Million Dollar Highway in Colorado

[ZeusSVT]

Anyone ever road tripped up there? Had been considering it some time this summer. Then I see some ads pop up about it on the internet and think it's time to start planning a weekend trip up there.

If you've been, what's the best time of year to go, and the best route to take to get there. I like scenery, it's not about the quickest way there and back.

Let me know...thanks!!!

[Sixpipes]

I like Colorado in late August to early November (off-season). Not much of a winter sports guy and I hate crowds as a general rule. I make it to Breckenridge at least once a year and during off-season, there are plenty of restaurants with no waiting. Golf courses usually close in late October.

I usually go up through Amarillo, Dalhart, Clayton, Raton to Interstate 25. I take 69 out of Walsenburg, CO and go the scenic way to Breckenridge. Takes about 13-15 hours depending on stops. :cool:

[ZeusSVT]

Thanks Dennis.

What month do the trees start to change in the fall in Colorado? That seems to be my favorite time of year. I prefer to avoid the crowds as well. Especially in the mountains, after some of the videos I watched on youtube yesterday of the Million Dollar Highway....those truckers are nuts up there. :icon_eek:

I read a write up about the area and someone that wrote it also recommended taking 69. Might have to keep that one in mind. :tu:

[99WhiteBeast]

I take 50 out of Canyon City to the Royal Gorge then Highway 9 to Breck.

Highway 9 has some very nice twisties and off camber stuff. Preferred time of year late August to early September.

The Aspens can turn anywhere in a 3 to 4 week period depending upon weather conditions but generally that is a good time.

[gbgary]

I usually go up through Amarillo, Dalhart, Clayton, Raton to Interstate 25.

when i go to alamosa that's the way i go. man i need to go up and visit.

[L8 APEX]

I have been From June to October. The trail stuff looks pretty dead in October but the colors from the road are very nice. I think the Aspens drop in late Sept.
I would suggest the third edition Colorado trail guide from Charles Wells at Funtreks.com

I would take the opportunity to rent a jeep and see some of the real country side. I would jeep the Alpine Loop for sure it is a one day loop. We rented from Lake City rode, up Cinnamon Pass and had lunch in Silverton then came back over Engineer Pass.

http://www.alpineloop.com/HTML/index.html

http://www.funtreks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=15

[ZeusSVT]

Good info.....Thanks Guys. I might have to turn this into a week long trip instead of three days. Looks like there is tons more to do than I thought. :beer:

[L8 APEX]

You can rent a room in Silverton. The Silverton Durango train is cool.
http://www.durangotrain.com/

[Sixpipes]

Took a tour on AmTrak one time. Guide picked us up in Breckenridge and dropped us off at the Amtrak station in Grandby, CO.;
famous for this event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBfhddRuns4

And then picked us up at Glennwood Springs, CO. for the ride back to Breckeridge. Really a fun and scenic trip.

http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/006.jpg

http://www.svtgalleries.net/gallery/data/500/020.jpg

[ZeusSVT]

Thanks Guys!! I'm taking notes.