Denver-Moab-Mesa Verde-Colorado Springs

We stayed in the "Mesa Verde RV Resort" for 4 days. Great location with all the amenities. About 3 miles from the Mesa Verde NP entrance. We also spent 2 days in the park at the UTE log camp. Full hook ups. We were there mid week and didn't have a problem getting a site. However making a reservation is a good idea.

lewisr wrote:

rexlion wrote:
That is a great time of year to take a Jeep tour out of Ouray or Telluride on some of the old mining roads.

Is that self guided? If so, would my 4x4 F150 be ok to do that?

You could do 'some' 4x4 trails but for some others you'd be too big - long and turning radius. Stop at the Visitor Center and they'll have some trail maps and suggestions or better yet, pop into a Jeep rental place and ask. You can get into serious trouble if you're on the wrong kind of trail so do check first. Ophir Pass was mentioned and it is a fairly easy drive but there will be some narrow sections. What's good about it is that it's fairly open and the turns are gradual so you'll be able to see oncoming vehicles easily so you can pull to the side, if possible and let them pass. Also, if you're going to Durango then take the truck up to Silverton and there are some easy trails right from town, including out to the Animas Forks. That whole area (Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgeway) is fun to explore. Ridgeway State Park has some nice camping and you'd be close to all of them.

If you've been to New Orleans in 100 deg. the west won't bother you at all!! However, carry more water than you think you'll need because it does sneak up on you.

https://www.alltrails.com/us/colorado/silverton/off-road-driving

Sorry, apparently I'm not allowed to post relevant content.

rexlion wrote:
That is a great time of year to take a Jeep tour out of Ouray or Telluride on some of the old mining roads.

Is that self guided? If so, would my 4x4 F150 be ok to do that?

Thunder Mountain wrote:
Do yourself a favor and check the average July temperatures in Moab and Cortez. You may want to rethink those two destinations.

Thanks for the heads up. We understand, DW says we'll deal with it, getting 1-3" snow tonight here in Michigan. We went to New Orleans in 2016 100 degrees everyday.

For suggestions on campgrounds and not-to-miss sights along US 160 and US 550 in SW Colorado, see my blog HERE.

Mesa Verde National Park has a great campground in the park. Some sites have full hookups but fill quickly so make reservations now. Wonderful park with plenty to do and see for everyone.

Arches is amazing, but while you're in Moab, take some time for the nearby Canyonlands National Park. The Islands in the Sky section is near Arches and is well worth the time.

1-1/2 days in a national park? You'll be limited as to what you can do. Each national park has a wonderful web site such as this one. It includes things to do, hikes, road information, special alerts, etc. Check them out thoroughly.

For Arches I'd highly recommend doing the Fiery Furnace hike with a ranger(reservations needed). The kids would love it.

https://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/hiking.htm

As mentioned, you will experience heat and crowds in the parks at that time so plan to do hiking early morning - beginning at 6-7am. Yes.... really! :)

Since you mentioned pool-check Dakota Ridge RV park in Golden. Convenient to I70. For CS-check Lone Duck RV park near Manitou Springs. Nestled in foothills. In CS-Olympic Training complex, Garden of Gods, Cave of the Winds, kids are prob on older end, but Cheyenne Mtn Zoo is unique, Royal Gorge not too far away with great whitewater rafting, Air Force Academy. Golden-Red Rocks, Coors Brewery, tube down Clear Creek, lots in/around Denver. If it's your thing, hike or rent mtn bikes (day trip to Winter Park from Golden) and hit the mountain trails in any of these areas-tons of them and it's what Colorado is all about.