Brent and Gina wrote:
Busskipper wrote:
Brent andGina wrote:
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I think I agree with you 100%. We are in no rush. We'll be coming from a friends house in Colorado Springs to Moab. We will stay there until we feel we're ready to go. At 3 weeks in, we'll just head back from wherever we are. I like it!
So that will pose an entirely different Question - "What Route will you take out and Back?"
Suggested Route As in Colorado it will be a Beautiful - although a little Late - Drive with the Aspen having Turned. With stops in Buena Vista/Collegiates/Leadville/Salida/Twin Lakes/Independence Pass - Then Driving past Gunnison/Crested Butte/Montrose - then possibly Ouray/Telluride/Silverton - before heading over to Moab.
If at all possible try to leave a little earlier - so as to enjoy the Aspen before they all fall off - you will not regret it.
The trip back will likely bring you back on RT 160 with even more to enjoy on the drive back to the Springs - Cortez/Durango/Pagosa Springs/Great sand Dunes/Salida - Map back Keep an eye on the weather - as the passes often get just a little October Snow - usually wet and melted shortly after it falls on the Warm Black Highway.
This will be a Great Trip - It would really be nice if you Posted a Few Pic's as you make your way, then we can all enjoy it :)
Best of Luck,
We are almost going on the suggested route. Instead, we're going 50 from Pueblo. On the way back, we'll drop down to 40 directly back to Little Rock where we're from. The Colorado Springs stop is to visit a fellow Air Force friend. I will try and remember to post some pics. I'm terrible doing it for family on Facebook so I need to step up in that regard.
Sounds Great!
As the map out was not too detailed I'll throw in a few options/thoughts as you head out, if time allows.
North from Buena Vista is Independence Pass to Aspen and Maroon Bells - It would be a Great Day Drive in the Toad. Allowing you to do the Pass - Aspen and Maroon Bells as a day drive (RT 82 is a size restricted road - 30')
Map to the Bells - From K'sI'll also throw in the possibility of Quincy's for Dinner -
http://quincystavern.com/ - For us it's a tradition to eat there - very limited Menu but just part of Colorado. If this were to turn into a couple more days I'd look at The Collegiates for a few great drives - literally all the roads in are Great.
Cottonwood Pass is under construction so closed to Crested Butte, ....so if that needs to be visited then would be out of Gunnison - Added note This is a Good/Last Wal*Mart resupply town.
If the Rocks are in your sites then Ouray and Telluride might just be another Colorado Stop? IMHO - this is as Good as it Gets in Colorado!
Couple short side trips from there would be Trout Lake - Ophir Pass Rd - National Forest with Lizard Head and Dunton.
Then the possibility of taking RT 145 and RT 90 over to Moab -
Gunnison to Moab optional Route.
If I-70 ends up being the desired route then think about getting off
at Exit 214 and following RT 128 along the Colorado River into Moab.
Good thing you're retired - Might need to add a few Weeks:)
Hope this helps.
Best of Luck,
