Colorado?

Did anyone mention Pikes Peak, (colorado springs).. I loved that mountain, drove up it many years ago, (before it was all paved!) I worked at the Olympic Training Center, also in Colorado Springs, They have a cool tour that the kids may like.

Pikes Peak should be at/near the top of your list. We drive up at least once a year and take a picnic lunch with us. We stop at Glen Cove (about halfway up) and take our picnic to an area at the bottom of a 2000ft shear rock cliff. Then at the top, we hike around to many of the small peaks up there. Also, there is Garden of the Gods, and Old Colorado City for western shopping. If you want a serious workout, try climbing the incline in Manitou Springs. The local Olympians find it challenging enough to include it in their training regimen. About 1.5 hours SW of Colorado Springs, you have Royal Gorge. Then you can take the Phantom Canyon Road to Cripple Creek.

Enjoy!

Agree on Pikes Peak for sure - either driving or taking the cog railway or, if you are REALLY ambitious, hike it up the Barr Trail.

moman1 wrote:
Pikes Peak should be at/near the top of your list. We drive up at least once a year and take a picnic lunch with us. We stop at Glen Cove (about halfway up) and take our picnic to an area at the bottom of a 2000ft shear rock cliff. Then at the top, we hike around to many of the small peaks up there. Also, there is Garden of the Gods, and Old Colorado City for western shopping. If you want a serious workout, try climbing the incline in Manitou Springs. The local Olympians find it challenging enough to include it in their training regimen. About 1.5 hours SW of Colorado Springs, you have Royal Gorge. Then you can take the Phantom Canyon Road to Cripple Creek.

Enjoy!

Can you drive a 3500 Dodge Ram dulie diesel on the Phantom Canyou road the end of April?

I would say its hit or miss. We can get snow storms into May. We can also have 70+ degrees in April. If we have a week of warm weather prior to your attempt, you should be fine. Just give it a go knowing that the worst hing that could happen is you have to turn around.

moman1 wrote:
I would say its hit or miss. We can get snow storms into May. We can also have 70+ degrees in April. If we have a week of warm weather prior to your attempt, you should be fine. Just give it a go knowing that the worst hing that could happen is you have to turn around.

Thank you for your input.

Mostly unknown would recomend the highway of legends West of Trinidad CO. There are several Forest Service campgrounds to choose from: Blue Lake & Bear Lake are GREAT. link 1
link 2

guinness1 wrote:
... I will have about 3-4 weeks to spend in Colorado during the month of July. I will definitely be going to Rocky Mtn NP. Any other ideas or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

We spent 4 weeks in Colorado last summer. Our route out and back was different, but my trip report might give you some ideas:

Trip Report: 4 Weeks in Colorado

Silverton area for old mines and gold panning. My daughter loved the idea of finding her own gold. Even found a tiny bit!

If your travels take you to the Denver area we recommend Chatfield State Park (where we stayed for two weeks last summer)... you can see the Front Range of the Rockies from your campsite, and there is room between the sites so you don't feel cramped. However, there are not many trees so not much shade.

Even though it is difficult to get a space particularly on weekends if you don't reserve long in advance, keep trying because people do change their plans.