We book 9 days at the Denver west KOA next summer and looking for suggestions of things to do in the area.
We’re active outdoor people so looking for any suggestions. Trails to hike, activities, restaurants...... anything ��
Thanks!!!
Honestly I would not have suggested staying in the Central City area. There's nothing wrong with it, but there are so many nicer, better places, especially if you're truly into being outdoors. From Central City you could go north on CO119 (also called Peak-to-Peak Hwy) to the town of Nederland. Then continue north from Nederland and the Switzerland Trail will be on your right with plenty of hiking. Further north on 119 is the Brainard Lakes Recreation Area with lots of hiking, fishing, etc. I suggest hitting Brainard on a week day and get there early. Once you climb out of the Central City area Peak-to-Peak Hwy becomes very scenic. Further west along I-70 you'll find St Mary's Glacier with plenty of hiking and mid-summer snowball fights . Further west is Silverthorn. Breckenridge will likely be running a chair lift to the top; you can hike or ride the chair back down. It might be worth investing in a Colorado Gazetteer for detailed maps of back country roads to explore.
Enjoy your trip.
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2024 Geo Pro 15TB, 400W Solar, 2 Golf Cart batteries
2015 F-150 5.0L V8 XLT Crew Cab, 4x4, Tow Package, 36 gal tank, 3.55 locker, 1891 payload, Integrated Brake Controller, Roadmaster Active Suspension
We spent a month in Westminster last year. Although we like outdoors, living 21 years on a sailboat, and full timing for 8, we also like museums and places of history. There is the Forney Museum of Transportation, Railroad Museum with train ride, Clive Cussler 'the writer' Museum, his daughter runs it. He passed this last spring in Phoenix. Denver zoo we felt worth the visit, CO Wolf sanctuary, Manitou cliff dwellings south of Denver. We googled mostly with a little help from a poor aaa travel book. Have fun. I'd go back!
I've never been to that campground (I usually dry camp), but the location of the Denver West/Central City KOA suggests to me that its used primarily by Casino guests. My guess....
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2024 Geo Pro 15TB, 400W Solar, 2 Golf Cart batteries
2015 F-150 5.0L V8 XLT Crew Cab, 4x4, Tow Package, 36 gal tank, 3.55 locker, 1891 payload, Integrated Brake Controller, Roadmaster Active Suspension
I've never been to that campground (I usually dry camp), but the location of the Denver West/Central City KOA suggests to me that its used primarily by Casino guests. My guess....
I seen that someone suggested Dakota Ridge RV park as an option instead of the KOA. We just spent 10 days there in August. It is a great place with one exception , there is a large outdoor bar across the road! Live bands and 2-3 hundred motorcycles on a weekend night! It can get pretty loud! My wife and I enjoyed the music but if you are trying to get the young ones down after a long day of sightseeing it could be a problem.
I seen that someone suggested Dakota Ridge RV park as an option instead of the KOA. We just spent 10 days there in August. It is a great place with one exception , there is a large outdoor bar across the road! Live bands and 2-3 hundred motorcycles on a weekend night! It can get pretty loud! My wife and I enjoyed the music but if you are trying to get the young ones down after a long day of sightseeing it could be a problem.
Being in Estes Park will put you in a much more scenic, more lush location. Also, all those places I suggested along CO-119 are just as accessable from Estes. Maybe even a little easier. The Denver West CG would give you easier access to I-70 and to the resort areas along the I-70 corridor. But I'm not sure Interstate driving is what you want after arriving from Ohio. Personally I would choose Estes Park over Central City. The drive is very doable. Bring your fishing rods and bikes if you have them.
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2024 Geo Pro 15TB, 400W Solar, 2 Golf Cart batteries
2015 F-150 5.0L V8 XLT Crew Cab, 4x4, Tow Package, 36 gal tank, 3.55 locker, 1891 payload, Integrated Brake Controller, Roadmaster Active Suspension
If you like old 50's style cars, there is the hot rod hill climb mid Septemberish in Central City. As mentioned, Georgetown has a really nice steam engine train and the kids can pan for gold. If you're lucky, might catch a concert of your liking at Red Rocks.
Trails in Estes Park that are easiest: Knoll-Willows Open Space; Lake Estes Trail; Big Thompson River Walk; Moose Meadows and Limber Pine; Bible Point Trail; Bible Point Loop; Also, you'll be staying right at the mouth of Rocky Mountain National Park which is renowned for its scenic beauty, lakes and hiking. I use to live nearby but its been a few years since I was there.
Enjoy your travels!
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2024 Geo Pro 15TB, 400W Solar, 2 Golf Cart batteries
2015 F-150 5.0L V8 XLT Crew Cab, 4x4, Tow Package, 36 gal tank, 3.55 locker, 1891 payload, Integrated Brake Controller, Roadmaster Active Suspension
Switched reservations to the jellystone near Estes park. We thought that location would suit more of what we want to do... plus they have a pool!
Thanks for all the input so far and any more is appreciated!!!
Any trail suggestions? I’m reading up on what would be doable for kids 🙂
For the kids: Fun City Estes/Aerial Tramway (feed the chipmunk's at the top)/horseback riding/numerous hiking trails in RMNP/plenty of opportunities for video and still photography. Something for all. Suggested way to Jellystone is taking the CO66 exit off I25 up to Lyons and US36 out of Lyons to Jellystone. It's not as winding and more gradual climb than US34. Maybe you already plan to.
. Further west is Silverthorn. Breckenridge will likely be running a chair lift to the top; you can hike or ride the chair back down. It might be worth investing in a Colorado Gazetteer for detailed maps of back country roads to explore.
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