planning a CO trip in May
 

Hi, <BR>I checked the CO springs/Denver weather stats and it says <BR>that in May the daytime highs are in the <BR>60s and it dips to the 40s or 50s overnight. <BR>Does this sound about right? <BR> <BR>Now, would the below be a good itinerary of <BR>things to do early May <BR>(I'm flying to Denver from FL): <BR>basically, are these places going to be open <BR>and not too cold ? <BR> <BR> 1. Garden of Gods <BR> 2. Cave of Winds <BR> 3. Seven falls <BR> 4. Royal Gorge route (train trip) <BR> <BR>any other must sees. We mostly like good <BR>scenery and are not into dipping into hot springs :-( <BR> <BR>The weather in CO in May is the only thing <BR>that is freaking me out! <BR> <BR>Thanks. <BR>

I'm not sure when the road opens, but you might consider adding Pikes Peak to your list. Also, when traveling between Colorado Springs and Canon City/Royal Gorge, be sure to take the state highway that runs along the military base. So many people take I-25 to US50, which is almost twice as far. <BR> <BR>Why are you limiting yourself to those two places? You are within relatively easy distance of a lot of other interesting and equally scenic places. One option would be to take Shelf Road from Canon City to Cripple Creek. It's a dirt road, but easily driveable in a passenger car (although, in early May, I would ask some folks in Canon City about the road conditions). <BR> <BR>Royal Gorge is less a scenic attraction than a theme park. You'll see what I mean when you get there. A less developed alternative would be the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, which was recently upgraded from a National Monument to a National Park. It's about two hours west of Canon City. <BR> <BR>Don't worry too much about the weather. Even in the middle of the summer, it can be pretty chilly in the mountains. Especially on mountaintops and high passes. Bring warm clothes, but don't expect winter conditions.

I would definitely hit Boulder, then I would head to Estes Park to see The Stanley Hotel "The Shining", or possibly stay there it is way cool, then head over to Rocky Mountain National PArk to see the elk, bear, coyote and wildlife. You could also get in some hiking! Good luck, definitely check ou the Stanley!

You never know what the weather will be. Last May was wonderful. I think that it will be warmer than the averages you mentioned though. I would skip Co Sprgs and go to the mountains! That what Colorado is all about! Vail, Breckenridge have lots to offer and at that time the rates are very affordable.

There is a variable in the temperature of about 30 degees once the sun goes down so bring a warm jacket and sweater as well shorts and t-shirts! Your itenerary sounds good. You may want to get up to the mountains for a bit because you are staying pretty far south. Have fun!!!

What no one hear has yet mentioned is that your daytime temps are likely to be very pleasant! And you could even get to 'too warm' (not in the higher elevations of course, as noted, it gets a bit chilly there). In May, in CS the parkways are abloom with irises...I remember being coatless to attend a niece's graduation in May... and sitting out on a coffeeshop patio in November, with temps in the 70s.

We made a list of scenic highways in Colorado and planned a two-week trip. If this helps, see . . . <BR>http://www.geocities.com/judcomp <BR>Click Colorado for our experience. <BR> <BR>Colorado is a beautiful state.

Skip Seven Falls - ridiculous tourist trap. Royal Gorge isn't much better. <BR> <BR>Head to Rocky Mountain National Park and see some REAL waterfalls or head to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison - Awsome! <BR> <BR>May weather can be unpredictable - We have had some of our largest snowfalls in May - FOrtunately this snow always disappears in a Day or so! It can also be hot, beautiful and sunny - I would pack with this unpredictability in mind!