Texas to Colorado Itinerary

astepatatime wrote:
I wanted to do a followup post in appreciation for all those who took time to share their experiences. We've now firmed up the trip plan and reserved most campsites. Holy cow does Colorado book early....many sites at our preferred campgrounds were already booked! So here's the current plan:

Books early but the weekends are the worst, (Many Cancelations) so with the exception of a few State Parks you can still squeeze in.


Day 1: drive from New Braunfels TX to Amarillo. May just use hotel points for a quick getaway the next day.


Day 2: drive to Buena Vista Co. Reserved at Valley RV for 2 nights


Day 3: white water rafting (1/2 day) and then explore, maybe Cottonwood Lake or up to St. Elmo


Take a look at Independence pass and Aspen/Maroon Bells - just Beautiful! - a Hike in the Collegiates is Great - K's in town is fun for Lunch - Crested Butte is just over the Mountain - Browns Canyon was just made a National Monument - so much to see/do.........

Quincy's in Leadville for a Steak Dinner - Worth the drive.

Fly Fishing to Die For!


Day 4: drive to Ouray. Likely stop at Black Canyon of Gunnison along the way. Stay at Ridgway State Park for 3 nights. Reserved in Elk Ridge section.


With your schedule - no time for adult beverages :W - get to bed early and get up to see the sunrise then just GO - Crystal Mill - Marble - Redstone - just a few names to drop/see along the way.


Day 5 and Day 6. Explore area. Possible jeep tour.


Have your fishing gear and camera gear READY!

Alpine Loop? - Telluride - Trout Lake - Lizard Head - Silverton - Lake City - Train Ride - Note here***** Be sure to have a good Camera and good Batteries with a lot of Memory, take 2 or 3 pictures every time you think one will do.


Day 7: Drive to Durango. Possibly stop at Mesa Verde NP along the way. Stay at Durango Riverside park on a river spot.

Option on drive is Rt 550 or Rt 145 both are Great drives - if Mesa Verde is on the route then 145 might just be better, possible side/slide trip into Uncompahgre National Forest, if your toad is good (4X4) - Telluride and Trout Lake are also on this route.


Day 8: Durango train ride and zip line experience at Soaring Colorado -


While the train ride is not to be missed - it is a long slow ride and you might look at the one way option with a bus ride back? IMHO a lot of time.


Day 9: Drive to Carlsbad NM


Flash lights and jackets - buddy up to one of the older Rangers, possibly he'll give you a private tour - we got one once was great - Flashlights really help -


Day 10: Quick stop at Carlsbad Canyon then drive home

I wish we had another few days to extend each stay. I've got the vacation days but our young adult children are new in their careers and couldn't take any more days. So we're fitting a lot in! That's okay...we're all very active and want to see and do things instead of just relax.

Just a thought on the 4 days travels to and from Colorado..........an option might be a fly in fly out for the kids to extend the days and Adventures in Colorado and not waste time on the drive to and back - Just a thought, we have often done the repositioning in the Coach and picked the Kids up at the airport to expedite the available travel days, and it has proved valuable in saving time and extending adventures.

I did not see your Coach or Toad listed so advise is just general in nature. Sounds like the trip of a Life Time - Lots of Pic's and a Daily Group shot in the Morning and in the Evening will be a great way to document your Adventure.

Best of Luck and be sure to get back to us with a report and Pictures after you finish the adventure.