Things to See on SDAK, Wyo, Colo Trip
DH and I are reprising a trip we took over 25 years ago when we didn't have time to stop and see much of anything. We're headed up I29 from KCMO to South Dakota. We plan to stop in Wall and spend 2...
Forum Discussion
How much time do you have? I could give you a list of recommendations that would take months to do.
Some observations:
If Rocky Mountain NP is on your agenda, the Estes Park side has more "action" and better hiking. The Grand Lake side has been hit extensively by pine beetle (and other insects). But, if you're looking for a place to "motel it", Grand Lake has some cute, old cabins within a block or two of the main drag through town. Quite pleasant to go out walking down to the lake in the morning or evening, plus one can walk to a variety of restaurants. You can't really get that same experience in Estes Park.
If you go to the Upper Arkansas River Valley, I'd look to stay in Leadville or Salida. Leadville is an old mining town with interesting old buildings along the main road. More of a historical stop. Salida has an amazingly active downtown with many restaurants, local artists galleries, and fun walking down by the river. One of our favorite little towns to visit. Tons to do and see in this area. Do a search on Salida and 4Runnerguy and you'll see suggestions I've made in previous posts.
Natural wonders? Take the drive from Ouray to Durango. If you stay in Ouray, the Box Canyon lodge has their own private, natural hot springs tubs overlooking the valley. Probably not cheap, but if you're into hot springs, this motel is a must visit. The scenery south to Durango with fill you with awe. There are few drives in this country that equal this one. Plan on some time in Silverton. The gravel road up to Animas Forks is worth the time to see some amazing scenery.
For petroglyphs and other Native American points of interest, head to the SW part of the state. Of course there's Mesa Verde NP, but spend some time exploring down there and you'll find lots to keep you busy. Check out the Anasazi Heritage Center near Dolores. They can point you to some more out of the way places to explore. In that part of the state, Durango is the hopping town because it's the beginning and ending of the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge RR (well worth taking if you have the time). That means lots of motels and other tourist supported businesses. I've never stayed there, but you might check into lodging at Purgatory Resort north of Durango. Busy with skiers in the wintertime, but many of these smaller resorts have cheap rooms in the summer. Up a little higher in elevation so cooler than staying down in Mancos or Cortez.
If you're wanting to see a lot of petroglyphs, do a search on Nine Mile Canyon in east-central Utah. Kind of a long drive in, but many different panels up and down the canyon. There are also several different places around Moab and Canyonlands with good rock art.
If we had a better idea of the time, timing and general route, we could all give better suggestions.
Some observations:
If Rocky Mountain NP is on your agenda, the Estes Park side has more "action" and better hiking. The Grand Lake side has been hit extensively by pine beetle (and other insects). But, if you're looking for a place to "motel it", Grand Lake has some cute, old cabins within a block or two of the main drag through town. Quite pleasant to go out walking down to the lake in the morning or evening, plus one can walk to a variety of restaurants. You can't really get that same experience in Estes Park.
If you go to the Upper Arkansas River Valley, I'd look to stay in Leadville or Salida. Leadville is an old mining town with interesting old buildings along the main road. More of a historical stop. Salida has an amazingly active downtown with many restaurants, local artists galleries, and fun walking down by the river. One of our favorite little towns to visit. Tons to do and see in this area. Do a search on Salida and 4Runnerguy and you'll see suggestions I've made in previous posts.
Natural wonders? Take the drive from Ouray to Durango. If you stay in Ouray, the Box Canyon lodge has their own private, natural hot springs tubs overlooking the valley. Probably not cheap, but if you're into hot springs, this motel is a must visit. The scenery south to Durango with fill you with awe. There are few drives in this country that equal this one. Plan on some time in Silverton. The gravel road up to Animas Forks is worth the time to see some amazing scenery.
For petroglyphs and other Native American points of interest, head to the SW part of the state. Of course there's Mesa Verde NP, but spend some time exploring down there and you'll find lots to keep you busy. Check out the Anasazi Heritage Center near Dolores. They can point you to some more out of the way places to explore. In that part of the state, Durango is the hopping town because it's the beginning and ending of the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge RR (well worth taking if you have the time). That means lots of motels and other tourist supported businesses. I've never stayed there, but you might check into lodging at Purgatory Resort north of Durango. Busy with skiers in the wintertime, but many of these smaller resorts have cheap rooms in the summer. Up a little higher in elevation so cooler than staying down in Mancos or Cortez.
If you're wanting to see a lot of petroglyphs, do a search on Nine Mile Canyon in east-central Utah. Kind of a long drive in, but many different panels up and down the canyon. There are also several different places around Moab and Canyonlands with good rock art.
If we had a better idea of the time, timing and general route, we could all give better suggestions.
