LA to southeast Colorado and back via Denver in May

Howdy, folks. It's been a while.

I'm planning my next great road trip for May 2014, and I can't remember ever having driven in Colorado except in summer. If I make a giant loop trip from LA via Albuquerque and back via Denver, what are the chances of getting through Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park? Is there usually too much snow in May?

Any places that are "must sees" if we take I-40 to Albuquerque and up to southeast Colorado via Raton (or going as far as Amarillo and driving straight up state roads)? The only reason to go to Amarillo I can think of is to take a family photo at the Cadillac Ranch. Historic sites will get a priority, so I reckon we'll stop by Bent's Old Fort.

I'd love to see Mesa Verde and Pecos National Monument, but I don't think we'll have time to get that far off track.

BTW, this will be a trip with me, my wife, and our 2 daughters (7 and 14).

Pecos National Monument really isn't “far off track”, even if you want to go all the way east to Amarillo. You can get from Pecos N.M. back to I-40 fairly quickly.

Also, the Pecos and Fort Union National Monuments are operated as a single unit. One $ 3.00 entrance fee is valid at both parks for 7 days. Just make sure to save your receipt.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shirohniichan

... what are the chances of getting through Rocky Mountain National Park via Estes Park? Is there usually too much snow in May?

---

I assume you mean the Trail Ridge Road? That is subject to snow and blizzards twelve months of the year. A sudden storm can close it at a moment's notice. I recall in 2001 it was closed when I wanted to drive it, in August. I have also been there in June and July, when, although officially open, a blizzard had closed it.

In 2009 I planned to drive, and checked at the visitor centre in Ft Collins about the likelyhood of it being closed the next day - this was in September. Not 1%, I was told. Two and a half hours later it was closed by a sudden storm.

I finally got to drive it, on my fifth attempt, a week later. Well worth waiting.

Lifey

You can visit the Bear Lake road area of RMNP near to Estes park as well as other areas but the Trail Ridge road across the park to Grand Lake typically doesn't open until late May and as Lifey said above, can close any day of the year after officially opening.

From Santa Fe you could visit Taos Pueblo, drive the Enchanted circle and drive up through San Luis [home of the Stations of the cross] to Great Sand dunes NP. Attractions around Colorado/Manitou Springs include Cave of the Winds and Garden of the Gods.

After RMNP you could drive over the continental divide at Loveland Pass with a detour from I70 to US6 and perhaps drive through historic Leadville and link up with US50 near Poncha Springs. Along US50 you will cross the Continental divide again on Monarch Pass and the go through Currecanti Nat Rec area to the Black canyon of the Gunnison. From Montrose head south on 550, the spectacular 'Million dollar Highway' through Silverton to Durango and then to Mesa Verde NP.

How much time do you have available for the trip ?

As far as Trail Ridge Road goes, it's just the luck of the draw, I think. I've been to RMNP twice and got to be on that road both times. The second time, we just came off it and they were considering closing it because of snow coming down -- and that was in August.

In ABQ itself: National Museum of Nuclear Science, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park (A nice place for a short hike along the historic river), Petroglyph National Monument. Outside of ABQ are the Acoma Pueblo, and the Bandera Volcano and Ice Caves (both of these are on my list of things to do when in ABQ next time).

The museum is good for a 4-5 hour visit, and the Rio Grande park could be another half day or less.


Donna

I should have mentioned that we have almost no extra time on the way there. After we leave Lamar we'll take a more leisurely clip to get home.

Instead of taking I-40 out as we usually do, I'm considering I-10 to Phoenix, and then taking AZ 87/260 through Payson because we've never driven that road.

Leadville sounds tempting. Instead of taking I-70 back to I-15 I'd like to take US 6 to Bishop and back down to LA via I-395. If we do I'll want to check out Great Basin Nat'l Park.

Quote:

---

I'm considering I-10 to Phoenix, and then taking AZ 87/260 through Payson because we've never driven that road.

---

I was turned on to that "shortcut" between Phoenix and I-40 east by a truck driver at a rest stop. Specifically, this is how you do it:

Take I-10 downtown. At Exit 147 where I-10 heads south, take the AZ-202 Red Mountain Freeway to Exit 13, which is AZ-87 north. Take that to Payson, then AZ-260 east to Heber. Take AZ-277 a few miles to AZ-377 to AZ-77 just south of Holbrook. Not only is this very scenic, it can actually be faster than taking I-17 to Flagstaff to pick up I-40.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by glc

I was turned on to that "shortcut" between Phoenix and I-40 east by a truck driver at a rest stop. Specifically, this is how you do it:

Take I-10 downtown. At Exit 147 where I-10 heads south, take the AZ-202 Red Mountain Freeway to Exit 13, which is AZ-87 north. Take that to Payson, then AZ-260 east to Heber. Take AZ-277 a few miles to AZ-377 to AZ-77 just south of Holbrook. Not only is this very scenic, it can actually be faster than taking I-17 to Flagstaff to pick up I-40.

---

Nice! Google maps says it will take a little longer, but I'll take it!

On the return trip I have to decide between I-70 and I-80.

If I-80 we'll see the state capitols of Wyoming and Utah, not to mention the famous Ames Brothers Pyramid near Buford. We could cut through Great Basin National Park and follow US 6 to Bishop on the way back.

If I-70 we could cut south to Arches National Park, Four Corners, Monument Valley, and the South Rim on the way back. I've been to all those places, but my oldest daughter was only 3 the last time we went to Arches and Monument Valley. My younger daughter has never been there or the South Rim (although she saw the North Rim 2 years ago).

Decisions, decisions...

Another scenic way between I-10 and I-40 is:

Take US-60 East (exit 154 from I-10) through Apache Jct., Florence Jct, Superior, Globe. At Globe, US-60 turns northeast towards ShowLow. Between Globe and ShowLow, you pass through Salt River Canyon -- beautiful country, there!

At ShowLow, you have a choice.You can go up AZ-77 through Taylor and Snowflake (also beautiful forested mountains), or go a little further east on US-60 and pick up AZ-61 to AZ-180 and then US-180. You then turn right to go into Petrified Forest NP from the southern end of the road. View PFNP and pick up I-40 either before or after going a little further north of I-40 to the Painted Desert portion of the NP.

Donna

RMNP Trail Ridge Road over the top (Estes Park heading west) is usually opened by Memorial Day. But it's always uncertain if it will or won't because it depends on the snowfalls in late May.
Sometimes it opens and then is closed for awhile again.

You can get to Estes Park and the eastern side of RMNP year round.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DonnaR57

Another scenic way between I-10 and I-40 is:

Take US-60 East (exit 154 from I-10) through Apache Jct., Florence Jct, Superior, Globe. At Globe, US-60 turns northeast towards ShowLow. Between Globe and ShowLow, you pass through Salt River Canyon -- beautiful country, there!

At ShowLow, you have a choice.You can go up AZ-77 through Taylor and Snowflake (also beautiful forested mountains), or go a little further east on US-60 and pick up AZ-61 to AZ-180 and then US-180.
Donna

---

Weren't there extensive fires in that area last year? I wonder how much near the highway is charred.

I've had to change the itinerary to match my daughter's school plans.

Option 1:
Day 1: Home to Tuba City, AZ via the South Rim (early morning start)
Day 2: Tuba City to Grand Junction, CO via Monument Valley, Four Corners, and Arches
Day 3: Grand Junction to Estes Park via Glenwood Springs (and a swim in the hot springs pool)
Day 4: Estes Park to Colorado Springs via Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 5: Colorado Springs to Lamar via Bents Old Fort
Days 6-7: Lamar
Day 8: Lamar to Albuquerque via Pecos National Monument
Day 9: Albuquerque to home via Phoenix

Option 2:
Day 1: Home to Las Vegas (this allows us to leave late)
Day 2: Las Vegas to Salt Lake City via Great Basin National Park
Day 3: Salt Lake City to Cheyenne, WY
Day 4: Cheyenne to Colorado Springs via Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 5: Colorado Springs to Lamar via Bents Old Fort
Days 6-7: Lamar
Day 8: Lamar to Albuquerque via Pecos National Monument
Day 9: Albuquerque to home via Phoenix

Option 3:
Day 1: Home to Williams or Flagstaff (moderately late start possible)
Day 2: Flagstaff to Moab, UT via Monument Valley, Four Corners, and Canyonlands
Day 3: Moab to Glenwood Springs via Arches
Day 4: Glenwood Springs to Denver via Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 5: Denver to Colorado Springs via Pike's Peak
Day 6: Colorado Springs to Lamar via Bents Old Fort
Days 7-8: Lamar
Day 9: Lamar to Albuquerque via Pecos National Monument
Day 10: Albuquerque to home via Phoenix

It looks like I-80 is far less scenic than I-70, so option 2 seems to be losing in the polls now. Is there any compelling reason to follow I-80 through Wyoming rather than taking I-70 through Colorado (other than the fact it traces the Transcontinental Railroad path)?

Every route has its attractions and scenery.... all different. It all depends on what you are after, and what your particular interests are for the trip.

That said, there is not much to equal I-70 through CO, if you have never driven it. Though it is hard to find a route which is not scenic, in CO. Even though there have been extensive fires in an area, it is worth checking it out just to see how quickly nature recovers. Nothing like travelling through country which was burnt the year before.

Lifey

I know you are an experienced road tripper, but some of those days in all 3 options just look way too long to me.

Albuquerque to Orange County via Phoenix is 820 miles (using Anaheim as the place in Orange County). That is WAY too long on that last day. If it were me, I'd drive ABQ to Phoenix, overnight, and then go home the next day. You won't have time to take that "shortcut" going through Snowflake and Showlow, because that will slow you down even more on that last day.


Donna

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by glc

I know you are an experienced road tripper, but some of those days in all 3 options just look way too long to me.

---

Yea, verily.

I wish I had the time to travel at a more leisurely clip. I probably should leave Lamar some time on Saturday and head toward Albuquerque (maybe staying in Raton or thereabouts). Usually my first and last days of a trip are the longest drives.

Here's my latest itinerary.

Day 1: Home to Tropic, UT (next to Bryce) via Zion
Day 2: Tropic to Grand Junction, CO via Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks
Day 3: Grand Junction to Estes Park via Glenwood Springs
Day 4: Estes Park to Colorado Springs via Rocky Mountain National Park
Day 5: Colorado Springs to Lamar via Bents Old Fort
Day 6: Lamar
Day 7: Lamar to Trinidad or Raton
Day 8: Trinidad or Raton to Grants, NM via Pecos National Monument
Day 9: Grants (or Gallup) to home via Phoenix

Quote:

---

Estes Park to Colorado Springs via Rocky Mountain National Park

---

From Estes park it's not far to the Bear Lake area of the park, but if you were fortunate enough and the Trail Ridge road were open [BIG ???] then you could drive it on the way from Glenwood Springs. Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs is pretty neat too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DonnaR57

Another scenic way between I-10 and I-40 is:

Take US-60 East (exit 154 from I-10) through Apache Jct., Florence Jct, Superior, Globe. At Globe, US-60 turns northeast towards ShowLow. Between Globe and ShowLow, you pass through Salt River Canyon -- beautiful country, there!

At ShowLow, you have a choice.You can go up AZ-77 through Taylor and Snowflake (also beautiful forested mountains), or go a little further east on US-60 and pick up AZ-61 to AZ-180 and then US-180. You then turn right to go into Petrified Forest NP from the southern end of the road. View PFNP and pick up I-40 either before or after going a little further north of I-40 to the Painted Desert portion of the NP.

Donna

---

I just found out the Madonna of the Trail statue I saw in Upland, CA has a sister in Springerville, AZ. Since their sister monuments are also in Lamar and Albuquerque, maybe we can take this way between Payson and Grants, NM and see four of the eleven on this one trip.

Does anyone else follow a theme on road trips? If I were to take the I-80 route to see the Ames Brothers Pyramid in Wyoming, I probably would have wanted to stay in the Luxor pyramid in Las Vegas. We would have also stopped for photos in front of the state capitols of Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by shirohniichan

Does anyone else follow a theme on road trips?

---

Themes are very popular with many roadtrippers... I assembled 14 such themes in an article I penned a few years ago...

There is also the QUEST kind of roadtrip --

On the other hand, RoadTrip Challenges are more like your idea of collecting photos of state capitals. Here's a few more we've thought of.

It might be fun to create threads for the different kinds of trips...

Mark

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist

Themes are very popular with many roadtrippers... I assembled 14 such themes in an article I penned a few years ago...

There is also the QUEST kind of roadtrip --

On the other hand, RoadTrip Challenges are more like your idea of collecting photos of state capitals. Here's a few more we've thought of.

It might be fun to create threads for the different kinds of trips...

Mark

---

Thanks for the links.

Apparently I'm leading a quest/challenge trip. We're heading to the site of the Amache Relocation Center in Colorado to see where my dad was sent during the war. Along the way we plan on taking family photos in front of state capitols (and the Madonna of the Trail monuments if we take Hwy 60 back through Arizona). My interest in the old west and ghost towns means that we'll likely see Doc Holliday's grave while in Glenwood Springs (perhaps after a relaxing swim in the hot springs pool) and also stop in Central City on the way up to Estes Park. My daughters will also try their hand at earning more Junior Ranger badges at Capitol Reef, Arches, and Rocky Mountain National Parks, Pecos Nat'l Historic Park, and maybe even El Malpais Nat'l Monument.

There is so much to see in the southwest! I just learned that we'll be taking at least two nationally recognized, top shelf scenic drives (UT 12 and CO 119). I seem to get almost as much enjoyment out of seeing the countryside with my own eyes to know what is on the maps I look at as seeing tourist stops.

Quote:

---

I seem to get almost as much enjoyment out of seeing the countryside with my own eyes to know what is on the maps I look at as seeing tourist stops.

---

A 'true' road trip is as much about the journey as it is about the destination in my book.

You have lot's of great routes ahead and in my opinion UT24 through Capitol Reef is just as spectacular [if not more] than scenic 12. A few miles before 12 meets 24 you will find 'Lab Hollow overlook', it's just a pull out but has great views of the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park and the Henry Mountains.

When you leave Moab you can take another scenic drive that doesn't take up hardly any extra time. Head south on 191 a short way and then take UT128 through Castle Valley to US6 and I70. It's a lovely drive through the canyon alongside the Colorado river for a way.

From Glenwood Springs you could also take a detour over Loveland Pass by taking US6 near Dillon Reservoir, it's spectacular at the top!!

And speaking of the 'Old west' you will find Buffalo Bills Grave and museum on Lookout mountain near Golden, which is south of Boulder and wouldn't be a huge detour on route to Colorado Springs. [As though you haven't enough to do ! ;-) ]

You are going to need a real early start on day 2 just to get a glimpse of Capitol Reef and Arches NP, with just a 'drive through' of Arches you are probably looking at 10 hours plus of on the road time and that's without taking the scenic drive in C. Reef.

Have fun !

Quote:

---

Head south on 191 a short way

---

Actually, 128 is north of Moab - it's between town and the entrance to Arches. If you are heading east it's a no brainer, it cuts off quite a few miles too.

Yep. I was meant to have posted "When you leave Arches NP", as he has not actually planned to go to Moab at all. I guess using 'Moab' is habit forming as part of visiting Canyonlands and Arches.

Dave.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

A 'true' road trip is as much about the journey as it is about the destination in my book.

When you leave Moab you can take another scenic drive that doesn't take up hardly any extra time. Head south on 191 a short way and then take UT128 through Castle Valley to US6 and I70. It's a lovely drive through the canyon alongside the Colorado river for a way.

Have fun !

---

We just got back, and here is our actual itinerary:

Day 1: Orange County, CA to Tropic, UT (next to Bryce) via Zion
Day 2: Tropic to Grand Junction, CO via Capitol Reef and Arches National Parks (on UT-128)
Day 3: Grand Junction to Estes Park via Glenwood Springs, Frisco, and Georgetown
Day 4: Estes Park to Colorado Springs via Rocky Mountain National Park and Denver (dinner with relatives)
Day 5: Colorado Springs to Lamar via Bents Old Fort
Day 6: Lamar
Day 7: Lamar to Las Vegas, NM
Day 8: Las Vegas, NM to Flagstaff via Pecos National Monument, Santa Fe, El Morro Nat'l Monument and Zuni
Day 9: Flagstaff to home

Quite the whirlwind trip, thanks for dropping by and sharing. I trust you thoroughly enjoyed your trip ?

Dave.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Southwest Dave

Quite the whirlwind trip, thanks for dropping by and sharing. I trust you thoroughly enjoyed your trip ?

Dave.

---

Yea, verily. I would have liked two more days so I could have taken more time on the return trip. I have the feeling US60 would have been a more interesting route than I-40 just because I've never taken it before. There is a lot of eastern Arizona I've yet to explore.

I'll post note and photos on the Field Report page.