We love the US National and State Parks, last year we completed the grand circle in Utah, and was recommended to visit Colorado. We plan to Fly to Denver in early May, can anyone suggest an itinery? we have two weeks to fill and we don't mind travelling. Would like to visit Yellowstone, but I know this may be too far.

Thanks

Yellowstone probably too far,but would recomend,Rocky Mtn NP,down to near Idaho Springs drive to top of Mt Evans
14264Ft.Leadville ride the train,then to Black canyon of the Gunnison,thru Durango to Cortez (Mesa Verde)Work back up to Canon City (royal Gorge) then Colo Spgs Then to Denver.I know there is a lot more sites than I posted but you will be busy.Also keep in mind there can still be snow in the higher elevations so be warned.

I wouldn't miss going to Glenwood Springs. It's near Aspen. Well known for it's hot springs. This is unique and makes for a great time regardless of the season. It's terribly relaxing.

Do you have children? Makes a difference in what to recommend.

I wouldn't go to Yellowstone. That's quite a drive from Denver and would limit your traveling elsewhere.

We haven't gone to Yellowstone yet, because of the distance.

Please be aware that May in Colorado often brings snow to the higher elevations. Trail Ridge Road (though RMNP) is usually not open until the end of May. Lower elevation weather is quite variable in May also--I remember some Mother's Day's with snow and cold; others sunny and warm.

With two weeks, I don't see why Yellowstone is too far. We did it last year on a loop that took us from RMNP to Northwest Montana and back. Our trip included RMNP (Trailridge was still closed but we saw plenty), Little Big Horn, the Big Hole in Montana (beautiful), then back through to West Yellowstone. Our trip was in March and was much snowier.

Of course, there is a lot to see in Colorado as well. May is an unpredictable time of year.

For this trip, I would skip Yellowstone (even though I love it) and do a circle tour of Colorado.

A few ideas you may want to research:

Denver to Rocky Mtn National Park. Trail Ridge Road through the park is an amazing drive but it will most likely be closed in early May.

RMNP to Glenwood Springs. Many places to stop and stay along this route - Boulder, Breckenridge, Vail.

Glenwood Springs to Aspen. In early May you should be able to find some good lodging rates.

From Aspen to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. The drive is very pretty between Carbondale and Montrose. Redstone and Marble are interesting towns to visit along the way.

From the Black Canyon head to Southwest Colorado. This is my favorite part of the state with Telluride, Ouray, Durango, Mesa Verde, Durango-Silverton RR and the Million Dollar Highway. You can easily spend a week in this area.

From SW Colorado to Great Sand Dunes Nat'l Park to Colorado Springs. Early May is my favorite time to visit the Sand Dunes. If there has been sufficient snowpack during the winter months (which should be no problem this year) there is a creek that flows across the base of the dunes. It is a total hoot. You have to cross it to climb the dunes, but you will see adults and kids playing frisbee and football in the creek and just having a good time. It dries up by early summer.

In Colorado Springs you can visit the Air Force Academy, Pikes Peak (I'm not sure if the Cog Train is open in May)& the Garden of the Gods for starters.

Ending up in Denver, maybe catch a Rockies game and visit a restaurant of two.

Hopefully, this helps with your initial planning.

Many thanks for all your replies, given me some great ideas!

My favorite spots close to Denver:

- Denver -> Boulder -> Estes Park -> Rocky Mountain National Park

- Denver (25 south) -> Colorado Springs -> Garden of Gods -> Pipe's Peak

- Denver (70 west) -> Breckenridge -> Vail -> Aspen (Snowmass) (I like Aspen's farmer's market on weekend)

While Yellow Stone may be far (10 hour north of Denver), Santa Fe is about 6 hours south of Denver. Within 5 hours from Colorado Springs. I think it is a fun place to visit in the summer.

We will be traveling to Denver for 14 days July 16th 2007. Planning a road trip as part of our vacation. Day 1 drive from Des Moines,Ia to Denver spend 2 nights with family. 3rd day head out 70 west to Grand Junction do the rim tour and spend the night. 4th day head south on 141 south merge to 491 south to cortez spend the rest of day and mesa verde spend the night. 5th day head to Ouray via hwy 160 east merge into hwy 550 north the million dollar hwy. Spend the day in Ouray hot springs relax, spend the night. Day 6 head to Gunnison hywy 50 to Black Canyon spend the night. Day 7 head to Silverthorne hwy 285 to hwy 9 near breckenridge and stay for 6 nights in a condo rental. Not sure about Silverthorne looking for a beautiful postcard town with a condo or house lakefront surrrounded by majestic mountains. It will be a family trip husband, wife, in thier 40's 2 teen girls 13 and 15. I have no experience mountain driving and am worried about the million dollar hwy. Does anyone see in holes in my trip or anything I could add. We don't do shopping or hiking, and we plan on renting an SUV in Des Moines.
Thanks

I'm confused -

Are you driving from Grand Junction to Cortez and planning to visit Mesa Verde on the same day?

Also do you understand that the Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is outside of Montrose not Gunnison?

You may want to consider visiting the Black Canyon the day you drive from Grand Junction to SW Colorado. Maybe stay in Ouray first. I would add at least an extra night in SW Colorado.

Yes; same day from Grand Junction to Cortez but I gather from your respoonse I will probably need to add another day to the Cortez portion of our trip.

No I didn't realize Black Canyon of Gunnison was not in Gunnison. I am just planning my trip from other reviews. I am not familiar at all with this territory. But thanks for the info that's why I am asking anyone for help because I'm new to this traveling thing.

Could we go to Montrose after we leave Ouray then head towards Breckenridge? or is that not feasible?

My reason for Cortez first, I read that if you travel the million dollar hwy heading south you are on the cliff side and if you travel heading north you are hugging the mountain,I would prefer that I think?

I would plan on a full day at Mesa Verde. I think it would help if you do a search on Mesa Verde and decide what exactly you want to do and see in the area.

Grand Junction to Cortez is easy enough in one day. Telluride might be a nice place to stop on the way for lunch. I just thought it was a little much doing that drive plus Mesa Verde in the same day.

Yes, going to Montrose (Black Canyon) from Ouray will work out fine.

Another suggestion is stop at the Hot Springs Pool in Glenwood Springs for a few hours on your way to Grand Junction from Denver. Your teens will love it!

A good map will help with your planning. Good luck!

I went to Univ. of Colorado, and I agree that Boulder and Estes Park are necessary stops. In Boulder, hit the local and tourist favorite Pearl Street. The Boulder Bookstore is great. There are great hiking trails on the edge of town. Estes Park is kinda kitschy, but it's a great gateway to the truly spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park. It's true that it can snow in May, so be prepared for cold weather in the higher altitudes (it snowed several inches in Boulder on my graduation on May 9).

I love Aspen, but I'm not too fond of Glenwood Springs. There are great mountain towns along I-70 to Aspen -- Vail is beautiful.