Colorado Suggestions Needed

WrightOn wrote:
All,
Thank you for the insight. Several years ago, I surprised my wife by flying us into Denver and taking in RMNP (Grand Lake), Dillion, and CoSprings for four days in October. Taking in the beauty of Colorado just got me more excited to bring the camper out.

There will be two families in two Ford diesels making the trip in late June/early July.

I'm not interested in seeing RMNP, and with only 6 days in Colorado, I'm trying to cram as many things in as possible.

If you would, please click the link - Itinerary - before commenting as much of your questions may be answered in that document.

Renting a jeep, taking in a bit of a hike (not too strenuous), mountain "bobsled" track would be fun, and of course all the beautiful scenery is a must.

OK - I've looked at the Itinerary and now my main question is why ONLY 12 days? not two weeks, 14 days - not 16.5 days with three weekends, and an early start on Friday after work? You do understand that the 3,000 miles Plus that you will drive will take time, Driving out, with the crew in the Truck pulling the trailer will most likely mean 50mph average on the highway out, and close to 40mph in the Mountains once you get there. So do whatever you can to BUY - Steal - CREATE more days(More Hours) IN COLORADO - IMHO the First - Main - Most Important thing to do is to Get More Time.

You say 6 days but the Itinerary says 8 so again, I'm a little confused.

Couple things to think about after you've created a few more days - is this to be a trip that Explores - Exposes - Touches - Lives a little of Colorado? If so the Focus needs to be on what is Colorado?

The Rockies - The Rivers - The quaint Little Towns - the Wild Trails available to explore.

I'd try to Focus on Two or maybe even Three stops (Three if you can create more TIME) My Choices would be Buena Vista - Arkansas River - Leadville - Collegiates - Independence Pass - Maroon Bells - Collegiates, I and most others will gladly work with the things to do and Explore in that area.

Second Ouray - either in the town - or In Ridgway State Park - Here you will have trips to Silverton - Telluride - Lake City - Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP - Rivers - Lakes - National forests - Dunton - Trails like nothing you have ever even Imagined - If you are arriving in the right time you will also be exposed to the High Alpine Meadows loaded with Color/Flowers.

If you need to be exposed to the Commercial side of Colorado look to the Ski Resorts as they generally are filled with activities all summer to keep the Restaurants and Hotels filled. Biking - Tubing - Rides and other Activities.

Last but not least - Spend the Spring - Getting in Shape - Walk/Hike/Work Out - Colorado is not for the Faint of Heart - at 5,280 + for all this trip you need to be in shape - You will need some Good Boots to walk/Hike in - No tennis Shoes, they will not cut it when you are walking on the Trail - Hiking in the Mountains (trust me on this) - the Air is much thinner and if you are not in at least moderate shape, just walking in town - up the street will be a test.

If you are able to Create more time I'd think about running North to get out of the state - Then you might catch Moab - Dinosaur NM - Flaming Gorge then I- 80 home.

Maybe after Christmas you can get back to us and let us know what has been decided and we can help fill in some of the Blanks.

Best of Luck, It will be Epic!


Starting Point
Ending Point
Miles Traveled
Activities
Day 1
Momence, IL
Topeka, KS or
Lincoln, NE
542 (8 hrs) or
540 (8 hrs)
Nothing
Day 2
Topeka, KS or
Lincoln, NE
Colorado Springs, CO
524 (7.5 hrs)
555 (7.75 hrs)
Nothing
Day 3
Colorado Springs, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
0
Garden of the Gods (am)
Pikes Peak (pm)
Day 4
Colorado Springs, CO
Ouray, CO
267 (5 hrs)
Sightseeing from vehicle
Day 5
Ouray, CO
Ouray, CO
52 (1.25 hrs)
One Way
Sightseeing of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Day 6
Ouray, CO
Ouray, CO
50 (1 hr)
One Way
Sightseeing of Telluride including tubing
Day 7
Ouray, CO
Ouray, CO
70 (1.75 hrs)
One Way
Silverton and Durango via Million Dollar Hwy and Train
Day 8
Ouray, CO
Ouray, CO
150 (3 hrs)
One Way
Side trip to Arches National Park, Moab, Utah
Day 9
Ouray, CO
Ouray, CO
0
Jeep Tour and Hot Springs
Day 10
Ouray, CO
Limon, CO
367 (6.5 hrs)
Sightseeing from vehicle
Day 11
Limon, CO
Columbia, MO
640 (9 hrs)
Nothing
Day 12
Columbia, MO
Momence, IL
354 (5.75 hrs)
Unpack and get ready for work!