It's not Texas, but what am I leaving out?

[robertwy]

One month from today, my son and I leave on a ten day trip through and around Colorado. I've tried to include what I think are the best roads as shown on the map. I cut out the portion of the map from Ft Worth to Colorado because it's so boring. The total trip will be about 3700 miles round trip from Fort Worth.

It's hard to see, but the route includes riding to the top of Mt. Evans, through Rocky Mountain Nat's Park, and the Cache la Poudre Canyon.

What am I leaving out?

[Doons]

Looks like you picked some really good routes.

The Coldest ride I ever had was from Copper Mountain to Leadville.. it was also August . 34 degrees that Morning when we left!!!! Did not have enough gear to keep myself comfortable. The Day before it was beautiful going up towards Mt. Evens (you can see Florida from up there!!!) but the final 9 mile climb was very chilly. According to the chalk board at the Park entry, it was 37 degrees and windy at that top..... it certainly was!!!!

Be prepared for all types of weather !!!! Man, I wish I was going, love riding up there.... have fun and be safe!

[robertwy]

We're planning on taking both our summer and winter gear plus, of course, our rain gear. I've ridden over Wolf Creek pass before in August when it was about 40 degrees and sleeting. Wasn't prepared and nearly froze to death.

Thanks for your input.

[X1Glider]

You've got a lot of good stuff on your routes. The only thing I can think of that you might be missing is the Garden of the Gods, Great Sand Dunes National Monument and Preserve and Pike's Peak, just outside Colorado Springs. While you're in Estes Park, stop in at the Overlook hotel and see the Stanley Steamer. The Durango/ Cortez area of Mesa Verde Nat'l Park is great for mountain biking but the roads were pretty cool by SUV. Everything in the middle is good too. Lots of old west history between Salida and Leadville.

Hopefully the Aspens will be in all it's glorious gold color for you.

I'm tempted to crash the party, I'm way overdue for a trip.

[Fz1pilot1]

Well ,,,I Lived in Las Vegas NM. I have been on these roads ...I asways stay in Corteas CO. and I would travel to Red river and go up that...Eagles nest is great , chuma just to name a few...There are some dead spots but once you get to the boarder towns of NM Co...yea.........Heaven !

[robertwy]

Thanks, for your input guys. I'm trying to make sure we pack everything we can into the trip since we only get one long trip per year.

[Valker]

I see that you will be by Black Canyon of the Gunnisons. Don't miss the ride to the bottom of the canyon. Access is from the south side, first right past the gate. All paved.

[Desert Skies]

Looks like a good ride. We went through Leadville on the way to Yellowstone in May and although some of I70 through Glen Canyon was 2-way, it sure was a nice ride.

[robertwy]

I'll try the ride to the bottom of the Black Canyon. Thanks for telling me about it.

That's a gorgeous picture along I-70. I can't wait.

Thanks,