San Francisco to Denver

[Midwest Michael]

Reserved timed entry tickets for Rocky Mountain national park yesterday. The site (recreation.gov) was horrible and kept dying. Had to register multiple accounts before I got one to.go through. Is this normal or just bad luck?

I'd say it's both a little normal and a little back luck. The times I've had issues with recreation.gov are when the site is struggling with demand. If timed entry tickets opened up at a certain time, and there were a lot of people trying to claim them all at once, the site often struggles with that.

My previous trips to Mesa Verde, I bought tickets after arriving at the park, but it's been a few years since I was there, and I'm not sure if online tickets were even an option at the time.

[Mark Sedenquist]

I'd say it's both a little normal and a little back luck. .

This is nearly the 4th of July weekend and so demand is extra high. Especially since the parks are all free on the 4th.

By the way -- have a wonderful trip Michael!

Mark

[UKCraig]

Okay well fingers crossed it was a blip. I have to book the next tickets on Friday this week so hopefully it works better then :)

Was just playing around on Google My Maps and came up with this rough route (more to lay out the order of the route rather than the precise directions we will take so I am sure it is far from perfect). Not sure if the link will work or not but this is what we are planning. With just 12 days til the off it's all getting a little exciting now.

https://earth.google.com/web/@38.747...mFrayACOgMKATA

[Southwest Dave]

The map displays and gives a good idea of your plan, but it is 'clunky'. Not long to go now, and a lot to look forward too! Have fun!

Dave (Pleased for you but slightly jealous!) ;-)

[UKCraig]

Yes it is far from perfect. Horrible thing to work with too!

[UKCraig]

recreation.gov worked flawlessly this time so now have Mount Blue Sky tickets. Just Mesa Verde to go now next Friday.

Tagged on the end of the ticket was a text advising that the route is closing from September and will re-open in 2026 so we did well to get in before it closed down. see link

Sadly I just missed out (by a day!) on the Pikes Peak Airshow which I just learned about. Bit disappointed about that but I guess you can't do everything!!

[Mark Sedenquist]

Craig,

Glad the ticket/reservation site worked well this time.

I don't remember traveling along the Mount Blue Sky scenic route -- so looking forward to your thoughts about that.

Mark

[Southwest Dave]

Craig,

I don't remember traveling along the Mount Blue Sky scenic route -- so looking forward to your thoughts about that.

Mark

You're probably already aware Mark, but this route used to known as Mt Evans scenic route and is the highest paved route in the USA.

Dave

[AZBuck]

The Mount Blue Scenic Highway is also known more prosaically as CO-5.

AZBuck

[Mark Sedenquist]

You're probably already aware Mark, but this route used to known as Mt Evans scenic route and is the highest paved route in the USA.

Dave

Dave, after I posted that remark, I wondered about that very thing, but whether called Blue Sky or the former Mt. Evans -- I guess I have never driven it. Something I need to do something about someday.

Mark