What to see in Colorado & Utah?

[4WheelDriveVan]

I'll be leaving Delaware for Colorado and Utah in about a week.

Can anyone recommend some interesting out of the way places to visit? Unfortunately I'm currently only 2WD but not afraid of dirt roads with spectacular views. I plan on camping 90% of the time and prefer to camp far from civilization.

I know Moab Utah very well but have not done much other than the major interstates and some ski towns in Colorado.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[billwilson]

Been researching Utah for a Xmas trip

Valley of Fire (outside Las Vegas
Snow Canyon State Park
Zion
Escalante
Kodachrome

this is the loop we will make if it us Xmas in Utah

I have a buddy that did Indian County
Az, Colorado, New Mex and Utah
i have a map he marked
if interested i can do a online map
pretty cool stuff

AAA has a map called "indian country" might want to check it out

[Ford_6L_E350]

Check out some of the trip reports on this site for places to visit. Some nice pictures to start you drooling.

Mike

[TomH]

Not all of these are "out of the way", but worth seeing. You'd see all of these just glancing at a map, so don't know how much this helps; hope it does.

CO:
Fossil Beds N.M.
Great Sand Dunes N.M.
Garden of the Gods
Air Force Academy
Rocky Mtn. N.P.
Mesa Verde N.P.
CO N.M.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison N.P.
Dinosaur N.P.
Aspen is nice if you want some small town charm (forget Vail)
Some pretty country for roaming around near Leadville
Telluride

UT:
Zion N.P.
Bryce Canyon N.P.
Monument Valley
Valley of the Gods
Canyonlands N.P.
Arches N.P.
Capitol Reef N.P.
Cedar Breaks N.M.
Glen Canyon
Natural Bridges N.M.
Goosenecks S.P.
Edge of the Cedars S.P.
Golden Spike N.H.A. (if you're a history buff)

[saline]

Just keep in mind that we are getting snow above around 8,500 ft so the higher country might not be an option for 2wd.

[cellularSTEVE]

Lots of good suggestions. I would add San Rafael Swell.

steve

[saline]

Originally Posted by cellularSTEVE

Lots of good suggestions. I would add San Rafael Swell.

steve

I agree! As long as it's not wet, it gets like buttered duck sh*$!

[bettyford]

Be sure to check that the parks are still open.

Ron

[jage]

Originally Posted by saline

I agree! As long as it's not wet, it gets like buttered duck sh*$!

Ran into that today- this is Boreas Pass around 8500 feet. I wanted a photo, tapped the brakes and slid forward about 15-20 feet from 10mph. Then while trying to back up it just went sideways. Once it started to go over I tried to go forward (you can see the V in the muck) but it just kept going into the ditch.

Worst part was I had to walk back to get the photo I wanted.

[BroncoHauler]

Jage,

At least you slid toward the uphill side, rather than the alternative.


Herb