
Originally Posted by
DonnaR57
Welcome to RTA! Your trip sounds like it could be wonderful, but sometimes those of us who live in warmer climates tend to forget that some parts of the US, including Colorado, could be bathed in snow and cold weather in early March.
Austin to Amarillo is over 500 miles, so if you want to have enough time to visit family, you might want to plan on your departure at least 9-10 hours before you want to arrive. The next day is about 360 miles, some of it on US highways, which may make the trip 7-8 hours. Check the weather before you leave home, and then again before you leave Amarillo heading north.
Be careful not to overplan what you do in each area. It starts to feel like a marathon, slugging through so many different places that you don't see any of them well. You also have shorter daylight hours for things like the COG railway up Pikes Peak, and the Garden of the Gods.
To help you out, you may want to save both of the national parks for another trip, another season. I suggest that because, at Rocky Mountain, the two main roads through the park (and its main attractions) are closed through late May and mid-July. Getting TO Mesa Verde from Denver or Colorado Springs means you are going to have to go over the mountains, and the weather may/may not be cooperative.
One of the good things about postponing RMNP and MVNP would be more time to do the things in Colorado Springs and Denver that you mentioned. There are tours of the US Mint available (free!). If any of your family is into the outdoor life, REI's flagship store is in Denver.
Donna