LBev769375

We will be taking a driving trip this fall to the RMNP and will be spending the late afternoon/evening in the Idaho Springs, Georgetown area before hitting the park the next day. Is a short driving trip on Hwy 103 to Mt Evans worth staying in Idaho Springs for, or is staying and seeing Georgetown a better idea. Being the son a a coal miner,I'm not too keen on goal or coal mines, LOL. Any alternative suggestions for this area would be appreciated.
Thanks. Lee

wtm003

I don't think Idaho Springs or Georgetown are worth an overnight stay. What in your itinerary leads you to Georgetown? This will help with alternative suggestions.

furledleader

Depending upon how late in the fall you plan to be here, the road to Mt. Evans may be closed. They usually close it with the first snowfall in September, which can occur almost anytime between Labor Day and Columbus Day. It's a beautiful half-day drive on a clear day.

I could never figure out the allure of Georgetown. I get off there only to fish in the lake or in Clear Creek, or as a starting point to get up to Guanella Pass, which on a clear day is also a beautiful drive with a view of Mt Bierstadt from the summit of the pass.

Idaho Springs has a mediocre hot springs pool/resort, and probably better restaurants. It's probably a better jumping off point to the east side of RMNP than Georgetown is. Take the new Central City Parkway from Idaho Springs to Central City, then the Peak to Peak Hwy from Central City to Estes Park. If you're in a gambling mood, you may want to consider staying at one of the casino resorts in Central City or Blackhawk instead of Idaho Springs.
If you're going to the west side of RMNP instead, then Georgetown may be the better starting point. Hwy 40 leaves I-70 just east of Georgetown and heads up over Berthoud Pass (another pretty drive), to Winter Park then over to Granby and the west entrance of RMNP.

yale

I agree with wtm003. If you're going to RMNP, the drive over Trail Ridge is more impressive than Mt. Evans. Which way are you planning to go through RMNP? I'd recommend entering from the East. Why not head to Boulder instead and stay the night there?

sylvia3

Coal? It's pretty much hard rock mining.

LBev769375

Thanks for the replies. we will be arriving at approx., 2 PM from Hayes, Ks, on Sept 7 and looking for the most interesting place to overnight before getting a fresh start in the morning for the RNMP. This is our first trip to Co., and want to see the most we can in the limited time we have. we will have most of the afternoon in this area. I guess our main purpose this trip is visiting and driving the most scenic mountain highways, and will be heading through Idaho and going to, the Going to the Sun Road and Glacier NP., when we leave the RNMP. There are so many beautiful mountain drives in Co., I know we will have to make another trip just for Colorado. I had not heard of Mt Evans until scanning the different web sites for that area. I would love to know if there are other more scenic short drives with an overnight stay between Idaho Springs and Winter Park that you would recommend.
Thanks. Lee