Colorado Route Suggestions?

If you are determined to see RMNP, but these comments have made you think twice about camping at Moraine Park, I would highly recommend going to Grand Lake and the West Entrance to RMNP instead.

Admittedly we avoid going to any of RMNP in summer, but you may have a much better shot at really enjoying it if you avoid Estes Park traffic completely. When we do visit Grand Lake, we stay at the Forest Service's Stillwater cg, with electrical hookups, water, and a dump, on Granby Reservoir.

There is another important point to made about visiting Colorado. The big towns like Denver, Colo Spgs, and Ft Collins are all at the foot of the eastern slope. The Western Slope is quiet in comparison. It gets much less crowded a couple of hours from Denver. Estes Park is a nightmare in the summer.

The "wild card" factor, for RMNP and Estes Park, as well as the west side and Grand Lake, will be to proposed daily fee increase to $70/vehicle, $50/motorcycle and $30/pedestrian/bike. As of now, that's set to go into place for the season May-October. The comment time for the fee increase ended in late December 2017. The Congressional Representative for this area, Rep. Jared Polis (D) has voiced his opposition to the fee increase. Haven't seen any updated news releases since late December.

I could add my 2 1/2 cents worth here as I lived in CO and go back there often. But you have gotten some good info. Thom is the go to guy for CO these days but 2gypsies has good info. Actually, most everyone does.

As far as Estes is concerned, I lived there 8 years and just last week shared time with a very long friend who talked me into living there back in the early 90's. They still live there. The town is a real mess as town itself but with all the people who get to Rocky and show no respect for anything. The town is got very bad management (Mayor in particular) and let's just say politics which if affecting a whole lot there......including visitors. Fees for Rocky have gone way up and many new restrictions. My recommendation - stay the heck otta there. Go done to the San Juans around Buena Vista for someplace - we will be in B V for a month again this summer.

I rambled but just do some good checking on things.

Be safe and God bless.

Lauren

ppine wrote:
I would skip all of the state parks and even RMNP. They are the most crowded places in the state. Coming from the East, it takes time to get used to all of that open public land. The National Forest System is your best friend in Colorado.

I agree, the USFS CGs are terrific alternatives, and a bargain for those of us with the senior pass. Half price camping is a beautiful thing.

Unfortunately, as is the case with State and National Parks, they are also being overcrowded, or difficult to get reservations. And reservations, you definitely need, at least in this part of northern Colorado. My favourite places, I have to be up early on the opening day of the 180 window to get a spot where I want. And even doing that, in places like Red Feather Lakes, all of the spots were taken in a matter of minutes at 2 of the 3 CGs in the area. No better than SP or RMNP.

Best time to go to USFS CGs? Sunday/Monday/Tuesday! When I was working full time, those were my best days off and that's what I requested. Could go camping, leaving on a Sunday morning, while all the weekend warriors were coming home. Frequently had CGs to ourselves on those days.

I would skip all of the state parks and even RMNP. They are the most crowded places in the state. Coming from the East, it takes time to get used to all of that open public land. The National Forest System is your best friend in Colorado.

Your itinerary sounds like it includes a rush trip across Colorado. I suggest that’s not a good plan. Colorado has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. If you rush through it, you will not get to enjoy it as you would if you took more time – the more the better. You mention having three daughters. And admitted that rush trips and kids are not compatible. Amen.

2gypsies wrote:
I really suggest an overnight between Estes Park and Ridgeway.... perhaps at Rifle Gap State Park. After getting out of Estes and climbing the mountains you will most likely be tense and need a break from driving. Then you'll be refreshed for the final leg to Ridgeway.

A slightly different state park in the same area would be Rifle Falls SP, which is one of our favorites (if you can get reservations for a site long enough for your trailer!). For other route and campground ideas, see my blog HERE. Another alternative is the James Robb campground at Colorado River State Park in Fruita if you are planning to visit Colorado National Monument.

And we much prefer the Elk Ridge cg at Ridgway State Park to the other two campgrounds. However, if you are staying longer that your tanks will hold out, the Pa Co Chu Pak cg below the dam is the one with FHU sites.

I really suggest an overnight between Estes Park and Ridgeway.... perhaps at Rifle Gap State Park. After getting out of Estes and climbing the mountains you will most likely be tense and need a break from driving. Then you'll be refreshed for the final leg to Ridgeway.

So many great places. Once you get crowded places like RMNP out of your system, try spending time on the National Forests. I lived in Colorado in the 1980s, and there are 100 great places. Get some good maps and go wandering. Great place to boondock. Allow a few days to get used to the elevation.