Winter Park CO in October
 

Do we want to spend a week in Winter Park Colorado in October? It will probably be too late for fall colors, but too early for snow. Is there good white water rafting nearby? Nice hiking trails? We'll be staying at a place with sauna and hot tub, which might be heaven. Any other ideas? Thanks.

Fall colors usually last to the first or second week of August. Winter Park is not very close to white water rafting, but there are some good float trips out of State's Bridge on the Colorado River. You're in hiking heaven in Winter Park. You will be surrounded by hiking possibilities. You are within a half hour/45 min. drive to the west entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. Early Oct. is not too early for snow. Be prepared for any kind of weather. Some ski areas, including Winter Park open one or two slopes in late October when possible. Ther is a big differenc between early and late October weather. Nearby is the YMCA of the Rockies. They offer horse back rides, lake canoeing, and other outdoor activities. Shadow Mountain Lake also rents small sailboats. Grand Lake is a nice little town to walk around in. Although there are no crowds and few organized activities in October, it still is a wonderful time to visit the mountains.

Diane - I agree with the previous poster re: rafting. If you're looking for big water you're way too late. Peak season is based on the snowmelt runoff - June or early July. You'll be lucky to find a float trip in October. If you're looking to do a self drive 4-wheeling trip, you can probably find a vehicle to fit 5. If you're looking to do a guided tour w/driver it'll be very tight - depends on the size of your kids! It is a great time to go the Rocky Mt Nat'l Park, however. Mid-Oct is when all the elk are bugling and theres a ton of other wildlife about in the park. The alpine slide at the ski resort may still be running, though probably only on weekends. <BR>

OOOPs - the 4-wheeling info was in reference to the Durango, CO thread - nevermind. <BR>

Thanks - I guess Oct 23-30 qualifies as late October. We'll fly in and out of Denver and rent a car, might as well be 4WD. This trip is one option -- but the other may be Italy. Lodging's free in Colorado, the other uses up FF miles. Sounds like there's plenty of daytime activities, any special restaurants to visit?

I don't really think a 4WD is that necessary around Winter Park, but then again, in late October , it could snow. The off road tracks aren't excetional in that area. I can't think of any special restaurants, but we don't ea out that much. <BR>I planning an Italy trip for next summer. Only need 5,000 more miles to get two ree tickets. Since I live in Colorado, Italy sounds great to me. But Colorado is great too. That late in October, you might bring the skis just in case there is any early winter.

PS About above message-I meant to say, fall colors start last week of August and can go into the first or second week of October

Diane - you won't need a 4-wheel drive in October. I just read the thread on Durango re: 4-wheeling and combined my response to both your thread and the Durango one. The weather in late October is going to be very unpredictable - could be 75 and sunny - Indian summer or it could be snowing. (I'd bet snow). I live at a Colorado ski resort and we've opened as early as Nov. 1. The only resorts that have opened in October recently are Keystone and Loveland. And only limited terrain. <BR> <BR>Not that you're asking - but I vote for a nice relaxing, cheap trip to Colorado now and Italy in June or Sept for a longer trip. bly <BR>

Thanks -- I haven't been to Colorado since I was about 12 on a family vacation. Have looked down on the Rockies when flying back and forth to the West coast the last couple of years, and thought it was time to check it out up close! We'd only use one free FF ticket to Italy, then I could get miles for the purchased one (and make "preferred" status for next year). What strange variables lead us to make travel choices! On the other hand, there's really inexpensive flights to Colorado thanks to Southwest Air! We're leaning toward Colorado.

Diane--We more often go to WP for the skiing, but have been there in Aug/Sept as well. To check what activities will be open for your visit, check the website at www.skiwinterpark.com. We have enjoyed hiking at RMNP, but we usually hike on the east side and your location would make the west side of the park (Lulu City trail, for example) more convenient. In WP, we enjoy Hernando's for pizza and Italian. We always get a nice dinner at Devil's Thumb Ranch north of town. <BR>

Diane, my family and I spent a night in Winterpark last Labor Day weekend. We ate a fabulous dinner at a German restaurant of which the name escapes me, but you can't miss it. It's on the main drag through Winterpark and is under a hotel of the same name which looks like a typical German or Swiss inn. If you want the name, e-mail, and I'll find it. (It was better than any German food we ate in Germany!)

We have a place in Winter Park and have spent time there over the last 14 years. Fall there is a favorite of ours because it is so uncrowded. <BR> October can be beautiful-- cool and clear. You can get snow, but probably won't. Most years they are lucky to have snow for ski season to begin by Thanksgiving. <BR> For family-type restaurants: Hernando's has unbeatable pizza, and Smokin' Moe's has great barbeque. Winston's at the Vintage Hotel is always good for a nicer meal. The restaurant at Devil's Thumb resort is unpredictable (it seems to change hands every year), but the setting is charming and sometimes the food is great. <BR> The German restaurant mentioned in an earlier reply is the Gasthaus Eichler--but we had an ugly experience with the owner (involving our two-year-old's birthday dessert, of all things!) and we never went back there. <BR> For a day trip, go to Grand Lake. It is beautiful, only about 45 minutes from Winter Park. If you go there, definitely eat at the Grand Lake Lodge. It is a lovely old log lodge, with an elegant restaurant overlooking the lake. Call for resies, or expect a wait. (Now that I think about it, though, it may be closed in October, so call and see.) If it is closed, another nice restaurant is Caroline's, which is outside of Grand Lake itself, not as picturesque, but very good food. <BR> The YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch, a few miles north of Winter Park, is a beautiful place, too, for hiking and low-key activities. Nothing fancy, but a gorgeous setting and helpful people. Lots of family-type activities and unbeatable scenery. You can rent mountain bikes, if you like, at Snow Mountain Ranch. Then get a burger at their grill, a homespun snack bar. <BR> If you like hot springs, you can drive to Hot Sulphur Springs and soak at the spa there. It's about 45 minutes from Winter Park. <BR> Or, if you like dude ranch type places, try the C Lazy U, located near Granby. <BR> Have fun! <BR>