Which way west from Denver?
 

We will be flying into Denver in July. Will rent a car and head west (and South). Which way would be the most scenic and also the fastest? Would it be Route 70 to 91, staying in Leadville? Or would it be 285, staying in Fairplay? The next day we will be going south to catch 50 and head west to Montrose and then Ouray.

Any suggestions for places to stay in Leadville or Fairplay? Is Breckenridge a another possiblility?

Is there a problem for the ordinary, healthy person with the altitude for that first night after arriving from the east coast?

I would recommend Leadville over Fairplay for the first night - personal preference. After that, you are on your way to my favorite part of the state. :)

There shouldn't be a problem for a healthy person with the altitude. Just drink lots of water and minimize your alcohol and caffeine intake. Also, a little extra exercise and rest will do wonders. Take it slowly for the first day or two (no strenuous hiking) and you will be fine.

However, if you have high blood pressure, be careful if you go above 10,000 feet as it can increase your blood pressure to dangerous levels. This happened to my grandfather last summer - everything turned out alright, but it was quite scary.

Have fun!

Leadville - 10,152 ft.
Fairplay - 9953 ft

I think I would want to acclimate myself before going to those elevations to spend the night...but that might just be me.

http://www.pbs.org/safarchive/4_clas...574_hianx.html

Utahtea

I like Breckenridge more in the summer than I do winter. The town is cute, good for roaming for a few hours. You can rent a bike and just cruise down the mountain without doing the "up" portion. The most fun we have had there is on a bobsled contraption that goes down the mountain. They strap the bobsled to the ski lift and you ride up then cruise down a curvy plastic path.

I don't know how far you want to travel in a timely manner to cover your miles. Breckenridge isn't all that far from Denver- a couple hours depending on time of day and how fast you drive.

amwosu - my fiancee has always wanted to do that bobsledding thing - do you know if they do it anywhere else?

Margo.. I would definitely plan to head west on I-70. Spend at least one night or more in Breckenridge. Though I live in Florida I spend several weeks in Breck every year. It is breathtaking..1845 era restored gold mine town..wonderful restaurants..Hearthstone is my favorite. Breckenridge is a great place to hike as well. I am featuring Breckenridge currently on my travel photo site www.CrazyAboutTravel.com On 70 on the way to Breckenridge plan to stop in the little silver mining town of Georgetown and stretch your legs on the frontier streets. There is also a historic train in Georgetown that is storied to be terrific. (I haven't done this train, and you might wish to do the Durango to Silverton train later. I have been on this train and it is really worthwhile.) Have a great trip to God's country. Any other questions, just ask.

Another Floridian... I am in Co quite often but when headed for the mountains I spend the first night in Denver. It helps coming from sea level ! If spending a week skiing I try to get a prescription for Diamox - makes all the difference in the world for me but I know there are people that do not have the same experience. I personally love Leadville and it is definitely a place to visit but I had trouble sleeping there due to the high altitude... moreso than at Copper Mtn, Breck, etc. Depending on what you are looking for in your overnighter enroute to Ouray, I like Frisco - on I-70. If you are looking for lots of nightlife maybe not but it is a very nice and friendly town. I love to visit the Moosejaw for a burger ! Keystone is great but not sure what it is like in July... again, depends on what you are looking for. There are tons of chain hotels in Dillon if you are just looking for a place to sleep. It is truly God's country.... enjoy !

Which way west from Denver? Facing north, to your left. Facing south, to your right. But then, I'm posting from San Francisco, it may be different from Denver.

Beckers,

Steamboat is a great town, summer and winter, for tourists. Plus it has an alpine slide (bobsled) and a hot springs pool.

Leadville is totally cool, especially if you first read up on its early days in the 1800's as a silver capital.

Breck is fun, too--lots of shopping.

Okay, it looks like Leadville is the winner. Where in Leadville would you stay? Not alot of choice according to AAA. And what to see there?

Utahtea--what might I expect from the high elevation? I remember once going to Machu Picchu (Peru) and being told to take two aspirins before getting off the airplane in Cozco which was at 10000 feet. Don't remember any problem, though.

like others have said, drink water and stay away from alcohol and you won't do too badly. it never hurts to acclimate but coming from nj i don't feel the affects until 10k ft. and then it was because of that beer (just one mind you ) after skiing. took aspirin for that headache and i was fine the rest of the time at the 10K ft.

I would say to take it easy the first day--no alcohol or long hikes. Drink PLENTY of water. We live at an altitude of 3400 ft. and the Rockies still bother me once in awhile. You can never tell but I've finally decided that staying hydrated is key.