| Author | Message | ||
     Damnut |
So I've been wanting to go to Colorado for a long time now and especially since it is 1 of 8 states left on my visited states list to get crossed off. For about 5-6 years I've been for checking concerts that I'd like to see at a venue just outside of Denver, the Red Rock Amphitheater. The first time I saw a video of a show there I put that on my "bucket list" of cool shit I'd like to do. Well after years of looking for a show to see, this year had one that looked promising. So this morning I booked a quick weekend trip for my wife and I to go see A Perfect Circle in October. So we arrive on late Friday night and the show is Monday night, we take off late Tuesday. What are some "Must See" spots while we are out there? We pretty much have 2.5 days to explore and we are totally open to suggestions. We talked about driving up to Yellowstone but we'd only have about a day and a half there. I know it is worth the long drive for sure but I'm wondering if time would be better spent doing things just in Colorado. I talked about heading up to Pike's Peak but that interests me more than my wife.  | ||
| Tootal |
Only a day and a half at Yellowstone isn't worth the drive. Way too much to experience there IMO. Pike's Peak is fun if you get there early and drive up it. If you like twisty roads! Your wife might freak out though!! The view is great in the morning before it gets hazy, as long as it's not raining. Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful too! There's a drive down Hwy. 50 that's worth doing also. Basically, if you're just moving around Colorado you can't go wrong! | ||
| Crusty |
Go to the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. I lived in Colo Spgs for four years and it's a place you'll find pretty amazing. The trip up Pikes Peak is pretty neat, and the view from 14,110 Ft is also something you'll remember. Hell, driving up Ute Pass to get to the Pikes Peak highway will be pretty impressive; you're from Massachusetts. Rocky Mountain National Park is pretty mind blowing as well. If you ever get a chance to spend a couple of weeks in Colorado with a motorcycle, jump at it. I can plot out a ride that will have you talking to yourself. | ||
| Airbozo |
I've been to Red Rocks hundreds of times. Mostly for concerts. Some for picnics an some for late night keggers. My favorite venue ever. Check out the cemetery if you can. Garden of the gods is a great place to check out. Beautiful place. If you go to Colorado Springs, see if you can get the tour of Cheyenne Mountain. The Flat Irons in Boulder are pretty cool. The Whole Front Range is awesome. Not sure if the huge Buffalo Herd is still in the green space outside of Boulder, but it's cool to see. | ||
| Phelan |
I'm in Fountain, just a few miles south of CO Springs. If you make it down to the Springs you should hit me up, I'd love to drive or ride up to the Springs to meet you in person. | ||
| Court |
This is going to be a fun thread . . . I'm already excited to see how this trip develops and to hear the report! I've spent some time in CO . . . mostly to and from ski places like Vail and Copper Mountain. But the most spectacular trip was to Copper Mountain in the summer . . . I'd go along with the "as long as you are moving around in Colorado you are going to be amazed". I took a group up Mt. Evans on Buells once and that was memorable. The Pikes Peak thing sounds like time well spent! We've enough folks in CO that you should score some awesome tips. | ||
| Fireboltwillie |
i would consider driving Peak to Peak highway, from south to north, drop down into Estes Park, visit Rocky Mountain National Park...this route would be a good sampling of Colorado...if you had a few more days, i would throw in the western slope. | ||
| Pwnzor |
Stranahan's Distillery 200 S Kalamath St, Denver, CO 80223 | ||
| Strokizator |
Yeah, what Fireboltwillie said. Get a Butler's Map of CO and pick a route. Still trying to figure out how you hit 42 states and still managed to miss Colorado? | ||
| Damnut |
Ross, let's make a plan to meet up for lunch or something. Pikes Peak is looking more like it is going to be on the itinerary for this trip. I have to start mapping out routes and get a game plan together. I only have 5 months........... | ||
| Damnut |
Strokizator....... in a past life I lived out of a suitcase being a field service guy so I got to see a lot of this world on someone else's dime. A lot of people who know my traveling also wonder how the f*@k I haven't been to Colorado yet, myself included. The states I have left to visit after this are Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Dakota, Kentucky, Alabama, Hawaii and Alaska. I'm guessing North Dakota will be my last state. (Message edited by Damnut on May 14, 2018) | ||
| Etennuly |
Jim, like traveling anywhere, it is all about how you dress for the trip.  | ||
| Tootal |
I took a group up Mt. Evans on Buells once and that was memorable. My Uly loved the frost heaves. They warned me about them at the gate but I wasn't on my dresser!  One of many views from Mt. Evans. (Message edited by tootal on May 14, 2018) | ||
| Zac4mac |
Jim, depending on "when" you'll want enough gear to be comfy from 20-80 degrees, wet or dry. My Uly's panniers carry 3 seasons of gear. Summertime, the "twisties" are clogged with tourists and cops on the weekends. One of their favorite tricks is to STOP in the middle of the highway to look at sheep, goats, elk, etc. Plan those rides for Tue-Thu and you can pretty much set your own pace. If you go north of Denver, I'd love to see you. My shop's in Longmont, stop by for a mini tour. seven2zero sixthreefive zero87seven Zack | ||
| Glitch |
What!? No pot jokes? We've enough folks in CO that you should score some awesome There, there's a pot joke, carry on!  | ||
| Damnut |
Weed is legal in Massachusetts so not a big deal to me. | ||
| 86129squids |
Jim- of course you KNOW you must visit the Barber Motorsports complex in Leeds, AL when you can... | ||
| Daddio |
Damnut-- You did say you're going in October, right? Just beware that Pikes Peak road may be closed, anytime after Labor Day, same with the Mt. Evans road. Of the 2, Mt. Evans is taller, and FREE. The Peak to Peak highway, and any (all!) of the canyon roads leading up to, and down from it are a fun ride. I'm guessing that you're flying in, and renting. I lived in Denver for 52 years, but left 5 years ago. Front range traffic sucks, I moved to the Black Hills. | ||
| Damnut |
Yeah late October. I was curious about the weather as this is an outdoor show at night. Last night I scored a pair of tickets to the show, great seats too.  Haven't booked a hotel or car yet. I want to plan my trip before booking rooms. I'll wait till the trip is almost here so I know what I need to get for a rental. Also need some more "have to do" ideas before finalizing my travel plans. | ||
| Damnut |
Do you guys think I could fit Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods in one day? Anything else interesting to see down that way? I may spend Saturday night in Colorado Springs since I'll be down that way. Know of any cool places to go for nightlife in CS? | ||
| Tootal |
Yes. Get up early and head up Pike's Peak at around 7:00. No traffic is a wonderful thing! Then spend the afternoon at Garden of the Gods. If you like German Food check out Edelweiss restaurant on the South side of Colorado Springs on East Ramona Ave. Excellent food and beer selection. There is also Mother Muff's which has the fan from the movie Casablanca over the bar. Good food there too. | ||
| Needs_o2 |
Mt. Evans is definitely a hoot! Not as busy as Pikes Peak, but still 14,130'.  Conversation with a little kid at the summit.  Notice the four legged guy making himself at home in the background.  Nut, what bike are you going to be on? Do you want to do only riding while out here? Jeff | ||
| Damnut |
I'll be with my wife in a rental car. Although I'd love to, I won't be riding unfortunately. | ||
| Needs_o2 |
Mt. Evans is west of Denver and would allow you to continue west then north to Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park where elk and moose should still be in the rut, and for sure you would see elk and possibly bear and moose. With that route, you could also get to some of these places; Breckenridge, Loveland pass, Vail, Steamboat, Grand Lake, and Estes Park | ||
| Needs_o2 |
The above list of places could all be done in one big loop back to Denver. | ||
| Damnut |
Nice! Thanks Jeff, that's great information and sounds like that may be my Sunday plan. | ||
| Damnut |
Ok I'm a month away. So far my plans are.... Friday- fly into Denver and check out some nightlife in Denver. Could use some suggestions. Saturday- get up early, drive up to Pike's Peak and scare the shit out of my wife. Leave PP and head to the Garden of the Gods for the afternoon. Staying in Colorado Springs Saturday night. Could use some suggestions on places to go in CS. Sunday.... totally open. Thinking about going to Rocky Mtn National Park and doing the loop that Needs o2 suggested. Monday- Concert day. Have to find something to do in the early part of the day. Going to Red Rocks mid-afternoon so I can check the place out before the show. Tuesday- Don't know where I am staying Monday night so Tuesday is totally open for suggestions. Leaving Denver at 4. Would love to hear of great food places to hit up or live music venues for nightlife. Can't wait for this trip! Oh and if someone would be willing to rent me a bike...... | ||
| Tootal |
http://edelweissrest.com/ As mentioned above. South side of Colorado Springs. | ||
| Gregtonn |
Be prepared for snow/ice at higher elevations at that time of year. Tire chains would be a good idea because weather can move in fast. G | ||
| Damnut |
Do you get chains with a rental? |
