Sept. 4-9 - Colorado
Jul 24th, 2006, 08:20 PM
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Sept. 4-9 - Colorado
Hi All - I'm looking for assistance in planning our honeymoon trip.
Our first 2 nights we are booked at the Keystone Lodge, but are trying to decide where to go from there.
First, any opinions on the Keystone Lodge? I am in hopes that it is nice.
Second, I know there are a few things in particular we would like to do...
Silverton/Durango Railroad, White Water Rafting, and see/hike the most amazing scenery of Colorado.
I would like opinions of the best don't miss places in CO. - Canyons, water falls, views... If you have favorite parks, please tell me what it is you like about them too.
Also, any unique lodging suggestions? I would like to try something different than the usual motel/hotel. Maybe a secluded cabin? Any suggestions?
I think on our last day on our way home, we will stop at Royal Gorge, & Pikes Peak areas. Are they close enough that you can do both of them in one day?
Ok, I know this is a big request, but I trust the Fodorite's to know the best places to go.
Thanks so much!
Our first 2 nights we are booked at the Keystone Lodge, but are trying to decide where to go from there.
First, any opinions on the Keystone Lodge? I am in hopes that it is nice.
Second, I know there are a few things in particular we would like to do...
Silverton/Durango Railroad, White Water Rafting, and see/hike the most amazing scenery of Colorado.
I would like opinions of the best don't miss places in CO. - Canyons, water falls, views... If you have favorite parks, please tell me what it is you like about them too.
Also, any unique lodging suggestions? I would like to try something different than the usual motel/hotel. Maybe a secluded cabin? Any suggestions?
I think on our last day on our way home, we will stop at Royal Gorge, & Pikes Peak areas. Are they close enough that you can do both of them in one day?
Ok, I know this is a big request, but I trust the Fodorite's to know the best places to go.
Thanks so much!
Jul 25th, 2006, 04:21 AM
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I'm not sure how much time you will have to do other things after you leave Keystone. It will take you a good part of the day to get to Durango to ride the train--which will take a day. Steviegene is correct--Telluride is one of the most, if not the most, beautifully situated towns in Colorado. It's in a box canyon with several waterfalls cascading down the cliff at the end of the canyon.
You also might want to check out the state of white water rafting in early Sept. with some outfitters. Depending on what kind of experience you want, the water may be pretty low and the ride lacking in much white water.
You also might want to check out the state of white water rafting in early Sept. with some outfitters. Depending on what kind of experience you want, the water may be pretty low and the ride lacking in much white water.
Jul 25th, 2006, 04:56 AM
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Why did you choose Keystone for your first two nights? Telluride, Ouray and SW Colorado overall is IMO the most beautiful part of the state and you could easily spend your week in that area.
I don't think the Royal Gorge is worth a stop on this visit. The main area is touristy, tacky and overpriced. I DO like the train ride that begins in Canon City and goes through the gorge, but after riding the Durango/Silverton RR it would probably be a bit of a letdown.
I don't think the Royal Gorge is worth a stop on this visit. The main area is touristy, tacky and overpriced. I DO like the train ride that begins in Canon City and goes through the gorge, but after riding the Durango/Silverton RR it would probably be a bit of a letdown.
Jul 25th, 2006, 05:20 AM
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I also wanted to recommend the drive between Leadville and Aspen over Independence Pass. The scenery is gorgeous!
The last time I went to SW Colorado I spent a night in Redstone, which is south of Carbondale on Highway 133. I love the Redstone Inn. Their website is www.redstoneinn.com if you want to check it out. From Redstone it is a pretty drive toward Montrose. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is on the way and worth a stop if you are interested in visiting Telluride or Ouray.
The last time I went to SW Colorado I spent a night in Redstone, which is south of Carbondale on Highway 133. I love the Redstone Inn. Their website is www.redstoneinn.com if you want to check it out. From Redstone it is a pretty drive toward Montrose. The Black Canyon of the Gunnison is on the way and worth a stop if you are interested in visiting Telluride or Ouray.
Jul 25th, 2006, 01:50 PM
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Hello Kassanna and congratulations. The Keystone lodge is nice. I agree that to go to Silverton would be a bit of a haul. I also agree that Telluride is spectacular. If you decide to stay with Keystone, which I love you might think about going to Aspen from Keystone. At that time of year Independence Pass will be open and it is a very pretty drive. Does not take to long at all. I am sure there is some romantic places to stay in Aspen but I do not know that area well at all.
Keystone Lodge should be able to arrange a rafting trip for you. Try the "numbers" in Buena Vista.
In Keystone the is the Ski Tip Lodge that has the best dining in the area. Pricey but it is worth it. I'd highly recommend it for a honeymoon.
Also near by for lunch is the Tiki Bar at Dillon Marina great views. I think they will still be open at that time.
Keystone Lodge should be able to arrange a rafting trip for you. Try the "numbers" in Buena Vista.
In Keystone the is the Ski Tip Lodge that has the best dining in the area. Pricey but it is worth it. I'd highly recommend it for a honeymoon.
Also near by for lunch is the Tiki Bar at Dillon Marina great views. I think they will still be open at that time.
Jul 25th, 2006, 02:15 PM
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Everyone is right about Telluride, definitely a great place to try to get to. Lots of mountains to get there but gorgeous views along the way. The New Sheridan Inn is really nice and although usually a bit expensive it can be reasonable in September.
White water rafting in september is calmer than in the spring so if you want a good trip make sure to choose one of the bigger rivers such as the Colorado river for a good ride.
Silverton/Durango Railroad is fantastic. And if you are down in Durango it might be worth your while to check out the Mesa Verde National park, really neat,different view of Colorado.
I wouldn't go to the Royal Gorge, it is just cheesy and touristy and not at all a good place for honeymooners (too many people). Aspen could be really nice as well.
Sara
White water rafting in september is calmer than in the spring so if you want a good trip make sure to choose one of the bigger rivers such as the Colorado river for a good ride.
Silverton/Durango Railroad is fantastic. And if you are down in Durango it might be worth your while to check out the Mesa Verde National park, really neat,different view of Colorado.
I wouldn't go to the Royal Gorge, it is just cheesy and touristy and not at all a good place for honeymooners (too many people). Aspen could be really nice as well.
Sara
Jul 25th, 2006, 04:33 PM
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Can't comment on any of those places but do suggest you be aware of the weather factor - and check just beofre you go.
We did a business trip to Denver on my birthday(Sept 9) some years ago - and when we landed there was about 5" of snow on the ground (it had been 85 in New York). The next day it all melted and the temps went back up to 60 or so - but I know it can get cold early in the mountains.
We did a business trip to Denver on my birthday(Sept 9) some years ago - and when we landed there was about 5" of snow on the ground (it had been 85 in New York). The next day it all melted and the temps went back up to 60 or so - but I know it can get cold early in the mountains.
Jul 25th, 2006, 05:04 PM
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Hi All -
I love reading your posts! I am so stressed out with wedding plans, I can't wait to get to Colorado!!
I happended upon the Keystone Lodge due to a travel special on TravelZoo, and I checked out the lodges website - It looked really nice. We thought after our 12 hour drive (or so?) we would take a couple of days to unwind and get used to the Co. altitude before we took off to be very adventurous. I have no idea what there is to do around there, but I was hoping that someone might get us some insight there. The dining tips are really appreciated. We will definitely check those out.
I've heard mention of a couple of different canyons that are supposed to be spectacular, with water falls?? Does anyone know where these are and can you provide directions?
Should we stay in Ouray, Telluride or Durango for the rest of the trip???
I think I will take your advice on the Royal Gorge too. Maybe we'll hit that next summer when we bring the rest of the family. (8 kids all together - aren't we crazy? - don't answer that)
Have a great day - and keep sending me these posts please! I'm counting on you all to help me plan this.
Kassanna
I love reading your posts! I am so stressed out with wedding plans, I can't wait to get to Colorado!!
I happended upon the Keystone Lodge due to a travel special on TravelZoo, and I checked out the lodges website - It looked really nice. We thought after our 12 hour drive (or so?) we would take a couple of days to unwind and get used to the Co. altitude before we took off to be very adventurous. I have no idea what there is to do around there, but I was hoping that someone might get us some insight there. The dining tips are really appreciated. We will definitely check those out.
I've heard mention of a couple of different canyons that are supposed to be spectacular, with water falls?? Does anyone know where these are and can you provide directions?
Should we stay in Ouray, Telluride or Durango for the rest of the trip???
I think I will take your advice on the Royal Gorge too. Maybe we'll hit that next summer when we bring the rest of the family. (8 kids all together - aren't we crazy? - don't answer that)
Have a great day - and keep sending me these posts please! I'm counting on you all to help me plan this.
Kassanna
Jul 25th, 2006, 05:05 PM
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Just want to second Coskier's suggestion that you go to the Ski Tip Lodge. They have a new chef and it really is wonderful. I also agree with the Aspen suggestion. My favorite trip from Keystone is to Aspen via Glenwood Canyon and back over Independence Pass. You can't beat the scenery. Also, from Aspen try to go up to the Maroon Bells.
Jul 25th, 2006, 05:23 PM
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We also took our honeymoon to Colorado in September of 2001. It is so awesome that time of year with the aspens turning gold.
The highlight of our trip was the Durango/Silverton Railroad. We journeyed both ways. If I had it to do over again, I would just buy a one way ticket to Silverton and then take the bus back, leaving the rest of the day to shop or whatever. I found the dining choices in Silverton disappointing and expensive. I would pack a lunch or snacks and then hop the bus and eat back in Durango. We stayed at the historic Stater Hotel. I would highly recommend that as it is unique and different.
Another interesting lodging choice on our road trip to Durango was the Best Western Movie Manor Motor Inn off US 160 in Monte Viste. You can watch a drive in movie from your motel room! All the rooms have big windows that face a giant outdoor movie screen.
We also spent an evening in Crested Butte. We really loved this sleepy little town before the ski season starts.
Try and book in advance, and don't just wing it. We ended up in a really bad place in Bailey. We were so tired of driving that we stopped, and wished we had not. I was surprised at how desolate most of Colorado is, many of the towns are very run down and poor, and there are not many decent lodging choices unless you are near a ski resort or tourist destination. Additionally, the driving takes longer than you'll expect due to the many curves in the mountains, and be prepared for unexpected road construction.
All that said, it was a very memorable trip!
The highlight of our trip was the Durango/Silverton Railroad. We journeyed both ways. If I had it to do over again, I would just buy a one way ticket to Silverton and then take the bus back, leaving the rest of the day to shop or whatever. I found the dining choices in Silverton disappointing and expensive. I would pack a lunch or snacks and then hop the bus and eat back in Durango. We stayed at the historic Stater Hotel. I would highly recommend that as it is unique and different.
Another interesting lodging choice on our road trip to Durango was the Best Western Movie Manor Motor Inn off US 160 in Monte Viste. You can watch a drive in movie from your motel room! All the rooms have big windows that face a giant outdoor movie screen.
We also spent an evening in Crested Butte. We really loved this sleepy little town before the ski season starts.
Try and book in advance, and don't just wing it. We ended up in a really bad place in Bailey. We were so tired of driving that we stopped, and wished we had not. I was surprised at how desolate most of Colorado is, many of the towns are very run down and poor, and there are not many decent lodging choices unless you are near a ski resort or tourist destination. Additionally, the driving takes longer than you'll expect due to the many curves in the mountains, and be prepared for unexpected road construction.
All that said, it was a very memorable trip!
Jul 25th, 2006, 06:19 PM
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The Keystone Lodge has two restaurants, both of which are ok. But they don't compare to the Ski Tip Lodge. Also the restaurant at the Ranch is special. The Alpenglow Stube is highly touted. At the top of the mountain, two gondola rides up, it's an adventure. But I found the dinner to be pretentious and not all that. I've been twice. The blue crab ragout, however, is to die for. For the perfect elegant dinner, stick with the Ski Tip Lodge.
Jul 25th, 2006, 06:37 PM
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i think you will enjoy keystone and the lodge. look at keystone.snow.com for some ideas of what to do there. you could spend weeks hiking around summit county alone. http://www.summitcountyexplorer.com/...kingtrails.htm
the drive from summit to leadville to aspen is indeed spectacular. and while telluride is a favorite town of mine, i am suggesting you think of staying in aspen, unless you are in state for a couple weeks. it is a long drive down. aspen has loads of wonderful restautants, great hiking and scenery, and a lot of lodging options. you could go over to glenwood to soak in the hot springs for a day. i know they have some "secluded cabins", but i can't think how to find them just now.
the vistas in colo are so huge that you can miss a lot of the beauty by seeing to much. i would take the whole day to drive from keystone to aspen. stop in leadville for a hour or 2. twin lakes in very pretty. there are a 100 spots on independence to stop and explore or hike. in particular on the aspen side at the bottom there are some very cool places to stop and hike around and look at the river and its waterfalls. stop at the top and walk out the trail. the view is magnificiant
the drive from summit to leadville to aspen is indeed spectacular. and while telluride is a favorite town of mine, i am suggesting you think of staying in aspen, unless you are in state for a couple weeks. it is a long drive down. aspen has loads of wonderful restautants, great hiking and scenery, and a lot of lodging options. you could go over to glenwood to soak in the hot springs for a day. i know they have some "secluded cabins", but i can't think how to find them just now.
the vistas in colo are so huge that you can miss a lot of the beauty by seeing to much. i would take the whole day to drive from keystone to aspen. stop in leadville for a hour or 2. twin lakes in very pretty. there are a 100 spots on independence to stop and explore or hike. in particular on the aspen side at the bottom there are some very cool places to stop and hike around and look at the river and its waterfalls. stop at the top and walk out the trail. the view is magnificiant
Jul 25th, 2006, 07:29 PM
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I totally agree with wtm003 and steviegene! If you decide to take the D/S train, go one way, we're glad we did. Southwestern Colorado is spectacular!! Save lot's of time for this area, if you don't, I think you might have wished you had!! I don't know where you are coming from, but some people can feel a little sick when they first arrive because of the altitude. Don't worry, just drink LOTS of water!!
Jul 25th, 2006, 08:11 PM
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Here in SW Colorado...lots of great places to visit. I will top a thread for you. Also do a search at the top of the page using "Telluride" "Durango" and "Ouray" to get other recent threads that should have lots of information.
Hope this helps...
Debi
Hope this helps...
Debi
Aug 30th, 2006, 11:28 AM
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Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Good luck with the plans. My husband and I are also thinking of making a trip to Colorado in September, so let's keep each other posted on our plans. We've been married awhile, so it's not a honeymoon, but I suspect we're after the same kind of trip
Aug 30th, 2006, 03:34 PM
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For a honeymoon trip, I suggest you consider someplace more romantic and unusual-- like Telluride or Aspen. I recommend you drive further away from front range day-trippers. Nothing against Keystone, but for a honeymoon, I'd pull out all the stops and go further, to a more remote place.
Someone already suggested the Redstone Inn, which is a beautiful stone lodge in a pretty canyon. It's a bit 'far from the madding crowd'. We gave friends a wedding gift of one night there several years ago. They loved it. I don't know if it would be on your way to Aspen, but it could be (sort of). It was for sale recently, so I'm not sure about its present situation or management. Better check its website.
If you want Aspen or Telluride, there are endless choices in each of those for romantic lodging. Aspen's Hotel Jerome, for example.
Best wishes, and enjoy Colorado!
Someone already suggested the Redstone Inn, which is a beautiful stone lodge in a pretty canyon. It's a bit 'far from the madding crowd'. We gave friends a wedding gift of one night there several years ago. They loved it. I don't know if it would be on your way to Aspen, but it could be (sort of). It was for sale recently, so I'm not sure about its present situation or management. Better check its website.
If you want Aspen or Telluride, there are endless choices in each of those for romantic lodging. Aspen's Hotel Jerome, for example.
Best wishes, and enjoy Colorado!
