gorgehiker Loc: Lexington, Ky

I will be driving from Kentucky to Colorado Springs next week for a three week road trip. I would appreciate any suggestions concerning best photo spots. I am planning several days in Colorado Springs to recuperate from the drive. I can include day hikes of 8-10 miles or roadside shooting spots. I hope to include stops at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Ouray, Telluride, Aspen and Rocky Mountain National Park. Thanks for any suggestions.

awc657 Loc: Magnolia, Arkansas

Don't miss Garden of the Gods while you're in Colorado Springs and of course Pikes Peak. You will love it all. Best of luck on your trip!

ejones0310 Loc: Tulsa, OK

When you go to Ouray, be sure to travel the full length of the Million Dollar highway down to Durango. The vistas are magnificent. You will also be going right by the Royal Gorge just southwest of Colorado Springs. Plan to stop there and spend at least an hour. The Black Canyon of the Gunneson is also most beautiful. It will require some time to appreciate. While in Colorado Springs be sure to visit Seven Falls. If you're a hiker, you can climb to the top via wooden stairs and see the graveyard. Pikes Peak is a must see. You can either drive to the top, or take the Cog Railway. Somewhere in that magnificent loop is Monarch Pass and Eagle Pass. Both worthy of a stop. Further south toward New Mexico is the Great Sand Dunes. They are a very curious site. If you make it to southwest Colorado there is the old cliff dweller village at Mesa Verde and in the northwest corner of New Mexico there is Ship Rock. Ship Rock is best photographed early in the morning as the sun peaks over the eastern horizon, and late at night as the sun sets. I spent ten days in that area in 2007 and came away feeling like I wasn't there long enough. I hope you have the time to really enjoy Colorado. God went wild with his magnificent views in that state.

twowindsbear

Mesa Verde. Durango to Silverton narrow guage rail road. Rocky Mountain National Park

Safe travels!

roder10 Loc: Colorado Springs

Driving west on Hiway 50 to Gunnison, CO you can take a trip to Crested Butte, hike land shoot the mountains. Further to Black Canyon of the Gunnison - you can take the Morrow Point turn off and hike to the bottom - stairs so not difficult and then as you go further toward Montrose go to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument - worth the stop. View of the Canyon and you can drive down to the river as well.
Definitely when you are in Colorado Springs go to the Garden of the Gods. Morning or evening it can be stunning.

Wanda Krack Loc: Tennessee, USA

The great sand dunes for desert like scenes.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

In CO Springs, the USAF Academy (the cadet chapel is the most visited place in CO) is a must...take it all in!

The Broadmoar Hotel is also spectacular.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

There are places too numerous to mention. The sand dunes are really unique. The stream coming off the west side of the mountains just disappears into the sand. It is always fun to walk to that point and take a wide angle shot of the end of the stream from the mountains along with the 700' to 900' dunes and the mountains themselves. There is Trail Ridge road in Rocky Mountian National Park with Estes Park on one end and Grand Lake on the other end with vistas, elk, picas, and moose in between. I'll let others talk about some of their favorite spots. And if you should become "tired" with Colorado, there's New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming to keep your interest peaked. Have fun while you are out here. And if you need more information while you are out here, just get on line ask us Colorado UHHs for more.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

tripadvisor.com

steve c

Crested Butte is very worthwhile and while you're in Aspen don't miss Maroon Bells park.

OnDSnap Loc: NE New Jersey

Lizard Head Pass

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

[quote=twowindsbear]Mesa Verde. Durango to Silverton narrow guage rail road. Rocky Mountain National Park

There is a joke about the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge railroad. A lady got on the train and was complaining to the conductor that she was going into contractions and asked if the train could be sped up. The conductor replied that if you were pregnant you should not have gotten one the railroad in the first place. Her response was I was not pregnant when I got on the train.

RG4073 Loc: Kettering, OH

Colorado is filled with wonderful places to visit and, very fortunately, I have been to most of them. Interestingly, many folks with whom I share my travels are surprised when it comes time for me to praise Great Sand Dunes NP! Either they have never heard of it or they ask why piles of sand might be so interesting. But... it doesn't take long for them to "get it" after I share a few pics. The clouds and the dunes and the sight lines and textures are amazing. Stunning, actually. Very well worth the visit. And on the way into the park is the "Oasis," which is handy if you need a bite to eat!

Great Sand Dunes is not far from Alamosa, where plenty of lodging and restaurants may be found. Note that south of there is Antonito. The Colorado end of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railway (narrow gauge steam-engine) can be easily found there. Several different kinds of rides can be purchased, some including both the train and some buses. Near the middle of the route, the train stops to allow passengers to enjoy a meal. Usually another train shows up, that one coming from Chama, NM, the other end of the track. Look at the web site to get an understanding of the different routes. I did one, for example, that started in Chama and went to Osier (where the large restaurant is located and where all the trains stop). When done, I got on a train that had started in Antonito and went to Chama. Pretty cool. The company seems to be well-run.

Note that in Alamosa is another scenic railway, the San Luis & Rio Grande Railroad. Several routes are offered, including one that reaches up to La Veta Pass. The company uses a diesel engine, not steam. I do not have first hand experience with that train, but I may get a chance in about a month to try it!

PCB_smv

Don't miss Garden of the Gods, a very impressive place.

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Antonito, The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad.Touche! (Longer, less expensive, roomer cars, also narrow gauge, outrageous scenery and includes a full meal)