Family vacation itinerary pointers
Aug 12th, 2015, 12:02 PM
#21
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"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.
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.
Aug 13th, 2015, 06:54 AM
#22
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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!
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!
Aug 13th, 2015, 07:37 AM
#23
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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.
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.
Aug 13th, 2015, 03:34 PM
#24
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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.
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.
Aug 13th, 2015, 07:03 PM
#26
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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.
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.
Aug 14th, 2015, 07:19 AM
#27
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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.
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.
Aug 14th, 2015, 09:14 AM
#28
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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.
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.
Aug 14th, 2015, 10:00 AM
#29
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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.
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.
Aug 14th, 2015, 10:13 AM
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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.
Aug 14th, 2015, 10:38 AM
#31
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"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!
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!
Aug 14th, 2015, 01:18 PM
#32
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.
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.
Aug 17th, 2015, 07:25 AM
#35
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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.
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.
Aug 17th, 2015, 08:52 AM
#36
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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.
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.
Aug 17th, 2015, 10:08 AM
#37
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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.
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.
Aug 17th, 2015, 10:12 AM
#38
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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.
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.
Aug 17th, 2015, 10:26 AM
#39
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: "We are open 7 days a week year 'round but our hours vary seasonally, please call for the latest."
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.
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: "We are open 7 days a week year 'round but our hours vary seasonally, please call for the latest."
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.
Aug 18th, 2015, 08:21 AM
#40
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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?
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?
