San Diego to Colorado

[gonzo]

Hey y'all, this is my first post...I'm taking the family on a road trip in November starting in San Diego and heading to Colorado. Not sure where in Colorado yet but that state is beautiful so anywhere really will be ok. Was thinking about Winter Park, Pikes Peak, Royal Gorge Bridge, etc. Anyone have any favorite routes or places to visit...I have a 17 month old daughter...thanks.

[Midwest Michael]

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

Since you're still in the discovery stage of your planning, I'd really suggest that you take a look at the Roadtrip Routes section of this website, which has dozens of trip ideas for Colorado.

Once you've got a better idea of the specific of your trip, we'll be glad to take a look and help you fill in any gaps you might have.

[AZBuck]

You're going to be spending at least 4 days round trip just on the drive to and from Colorado, so that will make up a large portion of your vacation. By adding a day or two on each segment you can explore the gorgeous country between home and Colorado, as well as break up the long drive into more enjoyable pieces with restful stops in between. Just as a first cut, you might want to look at a northern route via I-15 and I-70 through Las Vegas, Zion, Bryce and Arches, and a southern route via I-8, I-17, US-89, and US-160 past the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, and Mesa Verde.

AZBuck

[gonzo]

Thanks Midwest Michael...our first stop is going to be Aspen. Never been there and always wanted to visit there. Anyone know any must see's in Aspen? We want to end up at Pikes Peak but we don't know where to stop in the in between...any ideas?

[Southwest Dave]

When you refer to Aspen as your "first stop", I hope you mean first stop in Colorado, there is no way you could make it there from SD in a day.

Your right, Colorado is a beautiful State and there is much to see and do. The weather could play a role in where you go and how you get there, such as Independence pass between Aspen and Twin lakes might be iced up and/or snowed in, but no big deal just head out the way you got in via Carbondale. Rocky mountain NP is a favorite, even if Trail ridge Rd is closed you could still go to Bear lake etc near Estes park. Near to Pikes peak is Manitou Springs and the 'Garden of the Gods' and 'Cave of the Winds'. On the way to the Pikes peak toll kiosk is the North pole and Santa's Grotto that might interest your young one. From Canon City you could continue West on US 50 through Currecanti Rec. area and Black Canyon. From Montrose head South on the 'Million dollar highway' through the mountain towns of Ouray and Silverton to Durango, maybe take a ride on the mountain train.

Once you have nailed it down some more, I am sure we can help fill in the gaps.

[gonzo]

I forgot to mention that I'm taking 9 days of vacation for this trip. Ok, so our first stop in Colorado will be in Aspen, if we can get there due to snow/road closures. What should we see or do in Aspen? From there, we'd like to head to Denver for a day and make our way down to Colorado Springs (Pikes Peak). Leaving Pikes Peak, the mountain railroad sounds like a good time. Ultimately, on our way home, we'd like to see the Grand Canyon than make our way back home.