Summer in Colorado

[FCloud9]

Hi-
We are heading out in a few days to Alumapalooza 7 and westward to enjoy a summer in Colorado.
First stop after mid-west travel through Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas panhandle....Santa Fe, NM to visit with family...then into Colorado. This a first time camping adventure in Colorado and we would appreciate any and all "must see" recommendations from fellow Airstreamers! We plan to spend approximately 6 weeks exploring.
Here is our preliminary Colorado list:

Rocky Mountain National Park

Pikes Peak in Pike National Forest

Mesa Verde National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Garden of the Gods

Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness

Vail

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Mount Evans

Black Hawk

Colorado National Monument

Dinosaur National Monument

Long Draw Campground – Roosevelt National Forest, west of Ft. Collins


We will probably venture into Utah at Grand Junction, CO as we must shed Arches NP during our early spring visit to southern Utah in 2015.

Happy travels,
FCloud9

[Piggy Bank]

I will say that if you find yourself in Frisco CO (in Summit County off I-70 between Vail and Breckenridge) that there is camping around lake Dillon, and Frisco is a nice mountain town at 9,200 feet. Great Mexican food at Hacienda Real, and great breakfast at the Butterhorn Bakery.

If passing through the Kansas City area, there is a lovely state park campground, Weston Bend, very close to I-29 and only about 10 miles from the northern part of the metro that is charming and clean. Not a large place, so reservations recommended. Hiking trails by the Missouri River, and a fenced off-leash dog park. Shady.

[ColoradoLady]

You will be close to Durango, if you go to Mesa Verde. Durango is a charming town of western flavor. From there, there are two great excursions, and I recommend both:
1. Train trip from Durango to Silverton.
2. DRIVE from Durango (on hwy 550 north) to Silverton, then Ouray. This is on the famous and awe inspiring San Juan Skyway (aka, Million dollar hwy)!

[Steamy1]

Steamboat Lake State Park
Difficult Campground near Aspen; see the beautiful mountains and experience the chi chi of Aspen with a rustic retreat.

[FCloud9]

Piggy bank...thanks for the suggestions through Missouri. Although we will be further south going west and south heading to Santa Fe...going through Ozark's and Mark Twain National Forest....we are still unsure of our return home route.

Colorado Lady and Steamy 1....will add your tips to our list!

Thanks for your help and continue to post if you think of any additional tips!

[mandolindave]

I would plan on unhooking the trailer, and doing some day trips, such as The Million Dollar Highway.

Aztec NM has a great museum with restored Native American village, with an awesome kiva.

[ColoradoLady]

I agree with Dave .....leave trailer behind for the drive on 550. Nice RV park just west of Durango, on 550...Alpen Rose.

[FCloud9]

On the road today heading to Alumapalooza. Thanks for advice and tips. Will continue to check for more info as we progress.

[eliset123]

Check out the national forest campsites along the Taylor River north of Almont .

[FCloud9]

Thanks for all the great suggestions....heading to New Mexico....then Colorado for most of the summer. Just left Alumapalooza 7....did factory tour three times! Loved touring the Mothership!

[FCloud9]

For all you experienced Colorado campers: any potential problems with propane pilot or propane tanks while at elevations 8,000 - 14,000? Do you recommend Colorado State Park Annual Pass for duration of 6-8 weeks camping. We already have National Park pass.

[SeeMore]

If you are interested in a boondocking spot between Taos and Santa Fe (near Penasco) for a night or two, try Santa Barbara Campground in the Carson Forest/Pecos Wilderness. It's a nice spot at ~8,900 feet with a river within 100 feet and peppered with Spruce and Aspens. The last 3.5 miles are a well maintained dirt roadway.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...ew_Mexico.html

[FCloud9]

SeeMore,
Have definitely planned boondocking....have mapped and bookmarked!
Thanks,
FCloud9

[dbj216]

Hi Flying Cloud 9. I have had trouble with the pilot ignition on my Dometic 2510 fridge in my Trade Wind here at 8300 feet. It is a new fridge and worked like a champ out of the box in Minnesota (900 feet). But I have had trouble up here. We have about 25% less air, so the fuel mixture is probably too rich. Some advise adjusting the gas pressure from 11 inches to 13 inches mg. I have not experimented with this, but more fuel doesn't seem logical. The furnace and water heater ignite just fine.

I do recommend a Colorado State Park pass for your summer adventures. They are $60 and would pay back after six visits. There are a lot of beautiful state parks here, but not all have overnight accommodations (day hikes only). You can purchase at any of the state park entry gates, or on line. It is a sticker for your windshield.

We visited Rifle Falls State Park a couple of weeks ago. They have about a dozen RV sites with electrical. You need a reservation for the most part. Here is a photo of the falls which we found quite lovely.

David

[TG Twinkie]

Be aware: If you are not accustomed to the high altitudes they can make you very sick. Some are affected at elevations as low as 6,000 feet.
Do some research on how to adapt.

[dbj216]

I agree with TG Twinkie. It takes a good while to get used to the altitude. Research it and be cautious. Don't think you can take a 5 mile hike up a steep grade your first day in the mountains.

I took me 4 months to fully adapt. Others take much less time.

David

[FCloud9]

Well we are adjusting to higher altitude while camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico at Black Canyon National Forest campground our site is at 8,500 feet.

[badkat]

Off of 160 17 miles west of Durango is an easy to get into boondocking spot called Madden Peak. It will be on the N side of the road. We were just there about 2 weeks ago.