Colorado trip Ideas

[Chris1985]

@Krondor My wife and I haven't taken the tram due to the cost. They have two types of tickets, Reserved Admission and Standard Admission. I will only comment on the Standard (cheaper price). Its $58.50 per a person over the age of 13 and $48.50 for children 12 and under. I am sorry, but I don't like the idea of paying for my 10 month to ride on my wife's lap! If the airlines don't charge her to do that, why this train? lol. As far as I can tell there are no Military, Veteran, or 1st Responder discount to help lesson the cost. BUT if you have a lot of disposable income, then go for it ! I am just starting off in my career so we are on a budget LOL!

Sponsored

 

[Krondor]

@Krondor My wife and I haven't taken the tram due to the cost. They have two types of tickets, Reserved Admission and Standard Admission. I will only comment on the Standard (cheaper price). Its $58.50 per a person over the age of 13 and $48.50 for children 12 and under. I am sorry, but I don't like the idea of paying for my 10 month to ride on my wife's lap! If the airlines don't charge her to do that, why this train? lol. As far as I can tell there are no Military, Veteran, or 1st Responder discount to help lesson the cost. BUT if you have a lot of disposable income, then go for it ! I am just starting off in my career so we are on a budget LOL!

I never took it either, but hear it's a great ride.

I always rather hike up or drive if I'm taking family and friends that don't hike. ?‍ ?

 

[RanchoShocks]

If you are doing Chinaman's and see Big Boys heading up Carnage. Stop what you are doing and watch them do that trail. Or if you want you can go to the top of the waterfall exit and maybe see some exiting the trail. This trail is INSANE.

 

[Rodeoflyer]

I've done most of CO (san juans, imogene, engineer, black bear) and everything near Denver..

These are some near Denver (switzerland, slaughterhouse gulch) https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/top-spots-for-off-roading-near-denver/

Rainbow falls/mini moab is fun down near the springs/woodland park..

 

[dogbreath650]

First, x3 on the Chuck Wells book, it's a great resource.

For Holy Cross, be aware that Fri - Mon you are likely to find a lot of rigs on the trail. Since most of it it is a two way up and back trail, there are frequent jam-ups/delays at Frenchman Creek. If you're going, I'd recommend planning for Tues, Wed or Thursday. It is a awesome trail so I'd also recommend you keep it on your list.

There is a nice easy scenic loop close to Holy Cross. Two trails (Ptarmigan and McAlister) combine to make the loop which starts/ends near Minturn. If you take your time and pack a lunch it will take about 5-6 hours.

For driving up Pikes Peak, I've heard that you need a reservation in advance to drive. Since they built the new visitors center parking is limited and they are trying to get everyone to take the shuttles. Check the website.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Apples491]

Will echo the recommendations of the Funtreks books and Trail Damage.

Within a drive of Denver look at, Middle Saint Vrain, Saints John/Deer Creek, Yankee Hill, Argentine Pass, Eagle Rock trail, Spring Creek, Kingston Peak. These tend to be between 4-7 scale and some are more about the views but all are a good time.

A note about the Pikes Peak railroad. It's worth doing once. My argument for spending on the reserved ticket. With the standard ticket, you are at the whim of available seating. The seating is setup very much like a bus or train with them facing each other. The problem is, the tram climbs the mountain and hits something like 45* at points. If you end up in a downhill facing seat, you spend a lot of the trip bracing with your legs just to stay in your seat. It was exhausting. And the train doesn't turn around on the way back down, so you're doing the same thing both directions. Pay the extra money and grab a seat facing uphill.

 

[wibornz]

Throwing in my vote for Red Cone and Webster Pass. Nice day trip. Not overly hard, but a couple good obstacles with great views.

 

[Krondor]

Throwing in my vote for Red Cone and Webster Pass. Nice day trip. Not overly hard, but a couple good obstacles with great views.

Confirmed.

Great little trip with some backups on Red Cone while people got past a couple of obstacles. Just remember to follow the signs and don't go the wrong way on a one way.

 

[wibornz]

Confirmed.

Great little trip with some backups on Red Cone while people got past a couple of obstacles. Just remember to follow the signs and don't go the wrong way on a one way.

I have been to that exact spot.

my favorite pic from that area.

 

[Krondor]

I should have taken more pictures for sure. Awesome views.

 

[c20040215]

Thank you guys for your inputs. I really appreciate it.
I did some research and here is my preliminary plan.

Stay in Georgetown for the first two nights
Day 1: Red Cone + Webster pass
Day 2: Spring Creek

Go to Leadville and stay two nights
Day 3: Chinaman Gulch
Day 4: Holy Cross

How does that sound? My thought was increase difficulty each day so in case any breakdown in the harder trails, it doesn't ruin the entire trip. And logistically it makes sense, at least on google map it does lol

Any other suggestions that have not been mentioned above?
Thank you.

 

[Krondor]

Georgetown

https://www.cabincreekbrewing.com/​

https://guanellapass.com/​

Leadville

http://twomilebrewing.com/​

If you head back toward Denver from there: Outer Range in Frisco is a must.

If you head south, then stop in Buena Vista for Eddyline but definitely stop by Elevation Brewing in Poncha Springs. Excellent. ?

 

[dshark1]

I Always wanted to visit Colorado. Would leave today if I knew where I was going. Lol. Any recommendations for just scenic routes , fishing & back country?
nothing crazy, no rock crawling. Just want to take in the beautiful sites, picnic and be off the grid for a bit? Any info highly appreciated.

 

[Mgg253]

Thank you guys for your inputs. I really appreciate it.
I did some research and here is my preliminary plan.

Stay in Georgetown for the first two nights
Day 1: Red Cone + Webster pass
Day 2: Spring Creek

Go to Leadville and stay two nights
Day 3: Chinaman Gulch
Day 4: Holy Cross


Any other suggestions that have not been mentioned above?
Thank you.

When you coming? I’m putting a trip together for first week of august. Though I’m pretty stock so holy cross is def out. May be able to cross paths a day pending when you’re out here

and @Krondor is 100% correct, outer range is a must - for the beer and the fried chicken! Plus they have free chargingin the adjacent lot for me 4xe

 

[ZigZag]

I Always wanted to visit Colorado. Would leave today if I knew where I was going. Lol. Any recommendations for just scenic routes , fishing & back country?
nothing crazy, no rock crawling. Just want to take in the beautiful sites, picnic and be off the grid for a bit? Any info highly appreciated.

See my post #7. Specifically the Funtreks books. Very helpful in planning a trip.

Sponsored