Our final itinery for sept hol?
 

Hello, Well after choping and changing following lots of reading of trip reports on Fodor's this is our itinery for our Sept 3rd '08, for 10 days hol. Does it sound doable and OK?
Arrive Denver from UK collect Car (Convertable!!) stay 1st night tower road area.
early next morning start very early 7am ish.

Briefly..
Head towards Cripple Creek (visit lawmans musuem/see Donkeys, enjoy town) to spend 2nd night going via Colorado/Manitou springs calling in at VanBriggle ghost town,& seeing Garden of Gods etc.

3rd night, leave CC onto Westcliffe (pretty western town, hoping to see some bluegrass shows) via phantom canyon road stopping at Bishops castle.

4th night Leave Westcliffe, head up to Salida along Arkansas river. stay in Salida.

5th night leave Salida go towards Gunnison (see Pioneer museum if time) finally onto Crested Butte to stay night.

6th Night, leave Crested Butte via scenic 133 via poania reservoir to Aspen stopping for lunch in Redstone. hope this road (Kebbler pass?) ok in Convertable.

7/8 2nights in Aspen - visit maroon bells etc in aspen, glenwood springs see doc holidays grave.

9/10 Leave Aspen via Independence Pass for Lake Dillon (2 nights in condo overlooking lake) stopping in Leadville for Lunch. Visit Frisco & breckenridge/malls.

last night -after we leave lake dillon, will stop in Georgetown to go on railway journey before heading to our hotel for our last night.
Home.. denver to chicago to Manchester.

Will all the roads we anitipate using be convertalble friendly, and will the weather (hopefully, still be hot even at the higher altitude places i.e. Leadville etc)

All replies much appreciated, as its not too late to fine tune if we've got somethings wrong.

Itinerary looks ok, but first day will be pretty busy. Van Briggle is a pottery museum, not a ghost town, unless I do not understand your punctuation. May be that too many nights are spent in close proximity (Westcliffe, Salida). Do not forget to visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison! Keebler Pass is good gravel road, no problems (if very dusty, you might want the top up). Glenwood Springs hot springs pool is a must. I would take I70 through Glenwood Canyon back to Dillon vs. Independence Pass (spectacular drive either way, but the canyon should not be missed; you can hike to Hanging Lake or visit newly reopened caves). The malls in Dillon are not worth more than an hour or so, in my opinion. Check to see if Georgetown Loop Railway is operating (remember some issue about closure). That one is a fun excursion.
Weather will probably be sunny and warm, cool nights at higher elevations; but you can always put the roof up if you encounter showers. You will find the distances a little less on the highway than you anticipate, I think, so will be able to do little hikes, etc.

Sylvia3,
Thanks for taking time to reply it is much appreciated.

The web site for Van Briggle says it is a Ghost town as well as a pottery place, is this not true? As not that keen on pottery...

We decided on Independance pass as everyone raves about it, so thought it was a good option.

I know towns are close, but hubby does not want to drive more than 80 (ish) miles a day, we want to be able to stop and mooch and take views in.

We also wanted to get to each new destination early afternoon (ish) to be able to see what each town has to offer.

We are not hikers or outdoor types really, we just like nice scenery and pretty towns and good food and some shopping.

I think in US you are used to covering larger distances as normal, we are a lot smaller so 50 miles away is a bit of a distance.

Sylvia, generally how hot will it be as the weather is very important to us, as our last 2 hols to USA were a bit disappointing because the weather was pretty bad.

Hi Ann -

I'm from Colorado Springs and have visited Van Briggle - it's all about pottery -

www.vanbriggle.com/

There's a Ghost Town Museum attraction next door, but I've never been there -

http://www.pikes-peak.com/Attraction/13.aspx

Thanks for that, will cross ban briggle off list.

If any other things seem not right, either roads we are taking or whatever, will take advice on board

We can still fine tune this holiday if needbe.

For the third day and night, you might consider visiting St. Elmo (terrific ghost town) and the nearby Princeton hot springs (there's a reasonable hotel/motel on site, and a fine restaurant). You are driving open highway miles; 80 miles per day will be 1 1/2 hours, so you might want to look at a map and reconsider those maximum distance limits. You have a lot of ground to cover, and things are pretty spread out here, even more so than in more populous areas.
No telling on temps, but even if it is hot (in the 90s), the air is VERY dry; and sunshine is almost a given here. HOWEVER, I'd say you should be prepared for anything (at altitude, even snow!!), but don't worry; here in Colorado, it's wait an hour, and the weather can change. You can check that closer to your travel date on a web weather site, though.
p.s. No offense to Salida, but there's really nothing but the municipal springs pool and some tourist schlock.

sylvia,

Sorry to sound dim but do you mean because the roads are more open that one can travel a lot further and it not feel too much of a hike?
So our 80 miles a day could be more like 150 ish and still not feel too much. Is that what you mean.

May look at salida again and possibly re jig.

Wonder if i could incorporate Ouray from our westcliffe day into things?

Van Briggle is interesting if you like pottery. You can see them producing it if you are there on the proper days. (Note Van Briggle is going to be moving to a new location, so they will eventually vacate the old railroad roundhouse they've been using for years.) The ghost town museum next door is fairly entertaining if you're a history buff. Lots of old period rooms and stores set up so you can see how things used to be. They also have some old carriages and an early automobile or two.

Your trip has too much driving for my taste, but early September is nice weather (usually) in Colorado. Still warm, mostly dry, less crowded. I would focus on Crested Butte, Aspen and Lake Dillon, and do less driving each day.
:)>-

Yup, think 60 mph, open road. Gravel for some passes (and St. Elmo), and Independence Pass is almost 1 1/2 lanes in places.

I don't think I understand your post, sylvia. I live in Colorado, and I would recommend the OP OVER-estimate their drive times, and not expect 60 mph., for the most part.

Between Crested Butte and Aspen is beautiful and slow, so allow time to do that leisurely. Same goes for Independence Pass, which as sylvia says, is almost one and a half lanes! That's a pass for a narrow vehicle, for sure. And not a faint heart (or a queasy tummy).

Redstone is a great place to stop. It must be back in business, because it was for sale a few years ago. It's gorgeous and historically authentic. A great stopping place.

I still think your itinerary sounds too packed with little junkets and lots of driving. You will miss the majesty of Colorado, if you don't take time to relax and enjoy the view!
:)>-

Really, you think 80 miles a day in Colorado is reasonable? After 30 years of traveling all over the state, I think that's granny-for-a-sunday-drive -get-nowhere touring!

My only comments are:
Phantom canyon road - check before you leave Cripple Creak, make sure it is open. I think the construction work was finished a couple years ago, but it floods out from time to time. Also, it might be very slow going if they haven't smoothed it. It has been very rough in the past.

If you are in Aspen and have no desire to swim in the pool in Glenwood Springs, then there is no reason to go there. They don't know where Doc Holiday is buried. There is only a headstone saying he is buried up there, somewhere. But the city is doing its best to make it sound a like a place to visit.

Forgot to add. Cripple Cr.eek is pretty well taken over by the casinos. But just outside town is the Molly Kathleen gold mine and is a good tour.

sylvia, mambo & GBbabe,

Thanks for imput, will leave Doc hol out, re-thinking phantom canyon road as we don't want anything to gravelly or scary!!

There seems to be some disagreement about which route after Aspen going to Lake Dillon.

Should we leave independance pass and go via Glenwood canyon Road? is this a better route?

& Mambo, what bits would you advise me to leave out?

All imput taken on board.

Thanks

If you do not want scary, I would avoid Independence Pass and take the very scenic Glenwood Canyon highway from Glenwood Springs.

Have fun!

But Independence Pass is so pretty! Especially when the leaves are changing - it's fantastic and one of my favorites.

http://www.independence-pass.com/

And before anyone corrects me, yes I know the top of the pass is above tree line, but the drive up to the pass is gorgeous.

Ann, my travel plans are always simpler. I like to stay a minimum of 3 nights in each place, preferably longer. I like to stay at a homebase, from which I can take day-trips, so I don't have to check in and out of hotels, pack and unpack, etc.

So using your current plan, if it were me (and this is purely personal) I would skip Cripple Creek, Westcliffe, and Salida. I'd head directly to Gunnison, see the Black Canyon and the Pioneer Museum you mention.

Gunnison is an old ranching town (also a college town), that's very friendly, and sits just below Crested Butte, a mountain ski town with lots of history, too.

Stay in Gunnison a night or two. Then go to Crested Butte for a night or two. Then over the pass, via Redstone. Maybe stay at the Redstone Lodge for a night, at least stop there for a meal and a break.

Then go on to Aspen and stay there four nights. It's so beautiful in Aspen, with lots to do. It's my favorite get-away town. By September the water will be low, but you could still take a float trip, I think.

The Maroon Bells are beautiful, and great hiking. There are probably ghost towns nearby, and old west memorabilia, but I don't know for sure.

You could go to the top of Independence Pass as a day-trip from Aspen. You'll have a good taste of the Pass that way. Just check a map so you don't miss the final turnout point, I think.

Leave Aspen via Glenwood Canyon. Stop in Vail for lunch or dinner and wander around there for awhile.

Head on to Lake Dillon and spend three nights at your lakefront condo. Visit Breckenridge on a day-trip. Check out the discount shopping (if you must!).

Visit Georgetown on your way to Denver, and take the railway journey.

Not sure where you last night is planned to be, or how early your flight is. Depending on that, you are probably going to want to stay in Denver your final night.

Truly, though, however you do it, you will LOVE Colorado. But, it's like Italy-- you can't see it all in one visit!

Do you need recommendations for hotels?
:)>-

Note that the OP has stated that they are not into hiking or outdoor excursions (in reply to visiting I70 Glenwood cave or Hanging Lake). AND they are from UK, not used to high-altitude and mountain driving (in particular "scary" drives). My point is that Glenwood Canyon is gorgeous, and not at all scary, and that an alternate, Independence Pass, is very scenic indeed, but also scary for those not familiar with that type of driving. People who have gone over the edge in places have died (friends of DH, many years ago). Point being, the road has not been widened in several places, and could very well be an unpleasant, VERY SCARY drive for folks from the UK. (And the leaves won't be changing for a few weeks after Sept. 3.)

p.s. I think the scary part is from Aspen just over the top, lots of 1 1/2 lane action and precipice!

P.S. When I say hiking at the Maroon Bells, it's really just walking on the well-maintained paths. You don't even have to work up a sweat, if you don't want to go that far. It's a must-see, though, in my book.

Independence Pass is scary if there are wide vehicles on the road. Even a big SUV takes up more than half of that narrow road. The OP will have to decide for herself about that one. That's one reason I recommend it as a day-trip from Aspen, not an integral part of the trip.

I think that spending the first night at Denver's altitude, then going to Gunnison, would be a good way to get acclimated. Then proceeding to the higher mountain towns.

Be sure to drink plenty of water!
:)>-

Except that Gunnison is MUCH more than their preferred 80 miles per day. And they want to see Colorado Springs/Manitou/Cripple Creek.
And I think that the pass would be scary regardless of the size of vehicle on the road; there's still a lack of guardrails, it's a very very narrow road, and more than a 1000 feet drop.

I hadn't seen the OP's preference for 80 miles/day, and it depends on which 80 miles you're traveling, of course. I was responding to AnnRiley's question to me, of what would I drop from the itinerary, and I dropped Colorado Springs/Manitou/Cripple Creek, in favor of longer stays in towns I'd recommend over those. Gunnison from Denver is a long drive, yes, but people do it. Maybe it would be best to stop one night along the way?
:)>-

Right you are, done it myself, but was really looking at the general feel of the op and her responses. That is, UK drivers, not used to our long distances (there's nothing like the Great American Road Trip, is there?! Especially one that includes our fabulous Colorado), used to different side of the road, NOT used to mountain pass driving (and I suspect Keebler would be far less scary for them than Independence). We all have our fav parts, but there is a lot to see in CS/CC area (Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, Cave of the Winds, Royal Gorge, Flourissant fossil beds, etc.) that tourists find enjoyable (even though I found once was enough!) So, I think they should get on the web, use some maps, and maybe call the Tourism Board for some freebies for planning geered to what they'd like! (Are we all agreed that the outlets shopping is a waste of time?!)
Now I'm thinking I'd REALLY like to start planning a color trip for this fall, and it's been awhile since I saw the Black Canyon, Crested, etc. Maybe even Wheeler Geological Area?!

Good ideas, sylvia.

Agreed re: shopping at the outlets. Yecko. What an abomination to put in our lovely mountains, I say!

You make a good point about driving in U.K. on the other side of the road-- that could be a challenge on a skinny pass. Only the OP can make that call.

You know more about southern Colorado than I do. I haven't driven past Colorado Springs for years. It's not on my path, as I go from Denver to Winter Park all the time.

Anyway, I am not enamored with Colorado Springs as a place I'd recommend to people coming all the way from the U.K. (Ditto for Leadville, Pikes Peak.)

Is September too late for the Bluegrass Festival in Telluride? The OP expressed an interest in bluegrass, and that's a great one. A different itinerary, but do-able easily.

:)>-

I checked-- the bluegrass festival is mid-June. There's a Blues and Brews festival Sept 12- 14:
http://www.telluridecoloradovacation...lues-brews.php
:)>-

Wow, so much info to absorb, thank you both for taking time to impart your thoughts. One thing with our choice of Independence pass was according to google its about 30 ish miles less than going the glenwood route, and we would be able to stop in Leadville.

But nothing is ever set in stone, so am having a good think.

We have driven quite a lot on the continent, some very scary mountain passes in Portugal, spain,French pyranees? and some really hold your breath and pray, passes in Cyprus.

We always rent a car and wonder off to get a feel for 'real' for the place we are visiting, hence some hairy out of way roads.

One other point we will be in a convertable (as we are on every hol) so does this make us bonkers!!

We like lovely scenery and quaint towns, we want to admire your lovely mountains rather than climb them!

Have done lots of reading and got all info from tourist board etc, its just you get so many different suggestions about places that is can be a bit confusing.

I suppose you have a similar problem trying to work out the best places to see when you visit UK.

Ann - whatever you decide, I wish you a wonderful visit to our beautiful state!

If you run with the top down, be sure to use your sun screen. Even though it can be cool in the mountains, the sun is very intense. There is a reason why Colorado has the highest rate of skin cancer.

The Blues and Brews Festival in Telluride drawa 10,000 + people - not really the best time to see the town. It is a zoo. It is the weekend that Ann seems to be leaving, so I doubt she will be able to be there for the festival. Best to come prior to Thursday of that week [9/11] as folks start to head into Telluride on Thursday.

Deb