San Francisco to Denver

[Southwest Dave]

I know that some will say it is perfectly achievable whilst others will say it is still too rushed and I have ignored all the advice.

We all travel differently and at a different pace, that's what makes each trip unique. It's great to get others thoughts, look at it from different angles and go with what works for you and the family. Including everyone (Kids as well) in the planning means they can pat themselves on the back on a job well done but can't blame you if it gets too much! (Win win)

The trip looks perfectly doable to me and you have a good idea of what is comfortable for you as a family now. ;-)

If you're not running too late and have a packed lunch, Goosenecks has sheltered picnic tables with a cool view!

I have no idea of what Telluride might be during the Jazz Festival but it's still a a great drive from Cortez up through Dolores and Rico to Placerville and onto Montrose. Telluride is off CO145 so driving through shouldn't be a problem but it gives you the opportunity to turn off and take a look. Between Durango and the Sand dunes you could do a quick stop at Pagosa Hot springs.

From Pikes peak it doesn't add much time to go from Woodland park north on CO67 through Decker and continue up through Aspen park which is a pleasant drive and (imo) nicer than going back to I-25. If it wasn't for the game at Coors field I would of suggested going towards Estes park and just visit Denver after RMNP. Estes park is a good location unless there are cabins available in the NP(?) around Morraine campground. The walking around the Bear lake area is great and for all levels. If you have time, driving the Trail ridge road is a great adventure!

[UKCraig]

If it wasn't for the game at Coors field

hmmm, this somehow got me to thinking... the struggle with the last few days was all about accommodating the ball game which the kids wanted to get to. What would happen if this was not an option, say it was cancelled, or say they *thought* it was cancelled...? Puts a whole new perspective on the final days I think. I know I am not excessively worried about seeing downtown Denver and I have been to plenty of games in my time. Something to ponder for the weekend I think!

PS look what arrived already. Just got to go out for a bit so not had a proper look but a quick flick through the book and it looks really nicely done. A nice feel and very colourful and inviting. If I'd have seen it on a shelf in a bookstore or in the library I would absolutely have taken it home with me!

[Southwest Dave]

hmmm, this somehow got me to thinking...

That's why I put it there! Haha. I may have forgotten to book the tickets now it's soldout. I may have booked the wrong tickets and booked a Coors brewery tour in Golden instead but at least it's near Buffalo Bills museum and grave. ;-) All joking aside I know where I would want to spend my time between Denver or RMNP.

Dave

[Mark Sedenquist]

Okay, here goes, version 2.0!

Like Dave mentioned, I think this new plan sound much more like fun and less like a work trip.

Tuesday 30th July - Day 3:
Lombard Street/Filbert Street
Golden Gate Bridge
Drive south to Monterey and relax there for the afternoon (+/- 2.5 hours)
Overnight: Pacific Grove/Monterey

My brother, Dan, lives in Aptos and he knows that coast really well. Perhaps he could meet you someplace and explore one of the state parks. Your kids might get a kick out of Steamer Lane.

Thursday 1st August - Day 5:
Finish driving south along the PCH
Lunch at Morro Bay?
Afternoon at Avila, Cayucos or Pismo Beach
Overnight: Cavalier Oceanfront Hotel?

My first choice would be the Cayucos Beach Motel – right on the beach.

Friday 2nd August – Day 6:
Travel day: drive to Death Valley NP via Lone Pine (+/- 6.5 hours)
Sunset Badwater Basin
Overnight accommodation booked: Furnace Creek Ranch Cabin

If CA-190 is open, you wouldn’t go all the way to Lone Pine. Actually if CA-178 is open I would recommend a drive through Panamint Valley—past the Trona Pinnacles—they will seem familiar from all of the sci fi films they have been used for. You do miss that gorgeous road eastward from Father Crowley Point, but Panamint Valley is pretty darn impressive.

Saturday 3rd August – Day 7:
Explore Death Valley NP
Zabriskie Point
Devils Golf Course
Artists Drive / Artists Pallette
Overnight accommodation booked: Furnace Creek Ranch Cabin

The Mule Team road is pretty cool too.

Sunday 4th August – Day 8:
Sunrise Dantes View
Free entry to National Parks today – avoid!
Drive to Las Vegas (+/- 2.5 hours)
Overnight: Staying with relatives south of Las Vegas

“South of Las Vegas” – where is this? Laughlin? Maybe we could join you for dinner this night?

Monday 5th August – Day 9:
Drive to Kingman (+/- 4 hours)
Visit Hoover Dam
Frozen Custard at Culvers!
Overnight: Kingman

I hope you drive the old Route 66 to Oatman on your way to Kingman? The turbine tours at the Dam are the worth the expense if you can fit it in. Or you can park and walk over the bridge for outstanding views.

Tuesday 6th August – Day 10:
Breakfast at Cracker Barrel!
Drive along old Route 66 to Grand Canyon NP (+/- 3 hours)
Explore Grand Canyon NP
Overnight accommodation booked: Maswik Lodge South

Thursday 8th August – Day 12:
Travel day: drive to Cortez (+/- 6 hours)
Stop for lunch at the roadside in Monument Valley

Gouldings Hotel has great views for lunch and there is a very cool film museum and trading post there.

Saturday 10th August – Day 14:
Drive western part of San Juan Skyway via Telluride and Ridgway (+/- 4 hours)
Gondola from Telluride to Mountain Village and back?
Note: Telluride Jazz Festival – how does this effect this plan?
Overnight accommodation booked: Montrose Barndominium

Like Dave, have never been the jazz festival – but I would guess that traffic could be bear.

Monday 12th August – Day 16:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
Overnight accommodation booked: Montrose Barndominium

Both of these days have awesome views.

Sunday 18th August – Day 22:
Drive out toward Rocky Mountain NP via Peak to Peak Highway (+/- 3 hours?)
Overnight: Estes Park?

Like Dave mentioned – Estes Park is worth seeing – Traffic is a bit of a bear – but views from the Stanley Hotel (maybe lunch) are great.

Looking forward to seeing your photos.

Mark

[Mark Sedenquist]

Here is bit more about the Hoover Dam bridge on the day it opened.

--> When Dave and Lezli visited we had amazing views. (see below)


February 20, 2019, David Gomm on the Bridge (a/k/a "Southwest Dave")


A view of the Nevada-side Turbines in the Dam


The walkway provides stunning views of the face of the dam.


One more view --showing a bit more dam.

Mark

[Mark Sedenquist]

PS look what arrived already. Just got to go out for a bit so not had a proper look but a quick flick through the book and it looks really nicely done. A nice feel and very colourful and inviting.

Good timing. We only had one (1) copy still in the warehouse in the UK. Glad you were the one to get it!

There are some really good insights for traveling the roads in Arizona and New Mexico.

Thanks for purchasing it.

Mark

[UKCraig]

That's why I put it there! Haha. I may have forgotten to book the tickets now it's soldout. I may have booked the wrong tickets and booked a Coors brewery tour in Golden instead but at least it's near Buffalo Bills museum and grave. ;-) All joking aside I know where I would want to spend my time between Denver or RMNP.

Dave

Okay so I haven't managed to get away with that one. I have, however, got corporate to agree one extra night outside of Denver. So either one extra night somewhere between Durango and Denver or, alternatively, an extra night in Estes Park. What would you reckon?

- - - Updated - - -

Looking forward to seeing your photos.

Yes, I think we are at that stage now, not much more to do other than look forward to the trip! Thank you for all the tips and suggestions, I think it's going to be a really fun few weeks!!

[davwilll]

Isn't 18 places over 24 days a bit too much?

[Southwest Dave]

Isn't 18 places over 24 days a bit too much?

Hi davwilll and welcome to RTA!

For some (most?) people it would seem a lot to do but the beauty of planning your own road trip is to travel at the pace you are comfortable with balanced with how much you want to see. This is a bit of a whirlwind tour but the miles each day are comfortable with enough time for some sightseeing etc. I travel a lot like this and treat each day as going out for the day, I just finish up somewhere else!

[Southwest Dave]

I have, however, got corporate to agree one extra night outside of Denver. So either one extra night somewhere between Durango and Denver or, alternatively, an extra night in Estes Park. What would you reckon?

Well another night prior to Denver and you could visit Cave of the winds and a place I remember appealing to me that we didn't have time to visit was the Mining towns of Cripple creek and Victor. Near Denver there is Lookout mountain, home of Buffalo Bill's grave and museum close to the town of Golden.
Taking an extra night after Denver you could still visit BB's resting place (?) but then what I would probably do is head through Idaho Springs (lunch?) and continue to Granby/Grand lake for the night and next morning drive the epic Trail ridge road (US34) into Estes park, stay over and visit the Bear lake area next day. So many options but those are a few to ponder.