Sign in with FacebookTop Colorado hotels
Sponsored Links
Have you considered altitude sickness. You are going to be above 5000ft from the moment you land and since your Id says you are from sea level=New Jersey I doubt if you will complete your itinerary without suffering from lack of oxygen. Normally, you would need a couple of weeks to acclimate to altitudes above 5000ft. Even soldiers in top condition suffer if they are not allowed to acclimate.
There is a trap in all the states of America that it is best to try to avoid. It will require that you make an effort to look for places that have character. In large cities and increasingly in small towns along the interstate you will find the faceless and boring. You could wake up in the parking lot of these fake places and be unable to determine where in the U.S you are because they are all the same. They contain the same national stores and restaurants that are found in almost every city in the U.S.So if you want to see the real America you must look for the local and Main street businesses. You will be rewarded with a much more authentic experience.You will find this especially true in the western states that are crisscrossed with limited access highways.
During a recent visit (fall 2010), I was caught in a speed trap a mile north of the Manitou Springs exit on US 24 East. There was an inconspicuous portable (had it been in the trooper's trunk?) speed limit sign sitting on the shoulder briefly visible around one blind corner and a state trooper around the next blind corner on a fairly steep and curving downhill stretch of road. Needles to say, I was very observant thereafter and observed that on most of the long descents from the mountain passes there was a trooper concealed. It also appears that Colorado does not allow any mph over the posted limit--they must have a significant state budget deficit!
Vail's motto is "Vail - there's no comparison!" On a powder day in the Back Bowls, this comes close to the truth. Where it also rings true is on the cost of a day ticket - $98 - locals say that the resort is afraid to push prices beyond the $100 boundary. The Summit County resorts are $92 (except for Arapahoe Basin and Ski Cooper) and even Aspen/Snowmass is less at $90. The ticket price is the same for nearby Beaver Creek (too much for that resort, in my mind, as Beaver Creek, while good is not Vail). People walking up to the lift ticket windows can get a slight reduction in costs with a multiple day ski pass. It is not common to hear the sounds of astonishment voiced by new skiers to the mountain. Locals have access to various assorted deals that can significantly reduce costs. The name of the game is familiarity with the area and maybe some local friends who can score you some...
Giant Killer Marmots! Ok, so not really a giant, more like a waterless beaver. They are very inquisitive and they emit a high pitched whistle to warn of intruders (you!). A more serious thing to worry about is altitude sickness. You must let yourself get acclimatized to the altitude and not rush your physical exertion at first. This is a land of 14,000 foot peaks and a third of Rocky National Park is above the tree line.
I've seen snow fall in the valleys every month from September to June. On the higher elevations it can snow any time of year. Dress appropriately! If you're hiking above treeline prepare for anything - even if it's warm below. Colorado blizzards are nothing to take lightly.
Elk, moose, bears, and other wild animals may appear docile, but remember that they are wild animals. Very protective of their young, sometimes territorial, they don't like us intruding on their space. Keep your distance, and whatever you do NEVER feed them.
Many athletes train here in Colorado. Once they get used to the thin mountain air, then their performance is enhanced at lower elevations.That's fine for the locals. But visitors should pace themselves carefully at altitudes above 7,000-8,000 feet. Don't try to do too much, especially in the first few days. One last point: The thinner the air, the stronger the effect of alcohol. You might be able to drive after one or two drinks at lower elevations, but up here even that could be too much. If you drink, even when not driving, take it slow and easy.
It took my dad and I about 3 hours to figure out how to get to the parking at the airport. So, if you're planning on driving yourself and you have never been there before, try beforehand if possible so that you aren't lost and frustrated when the time comes to get to the airport.
Going into the Rocky Mountains, Jan suffered from altitude sickness: short of breath, headache, stiff neck. To prevent this; make many short stops while driving up, get out of the car for a short while. Drink plenty of water. The only way to get rid if it; get down the mountain as soon as possible.
The Brown Palace Hotel Denver
9 Reviews and 762 Opinions My time was spent at the Churchill Lounge only, not the hotel. After enjoying a good meal and trying...
The Broadmoor Colorado Springs
13 Reviews and 933 Opinions We held our latest executive event here.
Western Riviera Motel, Cabins & Events Venue Rocky Mountain National Park
70 Opinions
Sponsored Links
Comments