Touring from Denver.?

Question

Flexible plan so far for 3rd week in September.3nights in Denver,then 2 in Aspen district followed by 3 nights near Moab.Returning via Gunnison(2) and Salida(1).Finishing with 3 nights in Springs.Good trip for the parks?Any comment?Hotels?Choice of areas?Car rental?Restaurants?Places to avoid?....Thanks (UK visitor)

Answer 1

In Denver check out Botanical Gardens and Denver Zoo are awesome.

Answer 2

go to d**n! ... Can't remember the name of the great sandwich shop in Moab!   Serves really great subs on fresh baked bread, and makes yogurt smoothies with, like vitamin supplements.  It's on the north of town.  You should check them out.  Oh!  I just remembered:  It's called Hoagie yogie.  (hoagies are subs...yogie for the yogurt smoothies...)

I don't think 3 nights will be enough for the Moab parks...You want a day for the north entrance of Canyonlands, a day for the South entrance, and at least a day or two for Arches.  And there's other things to do, if you're interested.

What parks are you planning around Denver?  The rest looks pretty good.  I have no idea on rental cars.  We don't usually compare much, we just go with whatever company looks pretty good.  While in Denver, try to get to a Red Robin...it's a local burger chain.  Big portions, very good burgers, great staffs.  

Make sure, while you are in Colorado Springs to go to Garden of the Gods, and Cave of the Winds (actually in Manitou Springs, a bit west).  You'll need a full day for Pike's Peak.

What are you planning in Salida?  I would say to avoid it...but that's probably just a personal thing. If you have a real reason to go there, then there's nothing wrong with it, I just can't see what you would do there.

Answer 3

Not true! Denver is a great city with lots of things to do!

Denver has tons of delicious restaurants of all types, ethnic and American. I would suggest these two websites to find great reviews for restaurants, bars, live music, sights, etc. while you're here. I would suggest just staying right downtown in a hotel if you can afford it (with the exchange rate these days I'm sure you'll be fine). Then just cab it/walk all over from there.

http://denver.citysearch.com/

http://www.westword.com/

Aspen is a beautiful town, and even more so this time of year with the change of seasons. Lots of shops and restaurants, hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Go to the nearest visitor's center for more info, but it's small enough that you won't feel like you're missing out on something by not doing your research first.

Never been to Moab.

Gunnison- never really stayed there, but have been camping etc. nearby. Lots of hiking/hot springs nearby/rafting/outdoorsy stuff (I certainly hope you are into the outdoors to be hitting all of these locations).

http://www.visitgunnison.com/index.cfm

If you're bored in Gunnison, take a trip up to Crested Butte and stay the night. This town is absolutely gorgeous and there are lots of shops, restaurants, and bars. Just a really cool mountain town and the drive there is beautiful. Of course, the Great Sand Dunes are totally amazing and along your path so you should definitely try and check that out!

Also, you've got to see the Collegiate Peaks mountain range, which is north of Salida (google maps it). Buena Vista is the town near there with a nice hot springs and rafting galore.

Haven't spent much time in Salida, but 1 night is probably enough to see it all and move on (in fact, if you can skip it and see Crested Butte and Buena Vista, do it).

Lastly, I have only been through the Springs, so I can't give you too much advice about it. Fairly good size city though, so I'm sure you'll find lots to do. Check out Cave of the Winds (then tell me if it's cool), Pike's Peak (one of the more popular 14-ers in Colorado), and the Royal Gorge (a must-see) which is located in Canon City (between Salida and CO Springs).

If you have done any research, I'm sure you realize how many national parks and forests there are. You picked a perfect time to visit CO. Just don't forget to bring a coat (nights will be pretty chilly here by then, esp up in the mountains if you make it up to them).

I hope I have helped you out a little bit!

Have a great trip!

Answer 4

Stayed there for a week and went into the mountains for a visit to buffalo bills grave and to watch the buffalo graze, some nice small towns nearby (morrison) that resemble places from the wild west, as well as dinosaur trails. Denvers not the best city in terms of seeing and doing things, but im sure youll enjoy youself, have fun,,,