We have been to Colorado once in our RV. We stayed at Estes Park and really liked it.
We are planning to head back, this summer but this time we are going to the Fun Valley/South Fork area. We have 2 kids (11, 16) and we are bringing our MH w/ toad in tow. We are looking for some help on things to do within 50/75 miles of South Fork and places to visit. We would like to camp in at least 2 places, one of them being Fun Valley.
We have been to Colorado once in our RV. We stayed at Estes Park and really liked it.
We are planning to head back, this summer but this time we are going to the Fun Valley/South Fork area. We have 2 kids (11, 16) and we are bringing our MH w/ toad in tow. We are looking for some help on things to do within 50/75 miles of South Fork and places to visit. We would like to camp in at least 2 places, one of them being Fun Valley.
Any ideas/suggestions ?
Mike
Mike,
For me the trip to South Fork is the Vacation. Coming from Arizona I would come thru Canyon de Chelly or Monument Valley on my way to Mesa Verde then into Durango. Depending on your driving type you could spend a while here and drive the Toad to Silverton or you could drive the Coach to Silverton and spend a few nights there. This is truly some of the best unspoiled areas of Colorado. From there to Ouray and the Hot springs maybe to Telluride and on up past Ridgeway to Montrose and up to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Gunnison lake then down to Lake City thru Creede and ending up in South Fork. From south fork you can capture any of the things you missed on the way home.
This is how I would do it – issues would be time – I’ve put a lot on your plate – so you can pick and choose. Many people will say you should just pick a spot and spend quality time in one area, if that works for you great but this is how I would drive this route. With young kids you will need to keep the driving days short and the activities high. For the most part all the roads are drivable – granted Rt 550 is a little narrow and with out guard rails but the road itself is fine for the most part. All the rest are just beautiful drives.
Next issue is the Toad a 4X4? If so you will have some great drives on the old mining roads – great hikes – great fishing – great mountains – with even better views. The two experts on this area are 4runnerguy and Stan Parker if they give you advice read it well as they have spent a great deal of time in the area and have really good insights as to what is available especially in the more remote and scenic spots.
Read through these web sites for more info and enjoy your trip;
You might consider a few days in the Alamosa area. Sand Dunes, train rides, etc. See:
http://www.alamosa.org/visitors/index.htm
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2004 Ford 350 Super Duty 2W Dirve Long Bed PU
2008 327RLT Montana Mountaineer 35 ft. 5th wheel 2005 Alaska and other Trip Logs
Google Mt Princeton Hot Springs. The whole family will love it!
Also just remembered Valley View Hot Springs south of Salida. It's really neat too. It used to be clothing optional but since it went public... check their website. Even when it was clothing optional most folk wore bathing suits. The nudity didn't bother us but might some folks. The thing about Valley View is the walk with the naturalist to the BAT CAVE! REALLY REALLY COOL! Check out their website for details.
You should love Fun Valley. We have been going there the last 5 yrs.
Cumbres & Toltec Railroad (highly recommended) or Durango/Silverton Railroad. If you take the C & T, take the train from Antonito and the bus back. Do a google search for info on both.
Sand Dunes (especially if you go early summer while Medano Creek is still flowing across the dunes and before it gets too hot).
Creed (city itself and the mining camp tour).
Float trips down Rio Grande.
Pagosa Springs good for a day outing.
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