Got our tickets for end of September...advice please (Denver: rental car, rental)

[Jordy920]

We got our airline tickets today, flying into Denver last Saturday in September,renting a car and the plan is to drive to Estes Park that night, either spending a night at the hotel Stanley, or at least taking a tour. I have been told that touring RMNP should only take a day, just driving the main route, and taking pics of the foliage and highlights,we are not interested in hiking at all. So to recap: we are planning on spending all day Sunday touring RMNP and maybe part of Monday touring, then the other part touring hotel Stanley. We would also like to visit Maroon Bells, but realize that is a six hour drive, so it may not happen. By Tuesday night we would like to be down in the Colorado Springs area, some definites are Pikes Peak Railway, Seven Falls, and the Royal Gorge. My husband wants to pan for gold, so I guess a day in Cripple Creek is also a must. Can the attractions around Colorado Creek be done in three to four days? Critiques please?

[Colorado Rambler]

That’s a pretty ambitious itinerary. Unless you like doing nothing but driving, I’d forget the Maroon Bells. They are indeed beautiful, but you will have no time to explore the area as it should be seen. The moment the Maroon Bells come into view, you’ll just have to turn around and come back. Also, keep in mind that it is not uncommon for Colorado’s high country to get snow that time of year. Touring RMNP (which will be bumper to bumper, BTW) and checking out the Stanley should be plenty.

Also, I’d skip Seven Falls which tends to be an over-hyped tourist trap (just my humble opinion). Check out the Garden of the Gods on the west side of Colorado Springs instead. Three or four days in Cripple Creek are more than enough unless you want to spend most of your time playing the slots at the casinos. Check out the old mining town of Victor or take Highway 24 up to Buena Vista and continue on to Leadville, another cool old mining town well worth a visit. This itinerary has the advantage of being a circle, allowing you to see as much as possible between Colorado Springs and Denver without having to back track. Enjoy the colors!

[beezle1]

Originally Posted by Colorado Rambler

Three or four days in Cripple Creek are more than enough unless you want to spend most of your time playing the slots at the casinos.!

I think you meant hours... I cannot imagine 3 or 4 days in Cripple Creek!

[Jordy920]

Okay, I guess we will forget Maroon Bells, we will plan to spend two full days between RMNP and Hotel Stanley. We will probably spend 4 full days around Colorado Springs and the mining town, is their anywhere in the area you can pan for gold? My husband wants to try this,lol,We are mainly interested in the foliage and scenery, want to bring lots of pics back to PA.

[StealthRabbit]

Don't write off Maroon Bells, just yet. Lots of your trip depends on weather / progress of colors...
Trail Ridge Road may still be open, making a different and spectacular RT to CoS via Glenwood Springs.
what time do you arrive on Saturday.? If early enough (noon) .... You can head west to Black Hawk and have a similar Cripple Creek experience and take one of the most beautiful aspen routes to Estes Park. Rte 72 and 7

You have a full week ?

Follow the leaf / fall colors report, and stay as flexible as possible. The higher elevations may lose colors first, it all depends on weather / rain / wet snows / wind.

One day in Cripple Creek will be plenty.
Check into the back roads / non tourist centric destinations. There is much to do near CoS, that is free and interesting. Glen Eyrie is a nice place to visit / stay.

[brown_dog_us]

Trail Ridge Rd generally is open through September. In fact I don't remember it ever closing before October. Independence Pass should still be open too. How about:

Airport to Estes Park

Estes Park to Glenwood Springs via Trail Ridge Rd

Glenwood Springs to Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells to Cripple Creek via Independence Pass - you could stop in Leadville or Buena Vista/Salida if you want.

[Jordy920]

Plane is supposed to arrive at 10:45, depending upon delays, how long it takes to get our rental car, a lot of variables in the equation. Stealth rabbit, I like your idea of route 72 and 7,the scenery is the primary thing we are interested in. It might be a little hard to be flexible as I soon want to reserve our motel reservations in the various areas. I was told yo lock down a night at Stanley a week or so ago, if I wait too much longer we won't get a room.

[Jordy920]

Than you brown dog,so many things too think about,lol

[Colorado Rambler]

Originally Posted by beezle1

I think you meant hours... I cannot imagine 3 or 4 days in Cripple Creek!

Beats me. OP wrote "days" in her post. I took her at her word.

[Jordy920]

Oops, I meant to say spending one day around Cripple Creek, and 3 days around Colorado Springs.