Message: My husband and I will be in Colorado for about nine days.(no children) Had thought about driving to Hoover Dam and Sedona, Arizona, but realized we'd be on the road too much. Any advice about how to spend nine days in Colorado? Should we stay in one place and take side trips? Or, Should we stay in 2 or 3 places? Would like to do some easy hiking, take a raft trip, and any other must do's or sees. Also, I read something about a car needing to be tuned for high altitude driving. (??)
And how DO you drive in the mountains? I know this sounds silly, but we would probably drive in the wrong gear all the time.(don't have a four-wheel drive)
I know I'm asking for alot of information, but I see such willing and good advice in this forum I figured I'd go for it.

P.S. I already posted this message. Somebody kindly advised me to change my title.

When will you be in Colorado? It does make a difference regarding rafting. What level of rafting do you want? Do you have children traveling with you? And where are you driving from? If you have a late model car, I don't think you need to make any altitude adjustment for most of the roads you are likely to travel.If you do, I believe you just need to let more air in your carburator. But, I know nothing about the mechanics of cars. You don't need a 4WD to drive on paved roads. When I go up a steep hill on the interstate, I will put the car in Drive 2 for the length of the hill. Are you still planning to go to Arizona? Most of the time, I drive in the regular Drive gear.

Thanks for the car advice. Coming from Louisiana in mid June. No kids. Calm rafting. I think we've just about ruled out Arizona, unless we can go to a close part of the Grand Canyon. We've decided we don't want to spend too many days driving long distances just to get to another destination. Would rather take planned sight-seeing drives. We're hoping to base ourselves in two different places, then take side trips.

Probably from Louisana, you'll take I 40 to I 25. Get off I-25 in Santa Fe. You can find quite a few interesting sites in the area. I can't be too specific because it has been a long time since I visited there. I believe on Rt. # 76, just past Sante Fe is a tiny town called Chimayo. There there is a tiny church/chapel that is historic because of reported miracle cures. I believe pilgrimages are made there.I don't recall the history. Years ago, there was a great restaurant there-I think it was called Rancho de Chimayo. And there is a shop famous for Navajo weavings. There migth be a pueblo along the way for an interesting stop. The Indian gambling casinos look so out place in the scenic area. Go to Espanola and connect to Rt# 84. You'll past Ghost Ranch. This is a "camp "type place that offers interesting activities. Again, it has been many years since I've been there. Somewhere in the area is Abiquiu. Here, Georgia O'Keefe had her studio and many of her paintings were of sights in this area. There used to be a small museum. Maybe another reader will have an update.
You'll each the interesection of Rt #64 and and 84. From here you can make a decision on what to do. You can make a loop trip through New Mexico, up to Colorado, and over to Pagosa Springs back on Rt# 160 to I 25 Or you can go to Pagosa Springs, then Durango, up toward Montrose, east through Gunnison, and continue east to Pueblo to I 25.
I'll explain the first route. If you want info on the second route-email me
If you wanted to go to the Grand Canyon from this area, it would take a good days drive to get there. Last year, we drove from Grand Junction Colorado to the south rim entrance, and I believe it took us about 12 hours, including a few diversions like lunch, and a little sightseeing.
From here, you could base yourself out of Farmington for two days. Farmington itself is a small city, with not too many diversions. But, you get eat at some interesting home cooking type Native American/Hispanic cooking. At different times, there are flea markets in town where you can buy silver jewelry from the local people. Look carefully at what you buy.
From Farmington, you can take a trip to Chaco Canyon ruins. I haven't been there, but I heard good things about it. Also, there is the Aztec Ruin National Monument. Along with Mesa Verde, you can get a good picture of the early Anazazi life. From there, go to Shiprock (there is a rock that looks like a ship). Pass Shiprock, and stop at Four Corners National Monument. I don't know if it is really worth of detour, but my kids liked it. Kind of expensive to see 4 corners of each state (about $6.00). Then, go north into Colorado on Rt #160 to Cortez. You can base yourself out of Cortez or Durango. I prefer Durango. There is more to do from that point. In mid-June, there could still be snow in the highest parts of the mountainss, so you could be limited on your travel. But, this year, snowfall has been low, so I think you'll be fine. From Durango, you spend a day in Mesa Verde. Get your tickets for tours at the Visitor Center near the entrance, or you could have a long drive back. Early in the day is best for tickets I think you can comfortably see about half of the ruins in one day. If you enjoyed it, then spend another day there, seeing the rest.
In Durango, we enjoyed stayed at the Hotel Strater. Entertainment Book has a coupon (if they aren't full).Otherwise, it's kind of expensive. The rooms were great in an old Western Victorian style. And some say the hotel is haunted. There are journals all over to write experiences to share.
In Durango, you can take a more mellow rafting trip down the Animas ( I think) There are several set-ups along the town who offer trips of varies degrees of difficulty. But the trips through town are pretty mellow. Except you will be there when the snowmelt is at its peak and the water is faster. The water will be very cold, so be prepared with rain wear and footwear. In Durango, you can take the railroad to Silverton. Many posts have found this a boring ride. I personally wasn't too bored years ago because I enjoyed the scenery, but I think the trip is just too expensive. These days, I prefer to drive to Silverton, rather than take the train. Since you are not used to 4WD driving, I suggest take a jeep tour with one of the groups. There are dangerous area, and without information or instruction, you could find yourself in serious trouble. There are beautiful areas in the backcountry to see. From Durango you go north to Telluride, which is a fun town, and to Ouray, where there is a hot springs. This area is especially good for back country tours. Vallectio Rservoir makes a nice day trip. Thee might still be snow. So dress warmly and have adequate footwear and rainwear. If you go for any hikes, buy a topo map in Durango. Ask in town which hikes match your conditioning level. From Durango, going east up Wolf Creek Pass, there is a nice hike at a waterfall (I don't remember the name, but it is seen from the main road.) It should be flowing nicely that time of year. To the east, is Pagosa Springs, and there is a great Hot Springs there. From there, you can go east to I -25. Any questions, email me

I've been to Colorado a few times, most recently summer of '98. I would highly recommend staying in Manitou Springs (Garden of the Gods is a MUST SEE) for a few days. Manitou is much much nicer than Colorado Springs .. Manitou is pretty, small town vs. city ...Then travel southward and cut across the bottom of the state, stopping at the Great Sand Dunes Park - what a neat experience. Head on over to Durango and stay there for a while. I see someone already advised Durango ... but I don't think that writer suggested horseback riding. Just above Durango (by a ski resort) there is a riding stable - on the right side of the road as you are headed north. Wow! It had to be what John Denver was referring to with "Rocky Mountain High"! A wonderful, natural, high! I strongly suggest a wonderful B & B just north of downtown Durango. It is a wonderful quiet place ... the host/hostess are lovely people and the place truly is a clean, comfortable place to stay. It is a log home, with a huge wrap-around porch. They feed hummers, and there are an incredible number of them flying about the porch. The day we took the train ride to Silverton, we had to leave early. They prepared a "to go" breakfast for us, lending us travel mugs, etc. Speaking of which (the train ride) you can take it only one way and combine the rest w/a jeep tour of the abandoned gold mining towns (Animas is a beautiful one!) ... that's what I'd suggest. The name of the B & B is Logwood. Their website is durango-logwoodinn.com. Check out websites for tons of info on colorado, and that may help you decide what to do & where. Try Durango.com. I know you will enjoy yourself immensely! Have fun.

You've already gotten some very good information. But here's my two-cents worth:
Considering where you're coming from, I'd stick to southern Colorado. Mesa Verde, Durango, DEFINATELY Telluride, Ouray. there is some great scenery to be seen just while driving. You don't need a 4wd to do mountain driving on paved roads. in fact, there are some decent off-road trips you can take around Ouray and Telluride that doesn't require having a 4wd. Just don't ride your brakes going down the mountains. You WILL burn up your brakes doing that. Telluride is a great, authentic cowboy town. i love it. Great restaurants, and great shopping, and great scenery. Stay away from the ski part of Telluride, though. too touristy. Someone mentioned Chaco Canyon in New Mexico. That is a GREAT place. Takes awhile to get to it because it's out in the middle of NOWHERE. I prefer it over Mesa Verde, but Chaco might be out of the way. Let me say this, though -- if you can get to Monument Valley in Northeast Arizona, DO IT. It is awesome. The most magnificant place in the U.S. Better than the Grand Canyon.

Hi Jeanette - A few places that my husband and I have enjoyed are near Colorado Springs, where we were at for a few days on a cross country move:

Garden of the Gods
Air Force Academy
World Figure Skating Museum
*****Pike's Peak*****

Enjoy your vacation.

If your car is fuel injected, I doubt if you will need a special tune up.
It will be double expense because you will need to untune it for lower altitudes. We drove a 1983 Nissan Stanza out there that was NOT fuel injected and it did well. We took it over some high passes, too.
I really think that if you are going to be there between May 20 and Oct 1, you should visit Rocky Mountain National Park and drive over Trail Ridge Road.
It is one of the most spectacular roads you will take. Also for 9 days, you would have time to venture a little farther west to Arches National Park and Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. Leadville is interesting for a couple of hours. And for southern Colorado, see Mesa Verde National Park.
It is an amazing place in my estimation.

Why dont you rent a car, minivan or SUV from a rental agency if you are worried about your car. Put the mountain driving mileage on their vehicle. Car rentals are pretty cheap and often come with unlimited mileage.
We were in Colorado 2 years ago June, rented a passenger car, had no problems but we were glad not to put the mountain driving strain on our vehicle.

I have received so much good advice that I couldn't decide what to do. Since this is our first trip to Colorado, and so many said to see the Colorado Springs area, I booked a reservation at Radisson by the airport. (Many places I checked were already booked.) Does anyone know about this particular Radisson. Is it in a good area? Is it nice and clean?
We booked for four nights there. We have about 4 or 5 more days. I'm a little afraid of driving on narrow roads that have drop-offs on the side.
So many people have suggested Durango area and Rocky Mountain National Park area. I've about decided that we should book at one other location for about 4 or 5 days and take side trips.
Should the other spot be Durango area or
RMNP area. If RMNP area - any suggestions about most convenient location to stay?

I'm sure the Radison is just fine. But, the airport is a little far out. The new La Quinta ,on the south side of town, is just off the highway I-25, and not too terribly far from the airport. I've been in it and it is very nice. There is also a Fairfield Residence Inn and a Doubletree. It's in the Cheyenne Mountain area.

I hate to say this, but if you REALLY do hate winding, mountain roads with sheer drop-ofss on one side than you're going to have a problem in Colorado. Nearly all of the roads (with the excecption of the interstates) are like that. But there is some spectacular scenery to be seen. I like southern Colorado (Durango/Telluride/Ouray) vs. northern (Rocky Mtn Natl Park) It's more varied in the south. Up north it's just mountains.

Jeanette:
Estes Park is the town at the entrance to RMNP. Grand Lake is the town on the opposite entrance. While I think Grand Lake is prettier, Estes is going to be a lot more convenient. You should be able to do a search on Estes Park, CO and get a listing of hotels. The Stanley Hotel (where "The Shining" was filmed) is in Estes. As Durango is near a ski resort and community college their chamber probably has a website as well. Email me if you decide to head up toward Summit County, Vail or Glenwood. b