Cololrado road trip suggestions
Mar 24, 2018 12:52:24 #
genocolo
Loc: Vail and Gasparilla Island
FYI aspens really don’t really hit their peak until 3rd - 4th week of September. Then usually spectacular, although their timing and brilliance vary year to year. Don’t miss McClure pass for aspens. Also don’t miss independence pass.
Bugeling elk in Estes Park.
Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Air Force academy.
Bugeling elk in Estes Park.
Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Air Force academy.
Mar 24, 2018 13:12:47 #
jaycoffman
Loc: San Diego
Mount Evans--the highest paved road in the United States. https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/day-trips-around-colorado/mount-evans/ Very nice drive. Also, the ride to Aspen over Independence pass is fantastic.
Mar 24, 2018 15:21:31 #
If you do Great Sand Dunes NP and the Medano Pass road is open, do the jeep rental. Did it last summer, wildlife and photo ops galore.
http://pathfinders4x4.com/
http://pathfinders4x4.com/
Mar 24, 2018 15:57:04 #
If you want a high panorama of mountains, you could take a gondola or a chairlift to about mid-mountain in Lionshead or Vail. I believe they may only be running on Saturday during late-September. There are some nice views of the Gore Range to the east.
Mar 24, 2018 18:38:40 #
Mar 24, 2018 19:05:13 #
I am surprised no one has suggested it yet but check out The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park.
Whether you are a fan of the paranormal it is still a truly beautiful place both architecturally and scenic.
Whether you are a fan of the paranormal it is still a truly beautiful place both architecturally and scenic.
Mar 24, 2018 19:39:44 #
I agree "Great Sand National Monument". Only place that I have ever seen a rainbow at night.
Mar 24, 2018 20:04:59 #
I have been many times, and would find it difficult to not go through Aspen (preferably via Independence Pass) and Maroon Bells. If you want to catch the sunrise on the tips of the Bells be there by 6am or earlier to get parking because it is very popular, and good reason for it. I love aspen groves on Maroon Creek Rd and the next valley over on Castle Creek Rd. (mining ghost town also). Nearby is the community of Marble and 4WD roads/tours to the Crystal Mill and beyond. Glenwood Springs is a nice place to stay in the area.
Mar 24, 2018 21:59:21 #
wiskey river
Loc: oklahoma
If you get a chance find trapper lake it's north of Gunnison through meeker great photos but it's out of the way but worth the effort stop at sleepy cat lodge for dinner
Mar 24, 2018 23:44:05 #
Cany143
Loc: SE Utah
SaratogaMan wrote:
Looking to plan a road/photo tour of Colorado in September, starting in Denver -- seeking places to see or skip, roads to take or avoid, number of days to spend where?
SaratogaMan? Are you there? Not long after I posted my reply, it occurred to me to ask (and I expected someone else would've asked before now): what sort(s) of things do you want/like to photograph?
Mar 25, 2018 06:58:57 #
If headed North on 550;In between Ridgeway and the Ridgeway Reservoir (reservoir/lake/campground) there is a dirt road turnoff to Owl Creek a beautiful but rather primitive area looking East from 550 (that leads to hiking and camping around West Fork and South Fork areas,etc) and to Silver Jack Reservoir.
From the top of Owl Creek you can head to Lake City and Blue Mesa and then on up to Gunnison and points East. There's a kazillion switchbacks initially with beautiful West overlooks as you gain elevation. I haven't been on the road for years and there were many bumpy washboard effects on the switchbacks. A truck or 4-wheel vehicle and smaller campers are okay , but I wouldn't rec larger RV's, 5th wheels, or even cars(unless you're prepared to take a beating). Roads improve as you reach the top and eventually you'll hit pavement again on the way down. You can make Lake City for lunch with an early start. Beautiful drive and country, especially when the valleys around Ridgeway and Ouray are green.
From the top of Owl Creek you can head to Lake City and Blue Mesa and then on up to Gunnison and points East. There's a kazillion switchbacks initially with beautiful West overlooks as you gain elevation. I haven't been on the road for years and there were many bumpy washboard effects on the switchbacks. A truck or 4-wheel vehicle and smaller campers are okay , but I wouldn't rec larger RV's, 5th wheels, or even cars(unless you're prepared to take a beating). Roads improve as you reach the top and eventually you'll hit pavement again on the way down. You can make Lake City for lunch with an early start. Beautiful drive and country, especially when the valleys around Ridgeway and Ouray are green.
Mar 25, 2018 10:02:18 #
mizzee
Loc: Boston,Ma
Be sure to check out the various tours offered by Mild2Wild tours. They offer all types of tours, including private tours and can take you to parts of the various parks where your rental car can't go. Not your typical tours with very knowledgeable guides. My husband and I did a couple of trips with them when we were in the Durango area and loved them. Very accomodating to what you want to do.
Mar 25, 2018 10:32:38 #
Landscape, mostly...and most anything that's eye-catching but not grotesque...,trains, too.
Mar 25, 2018 11:21:33 #
You won't have any problem gathering a long list of sights for your Colorado trip. I like the southwest area, Durango, Silverton, Ouray, etc. but you can't go wrong in any direction.
Since you're going in September, if you're a car guy, you might check out the Colorado Grand (http://co1000.com/) which runs Sept. 10-15. It's a collection of antique and collectible cars that do a 1,000 mile loop around the state. I ran into it in Durango a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Since you're going in September, if you're a car guy, you might check out the Colorado Grand (http://co1000.com/) which runs Sept. 10-15. It's a collection of antique and collectible cars that do a 1,000 mile loop around the state. I ran into it in Durango a couple of years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it!
Mar 25, 2018 13:50:48 #
I lived in Durango and Farmington areas for over 20 years and have seen a lot in that period.
Been on roads up there most sane people wouldn't dare take;
Hopefully, now in my 3rd trimester of life, my ashes can be spread somewhere along the Million Dollar Highway.
Just beautiful.....not to take away the beauty of other places, but it just feels like home.
Been on roads up there most sane people wouldn't dare take;
Hopefully, now in my 3rd trimester of life, my ashes can be spread somewhere along the Million Dollar Highway.
Just beautiful.....not to take away the beauty of other places, but it just feels like home.
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