We are making a loop trip of Colorado this summer, starting and ending in Denver. Our second day we want to take the boys to Water World water park. What is Thornton like? I can't seem to find a reasonably priced hotel downtown Denver that doesn't have bad reviews on tripadvisor. Thornton is close to Water world - is it a decent area?

How about Canon City? Our next day (after the Water park) we are going to stop at Florrisant, and then do Phantom Canyon Road through Cripple Creek and was planning a stay in Canon City. I understand that Phantom Canyon can be very slow driving, so I think we're looking at almost 4 hrs. of driving that day. I'm hesitant to drive further than Canon City, unless it's not so nice an area. I do want to see the prison musuem - that sounds interesting. (The reason we're doing Phantom Canyon is to check out Cripple Creek and so that we can do an easy 4wd road. I know it would be easier just to drive to Colorado Springs).

If anyone cares, the rest of our itinerary is Lake City - Ouray (2nights) - Glenwood Springs - Breckenridge (2nights).

Thanks for insights into Thornton and Canyon city, Karen

Canyon City can be very hot & dry. The rainy season (if we see one this year) can start in July/August. Phantom Canyon Road is lovely but not recommended if raining. Is mostly unpaved without any guardrails and can be very narrow in places (may have to wait for another vehicle to come by). Really do not need 4WD but is handy for the lower gears if your car is straining due to higher altitude. While in Canyon City, are you doing the Royal Gorge? Pretty much a tourist stop but a LONG way down.

Don't stay in Thornton. After Water World, hop on highway 36 and head over to the Omni Interlocken Hotel in Broomfield. It's right next to Flatiron Crossing mall and there are lots of restaurant options.

So then you'll be driving Denver to Florrisant? That's at least a two hour drive. I've never driven Phantom Canyon, but if you are right with it being 4 hours, you'll be driving a lot that day. I would recommend basing yourself in Colorado Springs for that. I wouldn't stay in Canon City.

I meant to add that there are a lot of hotel options at highway 36 and Sheridan as well - Westminster area - a little further East on 36 than the Omni.

Hi Karen! We were totally underwhelmed with Canon City. Colorado Springs offers many more lodging options, in addition to things to see and do.

Also, gone are the days when you can just walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge (i did as a child) as it's now an amusement park (and i've heard, not a very good one.) You can see the bridge from the parking lot however (read that here on fodors!) but the best way to see it would be to do a float trip under it.

If you're still looking for Glenwood Springs lodging, i'd go for the lodge right next to the HUGE natural springs pool (you can see the pool from I 70, also). We stayed across the street at The Hotel Colorado, an historic property. It was okay but if we return, we'd stay in the other one (sorry, the name escapes me).

Lots of nice new hotels on 36, 15 minutes from Waterworld, including the suite-type places.
Nothing much in Canon City. If you go to Glenwood, there are several nice new motels on the river, albeit downstream from the main drag of town. I agree that the Hotel Colorado is nice from the lobby, but the rooms are ancient and look it.

Are you looking for a hotel near Denver the night before Waterworld or on the same day?

Also, I think the hotel Ellen is trying to remember is the Hot Springs Lodge. The nightly rate includes breakfast and unlimited admission to the hot springs pool.

karens,
What downtown Denver hotels were you looking at? I know tripadvisor reports can be confusing but there are some really great hotels downtown and it's such a fun location, especially in the summer.

Don't stay in Thornton. If you'd rather not go back downtown, I second yale's suggestion of the Omni. I promise you will not be disappointed. We stay there 3-4 times a year--great pool area, nice quiet rooms and very near good restaurants. I would say it's one of two 'resort hotel' properties in the Denver metro area.

You will love Ouray!!!!!!!!!!!

Gosh, guys, many thanks for the super quick replies. This is the info you just cannot get from a guide book!

Re: Glenwood Springs. We are booked at the Holiday Inn Express. The last two times we stayed at the Glenwood Springs Lodge, but couldn't do it this year b/c mid-July through Aug. there is a 2-night minimum and we'll only be there one night.

Re: Thornton. OK, I'll change that reservation! The area around Westminster Mall looks really convenient to the water park. Any ideas for good lodging, not super expensive? Also - I heard the Adventure mini-golf place at 9650 N. Sheridan is a lot of fun - and I think that will be a lot closer than staying up at 120th Avenue. And yes, we are planning on staying at this location two nights. The first day we'll fly in, go walk around downtown Denver (Larimer Square), and then check into the hotel later that evening.

Re: Canon City. I was afraid this wasn't the nicest town when I read the maximum security prison is nearby. I am actually not interested in the touristy type stuff around - I understand some of it is quite hokey. I would like to tour the prison musuem, but we can do that by stopping by on the way through.

Has anyone driven Phantom Canyon from Florrisant to Canon City. Does it really take 2 hours to drive? Also, I know the summer can thunderstorm - would that make the road impassable? I wouldnt' want to get stuck - sounds like a real downer on vacation! We have rented a 4wd SUV for this trip.

Tell me your opinion on Cripple Creek. I love historical old towns out west, but am not into gambling.

P.S. This is our third trip to Colorado. We love Ouray!! We'll be spending two nights here again this trip. And we love the pool at Glenwood, too. Our other favorite small town is Crested Butte, but we're going to check out Lake City (and drive Engineer Pass, a bit scared about that!)

Karens, Adventure Mini-Golf is really fun! Your boys will love it!

karens,
The Westin in Westminster is nice and fairly new. We've never stayed there but have friends who often do and they swear by it.

Beware of the BIG wave pool at Waterworld--it caught our whole family by surprise. Knocked me off of my innertube and my sunglasses went...somewhere. There's virtually no warning when the wave starts--I turned my head and saw it coming but didn't have time to 'prepare.' Our kids went flying and bumped heads--all around us children were crying--it was crazy! Later found out that we should have gone to the milder wave pool. The rest of the park was a total blast, though--can't wait to go back this summer.

Phantom Canyon Road through Victor and Cripple Creek is not a bad drive if you take your time. We have driven it several times and have encountered showers and clouds (fog). 4WD is not needed, but as mentioned parts of the road are almost one way and if two vehicles meet one may have to back a little. Overall we have seldom encountered more than 3 or 4 vehicles all along the road. There is a BLM rest area (restroom) a little less than half way up after you leave US-50. Happy Motoring!

Have you considered Elitch's Seven Flags, near downtown Denver? It has a water park in addition to the traditional theme park wild rides and stuff. You could easily stay downtown. I wouldn't stay in Thornton or Westminster, as you would not be near much, except the suburbs-- which are fine, but not really a vacation destination.
And the tip regarding the wave pool is right on. It's a wild place, for many reasons. I know of young teen girls who have even had their swim suit bottoms pulled down, just as the wave hits, by boys behind them! A really cute prank, non?

Red Rock - is Phantom Canyon really scenic? I know that's a relative term. My husband's up for the extra driving b/c we'll be making several stops (Florissant/Cripple Creek/Victor).

The Westin looks great, and I probably have enough Starpoints for a free night. I'm not so sure this would be the best use of them, though, b/c we will barely be in the hotel. The Spring Hill Suites on 2. 103rd Ave. gets good reviews on tripadvisor. Tripadvisor makes me crazy sometimes!

We drove Phantom Canyon several years ago. It's more desolate than scenic. If you've never driven a dirt road through the middle of nowhere, it's worth doing. Otherwise probably not. We went to Canyon City as a starting point for a rafting trip - not much else there.

I'd look into six-flags downtown too and staying downtown. Do you have points for the Westin downtown? I'd do priceline downtown. You really can't go wrong down here. If not downtown, I'd stay on Hwy 36 near Broomfield/Superior. You can bid on priceline, resort, Broomfield. Only property is the Omni (we have stayed here for $80). Also in the area is a Hampton Inn - check the Superior, CO area for other suite type hotels. Superior is a few exits north of the Westin, Westminster. You could drive into Boulder for dinner from this area and walk the Pearl Street mall.

The Westminster Mall is starting to get run down, unfortunately. If you do choose this area, opt for the North side of the Sheridan/Hwy 36 interchange - I think there is a newer Hampton Inn. The north side is much nicer with some decent chain restaurants, Barnes and Noble, DSW etc. We had some family stay at the La Quinta near there and they were OK with it, but I think that's because they take pets.

Hi there,

Wondering about your experience on 4-wheel drive roads since you mention driving Engineer Pass.

We have some experience on 4-wheel drive roads, although we try not to take the really tough ones.

Engineer Pass is not one of the worst, but it does have some "interesting" spots. The west side from Ouray area is very steep and rocky for a ways. Parts of the road are are quite narrow and there is a portion that is a shelf- road, very open and somewhat narrow but safe enough.

If you don't want to drive yourself, but want to experience the adventure and the beautiful scenery, there are several companies in Ouray that furnish the driver and the vehicle.

hi all. jddenver, I appreciate your insights. Is W. 103rd Ave. Broomfield?

And, GLinda - I mispoke. I did not mean Engineer - I meant Cinnamon Pass! It is my understanding Cinnamon is more mild than Engineer - Engineer sounds a bit too scary for me. We've done mild 4wd's out west so far; my husband has done some moderate drives near the Poconos in his friend's Hummer. Have you driven Cinnamon Pass?



We took a guided Jeep tour twice up to Yankee Boy. I think my husband could have handled this road well. It's one of our favorite areas.

karens


Is Phantom Canyon senic? That would depend on how you look at it. It is a deep mountain dirt road well off the beaten path... We did it more than once. For some once may very well be enough. Then again some would not even try it. We did not see a lot of traffic. Your call!