Jul 25, 2024
7:22:02pm
Zenoch All-American
I previously asked CB about visiting the NPs in Colorado. Then I used that to query ChatGPT for an itinerary. What do
 
you think? Any additional suggestions? (We decided to go to the Dinosaur National Monument on a different trip to Utah. And we are skipping Mesa Verde as we went there a couple of years ago.) We have booked our flights and will have 12 days of travel so I can add another day on here.
 
 
ChatGPT

Sure, let's revise the itinerary to remove Dinosaur National Monument and focus on other scenic sites and national parks in Colorado, keeping it as a 10-day trip for a more relaxed pace.

Day 1: Arrival in Denver

  • Fly into Denver International Airport
  • Pick up rental car
  • Stay overnight in Denver: Explore downtown Denver, visit Union Station, and enjoy a meal at one of the city's renowned restaurants.

Day 2: Denver to Colorado Springs

  • Drive to Colorado Springs (1.5 hours)
  • Visit Garden of the Gods: Stunning red rock formations, easy paved walkways, and accessible viewpoints.
  • Pikes Peak: Take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a scenic journey to the summit.
  • Stay overnight in Colorado Springs

Day 3: Colorado Springs to Canon City

  • Drive to Canon City (1 hour)
  • Royal Gorge Bridge and Park: Walk or drive across one of the highest suspension bridges in the world, with panoramic views.
  • Stay overnight in Canon City

Day 4: Canon City to Great Sand Dunes National Park

  • Drive to Great Sand Dunes National Park (2.5 hours)
  • Explore the dunes: The Medano Pass Primitive Road offers scenic drives. Limited walking on the dunes if possible.
  • Stay overnight in Alamosa or near the park

Day 5: Great Sand Dunes National Park to Pagosa Springs

  • Drive to Pagosa Springs (2 hours)
  • Relax in the hot springs: Enjoy the therapeutic hot springs with beautiful mountain views.
  • Stay overnight in Pagosa Springs

Day 6: Pagosa Springs to Durango

  • Drive to Durango (1.5 hours)
  • Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Take a scenic train ride through the mountains (round trip).
  • Stay overnight in Durango

Day 7: Durango to Ouray

  • Drive to Ouray via the Million Dollar Highway (2 hours)
  • Explore Ouray: Known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray offers stunning mountain views and hot springs.
  • Stay overnight in Ouray

Day 8: Ouray to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

  • Drive to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (1.5 hours)
  • Explore the park: Scenic drives along the South Rim with several accessible viewpoints.
  • Stay overnight in Montrose

Day 9: Montrose to Aspen

  • Drive to Aspen (3 hours)
  • Explore Aspen: Take a leisurely drive up to Maroon Bells (one of the most photographed spots in Colorado).
  • Stay overnight in Aspen

Day 10: Aspen to Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Drive to Rocky Mountain National Park (3.5 hours)
  • Explore the park: Take the Trail Ridge Road for stunning views with plenty of accessible stops along the way.
  • Stay overnight in Estes Park

Day 11: Rocky Mountain National Park to Denver

  • Drive back to Denver (1.5 hours)
  • Optional stops: Take scenic detours if time allows.
  • Stay overnight in Denver or catch a late flight home

Additional Tips:

  • Accommodation: Book motels, Airbnbs, or Vrbo in advance, especially in popular tourist areas.
  • Accessibility: Many national parks offer accessible facilities and viewpoints. Check the National Park Service website for specific accessibility information.
  • Activities: Focus on scenic drives, accessible trails, and leisurely activities that don't require strenuous physical activity.
Zenoch
Previous username
Jett
Bio page
Zenoch
Joined
Mar 29, 2002
Last login
Sep 7, 2024
Total posts
17,826 (211 FO)