Visiting Golden Colorado.
Jul 8, 2014 11:51:50 #
Jul 8, 2014 12:54:56 #
Georgetown and the Georgetown Loop RR properly got a mention; in Georgetown go to the Hotel de Paris. But while you're there check out Silver Plume just west of Georgetown. It's small but the honky tonk bars haven't gotten there yet.
If you are hikers, the hike I like most in RMNP starts at Bear Lake, does a little climbing, and then long downhill via Odessa and Fern Lakes to the Cub Lake trailhead where you can get a shuttle back to your car; check at the visitor center for times (and there may be a shuttle stop and Fern Lk).
Central City is honky tonk, but if you walk up to the stuff above town it is very interesting and photogenic (if you like old stuff). And you can drive above town too. More interesting than Idaho Springs, equal to Georgetown (not counting the rail ride), imo.
If you are serious hikers, Chasm Lk. in RMNP (south section) is glorious, but about as high as you can get in the park short of Long's Peak itself.
If you are hikers, the hike I like most in RMNP starts at Bear Lake, does a little climbing, and then long downhill via Odessa and Fern Lakes to the Cub Lake trailhead where you can get a shuttle back to your car; check at the visitor center for times (and there may be a shuttle stop and Fern Lk).
Central City is honky tonk, but if you walk up to the stuff above town it is very interesting and photogenic (if you like old stuff). And you can drive above town too. More interesting than Idaho Springs, equal to Georgetown (not counting the rail ride), imo.
If you are serious hikers, Chasm Lk. in RMNP (south section) is glorious, but about as high as you can get in the park short of Long's Peak itself.
Jul 8, 2014 14:11:33 #
Mt. Evans is a good place for photograph Mountain Goat and also some good scenic shots. Rocky Mountain National Park is also a great place for wildlife and scenic photographs (Elk, Moose, Mule Deer and maybe Big Horn Sheep) along with lots of different snall mammals and birds.
Jul 8, 2014 15:49:50 #
RE: Mount Evans and altitude awareness - its just over 14,000 feet at the top. Loveland pass, Trailridge road are both no more than roughly 11,000. That 3,000 feet of elevation makes a big difference if you are not acclimated. So, I would not head there your first day. Also, this time of year, you want to be below the tree line in the afternoons. Scattered thunderstorms start to build mid-day, and you don't want to be hiking above the tree line with lightning in the area. :-) Snow showers and hail can accompany the storms as well when you are up there.
Jul 8, 2014 16:32:07 #
If you want to photograph Rocky MT goats and Bighorn Sheep at close range drive to the summit of Mt Evans - 14000ft. Mornings and evenings seem to be the best but they can usually be seen throughout the day. The road leaves Idaho Springs just west of Denver and winds its way to the summit through spectacular country. You should also see lots of marmots, perhaps ptarmigan and pika too. Dress warm - it can be very windy at that altitude.
Jul 8, 2014 16:55:08 #
Another thing about being at altitude - the sun is more intense and people sunburn really fast - even if you're not a "burner" - so wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen -
Altitude sickness - drink lots of water - lots - lots - lots... at altitude you dehydrate quickly -
At 6000 ft, you have less oxygen than at sea level - cars have less power, people can't breath as easily and get tired faster...
link to oxygen/altitude chart:
http://www.higherpeak.com/altitudechart.html
Altitude sickness - drink lots of water - lots - lots - lots... at altitude you dehydrate quickly -
At 6000 ft, you have less oxygen than at sea level - cars have less power, people can't breath as easily and get tired faster...
link to oxygen/altitude chart:
http://www.higherpeak.com/altitudechart.html
Jul 8, 2014 17:14:34 #
As a former CO resident, I would take the 80-400. You will want the range for wildlife. Have fun!
Jul 8, 2014 19:23:27 #
Make the ride up Clear Creek Canyon to Forks Creek and on to BlackHawk and Central City. BlackHawk has been changed a lot by the Casinos, but is still a neat area. The Colorado Railroad Museum is also worth a look when you are in Golden. They have a great collection there.
Jul 8, 2014 21:29:19 #
I second the RMNP ! Fabulous place.
I suggest driving up the Old Fall River Road - is a one-way dirt road from Horseshoe Park to Alpine Visitor Center at the top of Trail Ridge Road. The ONE-WAY road is nine miles long and is NOT OPEN UNTIL JULY 4 of each year. VERY COOL !
Bring OXYGEN with you !! Once started up, you can't go back down the same way - it's a one way road!! And the TOP is at about 12,000 feet!! Pretty dang thin up there !!
Also gazillions of trails to walk down around the basin. And lots of critters.
I suggest driving up the Old Fall River Road - is a one-way dirt road from Horseshoe Park to Alpine Visitor Center at the top of Trail Ridge Road. The ONE-WAY road is nine miles long and is NOT OPEN UNTIL JULY 4 of each year. VERY COOL !
Bring OXYGEN with you !! Once started up, you can't go back down the same way - it's a one way road!! And the TOP is at about 12,000 feet!! Pretty dang thin up there !!
Also gazillions of trails to walk down around the basin. And lots of critters.
Jul 8, 2014 22:36:50 #
Jul 8, 2014 23:04:31 #
Merlin1300 wrote:
I second the RMNP ! Fabulous place. br I suggest ... (show quote)
The Fall River Road is closed this year for flood repairs...but you can still get to the Visitor's Center at the top by taking Trail Ridge road. Always a spectacular drive!
Jul 8, 2014 23:19:26 #
Merlin1300 wrote:
I second the RMNP ! Fabulous place. br I suggest ... (show quote)
I was up there last week, Old Fall River Road is closed due to mud/rock slides.
Oops! Should've read to the bottom before posting...
Jul 9, 2014 08:48:17 #
fyrlife wrote:
As a former CO resident, I would take the 80-400. You will want the range for wildlife. Have fun!
Thanks Notorious...appreciate the comments
Jul 9, 2014 08:50:35 #
Shellback wrote:
Another thing about being at altitude - the sun is... (show quote)
Thanks Shellback....very good advice. I just celebrated the 30th anniversary of my 40th birthday, so I am very cautious.
Jul 9, 2014 08:51:53 #
Outdoorsafe wrote:
If you want to photograph Rocky MT goats and Bighorn Sheep at close range drive to the summit of Mt Evans - 14000ft. Mornings and evenings seem to be the best but they can usually be seen throughout the day. The road leaves Idaho Springs just west of Denver and winds its way to the summit through spectacular country. You should also see lots of marmots, perhaps ptarmigan and pika too. Dress warm - it can be very windy at that altitude.
Great idea Outdoorsafe....appreciated.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.