Calling on Colorado

[ebiss9]

The wife and I are taking a trike trip out to Colorado in early July for a few days. On the way there we’ll stop by and pick up our Aspen Classic camper in Wood Dale, IL. This will be a leisurely trip out and back as the farthest single day is approximately 500 miles with an overall average of 350 miles. We are only utilizing the camper about 50% of the time with Estes Park Colorado not being one of them. Camping is a revived experience as we haven’t done this for over 25 years and are being a little cautious. With only 3 days in Estes Park we want to get the most out of the few days there. What would be your favorite recommended sightseeing spots, best riding roads and eateries on the agenda? Any “must not miss area” suggestions would be appreciated but would like to keep it at <500 miles or 8-10 hours per day……….Thanks in advance, Rob and Debbie Sprague

 

[FrostBite]

Obviously a ride thru Rocky Mtn NP is in order. I have spent the night near Granby south of the park and also enjoyed the ride to Steamboat. Along the way you ride thru a canyon with the Colorado River below and also see a lot of high desert around Kemmerling.

 

[Lucky]

Sounds like a wonderful trip.Hope ya'll are including THE RALLY. RIDE SAFE

 

[ebiss9]

FrostBite, RMNP is def. on the itinerary. Also will try to coordinate and include as many suggested areas as possible. With all the expected stopping for pictures/sightseeing/chow etc., I figured 8-10 would be a good number. As for the rest of the afternoon I expect to be sitting on the porch with my feet up and a beer in hand just enjoying the peace and quiet.


Lucky, Please excuse my ignorance, what rally? Is this the Trike rally in Colorado Springs on 5th, 6th and 7th?

 

[GoSlo]

The wife and I are taking a trike trip out to Colorado in early July for a few days. On the way there we’ll stop by and pick up our Aspen Classic camper in Wood Dale, IL. This will be a leisurely trip out and back as the farthest single day is approximately 500 miles with an overall average of 350 miles. We are only utilizing the camper about 50% of the time with Estes Park Colorado not being one of them. Camping is a revived experience as we haven’t done this for over 25 years and are being a little cautious. With only 3 days in Estes Park we want to get the most out of the few days there. What would be your favorite recommended sightseeing spots, best riding roads and eateries on the agenda? Any “must not miss area” suggestions would be appreciated but would like to keep it at <500 miles or 8-10 hours per day……….Thanks in advance, Rob and Debbie Sprague

Rob,
As others have said, Rocky Mtn National Park is beautiful. From there you can go to Ft. Collins and ride CO 14 through the Poudre Canyon. It runs along the Poudre River and you'll wind up in Walden (well known for fishing). Great little town to visit and they have good restaurants. You'll go over Cameron Pass on 14 and there are a lot of moose around to see. It's the area where they reintroduced them into the state and seem to be thriving. There's also a Moose Center just outside of Walden that's fun to visit. You can get back by going south to Granby and back through RMNP. It's about 260 miles, 6 hours, but count on it being a full day with stops.

Another side trip you might want to take is up to Laramie, WY and then west out of town on 130 to ride the Snowy Range Road. July should be good as most of the snow will be melted and you'll have a place to park!! Google Snowy Range to see pictures of the mountains..sheer granite cliffs that jut up just off the roadway.

There's a lot to see out here, so no matter what you decide to ride and see, you'll have a great time!!

 

[ebiss9]

GoSlo, Thanks much for the information, I've added the route's to my GPS. Sounds like my Friday and part of Saturday is busy! Really looking forward to some great riding areas.......Rob

 

[rgw5944]

The Complete Guide to Motorcycling Colorado: The Definitive Reference for ALL the Best Roads, Rides, and Tips: Steve Farson: 9781884313929: Amazon.com: Books

 

[GoSlo]

The Complete Guide to Motorcycling Colorado: The Definitive Reference for ALL the Best Roads, Rides, and Tips[/QUOTE]

This really is a great book and well worth having if you're planning a trip to Colorado and aren't familiar with where to go.

Interesting facts....at least to me: Colorado has 28 passes that are at least 10,000 feet high and paved so that you can ride a motorcycle (or drive) over them.

:Shrug: How many 10,000 foot passes are in Wyoming that you can ride or drive over? There's only two: Bear Tooth Pass and Snowy Range Pass. There's plenty of other passes in Wyoming, but just those two are over 10,000 feet in elevation at the summit. I was really surprised to find that out.

 

[ebiss9]

Thanks again for the info................

 

[joncallihan]

Bear in mind that 500 miles is about 12+ hours on the mountain roads.

Jon

 

[ebiss9]

Bear in mind that 500 miles is about 12+ hours on the mountain roads.

Jon

Guess I should have put <500 miles or 8-10 hours whatever is less painful..........Rob

 

[MyRed1800]

In Estes by the Stanley Hotel take Devils Gulch Road (CR 43) north out of Estes Park will take you through the village of Glen Haven and to the small town of Drake. At Drake turn right and go back to Estes by way of the Big Thompson Canyon. As you leave Estes on Devils Gulch Rd there are two switchbacks that drop dramatically. Riding through the canyon is intimate as it is a narrow canyon but has some great curves. Be careful narrow in places. Great Ride

 

[ebiss9]

Thanks, MyRed1800 hope to check out as much as possible. Never know when we'll get back here...............

 

[hisst]

I now by pass Colorado because of there new gun laws. Hisst