Colorado, a state known for its year round beauty, features snow-capped mountains during winters, colorful trees during fall and shining clear lakes during summer.
This blog covers a week long trip to three major regions.
Aspen
Rocky Mountains
Colorado Springs
The trip is a perfect fusion of driving through the alpines, hiking the deserted canyons and indulging in adventurous outdoor activities.
High Altitude Hints:
1. Driving Tips:
Download offline google maps of the entire state.
Fuel up the vehicle before starting mountain drives.
Pay special attention to the speed limits as it fluctuates very often.
Beware of wildlife on the way. Do not feed/pet any wildlife.
2. Hydrate: Always carry water and drink 2-3 times more water than usual.
3. Unpredictable Weather: Always carry a jacket/fleece to counter the ever changing weather. The best way to dress when in Colorado is to wear extra layers and then adjust per the activity/weather.
4. Protect yourself from the ultraviolet rays which are 36 percent stronger at higher altitudes; good sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.
5. Make sure to wear good shoes during the hikes.
6. Medications: Carry precautionary nausea and headache medicines when driving through steep, circuitous roads.
7. National Park Pass: Get an annual park pass for $80, if you are planning to cover Mt. Evans and Rocky Mountain National Park. The park pass is valid for all major national parks in the country for 1 year (Pikes Peak not included).
Aspen & Glenwoods:
1. Twin Lakes and Independence Pass
On the way from Denver airport to Independence pass on route 82, after crossing the town of Littleton, one can explore the beautiful twin lakes nestled at the base of Mt. Albert. The Dexter point campground offers overnight camping spots overlooking the twin lakes; ideal for stargazing and sunrise.
Independence Pass is the third highest pass in Colorado at an elevation of 12,095 ft. It is on the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains ranges and accessible only during summer, until the labor day weekend.
This scenic drive through the pass is recommended during daytime while travelling from Denver to Aspen or vice versa.
2. Aspen Town
Aspen is one of the beautiful ski-resort towns in Colorado, offering outdoor activities throughout the year.
Staying near Aspen is preferable but that requires making reservations at least 3 months ahead of time.
We reserved a cottage in Carbondale which was equidistant from Maroon bells, Glenwood springs and Aspen. Most of the houses in the area offer majestic views of the mountains for a good deal and offer a perfect location for sunsets and stargazing.
3. Maroon Bells
As the name suggests, maroon colored peaks in the Elks are commonly known as the Maroon Bells. Located approximately 20 minutes from Aspen, it makes a perfect backdrop of one of the most photographed location in the country.
Due to its popularity, weekends are extremely busy and can take up to 3-4 hours for a round trip.
How to reach Maroon Bells?
If you visit before 8 am or after 5 pm, then you could drive directly to the peaks for a minimal charge.
If you plan to visit between 8 am to 5 pm, then you cannot take your car to the peaks and have to take the bus service from the Four Square Mountain Sports Center at Aspen highlands for $8 round trip.
You can park your car at Aspen Highlands if you are lucky to get a spot.
If the parking is full then park at Buttermilk Ski Parking and take a free shuttle to Aspen Highlands.
For more information about planning your trip to Maroon Bells click here.
During the second trip to maroon bells in the month of June, we were lucky to get to drive our car to the Maroon Bells and got even luckier to get beautiful weather. There are many small trails along the bells for a nice 2-3 mile walk.
4. Hot Mineral Springs in Glenwood
Along with the heat racing adventurous spirit of Colorado, the region of Glenwood is famous for its rejuvenating powers through the thermal mineral waters also called "Hot Sulphur Springs".
We visited Glenwood Hot Springs Resort (Entry fee $24), the world’s largest hot springs pool and Iron Mountain Hot Springs (Entry fee $25).
The latter has 16 different hot spring pools at varying temperature along side the Colorado river. The ambiance renders a more private and cozy experience making it our personal favorite!
Tip: While soaking in the mineral pool, make sure to remove all your jewelry, especially the silver, as the minerals react and tend to discolor the jewelry.
5. Hanging Lake
To explore the picturesque beauty of the Hanging lake at the Glenwood Canyons, there is a 1.6 mile steep hike (elevation of 1000 ft) from the parking area to the lake. The round trip would take approximately 3 hours for an average hiker including spending time at the lake.
This spot has limited parking and is located off Interstate 70 with limited network coverage. Plan to go early morning/late evening to get parking, or you would have to wait till other spots open up and the authorities may ask you to come back at a later time.
Rocky Mountains:
1. Mount Evans
Mount Evans scenic bypass is the highest paved road in the United States at an elevation of 14,216ft. The last 5 mile of the drive (steep incline) is the most scenic and is open until Labor Day weekend.
There is a 25$ entry fee to the summit, unless you plan to arrive post 6 pm. The scenic bypass is open 24 hours so it is best catch sunset from the summit. The crest house at the summit was one of the highest built structures in the states until 1979, when it was destroyed due to a gas explosion.
Be prepared to catch glimpses of wildlife like Elk, Coyote, Bighorn sheep, Pika and much more while driving.
2. Trail Ridge Road Highlights
Ascending the Rocky Mountain National Park “Trail Ridge Road” will leave you breathless with its gorgeous views. Established in 1915, the park is home to 50+ peaks at an altitude of 12,000 ft and has a daily $25 entry per car. One cannot stay in the National Park unless camping.
Below are few overlooks recommended on the Trail Ridge road.
Never summer mountains (Fairview Curve Point): The only volcanic range in the park.
Gore Range Overlook
Highest Point on Road
Alpine Visitor Center: 360-degree views of remarkable peaks, lakes, snowfields and canyons.
Forest Canyon Overlook: This 0.3 mile short trail crosses the Tundra leading to a viewpoint of the green valley and snow-capped mountains.
3. Bear and Emerald Lake
The 3.1 mile trail starting from Bear lake is a popular hike amidst lakes, wildflowers and outstanding views of Hallet peak. The hike is easy but has an inclination of approximately 600 ft.
One will cross Bear Lake, Lymph Lake, Dream Lake and finally the true jewel of the the Rockies - Emerald Lake offering mirror images of the mountains.
There is parking available at the Bear lake trailhead. But the area is very busy during weekends especially in summer and fall. If the parking is full, there are also ample parking spots at Park and Ride Spot highlighted in the map.
The shuttle buses from the parking spot will take you to the bear lake trailhead (approx distance 4 mile).
Colorado Springs:
1. Pikes peak
At 14,115 feet elevation, Pikes Peak forms a stunning backdrop for Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods. The 19 mile scenic highway to the summit gives you an opportunity to enjoy the park at your own leisure.
Situated ~2 hours from Denver, the entry fee to the Pikes peak park is 50$ per vehicle. If you wish to take your car to the summit (not guaranteed) then plan on visiting the park before 8:30 am or after 4 pm as only fewer vehicles are allowed due to limited parking at the summit.
You could instead take the Pikes peak shuttle service which is included in the entry fee and runs every 10-15 minutes. Below are the pick-up locations for the shuttle.
7-Mile Lot (Pikes peak Hill Climb start line marker)
13-Mile Lot (Glen Cove)
16-Mile Lot (Devil’s Playground)
2. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods comprises of sandstone formations offering dramatic views and trails. Entry to the park is free and you can view Garden of the Gods by drive without doing any trails/hikes. There is ample of parking inside the park and at all major overlook points.
Below are some common tourist attractions:
Steamboat Rock and Balanced Rock
Sentinel Spires
Three Graces
View of Cathedral Valley
View of South Gate Rock
3. Royal Gorge Bridge
Royal Gorge Bridge is recognized as the highest suspension bridge in the States. It is a man-made marvel constructed over the natural marvel of the gorge/canyon formed over the Arkansas River.
We visited the Royal Gorge Park which provides access to the Bridge (entry fee $27) This includes the gondola ride across the gorge at a 1200 ft height providing a jaw dropping view!
After getting onto the other side, the whole bridge along with the gorge and the river can be admired by a shot hike to the sublime point.
The bridge is only open to pedestrians and the experience of walking on one of the highest suspension bridges with the thrust from the wind will make you skip a heartbeat.
Recommended Restaurants in the area:
Colorado Springs: Nara Sushi & Grill
Aurora: Hubbly Bubbly Hookah
Rocky Mountains, Grand Lake: Grand Lodge
Glenwood: Nepal Restaurant
Denver: Great Divide Brewing Company
Boulder City: Mountain Sun Pub and Brewery
Download this one pager to take along on your next trip to Colorado
~ Nomadic Traveler ~
Excellent work you guys!! Highly appreciate the good work and passion you have for travel