Two Unforgettable
Colorado RV Itineraries

The Rocky Mountain State plays host to millions of tourists each year, many of them RV campers.

The scenic wonders found throughout the state are just one reason RV travelers roll into Colorado looking for adventure.

Here are two sample itineraries that highlight the reasons RVers return to Colorado, year after year:

Northern Colorado RV Itinerary

One of the best ways to experience Colorado's scenic beauty is with a visit to Northern Colorado, home to spectacular national parks and forests. Here are some suggestions:

• Rocky Mountain National Park - Simply "magnificent", that's the only way to describe Colorado's premier national park north of Denver. The entire park is above 7500 feet in elevation, giving you the chance to experience the rugged beauty of the Rockies like nowhere else. If this park is on your itinerary, you'll come home with outstanding vacation photos of places like Long's Peak, Trail Ridge Road over the Continental Divide and RMNP's glorious abundance of waterfalls. Five drive-in campgrounds without hook- ups can accommodate RVs within the park.

• While you're in northern Colorado, turn your wheels northwest from Rocky Mountain National Park to the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, a stunning collection of wilderness areas encompassing one and a half million acres. Special spots include Mount Evans Recreation Area, the Cache la Poudre Wild and Scenic River and Indians Peak Wilderness.

• To see ancient and mysterious formations in far Northwest Colorado, continue on to Dinosaur National Monument, where dinosaur fossils abound in rugged canyons. Take a float trip through one of the canyons or experience the park's scenic drives for a timeless perspective on nature. The Gates of Lodore campground on Colorado's Green River is a wonderful step back into nature.

South-Central Colorado RV Itinerary

Not to be outdone by scenic Northern Colorado, the central and southern sections of the state have plenty to tempt RV travelers. Here are just a few spots to include in a South-Central Colorado itinerary:

• Colorado Springs - This is surely one of the most scenic cities in America! Within the boundaries of Colorado Springs and its neighbor, Manitou Springs, you'll experience not only gloriously beautiful Pikes Peak, the most visited mountain in America, but also the scenic wonders of the Garden of the Gods. Two more "must see" stops along the way colorful Cave of the Winds and breathtaking Seven Falls.

  This area is also rich in history! Plan to experience the Victorian town of Manitou Springs itself, where mineral springs have long attracted visitors. Make a stop at the ancient Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and for a taste of Colorado's Wild West past, visit the Ghost Town Museum at the foot of Pikes Peak.

• Royal Gorge to Salida - Head south from Colorado Springs on Hwy 115 and then west on Hwy 50 for a non-stop display of nature at its best. Canon City is home to Royal Gorge, where you can drive or walk across America's highest suspension bridge. Stop to enjoy Canon City's historic downtown district or take a thrilling float trip down the Arkansas River. Plenty of local outfitters are waiting to show you the wonders of the area.

  The fifty-mile drive west along Hwy 50 from Canon City to Salida will have you stopping to take pictures often. Lower and Upper Bighorn Sheep Canyons rise up to give travelers heart-stopping views the entire route. The Arkansas River rolls alongside the highway, tempting RV travelers to stop and play. Once you reach Salida, indulge yourself in the city's hot springs public pool before going out to bike, hike, kayak, fish or simply watch for wildlife in the surrounding peaks. This laid-back town in the heart of the Rockies will tempt you to extend your stay!

RV travelers can't go wrong planning a trip to Colorado. Choose an itinerary, and be sure to build in extra time...there's always more to do in the Rocky Mountain State.

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. Be sure to check out their Professional Football (NFL) Tailgating and RV Tailgating to College Football Games pages in preparation for the upcoming seasons.