Granby, Co to Austin, TX

[LanceRV]

Hello all and Thanks in advance.

22ft Lance towed w/ a q7TDI. 2 adults 3 kids.

We are heading to Colorado for two weeks. Driving directly to YMCA of the Rockies Snow mountain ranch for the first week. Two questions.

1. What is there to do outside of YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch? Maybe a 1 hour radius that we could do day trips to.

2. What is the best rout to head home the second week with 2-3 stops (or More) in Colorado. Ideally would like to hit up Gunnison or Rio Grand Forest.

Thank you

[fanrgs]

You didn't mention the age of your kids, but I haven't seen one of any age who doesn't love Great Sand Dunes NP.

Not sure what your interest is in Gunnison NF, but for more ideas, take a look at the US 285, US 24, US 40, and US 50 posts on my blog HERE.

[LanceRV]

Thank you again. Great suggestions.

[Busskipper]

LanceRV wrote:
That is very helpful. Thank you.

We plan to drive straight through on the way up. (Goal is to get kids to summer camp. But its ok, I work nights so I will be on my normal schedule at night.

So 6 days stationed at Granby.

Then about 7 days on the way back. And we are completely open to any suggestions. Thanks.

Map of Possible Route - Leadville/Turquoise Lake/Camp Hale/Twin Lakes/Rt 82 in the TV to Aspen/Buena Vista/Arkansas River/Browns Canyon NM/

Let's drive from Granby to Leadville area - Google Map - with options for drive - all routes have there own special interests - but be aware that RT 40 over Berthoud Pass would require you to then go through the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Direct route would allow a shopping tour of the Breckenridge area, if needed.

Western Route would allow a Beautiful Drive through Minturn/Red Cliff/Camp Hale, I love them all but your choice.

Camp in Leadville or Twin Lakes or Buena Vista - then all the options are available to you - only thing that is a special note is that Cottonwood Pass is closed on the West side to Crested Butte - road construction for the next Two Summers.

If you do everything you want in this area you could run down to Salida and on to Gunnison and up to Crested Butte, a little out of the way but not too far.

Only Problem would be now you are so Close to Ouray and Silverton/Lake City for the wilds of Colorado.

Look over the maps see if I can help with anything else and Good Luck,

[Thom02099]

1. What is there to do outside of YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch? Maybe a 1 hour radius that we could do day trips to.


There's the town of Grand Lake, the "quiet" cousin to Estes Park. Real Old West feel to the town, with it's boardwalk sidewalks, tourist shoppes, restaurants and art galleries. There's paddle boats that can be taken out on Grand Lake, and a nice swim beach (water will be cold, but it's refreshing). There's some great hikes on the east side of town, that gets you in to RMNP. There's also horesback riding stables to rent horses.

The west entrance to RMNP has a good, informative visitors center of things to see and do. There are a goodly number of hiking trails, which tend to be a bit longer than some of the trails on the east side. Notable is the hike to the Lulu City town site, which is mostly through a beautiful meadow in the Colorado River valley and to the headwaters of the Colorado. Return trip can be along the Grand Ditch which will give some spectacular vistas. That alone could cover a day.

The drive up and over to Estes Park is another day trip, best if started early in the day and if possible, during the week, when it is (relatively) less crowded. Alpine Visitor's Center has some vistas that are awesome. You could also return from Estes Park via the Old Fall River Road for a thrilling drive up a valley to above timberline, where the views are incredible. The road is 11 miles one way (you have to commit to it!), ends at the Alpine Visitors Center, and then you can return to Granby from there. Again, another really full day.

You could also take in the hot springs in Hot Sulphur Springs, which is close by. Could include a drive down to the Summit County area, for Dillon/Silverthorne/Frisco/Breckenridge. Though it's ski territory, there's lots to see and do in all of these towns; H E R E - Summit County and H E R E are just 2 of the many sites that you can find things to do in Summit County. Several days worth.

Winter Park -- not just for skiing. H E R E and H E R E are things to do in the Winter Park/Fraser area, which is just down the road from the Snow Mountain Ranch.

And don't overlook some of the activities available at Snow Mountain as well. Though it's been a while since I've camped there (and it was wonderful), it was back when the kids were younger and there's all sorts of activities to keep them occupied. Their staff can sure provide you with a list of activities that are current for the days that you are there.

[LanceRV]

That is very helpful. Thank you.

We plan to drive straight through on the way up. (Goal is to get kids to summer camp. But its ok, I work nights so I will be on my normal schedule at night.

So 6 days stationed at Granby.

Then about 7 days on the way back. And we are completely open to any suggestions. Thanks.

[Busskipper]

LanceRV wrote:
Hello all and Thanks in advance.

22ft Lance towed w/ a q7TDI. 2 adults 3 kids.

We are heading to Colorado for two weeks. Driving directly to YMCA of the Rockies Snow mountain ranch for the first week. Two questions.

1. What is there to do outside of YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch? Maybe a 1 hour radius that we could do day trips to.

2. What is the best rout to head home the second week with 2-3 stops (or More) in Colorado. Ideally would like to hit up Gunnison or Rio Grand Forest.

Thank you

Ton's to see and DO.

RMNP is just down the Road - Trail Ridge over to Estes Park - Grand Lake - Winter Park - Kremmling - Trails and beautiful hikes all over the place.

So two weeks - 14 or 17 days - 2 or 3 days drive up from Texas?

Possible to leave right after work on Friday to get a jump on the 1000 mile drive?

Would you be up for a loop drive? Catching some going up and more coming down?

Thinking of bringing you up past Great Sand Dunes NP then onto Buena Vista/Day Trip to Maroon Bells via Independence Pass RT 82 - catching the Collegiates - on to Turquoise Lake/Leadville - through Silverthorne - could go over Berthoud Pass and Winter Park or Kremmling and RT 9. So many options going up.

Then on the return I'd look at coming back to I-70 West to Glenwood Springs - onto Aspen - Marble - RedStone - Delta/Montrose/Black Canyon - Ouray/Silverton/Telluride - Gunnison/Crested Butte - Back Home.

Would something Like that work?

Just sort of a rambling drive through some of the Beauty of Colorado.

Best of Luck, Hope this helps,