Rocky Mountain Nat Park

evanrem wrote:
Going to Colorado for two weeks this summer and wondering if we should hit Rocky Mountain Nat park or just stay in the national forest around Vail and explore that area.

So do you have two weeks in CO or two weeks for the whole trip?

RMNP will be busy, no doubt. Worst is in the area around Estes Park. Without proper planning, getting through EP can be a nightmare. Yes, there are some very scenic places in RMNP, which is why it is busy. The west side is less busy, but the beetles have decimated stands of trees worse on that side.

You don't say when you are going. Any time much before Memorial Day can be quite tough as the high country is often still snowed in at that point. If you'll be here in the summer, it's busy many places, as CO is the destination for many travelers. Personally, Vail would be pretty low on my list of places to go. Skiing mecca, yes, but not RV friendly at all. Although Aspen is also glitzy, I think it offers far more in the summer than Vail. Again, limited camping options, esp. with your rig. You might luck out and still find a campsite at Redstone NFS CG where some sites have electric and water. Further up Bogan Flats also has sites you might fit into, but no services. If services are a must, check out the KOA near Carbondale.

Other CO options would be the Upper Arkansas River between Leadville and Salida, one of our favorite places to visit. Of course the whole SW part of the state is also an option. Durango has a number of CG options. Ouray to the north also has some opportunities. In between is some of the most fantastic mountain scenery in the US. From Ouray, you can also day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison.

Your question is a little broad. If you could let us know the time frame and your interests, we can be more specific as to our recommendations.

BTW, you'll find reservations tough to get in some places on some weekends if you haven't already done so.