My husband and I will be visiting Denver in mid July. We have 7 days to explore. Would like to go to Great Sand Dunes and Mesa Verde. I'm undecided as to going to Moab or Santa Fe. Sounds like Moab can be unbearably hot in July. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area and are used to mild temperatures. We like to spend time outdoors and see lots of nature. Get bored really fast with shopping. Any suggestions would be appreciated. If we did go to Moab, I was thinking a a few nights at the Red Cliff Lodge. My original plan was to go to Santa Fe, but we spent 3 nights in Sedona over spring break and felt we'd spent one night too many in a commercial area. We usually plan on driving 4-5 hours as we move from place to place.
If you're up for some super hot weather, then you could concentrate on traveling to Moab and Mesa Verde, but since you're going to be arriving in Colorado, why not stay and see this state instead of the surrounding ones? Moab and Mesa Verde are unbearably hot in the summer, routinely over 100, which can limit outdoor activities between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm.
The Colorado mountain areas are a lot more appealing temperature-wise. You could make a large loop from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, Breckenridge and/or Vail, Aspen, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray to Durango via Million Dollar Highway, back towards Colorado Springs via Alamosa and quick visit to Sand Dunes, then head up to Denver. It's a lot to pack into seven days, because driving is slow and distances are long if you're not on an interstate. But it's a trip packed full of gorgeous scenery, nice towns to stay in and lots of interesting things to see.
The Colorado mountain areas are a lot more appealing temperature-wise. You could make a large loop from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park, Breckenridge and/or Vail, Aspen, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray to Durango via Million Dollar Highway, back towards Colorado Springs via Alamosa and quick visit to Sand Dunes, then head up to Denver. It's a lot to pack into seven days, because driving is slow and distances are long if you're not on an interstate. But it's a trip packed full of gorgeous scenery, nice towns to stay in and lots of interesting things to see.
We flew into Denver and headed for Moab, got there that afternoon, 6 hrs or so drive. I would expect it to be hot in Arches and Canyonlands, so you might want to do the early morning for any time outside there if you are not going to hike, hit the best views from the comfort of your car.
Mesa Verde is a few hrs drive from the Moab area and I would expect Mesa Verde to be cooler. We went down to Bandelier NP in New Mexico from there. It is in the mountains so would expect it to be cooler and is not far from Santa Fe. You could use SF as a base and do day trips to Bandelier, Taos, and other sites in the area.
We then drove north to Great Sand dunes NP then spent the night along the way and went through the high road in Rocky Mt. National Park. I should note that this was in late September, so crowds were not a real factor in the parks.
Have a fantastic trip.
Mesa Verde is a few hrs drive from the Moab area and I would expect Mesa Verde to be cooler. We went down to Bandelier NP in New Mexico from there. It is in the mountains so would expect it to be cooler and is not far from Santa Fe. You could use SF as a base and do day trips to Bandelier, Taos, and other sites in the area.
We then drove north to Great Sand dunes NP then spent the night along the way and went through the high road in Rocky Mt. National Park. I should note that this was in late September, so crowds were not a real factor in the parks.
Have a fantastic trip.
I'd do what I call my Grand Loop of Colorado since you say you don't mind doing a lot of driving.
From Denver I'd head into Rocky Mountain National Park
Then head south toward Dillon (for map purposes) and choose a ski resort to visit in summer
Then head west towards Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction to head south towards Durango.
That route will take you through one of my favorite drives - Ouray/Silverton/Durango
Spend two nights at Durango if you can to give you enough time to see the area and Mesa Verde NP
Then head east over to Alamosa and Great Sand Dunes NP (another one of my favorite drives)
Head back north to Colorado Springs and visit things in the area including Pikes Peak and you'll be ready to fly back out of Denver
That's about 1000 miles and 20 hours of driving = not too bad for a week
A Colorado loop would be my preference for July
From Denver I'd head into Rocky Mountain National Park
Then head south toward Dillon (for map purposes) and choose a ski resort to visit in summer
Then head west towards Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction to head south towards Durango.
That route will take you through one of my favorite drives - Ouray/Silverton/Durango
Spend two nights at Durango if you can to give you enough time to see the area and Mesa Verde NP
Then head east over to Alamosa and Great Sand Dunes NP (another one of my favorite drives)
Head back north to Colorado Springs and visit things in the area including Pikes Peak and you'll be ready to fly back out of Denver
That's about 1000 miles and 20 hours of driving = not too bad for a week
A Colorado loop would be my preference for July
I'd love to do the Gunnison, Telluride, Rocky Mountain NP. Had that trip all planned last summer and my husband had a heart blockage and had to have a stint put in. We had to cancel the trip and all the reservations. I'm concerned about the elevation at Oray, isn't it around 9,000 ft.? He had no trouble in April at 4,000 feet., so were hoping Denver will be fine. Our daughter is finishing up in Americorp in August, that's why were planning this trip. I'd love nothing more than do the Colorado loop, but am concerned about being so high up!
Consult with your doctor FIRST, but if you are basically doing a driving vacation I don't think there will be any problems. I wouldn't go for a hike at those elevations maybe.
Ouray and Estes Park are both below 8000 ft.
Ouray and Estes Park are both below 8000 ft.
Thanks for the info, we have talked to the Dr. Last year it wasn't ok, this year he said it shouldn't be a problem. I think I'll go back to my Gunnison, Ouray and Estes Park plan. Already have all our lodgings choosen, just need to make reservations. And there should be wild flowers in mid July! We'll save Mesa Verde Etc. for a late spring trip.
Good! I'm glad you are getting a chance to do your original plan. BUT, if there's a way....sneak down to Durango via Ouray. It's my favorite corner of Colorado. If not, hope you can get back to Mesa Verde next year...but not too early in the year due to snow/ice on the trails.
