visiting Colorado

My girlfriend & I (and chocolate lab) have a trip planned to head to Colorado the first week of September. She would love to take her 2015 Subaru Impreza (5spd hatch 58k miles) however I've been thinking we would be driving my '01 Tacoma there instead (w/ 228k miles). Big difference in fuel consumption she argues. With that being said; I'll have some tools and other things. We will be staying in Woodland Park for two days then heading to Parshall for about three days. Our last night will be spent in Walden before heading back home to Illinois. This trip will be between 2500-3000 miles. I would like some recommendations for some places to see and check out and maybe get my truck dirty.

 

i couldnt justify the tacoma without some camping and wheeling already planned. Sounds like your lodging is set already, save the gas money and take her out to dinner, the ride will be more comfortable too in her impreza.

all that said CO is full of options but you have not given us much to recommend anything.

Check out the FS website and the Stay the Trail website for best information and maps to different areas.

 

Mt. Evans is scheduled to close on the 4th of September. The 14,000+ view is spectacular, the drive paved. It is open 24 hours a day, good wildlife opportunities (big horn, pika, goats). Amazing to go up at night, watch the sun rise. Winds can be a bear at that elevation. Can do it in whatever you drive.

 

you can do a lot of easy trails out here in the Subi also.

 

Those locations aren't exactly close. Parshall is near RMNP and worth a look. The drive from Granby to Estes Park is memorable. The road should be open in early Sept but heavy snow will close it. I've seen the road closed for a day or 2 when we were there in June a few years ago until they could clear it.

Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods is between Colorado Springs and Woodland Park. You'll drive right by it coming in from Illinois. The Garden of the Gods is something you can see in 1/2 hour if you rush through, or spend 1/2 day. But it is free and worth a look. Driving up Pikes Peak takes at least 1/2 day, but is something I'd see if that close.

There are a lot of off road trails in the Silverton/Ouray area, but that is in the SW part of the state. I'd probably take the Subaru at this time of year. Later when there are heavy snows or if you were hunting and 20 miles down a forest service road in October and November I'd take the Taco with chains.

 

Around Woodland Park there’s places like Metberry Gulch and other spur trails off of Cedar Mountain Rd. Most of them are mild/moderate.