Colorado National Parks

[IrishIroamed]

Anyone have recommendations for routes north/south or east/west to see the NPs in Colordo? I've driven I-25 many times on the front range in the past but without a trailer.

Thinking about doing the Great Sand Dunes then heading north to Rocky Mountain, which shouldn't be too much of a problem, but on a southbound trip later, what's the best way to drive and see Black Canyon of Gunnison and then get to Mesa Verde?

Might see some of the national monuments I haven't seen before too.

Ideas appreciated. Thanks.

[JudyJB]

It is really hard to avoid any high passes, but most are easily doable, even with a trailer, as long as you aren't horribly underpowered.

I might do a loop, heading west from Great Sand Dunes to Durango and Mesa Verde, and then turning north to Grand Canyon of the Gunnison. If you want to avoid some of the highest mountains, you take a farther west route from Mesa Verde to Gunnison.( I would NOT take the route from Durango to Ouray.) Then I would head north and circle back east through Rocky Mtn Natl Park.

[Bethers]

And one of my absolute favorite places is on the west side of Rocky Mountain NP... Grand Lake. It's still a gem as they keep getting more tourists but not like most of the towns.

[snowball]

think one of the parks is called Estes spelling I am sure is wrong but maybe I am wrong as I didn't see it on the list so perhaps it's just a town close to one... you are good at stopping and unhooking and doing day trips that would be a good idea... have you been up Pike's peak? and there is a park of some sort near Denver lot's to see in CO Utah as well ...
have fun in planing it
sheila

[IrishIroamed]

Sheila~ I've been to Colorado and the front range 6 times and have been to Estes, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Manitou, the AF Academy and a few other places.

Right now the idea is to head north from the Sand Dunes towards RMNP then on a south or west trip, get to Mesa Verde & Gunnison.

Thanks for the feedback ladies.

[Cudedog]

Anyone have recommendations for routes north/south or east/west to see the NPs in Colordo? I've driven I-25 many times on the front range in the past but without a trailer.

I would definitely make a stop at Dinosaur National Monument in western Colorado if your route takes you anywhere near there.

https://www.nps.gov/dino/index.htm

Years ago I took my children to Dinosaur when they were really too young to appreciate it. I don't think either of them remember going there.

I thought Dinosaur fascinating and amazing. Don't remember what the roads were like, but I don't think they were too bad.

I also took them to see Flaming Gorge, which was not too far away from Dinosaur. When we got there, they were both disappointed. When I asked why, they both said they were both expecting to see "Flaming George".

https://utah.com/flaming-gorge

A guy on fire at the bottom of a steep canyon really would have been something to see!

I could only laugh. I still miss being a mother of young children.

Anne

[Bethers]

I second Dinosaur... Truly enjoyed it. Went there after my last Grand Lake visit. And intend to go back when I have more time.

[JudyJB]

Mesa verde has a nice electric and water national park campground halfway up the Mesa. When I was there several years ago you had to un hook and drain your water hoses before dark because one bear had discovered that biting water hoses was a great way to get a drink in this dry desert. Never saw him However.

[Acadianmom]

Thirty years ago we went to the Grand Canyon, left there and went to Moab to Arches National Park and Dead Horse Point. From there we went across to Grand Junction, down to Black Canyon of the Gunnison, thru Silverton to Durango. I don't remember if Grand Junction to Silverton is the worst or Silverton to Durango is but it's all scary. I wouldn't do it pulling a trailer. Later we wished we had taken the train from Durango to Silverton. Things are so crowded now that you would probably need reservation way in advance. From Durango we went to Mesa Verde.

Martha

[IrishIroamed]

Thanks Martha. So far I've got a CG near the Dunes NP and will probably stick to the front range this trip.