sylvia3

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.)

sylvia3

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

Mambo_

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!
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sylvia3

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.

Mambo_

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?
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sylvia3

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?!

Mambo_

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.

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Mambo_

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

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.

Melnq8

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

fmpden

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.

DebitNM

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