Scoping out another USA road trip: Colorado, New Mexico

John259

If you go up Pikes Peak (drive or cog railway) be prepared for the incredible change in temperature. Kings Landing at the bottom to Castle Black at the top on the same day

Mesa Verde National Park is superb. The main features of the park are the preserved Anasazi/ancestral pueblo people cliff dwellings. Be sure to take at least one ranger-led guided tour to get the best experience. There are also some excellent views as a bonus.

Also in southwestern Colorado there's the San Juan Skyway loop of highly scenic mountain roads, the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (authentic old time western style steam train through the mountains) and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (immense steep walled canyon that can easily be viewed from both the top and the bottom). It's a wonderful area.

PeacefulWaters

agrinnall wrote: »

And my recommendation for southern Colorado would be to visit Mesa Verde.

Did that on last year's Utah trip!

Crispy_Ambulance wrote: »

Sounds like a great trip! We are going to be in the same area - we are flying in and out of Denver and visiting Cheyenne, Thermopolis, Sheridan, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Jackson, Salt Lake City, Moab (Arches & Canyonlands), Glenwood Springs, Rocky Mountain Park & Boulder in between. We do have the luxury of a longer trip than yours though.

Have you booked accommodation in Yellowstone yet?

It looks like a similar plan. Loved Canyonlands. SLC was nothing special but the temple is magnificent.

I've booked two nights in lodge accommodation in Teton National Park. Ideally I'd like to shift it to some sort of pre-erected tent, but what I've seen doesn't appeal.

Crispy_Ambulance

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Did that on last year's Utah trip!

It looks like a similar plan. Loved Canyonlands. SLC was nothing special but the temple is magnificent.

I've booked two nights in lodge accommodation in Teton National Park. Ideally I'd like to shift it to some sort of pre-erected tent, but what I've seen doesn't appeal.

I looked at those; the guidebook we have said they have all the charm of a Siberian Gulag and I'm inclined to agree! Plus you need to supply your own bedding etc - the tent cabins in Yosemite were much better.

I've gritted my teeth and booked a cabin in the Tetons but they are pricey. You are paying for the location though and that looks amazing.

Very much looking forward to seeing more of Utah.

PeacefulWaters

Crispy_Ambulance wrote: »

I looked at those; the guidebook we have said they have all the charm of a Siberian Gulag and I'm inclined to agree! Plus you need to supply your own bedding etc - the tent cabins in Yosemite were much better.

Spot on. I wasn't averse to buying and dumping sleeping bag and pillows, but they just didn't feel in any way authentic.

I've gritted my teeth and booked a cabin in the Tetons but they are pricey. You are paying for the location though and that looks amazing

Yes, £158 a night.

Very much looking forward to seeing more of Utah.

I very much enjoyed Utah. Four Corners was a waste of effort, although I can say we did it.

Canyonlands inspired me, like some sort of Yes album cover. Arches less so, although lost others seem to prefer it. Mesa Verde (Colorado) got a massive tick from me as did the drive down to monument valley. We never got to Ziom as the now ex was all canyoned out. Grand Canyon North beats the South rim if only due to a greater level of isolation - and the view from the restaurant.

blindman

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Grand Canyon North beats the South rim if only due to a greater level of isolation - and the view from the restaurant.

You should see the view from Torroweap

And then there's the Wave

jfdi

If you can visit Sand Dunes NP (SW Colorado en route to Durango), and a visit to the hot springs at Pagosa Springs on the bank of the San Juan river is fun!

PeacefulWaters

Here's the latest view of the route I'm planning. Yes, it's a lot of driving, but we like the driving. There's some good stuff missed out too - but the length of the trip demands this.

- Denver Airport Colorado Springs

- 10 mins drive to Garden of the Gods and Perkins Central Garden Trail
- 80 mins drive to Tunnel Drive trail along the Arkansas River
- 3 hrs 30 mins to Pagosa Springs
- Visit The Springs Resort Bath House

- 65 mins drive to Durango
- 55 mins drive to Potato Lake Trailhead
- 1 hr 20 mins drive through Silverton to Ouray (white knuckle)
- 2 hr 25 mins drive to Parachute

- 40 mins drive to Glenwood Springs, for half a day rafting
- 4 hrs 45 mins to Rock Springs

- 3 hr 45 mins drive to Colter Bay Village
- trail walk around Colter Bay Area.

- 90 minute drive to Old Faithful Geyser. Tour of Old Faithful Inn. Other Upper Basin geysers.
- 10 minute walk to Doublet Pool and Solitary Geyser. Possible climb of Observation Point.
- 10 minute drive to Grand Prismatic Spring
- 5 mins drive to Lower Geyser Basin
- 90 minute drive back to Colter Bay Village

- 60 mins drive to West Thumb Geyser Basin
- 40 mins drive to Hayden Valley
- 15 mins drive to Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
- 30 mins drive to Tower Fall
- 25 mins drive to Lamar Valley
- 25 mins drive to Cooke City Silver Gate
- 3-4 hrs on Beartooth Pass to Red Lodge

- 1 hr 10 mins to Buffalo Bill Center of the West
- 1 hrs 20mins to Wind River Canyon (seek out a trail)
- 2 hrs 10 mins to Casper

- 4 hrs 45 mins to Rocky Mtn NP and Trail Ridge Road summit.
- 45 mins to Grand Lake (might be a risk time wise)
- 2 hrs 30 mins to Denver Airport

PeacefulWaters

Travel next week. Can't wait.

Crispy_Ambulance

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Travel next week. Can't wait.

Have a wonderful time and tell us all about it!

Murphy_The_Cat

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

Travel next week. Can't wait.

please take numerous notes and post them here when you returrn.
I holidayed in Colorado and loved it.

I've got CO. pencilled in for part of next years trip and I'm looking forward to returning again.

have a great time and lift a cold one for me:beer: