maria_so

so is hoosier pass not as hair raising? Since I've done that one, I just want a comparison so I have an idea and can decide better. we did that one in April so it was snowy (several feet of snow on some parts), it wasn't sunny but wasn't raining and I didn't think it was too bad.

All good points. Peaceout, I have read somewhere about Pancho's and Lefty's too. If the weather is nice, I'd like to go to RMNP south entrance. We once travelled 2 1/2 hrs from one side of smokey mountain ntl park just to see a herd of elk (which is why I also assumed I'd just see some moose at the south entrance because that's how it was at smoky mountains, that's what i get for assuming!). My boys are so into animals that I think it may be worth it and if the weather is nice, we'd maybe go through berthoud pass and then the other way through the blue river as suggested to see both vistas. did the beartooth highway (beartooth pass) in montana and absolutely LOVED it and it was windy and steep. all good options depending on how we're feeling.

maria_so

Oh, and I just booked the 2nd house in Breckenridge this morning(the first one fell through) so too late to change but I also prefer to have a base instead of packing up the belongings. We are staying in Denver the first 2 nights to get acclimated before heading higher up in elevation.

The plan is to go for a day trip to estes park and RMNP east entrance on our second day from Denver to get a taste of the higher altitude (and to see that side of the park) before heading to Breckenridge the next day.

Gretchen

You could probably combine those days. PLEASE do some of the suggestions I made for Denver for little ones. You have honed in on making this all about snow. You can get "caught up "on snow pretty quick. I completely love that you are doing this, but there are also other things that little ones will love.
You really might not need to go to the east of RMNP--just a thought. Stay in Denver (acclimation will be similar). go to the butterfly pavilion, zoo, museums IN Denver.
Just a question--are these your first grands? Ain't it fun!!

maria_so

hiya gretchen. yes of course i will keep some of your suggestions! i just like having options so that when we get tired of snow, we can do whatever else and not have to struggle to find ideas. why i want to take them to see moose and elk at the park. i am loving the idea of stopping to grab some food in grand lake, stopping at winter park, etc. ithe owner of the ouse i'm renting suggested some places in breck for the kids too. she already has sleds we can use too. thanks for all of your suggestions.

also, they''re my first (and only ) kids/twin boys - not grandkids.

Gretchen

OH, sorry, but glad. It is often grandparents that want to do this kind of thing with 2 year olds!!
When they are a bit older, do a dinosaur tour with them around Denver and Colorado.

Lexma90

To answer your question about Hoosier Pass vs. Berthoud Pass (I drive both of them pretty frequently). It depends on the weather, of course, but I find Hoosier Pass much easier than Berthoud - and the distance up and down the pass is shorter. The road for Berthoud Pass is reasonably wide and well-maintained, though not as wide or maintained as I-70, which is a major trucking route. You can just play it by ear - when you're there, what the weather is like, whether Berthoud Pass or the other route (through Silverthorne) to Grand Lake is in better condition. Though IMHO, doing all that driving with 2 1/2yos in the car just to possibly see moose wouldn't be worth it to me. Playing in the snow or going sledding would be a much better use of time. But again, a decision you can make there and then.

maria_so

Thanks for that comparison Lexma! That helps a lot. It's also to see the scenery on the way there and back. I would also like to check out winter park...

virginia

if seeing elk is the main point of going to rmnp, leadville might work. when i lived there a rancher on the north side of town fed them. i recall seeing them every afternoon on my way home from work at copper mtn. i'll try to find out if he's still feeding & post back.

maria_so

thanks virginia! would love to hear if there's a better chance there. last time i saw some in the wild was the tetons trip...