Thanks all for the suggestions, I didn't know there are so many airports around Moab. I also found about the regional air companies!
I may settle for Denver and add an extra week in the area for good measure :-). My options are either going South to Durango/Pagosa Springs or North to Estes Park/Rocky Mountains NP. Can anybody recommend one over the other? I don't want to pollute the thread with my plans, please let me know if this is too OT.
Thanks again,
V
The goal is for everyone to have a great time. If you have a question, someone else is probably wondering the same thing, or knows the answer. FIRE away. (Hee!)
Thanks!
We intend to spend a couple of days in Rocky Mountain NP on our way from Denver to Moab, and 4 days in the Durango/Pagosa Springs on our way back to Denver. Is it reasonable? Ar we trying to do too much in a single trip?
If anybody is familiar with Rocky Mtn NP, some specific questions:
- is the beginning of October too late for hiking there? From my research the main road is likely still open, but the Old Fall River Rd may be closed. Variable weather doesn't scare us, but if the snow is already high it may not be too fun...
- any recommendations for 2 days of hiking in the park?
V
WeatherLate September/early October is actually often the very best time in RMNP, as long as there isn't an early snowstorm (~15% chance, and
2017 is the only year in recent history with significant snow that early). Expect possibly a dusting of snow above treeline and/or morning frost. By October, there are no more thunderstorms, which are an almost-daily problem during much of the summer. In spite of the lack of storms, it's best to start early anyway if you want to avoid crowds (no later than sunrise). Just before sunrise is also the best time to enjoy Trail Ridge Road, since it's the only way to avoid the
tourons up there.
Park EntryAnother advantage to going early is you can get into the park free. I'm not sure what time they start charging fees (which is whenever the entry stations are first manned in the morning), but if you're in before 7AM, you should be good. Note that if you want to enter the park later in the day, you will have to navigate the
timed entry restrictions/permitting process.
HikesPeaks1) If you want to hit some of the higher peaks without a ~16 mi r/t slog,
CCY is excellent (if Fall River Road is open)
2) Another option is
Ida (if Trail Ridge is still open)
3) For a slightly easier option,
Twin Sisters is a very nice trail with excellent views from the summit; however, it's below treeline most of the way, so the views are sporadic most of the way
Lakes1)
Chasm is a standout and by October the summer conditions on Longs should mean the trailhead parking area is not a zoo
2)
Bluebird Lake out of the Wild Basin area is relatively secluded and as nice as the very heavily trafficked Sky Pond (Bear Lake area)
3) my favorite lakes are the
Lion Lakes + Snowbank (also out of Wild Basin), and you might not see anyone out there most of the day
Other1) Glacier Gorge/Bear Lake area is nice but overrated and
very crowded unless you start in the dark w/ headlights to beat the crowds, which you would have to do (before 5AM) if you wanted to go there without a timed entry permit
2) For wildlife viewing, pre-sunrise is typically the best time (notice the running theme that you want to get started
early for the best experience)
3) The western half of the park isn't as crowded and has some excellent hikes, but many of the better options are longer approaches (can suggest stuff on that side if interested; as you can probably tell, I've done a lot of miles in the front range)