WrightOn wrote:
Two couples with a pair of 19 YOs are planning a SW Colorado trip for this summer traveling from Illinois. Colorado Springs would be our second 500 mile day. Our final destination will be the Ouray/Silverton area. I'd like Colorado Springs to be the first stop as it is a logical place to land after the second long day, and given the Gardens and Pikes Peak, a nice place to spend two days.
Below is my tentative itinerary. Poke holes in it, please. I want to get the biggest bang out of the limited time we have. Several questions I have:
1) Is Ouray the best option to land and sightsee from?
2) Does Arches NP seem like a doable day trip?
3) Should we move the camper to the Durango area for a night or two in order to take the train before heading home? If so, what is the best CG option? If in Durango, should we add Mesa Verde to the plan and if so, how long should be designated for that (1 day)?
4) I don't like driving the same trip twice, so I thought going the southern Colorado to the east would be best. Is there any CG east of Colorado Springs near Limon?
5) What roads would you suggest that give us the best views but balanced with our set ups (Ford diesels and 39' FW/TT)?
Itinerary
Thank you for all your help.
Brian
H E R E - SW Colorado recommendation is another thread with a somewhat similar query, and answers that may address some of your questions above.
1 - Ouray would be a good place to set up base if you want to spend time in that area. There's a KOA just north of town, and there's Ridgway State Park outside of Ridgway.
2- IMHO, Arches should be a separate trip unto itself, as Moab is a good base area, and since you'd be there, Canyonlands is an obvious area to also explore.
3 - Durango is absolutely a great place to set up base camp. As noted in the link above, there are several good CG/Parks in the Durango area. The 3 mentioned get good reviews and praise from posters here, as well as at rvparkreviews.com. If you are going to SW Colorado, the Durango and Silverton Train should be considered a must. Also noted in the link above, there's options for the train (train up/back vs combo train/bus).
As for Mesa Verde, it should be a destination unto itself. Trying to see all of MV in one day is ambitious at best. There are several cliff dwelling sites where advance reservations are required, and can be obtained on line or at the office near the entrance. Also as noted in the link above, a stay within the park should be seriously considered.
4 - There is practically nothing east of Colorado Springs to Limon. There is the Falcon Meadow CG in Falcon, east of the Springs. It is the oldest CG in the Springs area, and has a very funky vibe to it. Stayed there a few years ago when I needed to be on the east side of the Springs. It's fine for what it is; a place to stay overnight, and access the eastern part of the city. Friendly staff and reasonably priced.
As for Limon, there's a KOA there, I can't comment on it specifically as I've not stayed there, but it gets generally good reviews.
5 - Can't really answer the roads question, since nearly every road, major or minor in SW Colorado will offer views. A lot depends on where you ultimately decide to set up camp and explore.
However, one suggestion (two actually) would be the Million Dollar Highway between Durango and Ouray. That's also addressed in the link above, and an alternative (the two suggestion). Either of these drives would be a must, and would certainly account for a solid day of touring.
ETA - If you're planning on summer, also plan on making reservations well in advance, both for Mesa Verde if you decide to stay in the park, as well as the commercial CG/Parks in the Durango and/or Ouray area.
ETA More - For Colorado Springs, coming in on your 2nd day of driving, try for reservations at either Cheyenne Mountain SP or Mueller SP. Cheyenne Mountain is SW of the city center and is a superb destination unto itself. Spend some time in Manitou Springs, and if it interests you, the Pikes Peak Cog Railway is a great way to get to the top of Pikes Peak. Also provides good access to Garden of the Gods.
Mueller SP is further to the west off US 24, and is convenient to driving up Pikes Peak. Also great access if you'd like to check out the Cripple Creek and Victor areas. Not quite as convenient to Colorado Springs, but certainly doable.
