As a gateway to the Rockies, Denver provides endless road trip possibilities. However, some destinations get a lot more attention than others. Sure you could go see the summertime wildflowers in Crested Butte or Steamboat Springs. You could attend a music festival in Telluride or Vail. Or, you could see the fall leaves change color in Breckenridge or Aspen. But, what about exploring some lesser-trafficked areas that are just as gorgeous? With a few weeks left before snow starts accumulating in the high country, you still have time to get driving – off the beaten path.
Moffat, Colorado (2 nights)
Roundtrip travel time: 9 hours
The Sahara comes to Colorado
Cruise down Route 285 for some sand and surf in Moffat, Colorado. OK, well, it’s not technically surf. It’s actually sand and hot springs. The sand isn’t just any old sand though – it’s the tallest sand dunes in North America. Welcome to the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve! The Medano Creek flows through the park in the summer, peaking in June, making for a “beach” in the middle of Colorado. Now, the creek is just about to dry up for the season making the dunes look like a slice of the Sahara Desert. Once you’ve gotten your fill of playtime in the park, you can visit Joyful Journey Hot Springs for peaceful energy, healing water and a-ma-zing views. (And, if it’s your birthday, you don’t need to pay the $15 entry fee!) You can stay overnight here in the hotel, or, be adventurous and opt for one of their yurts or tipis. If you prefer to stay off site, between the sand and “surf,” reserve a vintage 34’ Airstream via airbnb.com.
Lake City, Colorado (3 nights)
Roundtrip travel time: 11 hours
View from the Lake City cabin
Head out Route 285 and hop on Route 50 toward Gunnison. Once you’ve passed through town, you’ll hit the Curecanti National Recreation Area. Here, head south on Route 149 and you’ll soon enter Hinsdale County – home of Lake City, which is the most remote town in the lower 48. Why? Because the rest of the county is public land. Founded in 1874, Lake City was a mining town until the mines shut down and an economic decline set in just as the 20th century hit. However, by 1915 people were realizing that Lake City, nestled in the San Juan Mountains, is the perfect spot for summer recreation. Since then, it’s become a designated National Historic District hosting more than 200 historic structures and more than 500 feet of reconstructed boardwalks. It’s also home to Lake San Cristobal – Colorado’s second largest lake. What it doesn’t have is commercial chains (no big box stores!), stop lights or light pollution. It’s like traveling back in time. Besides exploring the lake and the town history, you can also drive the Alpine Loop if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle. If not, no worries as you can rent a jeep or an ATV in town. (If bumpy mountain roads with sheer drops are not your thing, you may opt for visiting just a portion of the loop as it gets pretty treacherous in places.) And, there’s no shortage of cabin rentals in town and by the lake.
Cody, Wyoming (4 nights)
Roundtrip travel time: 18 hours
Getting in touch with my inner cowgirl
To experience the real Wild West, head north on Route 25 out of Colorado to Wyoming where you’ll find miles and miles of open space (and poor cell service!). There is so much of nothing in Wyoming that it has the potential to cause panic attacks in city folks (myself included). Go anyway as there’s nothing like it. Plus, Cody is the gateway to the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park – America’s first national park. Founded by William “Buffalo Bill” Cody, the town is home to some real cowboys. Bypass the numerous chain hotels and stay on a ranch to get a taste of cowboy life. Wherever you stay, make sure you have a drink at the historic Irma Hotel, named after Buffalo Bill’s daughter, Irma. You could spend weeks in Yellowstone, so to make it more manageable, break it in half and drive the northern loop one day and the southern loop another. (Be sure to allow extra time for the southern loop, so you can take a side drive into Grand Teton National Park which is just past the southern entrance of Yellowstone.) Remember that the wildlife may or may not be waiting to greet you as they make their own schedules. However, the world’s greatest concentration of geysers – including Old Faithful – is always on display!
Montana gets windy on the Beartooth HIghway
If you have any energy left for more driving, head to the Bear Tooth Highway – one of American’s most scenic and highest highways. It runs from the northeast entrance of the park to Red Lodge, Montana and includes 20 peaks – some of which are 12,000 feet. Bring warm clothes and don’t be surprised at the wind gusts that will make you weak in the knees while snapping photos. Be sure to stop for something warm to eat or drink in Red Lodge, as the historic downtown is a picture perfect pit stop.
Happy trails!
Upcoming Events:
PLAYSHOP: Recess for Adults
Calm your mind and boost your energy with a play break designed just for adults.
Saturday, September 19th, 9 a.m. – noon
Creative Life Center (Boulder, CO)
SHOW: 3 Blind Dates
Denver’s only unscripted romantic comedy, and, YOU get to choose the couples!
Saturday, October 10th, 7 p.m.
Voodoo Comedy Playhouse (Denver, CO)
& September 12th – 27th at the Boulder International Fringe Festival (Boulder, CO)
