Posted by Nathan Buck on February 14, 2013 at 11:18 PM
Hi all.
My wife and I are looking for a trip to take this summer for our anniversary. We love Yellowstone, but will most likely take our kids to Yellowstone this summer.
We have thought about doing Southern Utah, but we have never been to Colorado. We hope to have four nights and five days total. We enjoy driving, but do not want to do it the whole time.
We will most likely plan to stay in hotel(s) and the trip will be 75% sight seeing and 25% (or less) photography.
Any thoughts on some must see attractions? Would you suggest visiting Denver? Estes Park? Steamboat? Some other city/town?
Thanks in advance for any advice that you have for us.
The San Juans and Crested Butte, two of my favorite areas in Colorado during the summer! Crested Butte is a great mountain town with lots of hiking and beautiful mountains. Rent a jeep or take a 4x4 in the San Juans, the rugged beauty there is just amazing! Ouray has hot springs, Silverton has the Durango train and Telluride has Bridal Veil fall amongst other things. Ridgeway is one of the gateways to the San Juans and there are stellar views in 360 degrees.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 14, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Might I suggest Durango? A small, isolated and comfortable city that is relatively close to the heart of the San Juan Mountains, Mesa Verde Nat'l. Park, the Ute Mountain Tribal Park and Arches/Canyonlands near Moab.
Posted by Amy Lindsey on February 14, 2013 at 11:46 PM
I second both of the above suggestions! If you go to Durango/Silverton, take the narrow gauge railroad trip- well worth it!
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 15, 2013 at 1:40 AM
A loop through southwest Colorado locations, as suggested above will keep you plenty busy for 5 days.
Take a drive through Colorado National Monument on your way there, or going home, and hit Black Canyon of the Gunnison on your way between the San Juans and Crested Butte.
IMHO adding Denver and Estes Park would leave little quality time at any of your destinations.
Be sure to take at least one day hike into Ice Lakes Basin (Silverton) or Blue Lakes (Ridgway).
Posted by Joe Rogers on February 15, 2013 at 3:14 PM
I can only reinforce what has been suggested here already. Jason might have been too modest to mention it but he has a terrific ebook that is very affordable and is packed full of great photographic locations of this area.
Joe Rogers
Posted by Nathan Buck on February 17, 2013 at 11:01 AM
Thank you very much to everyone for the great suggestions. It will definitely help in our decision making process! I will check out Jason's e-book.
Discussion
6 repliesMy wife and I are looking for a trip to take this summer for our anniversary. We love Yellowstone, but will most likely take our kids to Yellowstone this summer.
We have thought about doing Southern Utah, but we have never been to Colorado. We hope to have four nights and five days total. We enjoy driving, but do not want to do it the whole time.
We will most likely plan to stay in hotel(s) and the trip will be 75% sight seeing and 25% (or less) photography.
Any thoughts on some must see attractions? Would you suggest visiting Denver? Estes Park? Steamboat? Some other city/town?
Thanks in advance for any advice that you have for us.
Nathan
Take a drive through Colorado National Monument on your way there, or going home, and hit Black Canyon of the Gunnison on your way between the San Juans and Crested Butte.
IMHO adding Denver and Estes Park would leave little quality time at any of your destinations.
Be sure to take at least one day hike into Ice Lakes Basin (Silverton) or Blue Lakes (Ridgway).
Joe Rogers
Nathan