Colorado - recommended visits?

I'm going to be in Colorado for four days this weekend, are there any

highly recommended scenic places to visit? (Staying in Denver but I'll

have a car, so I can travel) Many thanks!

The Rocky Mountain Nation Park is a couple of hours away, and well worth the trip. The high roads will be closed, but lower elevations may be open. Call first - weather can change fast in Colorado.

Four days, Denver. Head up to Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, via Boulder or via Loveland and Big Thompson (scenic canyon). Then head south back to highway 70 (need map naturally) and hit Vail.

 

Lots and lots of photo opportunities.

 

Or

 

Head south Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and other area attractions Cripple Creek and old mine towns.

 

Hope the local can give you the weather and road warnings.

Another route: Up north through Fort Collins and out west to Cameron Pass. There's lots of good places to go. Pick a direction and go.

Hard to go wrong w/ 4 days in Colorado. I despise bum steers and time spent thumbing a guide, hence this thorough reply. RMNP is a must. Trail Ridge Road (crosses the Divide) is closed but you can still drive a fair distance before the barricade. The Bear Lake Road is a very popular access point and delivers you deep into the Park. Great sunrise shots available a short walk from the car, looking across the lake and up to Hallett Peak. The alluvial fan at Lawn Lake Trailhead is an impressive site to behold, esp. from T-Ridge Rd. An earthen dam gave way in '82, flooding the town of Estes. The debris (alluvial fan) speaks volumes of the powerful wave. <p> Brainard Lake Road accesses the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area off the Peak-To-Peak H'way (H'way 72), W of Bldr. Again, great and immediate access to high elevations. If you visit Brainard Lake, take a few minutes to drive through the funky little enclave of Ward. Neo's in Nederland for Italian is flavorful and filling! <p> For warmer temps at lower elevations Eldorado Canyon Sate Park (just S of Bldr) is mighty pretty. Plenty of rockclimbers dangling from the canyon walls to shoot. The Flatirons (abrupt and expansive rock formations miles long) just outside Bldr will not disappoint. Awesome at sunrise! Park at Chautauqua. Not quite natural-and-scenic splendor (perhaps quite unnatural) is the Pearl St. scene in downtown and tragically hip Bldr, w/ street performers and colorful crowd, depending on temps. <p> Agree w/ previous remarks about Garden of the Gods outside Co Springs. Co Springs also offers the Air Force Academy w/ its Walter Netsch designed chapel. How about the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame for the bullrider in you? <p> If you're inclined to see the mountain towns head W on I-70 for Breckenridge and the Victorian architecture. Shouldn't be too busy as ski season is not in full swing. Consider Hwy 6 over Loveland Pass rather than the Eisenhower Tunnel for a quick dose of lean air at 12k ft. Waist no time head-scratching so plan in advance as the days are short. Combine various sites w/ a loop drive rather than an out-and-back the same way as there is much to see and do, so much more! Drink plenty of water (by day at least!) and bring warm clothes, hat, gloves, etc. for altitude.

 

In a nutshell, here's a jaw-slacker tour: rise-n-shine early for sunrise at Flatirons. Head N out of Bldr to Lyons and take Hwy 36 to Estes / RMNP. Tool around RMNP. Leave Estes / RMNP via Hwy 7 and hook a right on Hwy 72, heading S. Visit Indian Peaks via Brainard Lk Rd. Continue S on 72 to Nederland for dinner, etc. Either head E on 119 to Bldr or seek your fortune in the gambling towns of Blackhawk / Central City (send me a cut if you win BIG!). Seriously mind the serious drunk drivers on the mountain roads who just stumbled out of a casino w/ a light wallet. Godspeed!

I used to live there, and all of the above suggestions are very good ones. Yes, don't miss Estes park, Leadville, RMNP, etc. You'll have a great time.

 

Russ

As noted, Lilly has pretty much nailed it. I would second Neo's if you're in the neighborhood at meal time. I'd also recommend Leadville for a bit of something different; though the RMNP/Boulder/Denver/Co Springs area is varied, the Leadville area has a unique feel. Though I haven't been in several years, the last time I was there it still had its old mining town feel (unlike the gambling towns). If you go, take the extra time to go to Twin Lakes - stunning views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive (two largest mountains in state). This time of year, make sure to check the weather first.

 

Enjoy!

EO

Thanks all for the excellent recommendations (especially about the water...I've never been so thirsty!). I ended up taking one loop up to RMNP through Boulder and back down via the peak-to-peak highway, and another down to Colorado Springs and Pike's Peak. Unfortunately it started snowing just as I arrived in Estes Park, but I shot a few rolls of E6 in Colorado Springs that made it all worthwhile. Cheers!