont have time for 1 day. Just want to see scenery and take pics etc. Then head back to Springs.
Fri- Pikes Peak, Old Colorado City?
Sat-Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
Sun- Seven Falls? Red Rock Amphitheater and Park, Explore Denver? Return rental car 3:30 for evening flight. Already want to plan another trip with just me. Besides a house in Springs, my friends also have a cabin in Pagosa Springs but its too far for a one day trip this time. Ordinarily we would stay with them but during these crazy times we will have our own lodging. I've asked them too, but wanted different advice as well

My one son wanted to go to Fairplay/ South park. Too far I think to fit it in and Mesa Verde. Again too far and closed anyway. My other son just wants to zipline ,chill etc

Anything else? Advice? Altitude? Scary mountain roads ? No I'm not letting them drive I'd be a nervous wreck!

Thanks!

Are you flying into COS? I assume you mean your base is Colorado Springs.

Rocky Mountain National Park is a very long day trip from the Springs - it'll take you 2.5 hours to get there, barring traffic and weather issues. It can take all day to drive Trail Ridge Road, then 2.5 hours back to the Springs...on a good day.

However, according to the park's website there are closures due to the Cameron Peak Fire - This closure includes Trail Ridge Road, Old Fall River Road, and wilderness campsites, cross country zones and trail systems. Trail Ridge Road is closed at Forest Canyon Overlook on the east side and Colorado River Trailhead on the west side.

You'll find information regarding the shuttles here:

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvis..._bus_route.htm

Sunday makes no sense. You want see Seven Falls in the Springs and then return to Denver to see Red Rocks and explore? There's just no way.

You're really underestimating drive times, distances and traffic.

Mesa Verde isn't closed - we were there in June and are going back this week. Tours aren't operating, but the park is open. It's a moot point though because you don't have enough time anyway.

Garden of Gods. Manitou Springs. RMNP. Stanley Hotel. Trail Ridge Road. Bear Lake. Pikes Peak. Old Colorado City, Royal Gorge. Seven Falls. Red Rocks, Denver. Pagosa Springs. Fairplay. South Park (which is an area that covers 1,000 square miles, not to be confused with the fictitious South Park television program). Do you meant South Park City? The open air museum located in Fairplay? Mesa Verde.

You'd need a good three weeks for this wish list.

Scary mountain roads and altitude are relative - where are you coming from?

Oops...should of checked for typos. Staying in Springs. Flying in early Weds at Den from Atl
Yes I realize its alot. I drive 10 hrs a day in an out of accounts 3x days a week. Of course it's mostly highway/city ...but as far as driving. It's not a big deal to me. I'm not sure we will drive all of Trail Ridge Road but most??? The rest I think is very doable but who knows lol! I shall try. RMNP is the only day I wasnt sure about. Definitely not doing Pagosa Springs. Was just saying that's where my friends have a 2nd home I'll have to check out another time. Same thing for Mesa Verde. Too far. Meant Fairplay and the fictuous South Park. Too many other things to do then go there I think. I may be too ambitious Sun. But...Seven Falls is 15 min away from where we are staying. Shuttle, elevator up to landing. 20 min tops checking it out then 1 1/2 hrs to Red Rock. Check it out maybe an hour or so then maybe check out Denver for lunch??? 35 min to rental car drop off and our flights not till 6pm. Lol! I guess with our time restraints and wanting to see as much as we can we are going to be more like the "Griswolds" ok... let's go

This was a last minute impromptu trip with flights so cheap.With work and college only have 5 days. Already took 2 wks this summer but wish we had more time.

Thanks for link . I was looking for info. Told me where it goes but not where to get it???

Its going to be alot of driving but not anything I'm not used to. EXCEPT it will be mountain driving. I've lived in Hawaii, Florida ,Georgia. Pretty much sea level and and born and raised in Pa but our "mountains" lol are more like hills compared to out west.

Didnt know if anyone had any other hints about altitude. Going to chill at 6k ft first day in Springs and drink ALOT of water.

Just saw closures at RMNP. I originally thought fires were nowhere near where we wanted to go. Hopefully snow Tues helps or will just be able to go to Bear Lake and go back to Springs the way we came. But I would luv to drive onto Alpine Visitors Center, Grand Lake back to Springs via 34,40,70,25. Unless those roads aren't good at night lol! The unknown is scary to me and the You tube videos up to Pikes Peak are alittle scary Lol! But if I can drive Pacific Coast Highway and the road to Hana numerous times I should be good!🙂 Hindsight I booked same place for 4 nights when we should of stayed different places . Ce' la vie

About Seven Falls - some friends from CA visited us last month and spent some time at Seven Falls - they said it was an ordeal because numbers were so limited on the shuttle that they had to wait forever. They also could only go as fast up the stairs as the slowest person and they were surprised at how hard it was to social distance.

I didn't realize you were flying out of Denver. Seven Falls doesn't open until 10 am, so I think you'll be hard pressed to do it and Red Rocks and get to the airport by 3:30. Red Rocks is west, the airport is east and there's a whole lot of city and traffic in between. Not sure how much of Denver you can realistically see before returning your car. I-25 is a bit of a mess these days with ongoing construction at The Gap. Even if you get in and out of Seven Falls in record time, you still won't reach Denver until lunchtime. That leaves very little time to head west to Red Rocks then back east to the airport.

As far as the RMNP shuttle - the link is confusing to me too. Suggest you give them a call for clarification.

Most of your driving route is highway. The only mountainous portion will be Trail Ridge Road (note closures mentioned above), RMNP and Pikes Peak, but that will be by shuttle. I assume you know that due to construction at the summit, taking a shuttle is mandatory.

Do I understand correctly that you're flying into Denver, then taking a flight to COS, then departing from Denver?

And that you plan to drive from COS to RMNP, back to COS, and then back to Denver the day you depart? That's a lot of driving back and forth in so few days.

We were planning to head to Durango tomorrow for four nights, but are considering cancelling. A big snow storm is headed this way and the Durango forecast is calling for three days of rain - not what we had in mind for hiking.

This is the type of posting that I am not sure if you are wanting true advice or just slightly bragging about your plans. However, Melnq8 is dead on. And I could not put it any better. You have a poor comprehension of driving and timing. Pike Peak is fine. It is a paved road to the top. The predicted snow for the Denver area on Tues/Wed will not be a problem since it will melt quickly because of the hot ground. At high altitudes it could stay longer and certainly at the top of trail ridge. The road to Bear Lake is also closed at the moment. But it could all be open by the time you are here. We have several fires burning in the state but the hope is that the weather will dampen down the fires. The smoke and haze is an issue. O' bring some warm clothes the overnight forecast in Denver for Wednesday night is mid-20s.

Thx...I think we will probably scratch Seven Falls off the list. Just wanted to take advantage of a later flight and do something instead of just flying out. We will get up early and definitely go see Red Rocks. High on my sons list. Mine too. Especially since we cant go on brewery tour or Mile high Stadium.

We are flying in and out of Denver. Driving everywhere else .

Yeah...it shows stops but not where to get it. I did see on video last night someone said you get them at either entrance? But yes I will call especially with visitor centers closed. Already have permit, but it is refundable up to day before. So I'll have to see. Still would hopefully be able to drive in and see something if not being able to drive TRR. I saw forecast was 9' in Park. Hoping that's enough to squash it but what do I know. I'm just a girl who has spent 58 years mostly living by the ocean. Lol!

I'm actually glad for the PP shuttle the last few miles scardy cat that I am.

Yes alot of driving...but I'll do it. Want to see as much as we can. Garden of Gods is probably the only hiking we will do. Mostly alot of drive by sightseeing.

Hope you get to go to Durango. I did see how crazy Colorado weather could be. 90's today then snow and 20's tomorrow. Actually Georgia is crazy with 30 degree temp dif at times. We go from heat right to ac etc most of the time. It's been 90+ all summer and high humidity. Looking forward to layers🙂

Anyway...I really appreciate the advice. I'm just a mom who wants to still give her sons a nice trip for their bds despite this craziness. Colorado was the first place I thought of where we can mostly be outside and see beautiful scenery. Plus see friends I havent seen in 5 years . 6 ft apart of course .

I'm certainly not bragging. Just stating the truth that I'm used to and dont mind driving. That's all.

As far as RMNP...like I just replied to Melnq8 I will have to play it by ear.🤔 Hopefully we can drive in and see something🙂

Definitely going to be layers. We are staying in Springs and I think my friends said its warmer then Denver?

Thx

Denver tends to have hotter summers and cooler winters than Colorado Springs - although it's probably not something a casual visitor would notice.

The temp in Colorado Springs is currently 81 F, and it's 85 F in Denver.

And tomorrow's forecast has 26 F for the Springs airport and 29 F for DIA.

And the fires rage on:

https://www.denverpost.com/2020/09/0...peak-wildfire/

Yep. Along with the temperature the wind is supposed to do a 180 tonight and maybe blow the fire onto itself. We live in hope.

OP, as has been stated already your RMNP is totally brutal. If you are set on that consider packing a toothbrush and booking a room in Grand Lake that night.

That would be smart. I'm certainly not obligated to try to get back to where we are staying 🙂

Don't want to be a Debbie Downer but if both are away at college I hope they are staying safe where they are. Then getting on a plane. Might be worth a covid test because it is going to be a difficult road home if anyone is positive.
Others have commented on the last day in particular. Denver/I25 traffic is an ordeal any day of the week. The fires have only added to the Covid problems. Sorry.

Yesterday was 83 degrees at my place (elevation 8,500 feet) in Colorado. This morning it's 30 degrees with snow on the ground and this is the warmest it's supposed to get today. From summer to winter in one day. The good news...maybe this early cold and wet snap will help quell the fires.

Warmer weather expected to return by Friday.

OUr Denver family are here at the beach in SC with us and wondering at the weather at home!! SO funny.

Thanks... but my kids are away at college in their house off campus with classes online. Frankly I feel better with them in their county with very low cases as is mine. We have all been safe and will continue to do so.

I've definitely scratched Seven Falls. We are going to get up early ,go to Red Rocks and then head to airport unless we have extra time in which case we'll find something to do.

As you know I've been told about the traffic. Checking my waze everyday different times between COS and Denver has always been around 90 min. Maybe I'm missing it but I dont think we will have a problem. But the fires have put a damper on things... Not just for us but for you all there . I am hoping the snow will help🤔

I'm a bit ocd with planning but I've been known to just say forget it and do whatever.🙂

I'm hoping the snow helps too!

The latest news I heard is that the snow is helping but won't put it out completely. Less wind in the forecast too, which is what really blew it up over the weekend. But there a current voluntary evacuation less than 10 miles from Estes.

If you can't head in that direction, check this loop out for some good scenery.
https://goo.gl/maps/guEAkzvUc5FF772RA

For something completely different Bent's Old Fort is a couple hours drive (very boring to most people) from the Springs. The fort is pretty cool and it looks like it's open.

I'm glad it at least helping a bit. I found a video last night with the firefighters in charge. They said while it most definitely helped from getting worse when it was hot and dry, it's on the top layer and once snow melts and drys later this weekthere is most likely warm embers that can start again. I'm hoping not😥

Thx for link. I'll check it out later. I saw where parts of Trail Ridge Rd is closed . It's going to be a last minute decision. Is it worth it to just explore Estes Park, Stanley Hotel then just make a small loop and go back to Springs via Estes Park? Or just go somewhere else.🤔🙂

Thx again

For something completely different Bent's Old Fort is a couple hours drive (very boring to most people) from the Springs. The fort is pretty cool and it looks like it's open.[/QUOTE]

I think the boys and I would to explore the fort. I'll check it out as well.

Everyone will think I'm crazy but if we cant go to RMNP... I just saw Great Sand Dunes National Park. Yes I know its 3hrs away from COS. I'll have to talk more about it with my sons. It's up to to them. I may not mind not driving...but they really dont like feing cooper up in car lol!

I swear I just clicked on your link and saw it was exactly what I asked in my next post! Lol

> Is it worth it to just explore Estes Park, Stanley Hotel then just make a small loop and go back to Springs via Estes Park?

Sure, if the smoke is not bad and since you have an RMNP permit. There are a couple of options but here's an idea. About the same drive time as that Sand Dunes loop, but not including time spent in RMNP. It's getting dark by 7:30.
https://goo.gl/maps/vkqvC65H8BzGFAyN9

The Sand Dunes loop included a stop at Florrisant Fossil Beds which is pretty interesting and close to the Springs.
Good luck.

As much as I would luv to see RMNP and drive TRR. You cant mess with mother nature. We already have plans Pikes Peak one day to see mountains. I'll see how it is next week.

Pretty sure my boys and frankly myself will luv going to Dunes and doing loop in previous link! Didnt know they were tallest dunes in North America.

Thx again!

If you end up going to the Great Sand Dunes, your boys would probably like sandboarding or sledding. Check out the link for rentals outside of the park.

https://www.nps.gov/grsa/planyourvis...ndsledding.htm

Yep your right! Talked to my son today and he is stoked about going there. Told him we can sand
board or sled. Think I'll pass on either and take pics lol! Still going to be a day trip so I dont want yo spend too much time there...I think. Lol!He wanted me to check about renting a dune buggy...but like I already thought...you cant have any thing like that in a national park.

Hopefu

Thx again to all who helped and made suggestions. Plus those who told me zo was crazy trying to fit do much in lol!

Hopefully this is my last question. I'm reading forums,trip advisor etc. I noticed question asking which road was scarier.Trails Ridge or the road to Pikes Peak? Especially for us eastcoast sea level people.
I assumed it was TRR...but the majority of people said " not again" to Pikes Peak.

Oh well...

"Scarier" is subjective of course, but I'd say Pikes would win. TRR is more scary if traveling from west to east because most of the big dropoffs into Forest Canyon are on that side. It's less scary in the direction that you will likely be traveling.

As of now I plan to hike up Flattop Mountain in RMNP on Wednesday, so will have a better idea of the situation then. Hopefully the smoke won't be an issue.

I'd say Pikes Peak is scarier. I last drove up before it was completely paved. You'll be taking the shuttle, so shouldn't be as nerve wracking as driving up yourself.

I don't remember Trail Ridge Road being scary at all, but it's been awhile since I drove the whole thing. Last time we were up there was in March 2017. We walked a section of the closed road just for grins.
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b4ed1ff811.jpg

Hope it's not smoky for your hike. Let me know if you can!

As of now...even though I think I'd rather go to Estes then drive TRR...but when I told boys of suggestions of going to Great Dunes they wholeheartedly want to do that and go sand boarding . So I guess I'll be sledding though lol!

I think it was you Nelson that gave me that google map from Springs, Dunes, Salida etc? You said that route is scenic too? As far as I'm concerned the only place I've lived where it was truly beautiful was Hawaii and I'm pretty sure Colorado will be that and more!

Point is mute now...but we would of gone west to east so that would of been good.

If I remember correctly...dont you still have to drive most of the way then get shuttle last 3 miles? Which I'm stoked about that! I rather be looking out then white knuckling it driving. I can hear my boys now giving me grief for driving slow lol! Oh...I'm glad there are pulloffs so I can let people by.

I think the last few miles are the scariest, but don't hold me to that.

Note that the Pikes Peak website states "there are limited views and access on the summit due to construction activities"

*Notice: The 2020 Complimentary Shuttle will be running beginning May 22nd through the end of September. In response to COVID-19, modifications are being applied to shuttle service. This includes physical distancing for all waiting lines, less than 50 percent capacity in each shuttle and increased cleaning and disinfection of shuttles throughout the day. For the safety of all staff and guests, face coverings are required for all guests riding the shuttle, drivers and parking attendants. Guests who do not have a face covering to use in the shuttle will only be allowed to drive to the 16-mile parking area. Face coverings are available for purchase at the gift shops. ​

Visitors who use the shuttle will drive part way up the Pikes Peak Highway to one of three parking lots before taking the shuttle to the summit. Shuttles will arrive at the shuttle parking lots approximately every 5-10 minutes:

• 16-Mile Lot: The shortest shuttle ride is from the 16-mile lot (aka. Devils Playground) and will take approximately 15 minutes to drive up and 20 minutes to drive down.
• 13-Mile Lot: The 13-mile lot (aka. Glen Cove) will take approximately 25 minutes to go up and 35 minutes to come down by shuttle.

The drive from Colorado Springs to the Sand Dunes is part gorgeous, part not-very-pretty.

The route will take you west on Highway 24 through Woodland Park and Divide, over Wilkerson Pass (stop at the visitor's center for nice views of the Colligates if the parking lot is open), through the South Park basin and towards Buena Vista. Keep your eyes peeled for bison and antelope as you drive through the basin.

You'll then join 285 near Buena Vista and turn south towards Salida - this stretch of the drive is gorgeous - a good place to pull over and take photos. You'll then drive towards Poncha Springs alongside the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The scenery peters out a bit after you cross Poncha Pass. You'll still see the Sangres to your left, but the terrain goes a bit flat until you reach the Sand Dunes.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...183ceaa72d.jpg
Driving towards Buena Vista

It looks like Mel answered your question about the drive. It's not the up close views you'd get in RMNP but more distant mountain scenes, still beautiful. You'll be in a high concentration of Colorado 14'ers, both in the Sawatch Range and the Sangres.

Mel's excellent photo is one of the peaks on this poster from the Salida website.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...97a9246a8f.jpg

Thanks for the great info! So appreciated! I watched a you tube video on Salida. Looks like a really cute town. Glad we can still be on the lookout for bison etc.

Weather looks great the whole time we are there!

RMNP report: I hiked up a12K mountain in RMNP yesterday. Trail Ridge Road is currently open. There was hazy smoke in the air both from nearby Cameron Peak fire and the California fires. Not too bad but much hazier than normal.

In this photo, looking northwest, the sky would usually be intensely blue, not this kind of milky blue.


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b46e1502f0.jpg


Same thing here, looking northeast, ordinarily those distant hills would show a lot more detail, and again there's that milky sky. But not bad like it was last week. Always subject to change of course.


https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6c2dbcdbd4.jpg


Right now there is less haze down by the Sand Dunes than in RMNP. Good luck on your trip.

... PS. And today it's worse, you wouldn't even see any of those distant hills.

On the flip side...the weather has been gorgeous the last few days and until today, not at all smoky, but I'm a few hours south of Estes.

Trip was awesome!
 

Even with the haze. Makes me look fwd to our 2021 Summer Colorado Trip. Definitely 2 weeks this time. Of course I already have it tentatively planned. Show @Red Rocks, Breakenridge, Vail, Glenwood Springs(friends) Aspen, Telluride( so far my fave as far as videos) Durango, Pagosa Springs( friends) Great Sand Dunes, Colorado Springs(friends) then back to Den to head home. I had Million Dollar Hwy until I watched video. 😯😳 TRR and Pikes Peak was enough! Lol!

Ws able to do alot of what we wanted...but y'all were right. It was long days every day. But exciting too! We did GofG,Boulder,Estes Park,RMNP, TRR, Pikes Peak, Manitou,Royal Gorge,Salida, Buena Vista and topped it off Sunday at a Steelers bar Benders in Wesminster. Ate one night at cool restaurant/shopping center in DTC...

One thing for sure, I like staying at one place. But not if you want to do a million things. Next time going to pack less lol stay with friends or various places along the way.

You'll see haze in pics. But like I said... from never being in Co...still beautiful
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b2c7150eab.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...5aef220a92.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...478dc71c08.jpg
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1e69d4447e.jpg
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https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c83d753350.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ed228c9e88.jpg

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