RE: early dec./s.w.
leaving for Tucson Dec. 1 or so....every year take the same route, ,ok.,texas,n.mex., az.,,,,,,thinking about smelling the roses around Denver,Golden, or Boulder......am i crazy? should i take in some southerly (texas)? thanks for the help...jack:C
IMHO your not crazy – this is a great time to travel in Colorado – will you see snow – likely but for the most part when the sun comes out it will be melted and you will not be able to tell it snowed by afternoon.
Take a look at staying in Golden at Clear Creek – great little campground that is right on Clear Creek – you can walk to town, restaurants, community center, Coors, just minutes from downtown and all that Denver has to offer. Take Rt 93 up to Boulder along the foothills then up to Nederland and back thru Peak to Peak back to Golden. Usually crisp nights with sunny days.
Don’t think you will find many real Roses in bloom but like I’ve said it’s a great time to be in the area. If you have any reservation on the trip just keep an eye on the weather and plan accordingly.
A couple of older posts with Pictures of the Colorado area in the Fall Winter;
While Clear Creek Camp Ground is not in the “Woods” an actually is in the City of Golden right on Clear Creek – I’m not as careful about giving out this info, as I used to be, as it is a secret that has been discovered and is actually very hard to get in, in the Summer. We will work hard to get in, and always spend as much time here as we can – less than a half mile walk into town – full hookups (need to have a heated hose in the winter) and actually has a few spaces available today as I write this.
We are 42 miles from Eldora ski area in Nederland and if you make the drive you get to go west on Rt 6 to Rt119 part of the Peak to Peak Highway – if you think it is beautiful in the summer you should see it in the winter. Also only 68 miles to Breckinridge and a few less from A Basin, but most who ski there use Tiger Run which is just a shuttle to Breck.
If you are really into the ski thing – almost a hundred dollars a day – Vail is 85 miles.
The other thing we like is the fact that we are only about 13 miles from downtown Denver, which is really quite a city.
Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that we have a granddaughter who lives just a few miles north of us, which the main reason we are out here -- when we had our Coach built we had it built for the cold and it really pays off now. With extra insulation, heated tanks, Hydro Hot, Solar Panels, (we have also dry camped for a week at a time on some of our trips out here) we can pretty much go and stay almost anywhere, anytime.
Links to Camp Grounds
http://ci.golden.co.us/Page.asp?NavID=329
http://www.tigerrunresort.com/
And a couple of summer photos of Clear Creek when the water is really flowing in June.
http://i2.tinypic.com/6jgbskk.jpg width=640
http://i10.tinypic.com/6yz08cw.jpg width=640
Hope this is of some help – and maybe we will see you out here sometime,
Busskipper
It’s all in your perspective – but I really think we are starting to get close to the end.
Clear Creek in Golden, Colorado last week;
http://i30.tinypic.com/28r0hp4.jpg width=640
Same day – the kids were loving it!
http://i27.tinypic.com/j5w4uh.jpg width=640
Today in Maryland a high of 37 and in Colorado it will be almost 60 and people will be walking around in shorts and T shirts.
Next week it will be different – also saw Daffodils in North East Texas on the trip back –
Spring is JUST AROUND THE CORNER
I hope,
My trip to Golden.
We just got here from Annapolis, MD to Golden, CO 1,784 long miles, while we saw a few Coaches headed east only saw one heading west with us – must mean I’m crazy?
A few observations of the trip;
Averaged about 8mpg at 60mph with the heat (Diesel) and about 8 hours of generator use. Normally has been 7.3mpg overall
Driving 60 vs 68/70 mph will save about 10% on fuel – driving across Kansas is flat but steadily uphill (4,500+- feet)
Flying J while sometimes great, is more often a PIA due to published pricing and actual pricing and credit restrictions. For every good Flying J positive experience I have at least two negative ones, not sure I will keep them on my list of fuel stops. It is actually easier (IMHO) to use a regular gas station with Diesel fuel and just pay a dollar or two more.
If the home of the steak is Kansas City, why is the price of beef so high in Kansas – a top cut rib eye at Ruth Chris Steak House is $38.00 in a little roadside café in Russell, Kansas it was $40.00 ended up buying the Buffet for $7.75 and regretted it.
Clear Creek RV park is great with all the snow, sunshine and the flowing Creek it is truly special.( it was 5 degrees last night – sure like the Hydro-Hot and this AM the sun is low in the south and shines right in the Clean front window and is 75+ degrees in the drivers seat as I write this.
http://i10.tinypic.com/81gzgpe.jpg width=640 http://i14.tinypic.com/7wp3x9w.jpg width=640
The drive was worth it as I got a big bear hug from The Granddaughter after 30 hours of driving and 3 ½ days on the road boy is life great.
Anyone else out here, in the cold?
Hope this was of some help,
RE: Cody WY
http://www.codyponderosa.com/
Sights to see:
Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and Beartooth Pass
Red Lodge Montana
Bill Cody's Museum of the West
Don't miss Yellowstone
JMHO,
RE: Best route from Denver to Estes Park
If you are already in Denver then 36 is the easiest. BUT - if you were a few weeks later, when the aspen start to turn, I would send you up Boulder Canyon to Nederland (7/119) then across the Peak to Peak highway to Estes. A priceless drive- especially when that Colorado gold starts to show up!
Peak to Peak is the BEST route to RT 36 into the Park.
BOL,
RE: Help finding CG on scenic central western Colorado
Nice little spot in Marble – cool on the back side of Maroon Bells – Lake City, Creede – lots of BLM land to sneak into, hopefully 4Runnerguy will chime in, as this is his neck of the woods.
This is an area that you just bounce around in and around every turn it’s like being a little kid in a candy store – almost too beautiful to imagine – Rivers – Rocks – and some of the nicest people you can imagine.
Enjoy the trip and BOL,
RE: Denver to Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone
I am planning to take my wife and two kids out west next July . We are going to fly into Denver and rent a 27' Class C. We will travel from Denver to Mount Rushmore then onto Yellowstone and return back to Denver. Do you think two weeks is enough time for this trip? Are there road restrictions for this size RV? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Bill
Bill,
Is two weeks enough time? No but if that’s what you’ve got we can do it –
Denver to Custer – Mt Rushmore/Black Hills/Crazy Horse/Emerald Cave/Custer State Park –365 miles one day on the road Day and a half then on the road to –
Devils Tower – Cody 110 miles to Devils Tower this is a lunch stop and then on to Cody – 310 miles not all freeway so think in terms of 50 miles an hour
Next day Yellowstone need three days the road is a figure eight you really need four days but we need to shave a little here and there to make it work –North – South -- East and West -- take your time see it all then head to Teton NP and Jackson.
100 miles into the park then a couple hundred miles in the park then another 100 to TNP and Jackson
That was the first week assuming you flew in on Friday picked up the RV on Saturday and were on the road by 10:00in the AM
Now week two;
Leaving Jackson to Flaming Gorge spending the night on the west side by the lake swimming and fishing ad resting up just a little – only 200 miles from Jackson to FGNM
Now from Flaming Gorge to Dinosaur NM, they have been working on it but it is still worth the effort – Camp along side the Green River and see the Bones –
From there to the Town and falls at Rifle SP in Colorado and the Colorado River only 150 miles so another easy day.
From Rifle we head up to Maroon Bells and a hike up into some of the most beautiful parts of Colorado. This is time well spent combined with a trip into the town of Aspen to see how the top 1% live, hike into Maroon Bells so you take photos with the sun at your back then hike back down for sunset. Only 50-75 miles
Then on to out of Aspen on Rt 92 to Leadville and Twin Lakes, a little rough drive but just take it slow and enjoy the view you will be on top of the world from here to Quincy’s for steak dinner then and spend the Night in Leadville at 10,000 feet. Less than 100 miles.
Then on to Breckinridge and Tiger Run for a ski resort and a pretty nice camp ground.
Swim bikes and relax – only less than 50 miles.
Now into Golden Colorado at Clear Creek to spend the night in a small CG right on the Clear Creek the local community center is only ½ a block from the CG to swim and relax if the river is not just perfect. Less than 100 Miles – take the RV back spend the night in a Hotel in Golden and relax with the Coors tour then fly home.
Total trip 14 days +- and less than 2000 miles or less than 150 per day – not much time to rest but take plenty of pic’s and rest when you get back to work.
If I can be of more help or you need pic’s just PM me.
Boots, bikes, and bathing suits are essential – the Class C is a no problem when you are driving on the Colorado roads – just remember that going down is the hard part not going up.
This trip could be taken in either direction and might be better/easier if run clockwise.
BOL,
Look over this web site from a family that made a habit of doing more in a few weeks than most would even think of:
http://www.cross-country-trips.com/
RE: Gouldings CG
Headed from Durango over through Mt. Valley next week and was curious about Goulding CG. Is it a good place to stay or should we move on. PS We have a 37" fiver.
Thanks, Jim
First be sure to run thru Mesa Verde if you haven’t already – then a quick run by Mexican Hat on the way to Monument Valley – Gouldings CG was a pleasant surprise and Monument Valley is right up there with Canyon de Chelly (if you have the chance run by there also) you will need to be sure to bring your old John Wayne movies as he is still there.
So much to see in this part of the country so be sure to allocate enough time.
BOL,
RE: Salt Lake to Bryce
40 Foot Class A towing a minivan -
Better to take I-15 to UT 20 to US 89
or
I-15 to I-70 to US 89? looks like only an additional 20 miles?
Or does someone have another route they would recommend?
Thank you.
Chief,
If you are looking for relaxed and scenic – look at Rt 6 to I-70 to Goblin Valley SP then to Capital Reef NP on Rt12 to Kodachrome Basin SP and then to Bryce – another 100 miles but you will get your moneys worth. We have found that Utah has so many unique qnd different places they could easily have 10 NP's -- just doesn't seem fair -- you need to get off the interstates and see the country, get into the State Parks you’ll be glad you did.
JMHO,
RE: Monument Valley
Don’t have time right now to cut and paste all the relevant info but these pictures are on the subject and might be of some help.
We're planning on traveling back from Grand Canyon up through 4 corners and accross Colorado (most on US 160)next summer.
Does anyone who has traveled this route have any suggestions for where to fuel up, stop and eat along the way?
The route up to 4 corners looks like it is pretty desolate, just wanted to get some ideas about this leg of the trip.
Dave
You will want to fill up on the Interstates and be sure your cupboards are not bare.
Now on the route have you thought about running by Canyon de Chelly? It is a true masterpiece of the west – another stop we always will try to make when we are in this neck of the desert is Monument Valley.
Other thing to remember is the Navajo’s have lots of small settlements out and about these areas and it is not really that desolate. IMHO
Canyon de Chelly
http://i13.tinypic.com/7y3vkes.jpg width=640
http://i12.tinypic.com/6ylw3h5.jpg width=640
Monument Valley – worth the trip.
http://i8.tinypic.com/87k2k5c.jpg width=640
BOL,
Hi,
We are planning out next falls trip to RMNP, and Utah. It looks like the most direct rout from RMNP to Moab would be taking 70 Cisco and then 128 into Moab and Dead Horse State Park ? how is 128 into Moab?
Then we would like to travel across to Zion, stopping at Capitol Reef and Esclante Cayons for some camping and hiking and then onto Zion. Is it safe to take 191 out of Moab to Blanding and then 95 to 24 to 12 ending back up on 89 to 9?
We have a 36 FT MH and are pulling a minivan.
Would we be better off parking the rig and driving into the "middle" area?
Thanks for you help
Rt 128 is one of our favorite drives along the Colorado River you will have no problem do not miss it.
You will leave on Rt191 north to I70 then Rt 24 it is a much shorter drive in the RV and if you need to see the crossover of the Colorado at Rt 95 I would go in the Van – JMHO – then to Capital Reef . From Capital Reef to Escalante and Rt 12 again a great drive along the Hogback to Kodachrome and Bryce be sure to see both. If you are able try to Catch Goblins State Park a little out of the way but a good Day Trip in the Van.
This is a great area and is rich with Photo opts You might look up on line, some of these areas up as the are really unique.
After you finish in Zion – you may need to research the Tunnel you should head to Page and Lake Powell and Antelope Canyon with the thought of Catching the North Rim of the GC. Then check to see if you could catch Monument Valley and Canyon de Chellybefore heading home thru Mesa Verde and Durango maybe heading up Rt550 and Silverton to Ouray and Maroon Bells with the leaves changing and just before the first snow.
Sure sound like fun just a few shots from our last trip;
Rt 128 along the Colorado River
http://i27.tinypic.com/14d3hno.jpg width=720
Lake Powell
http://i28.tinypic.com/23k6o75.jpg width=720
Thru the front windshield a Goulding CG at MV
http://i32.tinypic.com/yhv28.jpg width=720
Hope this is of some help,
While the story lines are different the pictures are relevant to the question,
Hope this is of some help,
RE: Durango to Denver
Beautiful drive -- but you might look at going thru Leadville on Rt24 to I-70.
Most of the roads are fine in a large coach and toad with the scenery being well worth the drives.
BOL,
RE: Lake City Colorado
Would like to spend about a month in 2009 in Lake City. We have a 38' DP Which Rv park do you recommend?
Really the location you park the rig is secondary, as you have found a secret part of Colorado that will not disappoint.
One of our favorite spots in the West, which we will never get enough of.
BOL,
RE: Best way to Aspen from Gunnison,Co
do the 92/133/82 route but allow lots of time. Yep... this is a very nice drive. I second taking it.
one more vote
RE: March Travel
I’m starting to think through our general plans (locations) for the first half of 2009.
January – February
Southern Texas, New Mexico & Arizona
March 1st
Take 3-4 days traveling from the Southwest to Denver for a 3-4 day visit with friends… looks like I-25.
March 7th
Take 2-4 days traveling to Bozeman MT area. Looks like more I-25
March 25th
After a couple weeks in Montana we’d head south to Vegas. Looks like all I-15
I guess the question is are Interstates 25 and 15 and relevant connections really a place you’d want to be driving in March? What might we expect? How much will snow or freezing conditions be an issue?
Joppa,
Look at going up thru Utah and the desert and then if the weather is right head over on I-70 to Denver – much more to see on the route and the weather just requires you to keep your eyes on it. The trip to Bozeman is the same – keep your eyes on the weather and try to keep a few days in the Bank if you need to hang out along the way – the comment about not finding RV parks is very true – but with your rig you can survive nicely in Wal*Mart using the generator. When heading south I would look at many of the side roads and see a lot more of Utah – this sis one of the best time to drive thru. This state is at it’s best in the winter, IMHO.
Enjoy the trip – (as I write this I am sitting in Boston on a beautiful day but wishing I was in Colorado)
BOL,
RE: Freash water taste like hose!
So yet another newbie question. Up until last month I have been a full hook ups everywhere we have gone. We went out to a beautiful place that had nothing but power. I filled up my freash water tank via my yard hose through my filter I bought. Low and be hold the wifie tells me the water taste like "hose". As usual, she was right. Next weekend we go out to Forks, WA and we have full hook ups again but I am kinda stumped on why it taste like hose.
I know the filter only stops particals from getting in my tank but how do I fix the taste ?
Go with the white plastic water hose --
RE: driving motorhome on highway 34 - Rocky Mts. National Park
I live in Estes and will be driving my 40 foot DP and toad over 34 next Friday. Done it before in the DP and in previous fivers. Yes, it is tight and steep in places. Best to do it in the toad. If you must drive MH over 34 because of routing, do it EARLY in the morning to avoid traffic. Use low gear and pullouts to let traffic pass. You didn't say which way you were coming in. Would suggest you stay in Estes Park. Pine beatle has killed nearly all trees in Grand Lake side of the Park. Not a pretty sight.
Good advice --
