We had some RCI points expiring soon and decided to use them for a week's stay in Breckenridge at the Valdoro Mountain Lodge. We will be there from Oct. 17th to the 23rd. We visited this area in the summer of 2008 and enjoyed it then, but realize that things will probably be quieter than they were then or will be during the ski season.

Are any scenic drives or short hikes that you might recommend in the Frisco, Dillon, Breckenridge area this time of year? Would it be possible to visit the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park from here or better to go up through Estes Park when we are in Boulder?

We'd appreciate whatever help you can give us. Thank you!

US34 through RMNP is already closed for the winter, so you can't get there from Breckenridge through Winterpark on US40.

Sorry, I should say that you can get to Colorado River Trailhead from the westside. But US34 is closed from there east to Many Parks Curve.

Thank you for the info. My husband was looking at a map of the area, but we knew that some roads might already have closed....

One possibility would be to visit the east side of RMNP (going up through Boulder) on Saturday and get to Breckenridge late in the day. We had talked about going up there on Friday (through Boulder) but the weather forecast is making this weekend seem like a better option.

Also, my husband is wondering whether it would be worthwhile for him to bring his camera and 100-400 lens. (I'll have a camera with shorter lenses.) Any thoughts on whether he is likely to see wildlife (elk, eagles, etc.) in the park or elsewhere?

Sapphire - Well, I didn't bring my Canon 70-200/4L IS on my trip to the Rockies last week, but I did bring my 85/1.8 with a 1.4x Kenko extender. I took pictures of two animals there:

http://rkkwan.zenfolio.com/colorado1009

It could be pretty dead because you may be just prior to opening of ski season. We have been out of town for six weeks so have not seen the projected opening date for Breckenridge but it is generally around mid-Oct. Loveland opened this week. We have had recent snow so hiking at higher altitude could be limited. You should catch Elk around Estes Park as the animals are now moving lower. You could always do a loop through Leadville - weather permitting. If the weather is nice rent bikes and ride to Frisco or even Copper Mountain.

rkkwan - Glad you were able to spot and photograph these two with the lens you had on hand! Beautiful fox. What kind of bird?

fmpden - Thanks for the suggestions. Do you think most of the restaurants be open?

We have invited my dad (who turned 81 yesterday but is very spry) and my step-mother who live in Boulder to join us for a couple of days there, so we will be looking for some low key adventures as well.

Sapphire - Thanks. I am not a wildlife photographer and know next to nothing about birds. I am actually hoping someone can tell me what kind it is.