rturner wrote:
We are planning a family (2 kids) RV trip from Denver to Telluride in Aug, debating between I-70 via Grand Junction (est. 360 miles) vs. I-25 S, stopping at Lake Pueblo State Park, then I-50 to Telluride (est. 420 miles).
What's the best route as far as sightseeing, local attractions, better RV parks?
What are some of the best RV parks with views/ kids activities in Telluride & Ouray?
You are looking at doing a trip from Boulder to Telluride – My kids lived in the town of Superior for 10 years and I have made that trip a number of times – so I’ll give you my insight from what I learned in my 10 years of doing that trip.
The first time we did the I-25 to Pueblo then across Colorado Rt 50 to Montrose and on over to Telluride – couple of thing I learned – I really dislike driving I-25 – Pueblo to Salida was OK just not that memorable – If you go this way you should stop and see the Great Sand Dunes NP – the drive from Salida to Montrose was fun and then the drive from Montrose to Telluride is GREAT.
As an afterthought I’ve done the I-70 trip to GJ and sort of the same, Liked Vail and Glenwood Springs areas but the rest of the drive is just that a drive.
SO what do I suggest? First off out of Boulder drive back to Nederland and Peak to Peak – or if that is not you -- then head down 93 to Golden and take Rt 6 through the Canyon to Idaho Springs and then catch I-70 to Rt 91 to Leadville, think about spending the night here – couple of thoughts – Independence Pass to Aspen and Maroon Bells in the car or truck (Restricted highway) Quincy’s for dinner in Leadville – something we try to catch on most trips through Leadville – but if that is out of the question then maybe catch lunch at K’s in Buena Vista – special little spot not to be missed in the center of town, and the kids should enjoy the park and a chance to run and stretch – from here we head to Salida and then Rt 50 to Gunnison – hard to get to Gunnison and not make the run up to Crested Butte, but that’s just me. From Gunnison we usually go to Lake City but again I digress, over to Montrose and then to Telluride, and Ralph Lauren’s beautiful fences, Like some have said not much in the way of camping in Telluride – used to be a great little spot down the road called Dunton but someone bought the town and turned it into an upscale private RESORT.
Now why did we avoid the interstates and take all these Beautifully Scenic Roads – IMHO the trip needs to be as good or better than the destination, I did leave out a couple of things that most people try to catch while in the area – 4X4 trails to DIE for – Crystal Mill – Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Gunnison Lake – Silverton -- and 14’ers everywhere.
Hope this is of some help.
BOL,
