Going to Colorado 6/28! (Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins: movies, camping, restaurants)

[Floridanative2]

I am so excited, I am finally going to Colorado for a visit next week for 2 1/2 weeks. Anything that I must see or do while I am there?
Have plans to camp, raft, go to a hot spring, and visit the Fort Collins area. Any and all suggestions please.

[Charles]

Eat at chain restaurants.
Go to the movies.

Ok, seriously, Drive up Pikes Peak or Mount Evans?

Search the threads, there are a ton of posts just like yours.

[Solidwood]

Colorado is a big state. Are you going to the Denver / Springs area? Try Rocky Mountain National Park west of Denver off I-70, Great Sand Dunes national monument on the west side of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Royal Gorge near Canyon City.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Are you planning to go rafting on the Arkansas River? Hot springs at Mt. Princeton? Camping in the same area? If so, one suggestion is to drive over Independence Pass into Aspen. Fantastic scenery, but not for the faint of heart.

[Mike from back east]

Welcome to Colorado, you'll love it. See these threads:

- It's very dry and the sun will burn you fast here, so drink lots of water, use sunscreen and chapstick, wear sungalsses and have saline spray for the nose. For more, see: http://www.city-data.com/forum/color...g-heart-5.html

- For a good once-over-the-state thread, see: http://www.city-data.com/forum/color...-colorado.html

- http://www.city-data.com/forum/denve...ml#post2297825

- For Colorado Springs, an hour below Denver, see: http://www.city-data.com/forum/1876250-post2.html Not just for kids, either.

- Down in Canon City, an hour below Colorado Springs, see: http://www.city-data.com/forum/3562-post9.html

[StealthRabbit]

Do the route over Trail Ridge (US 34) you can go to 'Hot Springs' and Steamboat Springs.
+ circle by Glenwood Springs and into Aspen for Independence Pass, it is a nice scenic route to Colo Springs. Then be sure to see Garden of the Gods, and various other attractions in the area. A 2.5 week loop should allow you to cover a lot of ground, but be sure to allow time for hiking in various terrain. (lots of Choices)

[ryanek9freak]

Yeah I was gonna suggest Independence pass. Very nice scenery.

[SheridanL]

And some people give me crappola for suggesting Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray RYAN!!! You are a Brat Child!!HA!!

[Brill]

I've see several people are mentioning Independence Pass. How far a drive is that from Colorado Springs? Close enough for a one day trip? Would my little ford focus be able to handle the inclines in the summer?

[ryanek9freak]

Well, think Ouray would be a little too far a drive for the OP, although i'm sure they would love it.

I'm going to Ouray in september for the Jeep Jamboree!!!

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures

Oh and Brill, i'm sure your Focus would be fine, so long as it doesn't snow.