Colorado Trip in July
First off thanks for those who replied to my previous post about my trip. I have since did further research and still am just as unsure where to go. We enjoy national forest or state campgrounds and ...
Forum Discussion
You haven't given us a specfic time and that can affect our responses, as most places don't open up until Memorial Day, and even then, snow can block access at higher elevations. Likewise, the week of July 4th is already mostly booked.
JMHO, but I find nothing enticing about Colorado Springs. Better places to spend your nine days to get a better feel of the mountains of Colorado.
You may see lots of NFS CG's up Maroon Creek, but very, very few will fit your rig and those are probably booked solid by now. If you want to be in this area, your best bets would be Difficult NFS CG east of Aspen, and the NFS CG's up the Crystal River on CO 133 above Carbondale.
The SW part of the state could take your entire nine days and you'll still just be able to see the highlights. One of the most scenic areas in the lower 48. Base out of Durango and you'll be able to visit Mesa Verde, day trip to Ouray and Telluride, and ride the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (not to be missed!!!). As noted, if you're going in the summer, it might be challenging to get reservations at this point. Try Haviland Lake NFS CG north of Durango, you might luck out with your dates. Nice CG away from the highway on the shores of a lake. Very relaxing. The CG at Mesa Verde is huge, although getting on and off the mesa to explore other areas is time consuming. Higher up so cooler than around Durango. If everything else is full, you might also try the NFS CG at McPhee Reservoir near Dolores. Near the Anasazi Heritage Center, a very worthwhile stop.
If you want quiet, check out areas along CO 149 between Lake City and Creede. Pretty far out there and away from the crowds. Make sure you are well provisioned as you aren't near much if you camp somewhere near the upper reaches of the Rio Grande. Lots of boondocking in this area also.
If it's after mid-July, you might consider a day or two on Grand Mesa east of Grand Junction. The flowers on the west end of the mesa are worth the drive. Around 10,000' so cool, even on the hottest days of the year. Lots of lakes and gorgeous views of the San Juans. Not very bust most of the time. Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is also quite scenic and interesting. Very dark at night for good stargazing. Nice CG.
JMHO, but I find nothing enticing about Colorado Springs. Better places to spend your nine days to get a better feel of the mountains of Colorado.
You may see lots of NFS CG's up Maroon Creek, but very, very few will fit your rig and those are probably booked solid by now. If you want to be in this area, your best bets would be Difficult NFS CG east of Aspen, and the NFS CG's up the Crystal River on CO 133 above Carbondale.
The SW part of the state could take your entire nine days and you'll still just be able to see the highlights. One of the most scenic areas in the lower 48. Base out of Durango and you'll be able to visit Mesa Verde, day trip to Ouray and Telluride, and ride the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (not to be missed!!!). As noted, if you're going in the summer, it might be challenging to get reservations at this point. Try Haviland Lake NFS CG north of Durango, you might luck out with your dates. Nice CG away from the highway on the shores of a lake. Very relaxing. The CG at Mesa Verde is huge, although getting on and off the mesa to explore other areas is time consuming. Higher up so cooler than around Durango. If everything else is full, you might also try the NFS CG at McPhee Reservoir near Dolores. Near the Anasazi Heritage Center, a very worthwhile stop.
If you want quiet, check out areas along CO 149 between Lake City and Creede. Pretty far out there and away from the crowds. Make sure you are well provisioned as you aren't near much if you camp somewhere near the upper reaches of the Rio Grande. Lots of boondocking in this area also.
If it's after mid-July, you might consider a day or two on Grand Mesa east of Grand Junction. The flowers on the west end of the mesa are worth the drive. Around 10,000' so cool, even on the hottest days of the year. Lots of lakes and gorgeous views of the San Juans. Not very bust most of the time. Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP is also quite scenic and interesting. Very dark at night for good stargazing. Nice CG.
