Family vacation itinerary pointers
 

We’re getting closer to our October 15 arrival in Colorado and would love feedback on our itinerary. I’m the only one who has been to Colorado, but that was 20 years ago. Family of four with children ages 7 and 10. Love the road less traveled.

Day 1 (Thursday)
Land in Denver at 8:30am pick up rental car
• 11am Tour Sports Authority Field
• Walk Denver Pavilions/16th street/State Capitol area
• Explore Boulder (some of these)
o Celestial Seasonings
o National Center for Atmospheric Research
o Pearl Street Mall
• Sleep at North Boulder Hampton Inn

Day 2
Estes Park – drive by The Stanley Hotel & Rocket Fizz (we don’t have any in MN)
• RMNP
o Bear Lake
o Sprague Lake Loop
o Trail Ridge Road
o Coyote Valley Trail
o Sleep in Grand Lake

If TRR closed
• RMNP
o Bear Lake
o Sprague Lake Loop
o Copeland Falls
o Sleep at Black Hawk Casino

Day 3
• Visit Georgetown – possibly Georgetown Loop Railroad and Energy Museum
• Maybe drive Loveland Pass
• Visit Breckenridge or Vail - Colorado Ski Museum
• Glenwood Springs
o Glenwood Hot Springs
o Hanging Lake Trail
o Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
• Sleep in Glenwood Springs

Day 4
• Caverns Adventure Park (they are 99% sure thrill rides will be open)
• Aspen
• Independence Pass (what are chances this will be open Oct 18?)
• Manitou Springs - Arcade Amusements Inc.
• Sleep in Colorado Springs

Day 5
• Air Force Academy
• Red Rocks
• Lookout Mountain
• Coors Brewery Tour
Sleep near airport

You do realize that you are covering significant distances and will be spending the majority of your time in a car. Mid Oct can be iffy - probably should be great on the very back end of the leaves changing at the lower elevations. And it could be snowy so be prepared for both especially on the higher passes. Whether Trail Ridge and Independence Pass are open is totally dependent on snow fall.

You don't have enough time for day one. The 16th St Mall, Pavilions, are commercial shopping areas. Not much appeal for 7 and 19. The children's museum would be a better choice. Or skip the whole area.

Most of your days do not allow for the travel time to get from one attraction to another.

I think you would be far better off to spend a couple days in Estes Park, move to somewhere in Summit County and call it a week.

I'm no Colorado 'expert' -- only been a few times and there are many others who (hopefully) will see your thread and help or 'pile on' . . . But I think this is a dreadful itinerary. <u>Especially</u> w/ young children stuck in the back seat . . . in <i>October</i>.

A road trip is great for two people who mainly want to rack up miles. But a family of 4 -- driving so much and packing/moving every day wouldn't be fun in my book.

Thanks. I understand there's a lot of packing up each morning. We could skip Aspen and CO Springs and add a day in Summit Co.

fmpden, thanks for the reality check on the commercial shopping area. We aren't big shoppers anyway. Maybe we'll drive by the capital and head to Boulder. We'll have been up since 2am Denver time and will want to relax.

janisj, wow dreadful.

Most days have less than 3hrs travel time between towns. With stops, along the route, wouldn't this be a pleasant day? Boulder to Grand Lake 2hr 25min. Boulder to Black Hawk 2hr 31min. Black Hawk to Glenwood Springs shows a 2hr 20min trip.

Someone here said Estes Park was touristy.

First of all most of the on-line mileage calculators underestimate drive times. They give you best case times -- no traffic or construction, no 15 miles on a mountain road stuck behind a slow RV.

But, even if google maps gave accurate drive times, no, a 3 or 4 hour drive isn't 'dreadful. But (just IMO) five straight days of 3 or 4 hour drives would be.

I have said it many times and so do many locals, Estes Park is very touristy. It is one of the top tourist attractions in the state and frequently promoted as such. It is not my favorite place in Colorado because it is full of candy shops and tourist. BUT the drive over Trail Ridge is terrific as is the park. Around your time the Elk runt will be underway sometimes the roads are so packed with cars that is nearly impossible to drive through. But that is a dice roll.

Not sure where you are getting your drive times, but they are very favorable. Driving can be slowly especially when you leave the I-70. And you are not accounting for what can be potential bad weather. Remember many of the ski areas will be opening by the end of Oct or earlier if we have a couple of early snow storms. The potential for snow is always there after the first of October.

On Day 3, you will be driving from Grand Lake or Black Hawk, and plan to do all this:

• Visit Georgetown – possibly Georgetown Loop Railroad and Energy Museum
• Maybe drive Loveland Pass
• Visit Breckenridge or Vail - Colorado Ski Museum
• Glenwood Springs
o Glenwood Hot Springs
o Hanging Lake Trail
o Glenwood Vaudeville Revue
• Sleep in Glenwood Springs

Have you looked at a map?

I also wondered if a map had been consulted. The whole trip seems a "drive-by".
And just in case, do not waste time or money on the Children's Museum--a trip to the Art Museum for its wonderful native American exhibit would be a much better stop, IMO.
I always mention the possibility of dinosaurs to folks traveling to CO with young children. Woodland Park just outside CO Springs has a wonderful museum and exhibit IF you decide to include CO Springs area.
And as I have also mentioned in the past, our son was married October 12 on a gorgeous 75* Colorado blue sky Saturday. On Sunday there was 6 inches of snow on the ground and when we got to Breckenridge for our little respite it was 17* and 10 inches of snow!! It was wonderful!! LOL
I do think you need to pare down the itinerary a LOT. For 5 days, have a good time and taste of the beauty of CO.

Tabernash2, that's my usual line...Have you looked at a map? Haha. I agree need to pair down activities.

Gretchen, thanks for the drive-by reality check and keeping positive.

fmpden, I'll keep the Elk runt figured into the planning.

A few questions....If one can't/doesn't want to hike the top of Hanging Lake Trail, is it worth going 30 min in?

Grand Lake to Silverthorne via 40 and 9, is it scenic? I've heard there that driving I70 on Saturday is busy, so if we came south into Silverthorne we could avoid traffic. If we skip Aspen/Colorado Springs and create another day in Summit County we could hit Loveland Pass and Georgetown on Monday.

Has anyone been to Woody Creek Distillers in Basalt, CO? It's a top rated vodka and we'd love to fit in - maybe a day trip from our nights near I70. Unfortunately they aren't open Sun and Mon, which are our days nearby.

Would Mount Evans have the same chances of closing as Trail Ridge Rd? Both places on Google maps say Closed Winters.

A few answers

....If one can't/doesn't want to hike the top of Hanging Lake Trail, is it worth going 30 min in?......

I think you can make Hanging Lake in 30 minutes. But it has been several years so my memory of time is a little fuzzy. But the whole Glenwood Canyon is more than worth it. It is great for bike rides but that is mostly a day activity.

.....Grand Lake to Silverthorne via 40 and 9, is it scenic? I've heard there that driving I70 on Saturday is busy, ....

It is scenic in a very general way that all of Colorado is - mountains and trees. Nine follows the Blue Rive but nothing unusually scenic. I-70 into the mountains on Saturday will be loaded with skiers in the winter but not so in October.

If spending another day in Summitt Cty I would try to catch Leadville and depending on the weather the Mineral Belt trail or even the train in Leadville. It is a diesel so it is not same experience as the narrow gauge on the Georgetown Loop. However, the Georgetown Loop may only be running on weekends in October. Check the web site. Loveland pass is just a high mountain pass. Again, not anything unusual.

......Would Mount Evans have the same chances of closing as Trail Ridge Rd? .......

Absolutely and even more so. Trail Ridge is actually a major road that crosses the divide so CDOT tries hard to keep it open as long as possible. Mt. Evans goes nowhere. Just a road to the top so the tendency is to closed with the first heavy snow. Closing Mt. Evens does not create any inconvenience except for tourists and local sightseers.

Just as a reminder of what the weather can be like in the mountains. Yesterday (Aug 10) we had two inches of snow at the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels. And the tunnels are relatively low in comparison to the mountain passes. So just be prepared.

Ditto what fmpden said.

Like the weather, the RMNP elk rut viewing depends on luck the draw, but it's a world-class event if you hit it right. You can minimize crowds by avoiding weekends or going to the popular sites (Moraine Park or Horseshoe Park) early in the morning instead of late afternoon. There is not much activity in the middle of the day, but I've heard the eerie bugling calls drifting up those valleys well after dark or before dawn.

You do have way too much planned for five days, but you can decide which to cut out on the spot depending on weather and road conditions. You should have no trouble finding lodging a day in advance that time of year.

My $.0.02: If you have a choice then drive either Independence Pass or Trail Ridge Road, but not both. From me a slight nod to TRR due to miles in the alpine tundra and probable better wildlife sightings, but either is fantastic. Drop Colorado Springs unless you need to escape stormy mountain weather and it happens to be nice down there.

Good luck, have a great trip.

Oh my goodness, snow, fmpden! Mineral Belt Trail looks so interesting.

Thanks Nelson - glad for the confidence on short-notice lodging. Colorado Springs is almost officially dropped.

Just watched YouTube videos on Elk Rut. Crazy tourists. It would be fun to see Elk, but I'd rather keep away from the prime viewing areas. Are they everywhere in RMNP? We'll be going through RMNP on a Friday.

Does anyone have recommendations on what type of vehicle to rent for this type of trip? I was leaning toward a SUV, but some rental companies don't guarantee 4-wheel drive (Ford Escape and maybe RAV4). Ford Fusion and Chrysler 300 are options for a car-type. We don't want a small vehicle as we'll be getting a cooler when we arrive.

With altitude are there car features we should consider (i.e. 6-Cylinder)? Thanks!

Don't worry about four wheel drive. More than overkill. I don't recommend it in winter UNLESS you are very experienced with driving four wheel. All modern engines run well at altitude.

Just watched YouTube videos on Elk Rut. Crazy tourists. It would be fun to see Elk, but I'd rather keep away from the prime

C;mon googs, you can hardly get a 5 day trip together in a time frame. EVERYONE wants to see the elk. EVERYONE wants to do this or that.
Plan your trip--allow for "tourists" (oh, wait, I think that is what YOU will be and for a very short period of time).
Rent a car come to Colorado enjoy your stay.

Just to be clear and fair. We go a lot of places--AND we ARE tourists. Make NO mistake. That is the name of the game.

Re: the rental car-- get 6-cylinder if you can. A 4-cylinder will not have enough power to climb the mountains, especially loaded with passengers and luggage.

You don't really need AWD, but you might want the roominess of an SUV. No sense in being uncomfortable on the road. And the hatch makes it easier to access your cooler and stuff.

Again, on the weather, yesterday (11th) it snow heavily on Pikes Peak. Don't worry about engine size. Four cylinders in a van or big SUV could be a problem but not in a standard car even with passengers. And probably cannot find a SUV with four cylinders. We drive a small SUV with four cylinders through the mountains all the time with no problems.

Wowie - all the Colorado weather related stories on national news last night. I feel for the residents of Manitou Springs and nearby. I hope the terrain bounces back.

Thanks for the car talk.

Did TRR close yesterday?

"And probably cannot find a SUV with four cylinders. We drive a small SUV with four cylinders through the mountains all the time with no problems."

So can they find a 4 cylinder SUV, or not? Doesn't make sense.

In our car-buying experience, we compared a 4 cylinder RAV4, Honda CRV, and Subaru Outback. None had the power we wanted for going up the hill. Sure, they'll get you there, but you have to floor it, which we didn't want to do ongoing. (We got a 6 cylinder RAV4 AWD, and it's great.)

This spring and summer have had weird weather. Wettest June ever. And torrential rainstorms like I've never seen, in July and August. You just never know. So pack layers, as they always say. Don't let it scare you off.

Haha Tabernash2, we will persevere.

We are leaning toward a SUV to accommodate the in/out of luggage and the cooler. Where can we find a disposable (styrofoam) cooler in Denver or Boulder? I don't suppose you have Fleet Farm stores in CO.

We're thinking of hitting Coors Brewery on first day since we'll be eliminating Colorado Springs and area (and can have more leisure on way back to Denver on final day b/c last tour is at 4pm). Would it be detrimental to have alcohol when trying to adjust to the mile-high+ atmosphere? Thanks!

You will regret having a styro cooler in the car--it will squeak incessantly!! At least we never do it.
Alcohol in moderation and a LOT LOt of water for everyone. Drink even when you don't want to. And don't forget the sunscreen.
Why not just get a nice collapsible cooler--even bring it with you? We love them.

Googs, I think you will be happy you have the hatchback for loading and unloading.

I imagine you can situate the styrofoam cooler so it won't squeak.
You can probably find a cooler at Target.

And Yes, go lightly on the alcohol. One drink, followed by an equal amount of water. Be very cautious your first days at altitude.

Our Safeway (Denver suburb)has a huge display of styrofoam coolers
I also hope you have reduced your itinerary substantially. You can come back!

Maybe not have fleet farm stores here but everything else from Costco/Sam's to WalMart/Target to big sporting goods stores on the way from the airport to anywhere. We get our coolers when traveling at a Dollar store. Yelp will find it for you.

A single beer should not be a problem but alcohol has a greater effect and quicker on people not adjusted to the altitude. You will adjust approximately 1000 feet per day so if you come from sea level it will take a good four to five days to adjust just to the Denver's level.

The Monsoons have been hard on us this year. Started early and hanging around longer than usual. A good rain jacket will be helpful. And floatation devices will be included with your SUV rental. So you will be fine.

My two cents as a non-expert:
4 cylinder is fine, might be a bit sluggish on some hills but I've never rented an SUV and I've managed just fine. I don't think the additional weight of one adult and two young children would greatly impact the car vs what I've experienced as a single adult. No need for an SUV unless you really like room.

If you get a styrofoam cooler, line it with a garbage bag before putting in ice, I find styro coolers tend to get a little waterlogged after a couple days. You'll also be readjusting it daily (or every time you stop) to minimize squeekage, plan on that. They are everywhere, I've bought mine at a gas station.

Estes Park is touristy but if you adjust your itinerary and do it backwards, you could overnight there Sunday and spend all day Monday in the park. You'd avoid the tourists and overall busyness of a normal weekend that way. You've picked some super easy hikes, Bear and Sprague are good but I'd swap Alberta Falls for Copeland if you want a waterfall hike. I'd also hike to Cub Lake and add time at Rock Cut if the weather cooperates.

I'd drop CO Springs entirely as well.

LOL fmpden! Super on the dollar store, I never thought of that.
Fmpden, when you said Glenwood Canyon is more than worth it. Are there are trails all over the area? I think the 3 mile RT uphill hike at Hanging Lake won’t suit my husband’s knee. I have “Grizzly Creek Trail“ in my notes, but cannot locate on map. And, is the Mineral Belt Trail flatish?

Tabernash2, V6 Hyundai Santa Fe should be a sweet ride and a week’s rental is cheaper than a night at Devil's Thumb Ranch. LOL

Haha BetsyG, I know we’ll fall in love with CO and come back.

Gretchen, sunscreen, check.

WhereAreWe, great garbage bag idea! Backwards itinerary would be good, but that’s four more days into Oct that TRR could close. Thanks for the waterfall hike.

At the Coors brewery tour you receive three 10oz beers to sample. After your remarks, this does not seem like a wise idea after just getting off plane. We live at 935 ft, so maybe we’ll adjust a little faster to CO. Haha.

Remember you are in Colorado -- flatish will always be relative term.

Glenwood Canyon is a canyon with steep sidewalls - definition of a canyon. There is limited hiking in the area. Hanging Lake does involve going uphill. It is not a bad trail and heavily used but it is climbing out of the canyon. Any of the turn offs in the canyon will give access to the paved trail that runs along side the river. That is flat cause the river is flat. The canyon is abut 20 miles long but you could easily hike along that trail as far as you like.

The Mineral Belt trail is pretty flat except at the south end. One big hill down to the road and back up. It is a 12 mile loop. The north and east half is the most interesting and the mid point around six miles is the best part. The main parking area for the trail is at the bottom of that hill just at the south edge of town.

We park at the school. If coming from the north (Copper Mt and I-70) you will cross the trail (it is obvious) on the north side of Leadville as you are coming into town. Turn right and follow the general direction of the trail till you hit the school. The trail runs along the side of the school parking lot. There is also a Rec center in that same area. Then follow the trail somewhat north and east from the school along the way you drove it. All of that is very walkable. It is an outdoor museum. Lots of signs to stop and read. The first time we did it, it took four hours on a bike.

Not familiar with Grizzle Creek trail but assume it would have to be along Grizzle Creek which could be a creek feeding into the river. We have ridden the whole length on bikes a couple of times.

PS If you are doing any hiking above tree line make sure you follow the rule of being below the tree line by 2pm or earlier if it looks like weather is moving in. You don't want to add to our count for the year. If your husband's knees are bad that probably is not a concern.

"Tabernash2, V6 Hyundai Santa Fe should be a sweet ride and a week’s rental is cheaper than a night at Devil's Thumb Ranch. LOL"

You probably aren't exaggerating! Except rooms in the DTR bunkhouse can be as little as $100/night. And I'd think they will have discounted Lodge rooms October.

PS We actually have a V6 Hyundai Santa Fe that we drive up and down Berthoud Pass all year long. It's a good car.

Enjoy Colorado!

Sounds like your vehicle is picked out. But FYI, my wife and I just returned from two nights in Estes to see the Perseid Meteor Shower from RMNP. (That was great!) We drive TRR in her Rav4 all the time with no issue, so you'll be fine.

Re the three 10 oz beers at Coors: wonder what ABV they serve? I'd still only have one, sadly altitude and alcohol don't mix well. Keep an eye on ABV once you start trying Colorado craft beers. They are tasty, but can be pretty high octane!

Ditto WhereAreWe's suggestion of Alberta Falls instead of Copeland. You'll already be on the Bear Lake Road, no sense driving over to Wild Basin. If the trails by Bear Lake are icy then another option at lower elevation is "The Pool". Access from the Moraine Park area.
http://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisi...ummer-2015.pdf

And to hopefully whet your appetite, here is a photo taken yesterday at about 7:30AM along the Bear Lake road.
http://nelsonchenkin.zenfolio.com/p1...6a11#h534c6a11

Hope the weather cooperates for you. Have a great trip.

Beautiful picture, Nelson.

Thanks much Tabernash.

We decided that scene was worth turning around for. There were three big bulls hanging out together, but that solo was my favorite shot.

fmpden, Thank you for great Mineral Belt and Canyon trail info.

Tabernash2, I'm not sure why, but the bunkhouse has a 16-and-under restriction.

WhereAreWe and Nelson, Alberta Falls, check.

Nelson, I LOVE the Bear Lake Rd photo. Excellent and gets me excited.

Has anyone been to Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby? I was looking at breakfast hay ride.

Does anyone know of a place along our route (Denver to Boulder to Grand Lake to Glenwood Springs then back to Denver) that has wine pairings? Food pairing or snacks with wine. This would be fun for me.

That area is more into micro-breweries. Our wine country is around Grand Junction beyond Glenwood Springs. There is the Breckenridge brewery in Breckenridge (obviously) the Dam Brewery in Dillon, Tommyknocker in Idaho Springs with a great Maple Brown Nut brew. Also there is brewery in Frisco that I cannot remember the name. Micro-breweries is our thing in Colorado.

Good friends had a wine shop with wine tastings first in Breckenridge, then Dillon, and finally back to Denver. Wine tasting just didn't fly well in that area.

Regarding Hanging Lake Trail, I personally would skip it if not going to the top.

Also in that area, a cool amusement park and caverns at Glenwood Springs that includes a neat alpine slide. You have to take a tram to get up there.

Your whole group would probably enjoy Glenwood Hot Springs.

Googs, I forgot about the age restriction at the bunkhouse. Sorry.

We have spent lots of time at Snow Mountain Ranch. It's a fun family place. I think your kids would love a hay ride.

They have cabins to rent there, also. Tons to do for kids, including a craft house, indoor pool, mini-golf, climbing wall, roller skating rink, hiking. Inexpensive grill to grab lunch or a snack, too.

Also in the Winter Park area, there's a new restaurant called Volario's, at the new Vasquez Creek Inn. (It's a sister property to Devil's Thumb.) They serve food that is 'reminiscent of the mountain regions of Italy and Spain'.
http://volarioswinterpark.com/about-volarios/

They have an extensive wine list at Volario's, and sometimes offer a wine pairing with dinner. Food is very good there.

Vasquez Creek also has reasonably priced lodging.

Googs, glad you liked the photo. Thanks.

There is a wine tasting room in Estes that offers wines from a number of Colorado wineries, as well as foods from small Colorado businesses:
http://www.snowypeakswinery.bravehost.com/index.html

Note this on their contact page: <i>"We are open 7 days a week year 'round but our hours vary seasonally, please call for the latest."</i>

I haven't been in there yet so can't comment (I'm usually having beer somewhere in town, or perhaps a cocktail at The Stanley), but if you try it let us know what you think.

Micro-brews abound, you are correct fmpden. Big debate at our house beer vs wine. For the wine lover, Maple Brown Nut even sounds tasty.

jayne1973, Thanks for the Hanging Lake observation. There seems to be other good opps in the area for our level.

Tabernash2, Colorado lamb sugo = wow. I’m half Italian, that may be quite tasty! Great info on Snow Mountain Ranch – I hope we can fit it in.

WhereAreWe , Alberta Falls may be too long & elevation gain for hubby. Cub Lake’s difficulty rating is high. Where is Rock Cut?

Nelson, superb wine info! And now that you mention The Stanley…lately, I am back to wanting to go there. I love the Shining, I would love to see the bar and have read about the tour (history and hauntings). I don’t love it enough to pay $400+ a night, but would like to experience in some way. What do you recommend? We’ll probably be passing through Estes between Boulder and Grand Lake area. Can you lunch in the bar, with kids?

I appreciate everyone’s great ideas, hidden gems, and favorite routes. My lists are huge and paring down is difficult. I love/hate when I find new fun tid-bits. With October the Halloween month, has anyone been on Banjo Billy’s tours? Was specifically looking at Boulder (or Denver) Ghost Tour? It’s had great reviews. OR the Ghost Walk through Linwood Cemetery in Glenwood Springs?

These seem to be at our skill level. Any opinions on which is better Sprague Lake Loop, Bear Lake Loop or Lake Irene?