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Need help to plan Colorado trip from Oct 7th - 12th

Need help to plan Colorado trip from Oct 7th - 12th

Old Oct 2nd, 2017, 08:47 AM
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One thing I know about living in Colorado: don't pay attention to weather forecasters. They are wrong 99% of the time. Bring layers and be prepared, but don't stress about it.

I agree about Estes not being my favorite. In fact, with the time you have, I would skip it and just head up I-70 on the day you arrive. Spend your time in the mountains-- Summit County or Grand County.

Stay in one place and let the weather help you decide on day-trips.
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Old Oct 2nd, 2017, 12:56 PM
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That is not fair. The weather forecast are really quite accurate for 24/48 hour range. You need to pay attention to the forecast if you are headed into the mountains Cannot believe how miserable our weather has become -- cold, rainy and maybe snow down to 5,000 feet tonight.
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Old Oct 2nd, 2017, 02:14 PM
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I don't care much for Estes either but, RMNP is wonderful. Personally, I wouldn't miss it just because of the town of Estes. You could stay at the YMCA of the Rockies just outside of Estes.They have cabins of all sizes and are very nice if not luxurious.

Not a fan of traveling I 70. I do it, but don't much like it. You might also have a look at Evergreen. It's a few miles up the interstate and, I believe, has several nice places to stay as well as restaurants. It would give you a feel of being in the mountains without having to trek up to a ski town.

BTW, I really like Boulder too. It can be messy if CU has a home game but otherwise a good place to stay.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2017, 06:40 AM
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The OP says this first: We like nature, hiking and kids (11 and 13yrs) would like to see wild life..

If the kids want to see wildlife them RMNP and Estes quickly jumps to the top of the list. While Estes might not be as nice as some other mountain towns, that wildlife requirement is best met there, or in Grand Lake, I would think.

Staying at the Estes YMCA is a great option.

Weather looks reasonably OK for the coming weekend. Keep an eye on that and also Trail Ridge Road conditions.

Good luck.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2017, 08:51 AM
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Estes park forecast looks rain/snow coming Sunday and Monday. It might change too.Saturday weather is good but we can not do much since we are arriving at the airport at 2pm.
have Hyatt points to use in Denver/Boulder/Colorado springs. Which area would you recommend in Denver? Downtown/Lakewood/cherry creek/Tech center..please advice..
Thanks again
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Old Oct 3rd, 2017, 09:13 AM
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Downtown is fun. Tech Center gets you out of town easily if you are going to do a day trip (really take a look at Woodland Park) particularly south.
I wouldn't choose Lakewood (and I know the area because had kids live there). Just not much going on.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 05:18 AM
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Now it's looking pretty clear that a cold front pushes in Sunday night. Ahead of the front they are predicting strong winds Friday and Saturday, in my view even more unpleasant than cooler temperatures and maybe light snow. Your flight might have some turbulence as you land in Denver, not uncommon.

So diving up to the mountains on Sunday morning is still looking OK. There may be some overnight snow but if it's a normal Colorado situation it will be mostly gone and off the roads by Monday.

All subject to change of course!

Good luck.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 05:24 AM
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Always subject to change.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 05:43 AM
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You are not having any luck. Looks like a decent weekend but first of the week returns to cold, rain, and perhaps snow. While it does you no good, this is a little unusual for this time of year.

The ski resorts are loving it as it is laying down a good base without the snow guns. Tomorrow my skis go in for the annual tune up. Start looking today for all the ski gear that I didn't put away properly last spring.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 06:14 AM
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Thanks all for the updates. I was so looking forward for my first Colorado trip but no luck. We have only Saturday evening and Sunday to enjoy the mountains before cold front. We are driving from Boulder to Estes park Sunday morning and I was wondering if we can drive through peak to peak high way. Another option would be driving peak to peak highway Saturday around 4pm on the way from airport before checking in to the Hotel in Boulder. Any best place to spot wild life(Elk) in RMNP? Please let me know your suggestions.
I was about to book hotel in Lakewood and after coming across Gretchen comment, glad I did not book it.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 06:45 AM
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I'll stick my neck out and suggest the weather is not looking as bad as you fear.

Bring layered clothing.

Some of the best places for elk: Moraine Park, Horseshoe Park, the area near the Beaver Meadows entrance and Bear Lake road junction, and the Estes Park golf course.

It does not make sense to drive Peak to Peak on Saturday. Just head for Boulder and enjoy that. Go to the Flatirons. Not sure what NCAR's visitor hours are but the kids might enjoy that. Worth heading over there in any case, there could be wildlife around there as well, and beautiful views of Flatirons. It's a windy spot however.

Drive Peak to Peak on Sunday by heading up Boulder Canyon on your way to Estes.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 07:54 AM
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Keep in mind that the so called, "Peak to Peak Highway" is not the same as Trail Ridge Road that starts in Estes and goes through Rocky Mt National Park. Two completely different roads. Trail Ridge Road should be open - Rangers at the entrance to RMNP can give you s status report. The areas just inside the park should have the best opportunity for wild life.

Since you are in Boulder, Sunday may be the best day, and you want to see a lot of mountains, you could a long loop into Estes Park from the west. You start with Boulder canyon to Nederland, south to Blackhawk, Idaho Springs, short run on I-70 to US 40, Winter Park, Grandby, enter RMNP from the west side, Trail Ridge Road to Estes Park. It would be a long day but you would see a lot of mountains. On your Monday return to Denver, to could do the Peak to Peak to Boulder and back to Denver.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 07:54 AM
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PS -- Forgot about the kids --- that would be a long day in the car for them. Sorry.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 08:14 AM
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I've often found there are more Elk roaming around the town of Estes than there are in the park,

Nelson's suggestion of driving Peak to Peak from Boulder to Estes is good. Great scenery but not so long as to get boring.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 09:26 AM
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You are pretty much guaranteed to see elk in RMNP or Estes Park. You really don't have to go to any specific location but Nelson's list is accurate for the larger herds.

As for the weather in Estes Park, Sunday is 60 and sunny, Monday is 38 and chance of snow showers, Tuesday is 45 and mostly sunny, Wednesday is 55 and sunny. I wouldn't just throw in the towel and say that you only have 1.5 days to enjoy the mountains because of a cold front. Honestly, fresh snowfall on the mountains looks amazing, just wear some gloves and hats and bring several layers of clothing.

If it was me, I'd do this:
Sunday: go to Georgetown/Vail - you could even head there Saturday afternoon...
Monday/Tuesday morning: do the indoors stuff in Denver since that seems to be the coldest/snowiest day
Tuesday afternoon: drive to RMNP and spend a few hours there
Wednesday: spend most of the day in RMNP, head to your airport hotel before it gets dark

You'll avoid the massive crowds in RMNP on Sunday. You'll also avoid driving out of Estes after an overnight snowfall. I know you probably won't take my advice but I'm going to throw it out there one last time. There's virtually no difference in the weather between Sunday and Wednesday for RMNP and I don't see the need to slam that trip in on the weekend simply because it's going to snow overnight Sunday and a bit on Monday.
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Old Oct 5th, 2017, 02:25 PM
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It will be interesting to see what the weather actually does.
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Old Oct 7th, 2017, 01:12 PM
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Well, two days ago I believed the forecast enough to winterize our patio, drain and cover the fountain until spring. Sigh.

Now sitting out here enjoying a beer in a t-shirt.

The OP should be in Colorado now, and regardless of chosen route, will likely have three of the four seasons in the next 30 hours, not uncommon this time of year. But autumn again by Tuesday.

Hope they have a good trip.
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Old Oct 7th, 2017, 01:31 PM
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It is 83 - what was forecast -- we will have dinner on the deck with friends tonight. We face west for get the advantage of a setting sun. Head to a wine tasting party on Sunday pm. Have also prepared for winter. Some plants tossed and a couple moved to the garage for the winter. Still have two big pots outside but they are on wheels so they can be quickly rolled into the garage. Later will move the deck furniture to the covered part of the deck just case the three inches shows up on Monday. Took the skis in for tuning yesterday so we are ready to roll. Let it snow, let it snow.
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Old Oct 9th, 2017, 10:50 AM
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.....It will be interesting to see what the weather actually does......

Unfortunately it did exactly as forecast. 83 on Saturday, mid-70s on Sunday with strong winds towards evening. Woke this morning to 30 and couple of inches of snow on the ground. We now have 6 inches and still about 30. We live at 6,000 feet so probably will a couple inches more snow than Denver. Twelve inches and more is common in the foothills. Will taper off this evening. The heavy snow on trees with leaves is causing some problems in the older sections of Denver. Several areas of power outages. Hard freeze tonight but 60s by Wednesday and snow will be gone by the weekend. Typical October snow storm -- not frequent but not uncommon either.

Sorry, swtraveller, that Denver didn't put its best weather foot forward. Hope that you adjusted some and still enjoyed your visit.
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Old Oct 9th, 2017, 01:30 PM
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As usual most of the snow has melted here in Denver ( Hilltop ) clearing, warming and rest of the week looks excellent. Friday was nice, Saturday very nice and, personally, Sunday was perfect here. I don't imagine roads were a problem unless you were out early this morning or in the mountains late yesterday.
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