OT Colorado tourist suggests

[Clif]

Looking at taking the family out next summer. A few tourist spots but we will be lloking also for waterfalls, ghost towns, overall cool and scenic drives thru the "real" mountains. Thinking about Co springs area, Pike's peak and stuff, and the east side mainly. Any tips or suggestions?

May do a raft trip day run but mom doesn't boat much so that will not be the focus.

[FarPastGone]

The drive up the Poudre Canyon (Hwy 14 just outside Ft. Collins) is pretty awesome, lots of cool whitewater, and Poudre Falls is pretty spectacular. Not sure how my friends did it, but they dropped us off for a run in that area and then took a back-road somewhere to get over into Rocky Mountain National Park from the Poudre area. Looking at Google Earth though I can't see what road it would be, but either way you can make a day or two out of that.

- Matt

[Roger]

Clif, here is one area to consider:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cripple_Creek,_Colorado" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Basing out of Buena Vista/Salida near the Arkansas River opens up a lot of stuff:

Did you say ghost towns:

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/coalpha.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Plus things to do:

http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/co/cottd.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And if you go into the Southwest corner, Mesa Verde (cliff dwellings) National Park is a must do.

[Clif]

Been flippin thru that site all morning, Roger. Thanks. That canned banjo music is pretty a noying

[c8mb]

Be sure to go to Mt Evans outside of Idaho Springs on I-70. It's North Americas highest paved road.

''All 14 miles of the road from the entrance station to the Mount Evans summit parking area (14,130) are paved. From there, you can hike the last 130 feet (about 1/4 mile walk) to the top at 14,264 feet. After you have made this climb, you can tell all your friends: "I climbed a 14,000 foot mountain in Colorado on my vacation!"

Also, if you go on to Georgetown, you can cross Guanella Pass which is an awesome drive.

I lived out there for a while and I can overload you with info, but I'll stop for now.

[okieboater]

check out buena vista CO

wonderfull camp sites either in CO state parks along the river and even better forest service camp sites up in the mountains.

hot springs, easy to get to ghost towns, hard to get to ghost towns, off road jeep rental and tours (recommended by Bob Stout!), hiking big time, scenic drives go from BV down to Salida, west over the pass to Gunnison, then take a right up by the Taylor River, then take the gravel but excellent road over the pass by Cottonwood Hot Springs back into BV.

you can google all this stuff as well.

Cripple Creek is accessible as well with a day trip out of BV and take that back country drive down to Canon City for a drive you will remember for switch backs.

Hit Canon City either on the way in or out for the view of royal gorge from the bridge or tour the prison or take the family on a raft trip down the royal gorge.

I could go on and on but do some research on Buena Vista from the chamber of commerce and other local sites.

and, free WiFi computer access from the BV library down town, best fast food hamburger and shake at the city park, CKS, a easy to play WW park plus just down stream more difficult WW play park where you can watch and one of the best all around places to eat there in South Main (I get the monster black angus burger with green chili big time every time I go - its is awesome plus the pizza is yummy with gourmet toppings) plus the best breakfast burreto at the best price there at the stop light (pancho's) public showers at the BV rec center at the river park access.

AND, the best selection of WW rafting and boating I have found anywhere in North or South America. The Ark has sections from class 5 down to class 2 and every thing in between. Sections to test your skill on or take the family down in canoes or rafts.

If I could convince my wife to leave Tulsa and head west Buena Vista CO would be the place to be if you love the outdoors!

[A Savage spanke]

Ya, go to canon city and go rafting down the royal gorge. Lost Paddle rafting is a great company, request Spanke! If you want excitment come early season and be prepared to paddle hard or swim. If you are looking for leisure theres also the "Big Horn Sheep Canyon" section of river which is much more family friendly. Hope this helps

[Karla]

Gary and I rafted Glenwood Springs Colorado River once, the Shoshone run. It was great. It is west of Denver. The Rockies were great, you need to go there.

Gary and I are planning a west trip next year and plan Yellowstone, Grand Canyon and maybe Glacier National Park. Any recommendations for lodging, rafting, etc.

Karla

[Karla]

Also, get a book Frommers guide to the area. I bought one for the western parks. Frommers is usually a good guide for vacationing.

Karla

[Gordon Kumpuris]

My girls and I went to Buena Vista for a week the last week in June. Perhaps my best vacation ever! Kayaking, rafting, mountain drives, mountain hikes, WW play parks in BV and Salida, horseback riding, a few good restaurants. Stayed at Thunder Lodge right in the heart of BV. (just google Thunder Lodge, Buena Vista) Clean, simple, inexpensive and very very convenient. Perfect for families. They just installed a new big hot tup too right on the bank of creek that runs next to the cabins. Lots of great camping opportunities too around there if you want to go that route.

[Richard]

This should not be the reason for joining the Ozark Society but they do a remarkable job of spending a week in Colorado . . . rafting, hiking, biking and sight seeing. You base camp at Cascade Campground. 9000 feet. Great people. Many ACC members are also members of the Ozark Society. If you have ever paddled the Buffalo, you have the Ozark Society to thank. It is because of them that the Buffalo Flows . . . when it rains.

[Clif]

Thanks Gordo. That was my next question. Was looking at lodging from a site Rodger linked last night. I'm getting excited. Looks like I may jones on the boating aspect unless I send the family to do something else? May can do a easy raft run. Same thing on the campout. We looked at that hard a few times but mom would rather a room.

Jeeping and short hikes will be our main thing with Daniel [7] and mom that isn't in to kayaks. Exploring old towns and waterfalls gets all of us going. Have found some great sounding areas to explore. Thanks for all the info.

[AR-Nimrod]

Clan Crawford is also thinking about heading west next summer. Thnking Grand Canyon and other areas. Will be piggy-backing on Clif's post. Will watch this thread with interest.

[okieboater]

You are in luck!

Spend a few days in BV

Then head over the pass to Breckenridge. Check that out then head west on I70 and just watch the scenic attractions unfold till you decide to head south to I40 or head south at Grand Junction after seeing CO River Park there in GC towards the 4 corners area
or
head south to Durango for a day, Mesa Verde for several days and back north from Durango to make the Silverton Ouray Telluride loop and make your way down to 4 corners via Monument Valley and on to Gallup and west on I40 to Flagstaff. there is a place to eat breakfast close to the college in Flagstaff that you need to take the family just for the experience of one of the best breakfast' s made commercially. Now you are in the Grand Canyon area and every where you go is good stuff.

This is just a few of the things to see in the area or along the way

[Jaytee]

I'm a fairly recent transplant from Colorado to Arkansas so I'm happy to help.

First, what month of the year are you going? Secondly, what activities are going to appeal to your group? Rafting, yakking, biking (road or mountain), hiking, or leisurely sightseeing? Finally, are you trying to do this on a budget or ...