Cool, thanks for the report, glad you had a good trip. You sure packed a lot in.

That view into Gorge Lakes from Trail Ridge has been one of my stompin grounds. Looks good even with the haze, which has blown up again today.

Thanks for reporting back. I was thinking about you the other day...we're mid-way through our own 10 day road trip in hazy Colorado. We had a 12 hour day today on the Western Slope and barely left the area. You definitely have more energy than I do:)

Glad you had a great trip! Hopefully, next year, you'll see how beautiful Colorado really is without the awful haze. I think you'll be amazed at the difference. Where did you eat in the DTC? Most people don't consider it cool lol so I love your attitude.

It sounds like you had a great trip and will hav a fantastic one next year too. Those of us who do road trips with one night stays will be happy to share tips on getting in/out of lodging quickly when you want to see itt all.

thanks for coming back with the update.

Red Mountain Pass yesterday...

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...256dfd9c8f.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6423d22442.jpg

Looks like a wonderful fall day Mel. We haven't had a blue sky like that for six weeks now. Have fun if you are on a little trip.

It was awesome. Already taking off July 8-25. My boss is going to be pissed but I cant stand having all this saved vaca when I can only use a week at a time cuz she doesnt want to do my work...I digress. Lol!

Well it's taken me a week to reply lol! Took all this weekend to catch up on rest! Cant wait to do it slower next time. I was constantly saying to boys "get up" let's go" etc

Yes...when my friendswere able to be with us they said the same thing!!! And after telling my boys all the toys they have at their cabin in Pagosa...they really want to come again next year. And like I said another chance for this "empty nest hater" to have them 24/7 again.

I forget what night we went to DTC. I think it was on way back to Springs after a long day at RMNP so anything would of tasted good lol. It was a sports bar/ pub called Society??? I forget what game it what sport we wanted to watch.

Thanks! I was already thinking that you all will think I'm crazy when I start asking more questions either now or next summer. I'm already thinking of maybe just driving through Aspen and Vail. Omg even in summer lodging is ridiculous! Of course I like to only spend $100 a night but will spend $200 for something amazing but just casually looking...I'm going to have to save every extra dollar til then. Figured we would spend 2 days with friends in Glenwood and a week maybe in Pagosa? And a night here or there along the way. I really want to stay at least 2 in Telluride. I'm not opposed of camping...but not having anything puts a damper on that. But my friends have all that so we would def go camping with them near Pagosa

The Aspens look beautiful! Yes while we had blue skys every day...it was a milky blue at best.Still pretty...but looking fwd to those blue skies

Even prettier today and fewer people to deal with than yesterday. Lovely hike to Spud Lake (need a 4x4). Trip report when we get home.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a56282eb1a.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...981fc2d866.jpg
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e92afcfcf1.jpg
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...bad9e6b870.jpg

The aspens are just incredible.

The OP says Omg even in summer lodging is ridiculous! Of course I like to only spend $100 a night

I have heard stats that say there are more tourists in CO in summer than winter and it is a wonderland then also. There is the Aspen Music Festival--and other of that type. Other festivals at other aki areas.

Absolutely beautiful! We saw a few turning but missed the best!

Regarding accommodation costs - if our recent experience is any indication, accommodation has gotten even more expensive since COVID. Even 2* places are charging a lot more than you might expect. We were caught off guard...and we live here.

The current trend seems to be to charge more and offer less, all in the name of COVID. No breakfast, no cleaning of rooms during one's stay, no employees on site, etc. I wouldn't mind so much if they charged less for offering less, but that's not been the case.

Well...it did give us the opportunity to visit your beautiful state. I could never have been able to afford the 3 of us to go last minute if the fares werent so low. $101 rt on United from Atlanta. Our 2 bedroom airbnb was only $62 a night and was in a nice residential area. Hopefully by next summer I can find some mom and pop reasonable places to stay along our route. Until then I need to save ,save and save.

Still on a Colorado high. Lol! I'm ruined now 😄 Anyone here ever been to the North Ga Mtns? You can sorta kinda see them from my subdivision. I used to think they were pretty...now I'm like eh?
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d8ec34add2.jpg

Oh no, those are pretty mountains too!! It's just Colorado is such a great state. First time I saw it I said if I can't live in NC I'm gonna live in CO. AND our son (and daughter for a while) rewarded us by living there so we could visit!!

Hi all!
 

Wanted to reach out. Of course you know how I fell in love with your state visiting a month ago etc. So I'm constantly watching,reading everything about Colorado.

That said I'm praying you all are safe and hope it snows even more then predicted to stop these fires. My sons loved the Grand Lake area and so sad the fires have reached there. Anywhere really.

Take care,
Natalie

Snowing at this very moment, which is a very good thing.

Seven to 12" of snow fell on the 2 largest fires in Colorado history Sunday afternoon. Once it stops snowing, the fires can be scouted by helicopter and firefighters can be dropped of on any remaining hot spots.