Rocky Mountains in the Spring
 

I have just started to research Colorado, I have always wanted to see the Rocky mountains. What are the best guidebooks out there? Where do we stay (which area) for the best of the Rockies? We love to hike, horseback ride and enjoy nature in general. What are the attractions not to be missed on a one week vacation?

When you say spring, just what time of May or June do you have in mind?<BR>Higher trails the Rockies are often snowed in until late June, depending on snow pack. I suggest looking at Estes Park and the surrounding area. There is plenty to do there, including horses.<BR>Aspen is nice, but expensive. <BR>The problem with many of those trails is that melting snow tends to make bog holes and fast running, very full streams that can make crossing hazardous. <BR>Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park is highly scenic. For a week of it, you will have plenty of attractions for hiking. If the trail is open, the walk up to the Loch and, if you are agile, continue on to Sky Pond, which includes ascending a steep ridge by a waterfall. Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and Mount Hallett are good destinations, too. But, again, the snow pack and melt time are critical in the spring.<BR><BR>For example, I have been up to a high lake in the Saguache Range where the ice did not go off until after July 1. <BR>It still had a small ice sheet on July 10.<BR>

I like the guidebook "22 days in the Rockies". It has a sugessted itenerary of (surprise!)22 days and also pieces or shortened versions.

Bob is right..Spring is for skiing until mid to late April. May is mud season not much going on till mid-june.<BR><BR>In summer we really like Winter Park. Lots of hiking, Biking, Horseback riding, concerts. Tons of stuff for a family, not so expensive. While Rocky Mtn national park is gorgoeus. it is also to crowded. If I had only a week in Colorado I would stay in Winter Park a few days then drive to Steamboat for a few days. If you want something more cosmopolitan try Vail. Fav resturant in Summer "Up the Creek"...Really depends on what you want to do and if kids are coming. <BR><BR>We have a well worn copy of "The Colorado Guide" Which is great for hiking, do not forget to look at the Ski Resort web pages for events. The resorts are working hard to provide year round attractions.

Don't know any guidebooks, but think you should consider Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park and Grand Lake. We've been to Grand Lake twice (western entrance to RMNP) and just loved it. Much, much less crowded/touristy than Estes Park. The surrounding scenery is not as spectacular as the Estes Park side, but within easy driving distance to all the National Park has to offer. Charming town w/georgous lake, all the tourist services necessary (i.e. horseback riding, restaurants/bars, lodging etc.) And the drive north from I-70 up through Berthould Pass toward the Park is not one you'll soon forget.....