We have been there three times and will be there again this Fall. It can be a simple drive up the south rim to a hike down to the river from the north rim (we did one a few years ago - it was not easy but great!). Here is the website and, yes, I would definitely recommend it. http://www.nps.gov/blca/index.htm
As I am sure T M would concur, two things.
Estes in the winter is totally different that Estes in the summer. I do not know the latest numbers but it used to be like that some 3.5 million visitors to RMNP per year and 3 million are in the summer. Tells you something. Which does not include the weekend influx in the summer that come from Denver, Ft. Collins, Boulder, etc that - for a great deal of the time - just hang out in town and not the Park.
Secondly, RMNP has been hit by the pine beetle and there is a lot of pine beetle kill of the trees. And, consequently to some degree, there have been several fires in the Park and even in town.
It is very, very sad to be sure. I would not be surprised that we would choose not to return - as much as we love it - but live on our good memories.
But this posting has digressed seriously - if one want to start a posting on Estes and RMNP, let's go there.
Estes in the winter is totally different that Estes in the summer. I do not know the latest numbers but it used to be like that some 3.5 million visitors to RMNP per year and 3 million are in the summer. Tells you something. Which does not include the weekend influx in the summer that come from Denver, Ft. Collins, Boulder, etc that - for a great deal of the time - just hang out in town and not the Park.
Secondly, RMNP has been hit by the pine beetle and there is a lot of pine beetle kill of the trees. And, consequently to some degree, there have been several fires in the Park and even in town.
It is very, very sad to be sure. I would not be surprised that we would choose not to return - as much as we love it - but live on our good memories.
But this posting has digressed seriously - if one want to start a posting on Estes and RMNP, let's go there.
As my friend, Thunder Mountain, says - Estes Park is being Estes Park in the summer. Gridlock. Ways to kinda get around it some but it can be jammed; particularly on weekends. And no longer a a good rv park there. Last time we were there we stayed at Riverview on west side of Loveland. This fall we are going back to CO & UT for Fall colors - Mancos, Buena Vista and Montrose in CO before heading to UT. Been these places many times as well.
Enjoy Estes - we lived there 1995-2003. Been back a few times since. Email or PM me if I can help you.
Personally, I would skip Tiger Run and Breck - spend the time in Montrose (for Black Canyon) or Buena Vista or Leadville or most anyplace else. We will be back, once again, to those areas this fall.
Dennispel wrote:
I'm in Gunnison Co. getting ready to head to Breckenridge. Looking at taking 50 to 285 then hwy 9 into breckenridge (staying at Tiger run). Any problems with towing any of that route? By the way I just did 550 up from Durango.
Thanks Dennis
One more Vote for 24 -- IMHO -- Buena Vista - Leadville - Independence Pass and the Collegiate Peaks are only topped by the San Juan's. And not by much. While in Buena Vista you can raft, hike, 4X4, and just explore and enjoy one great area. I would question what there is to do in Breck -- the slopes are closed and other than Ski, not a whole lot else that I've ever wanted to go back for. If I am seeing the weather right Leadville at 10,000 feet would be Ideal, and Quincy's steak house will be open, just one more reason to head through the area.
I've taken 285 twice and that was enough for me -- 9 is fun but not enough to balance out the long boring drive on 285.
BOL,
