Recommendations from Denver

[luwaterloo]

So me and my auntie are planning a road trip style trip however all that is certain is that we can leave denver around the 18th of may and need to be back there by the 25th (possibly the 24th for safetys sake). Im keen to hit colorado springs and surrounding attractions, I would also quite like to visit the colorado national monument and the great sand dunes national monument. Was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions for time frames, places we shouldnt miss or places we may be able to get to we wouldnt think of. We were wondering how feasible it was to get to the grand canyon. So basically we have little or no plans so far and any advice anyone could give would be greatly appreciated. My auntie will be doing all the driving, since I (although fully qualified to drive at home and have been doing so for 2 years) cannot drive in the states as Im under 21 so can't be included on a car rental, therefore any suggestions should take into account there is only one driver. Thanks in advance for any replies

[AZBuck]

Welcome aboard the RoadTrip America Forums!

Yes, it's feasible to get to the Grand Canyon on a one week RoadTrip from Denver, but it would turn that trip into one that is mostly about driving rather than one that is mostly about seeing a few places in some depth and having some quality time with your Aunt. A more reasonable itinerary would go something like: Colorado Springs and environs, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Canyonlands of the Ancients National Monument, Arches National Park, Colorado National Monument and back to Denver. Run that by your aunt and see what she thinks of it. If she's up for a little more driving, then you can consider adding Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon.

AZBuck

[luwaterloo]

Thanks alot for your advice, I'm gonna check out your suggestions. Cheers for the quick reply :)

[Southwest Dave]

I agree with Buck, there are just so many things to see and do in the smaller loop it would be a shame to pass them all by. Some other 'things' would include, 'Garden of the Gods and Cave of the winds near Manitou Springs. On the way to the dunes you could visit Royal Gorge bridge. From the Great sand dunes you could drive over Wolf creek pass on US160 to Pagosa Springs and soak in the Hot springs. From Durango you could take the famous train ride to the scenic mountain town of Silverton. From Colorado NM you could head South to Montrose and take US50 to Black canyon and Currecanti recreation area and over Monarch pass. That would give you the opportunity to stay in Historic Leadville, the highest incorporated town in the US, situated at an elevation of over 10,000ft.

[Foy]

Hello luwaterloo,

For a number of years I rented cars, SUVs actually, in Salt Lake City while on weeklong ski/snowboard trips with my family. When my sons were both < age 25, I found a local rental agency which had no additional charge for drivers between age 21 and 25. That said, I was the contracted party and was wholly responsible for the vehicle under the terms of the contract, but the agency, Rugged Rentals, had no qualms about taking the boy's drivers license info and adding them to my contract.

As to sights to see, I am very high on the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) between Durango and Montrose, CO and a much lesser-traveled route over Cottonwood Pass, between Gunnison, CO and Buena Vista, CO.

Enjoy the planning and the RoadTrip!

[glc]

Foy - under 25 is no problem, but under 21 is. It appears that the original poster is under 21.