Moab or Durango/RMNP?

TenOC wrote:

Busskipper wrote:

TenOC wrote:
Is there anything to see at RMNP after the Grand Tetons? I was very disappointed with RMNP. I would spend my time someplace else.

Unless you hike/rock climb Devil Towers is an one hour drive by.

"Most-Visited National Parks

Park Site Number of Visitors
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park 10,712,674
2. Grand Canyon National Park 5,520,736
3. Rocky Mountain National Park 4,155,916
4. Yosemite National Park 4,150,217
5. Yellowstone National Park 4,097,710
6. Zion National Park 3,648,846
7. Olympic National Park 3,263,761
8. Grand Teton National Park 3,149,921
9. Acadia National Park 2,811,184
10. Glacier National Park 2,366,056"

JMHO,

1. My point was AFTER GRAND TETON, I would spend more time at GT and bypass RMNP

2. IMO The number of visitors is somewhat affected by location. GSMP is #1 because it is open all year and is within 500 miles (one day drive) of about 1/2 (?) the people in the USA not because of the unique features of the park.

Sorry - Was just my opinion that there is a lot to see and do in RMNP - and that even though it is over crowded and not my kind of place in the Summer it is still worth the effort to Many, as evidenced by the number of visitors.

You are correct (IMHO) that after the Tetons there are really only a few places that can rival that LOOK!

Marron Bells - Ouray/Telluride and Glacier, but if you are into hiking into some Beautiful Wild spots you will find that in RMNP, you just need to get out of the main traffic areas, and Hike into the back Trails. So many great little lakes and streams to see and explore.

But as a first Look from the State of Vermont - those Rocks in RMNP will be impressive, especially the drive on RT 34 and 36 into and through the park. With the girls I'd suggest the West side as a home base so as to have to drive Trail Ridge a few times - just that drive is Spectacular. We flew out this Memorial day to drive Trail Ridge and it was still closed with 17' of Snow at the top, so if the OP gets there before the 4th of July they will likely still be in the snow on many of the upper mountain Hikes.

Biggest problem with that is then you miss Peak to Peak - just a special drive - Boulder and Golden - ...................... I could go on and on.

Again just my opinion that it will likely still be an adventure, worthy of the time and effort.

But I will suggest that the OP figure out how to spend a little more time in Colorado as they have not even scratched the surface on what is available in Colorado. (Buena Vista and the Collegiates - San Juan's - Black Canyon - Great Sand Dunes.....................

Will wait a bit to see if the OP is open to some serious Route suggestions. So much to see never enough TIME.

JMHO,