first shakedown trip, need good place in CO

CObroker wrote:
We live in metro Denver area and just purchased a new Vibe extreme lite 224rls. We want to do an early season first time out 'shakedown' trip for a couple days fairly close to Denver in a couple weeks.

We usually go to Jefferson (outside of Fairplay), but it would be pretty cold still in a couple weeks. Does anyone have any suggestions that is within 2-3 hours towing of Denver, and perhaps a little warmer for early season?

We always dry camp but would even be open to a campground if any are opening in April.

thanks

Consider some of the state parks that are in that radius from your home. A goodly number, if not all of them, have some loops/sites open all year. Depending on whether you want to be in the mountains or stay down in the flats, there's Golden Gate Canyon SP, Cheyenne Mountain SP, Mueller SP, Boyd Lake SP, St Vrain SP are just a few that come to mind in close proximity to the Metro. H E R E is the link to the site to search for more info, if you don't already have it. I think all of them offer electric hookups, but may not be turned on at all the locations mentioned.

For warmer (and flatter), consider some of the NE Colorado state parks, such as North Sterling and Jackson.

Also consider Moraine Park in RMNP. There is a loop open up there year round; we were up there for the first time last season in April. It was chilly, but not bitter cold. Mix of sun and rain when we were there, but snow is definitely a possibility.

Depends on what you want to do while you're out. Not going to be a whole lot of hiking available in the higher locales. Some of the lower ones have nice bike/hiking paths. For example, at Boyd Lake here in Loveland, there's a bike path that runs through the park, one can use it to ride/walk/run, and has access to the path that runs along the Big Thompson River.

Probably a good idea to stick to lower elevations for now. There are some state parks down near Walsenburg and Pueblo and Trinidad that may keep you out of really high elevation. In any event, watch the weather forecasts. Spring storms in the southern Rockies are usually fast movers, but they can sure ruin a weekend for you.
Lynn

I agree to look at the State Parks. Jackson/North Sterling/John Martin/Pueblo/Boyd are all options. Larimer County has Horsetooth/Carter Lakes. Even Chatfield and Cherry Creek would be worth considering.

What's wrong with Chatfield dam or cherry creek Both right where you are and beautiful.

All good suggestions but I would put this one at the top of the list:

Cheyenne Mountain SP

if you can get reservations. Probably more likely now that it would be in the summer.

Nice up high in Raptor Glen overlooking Colorado Springs, beautiful at night.

thank you for the excellent suggestions. We realy are looking forward to trying a few different areas with this trailer. Mostly looking to hike and mtn bike.

also highly recommend Cheyenne Mnt State Park in the Springs. We were there a couple of weeks ago during the warm spell.

Wonderful campground.

All the suggestions will work but here is an old post old post that might help.

We have stayed often in Golden Clear Creek - it's in the city but you feel like you are miles away from the world, would (IMHO) be a great place to test out the new unit.

BOL,

padredw wrote:
All good suggestions but I would put this one at the top of the list:

Cheyenne Mountain SP

if you can get reservations. Probably more likely now that it would be in the summer.

Nice up high in Raptor Glen overlooking Colorado Springs, beautiful at night.

X2 on Cheyenne Mountain.

A few sites have steep entrance ramps that could bottom out a longer rig. Great trails as long as your hiking buddy isn't a dog (not allowed on trails).