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-THOR]

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-SMB]

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 :c3:

 

[saline]

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

steve :c3:

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

 

[bettyford-SMB]

Be sure to check that the parks are still open.

Ron

 

[jage]

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. :a1:

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Jage,

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


Herb

 

[Jeffrey-SMB]

You need to look for some guide books to Utah. There must be dozens of them. I'm sure a 20 second search on google or amazon will provide you with all you need. Many are national parks, to make it even easier for you. Topic is too large to get into here.

 

[BACKRDS]

As Jage has experienced, some of the back roads in Utah can be very slippery when wet. Some of these are marked, but others not. If you are getting route advice from locals, make sure to ask if they are predominately sand/gravel or are clay/slippery when wet.

 

[macmcintire]

There are enough great places in Utah on good roads that if this is your first time out that way you can see some amazing places without worrying about bad roads or the need for 4x4. There are numerous beautiful places on the scenic roads through central and southern Utah. The only thing you would have to worry about is snow at the high elevations. You just need to watch the weather reports and plan accordingly. Later, plan another trip to Colorado and Utah in the summer months where you can go to 80% of anywhere you want to go without 4x4.

If you want to talk to me personally about any of the areas in Utah, Arizona or Nevada, email me and I will give you my phone number.

Have a great time!

Mac

 

[jage]

As Jage has experienced, some of the back roads in Utah

That's Colorado actually, but the effect is the same save that any road that's not paved that gets wet turns to the same slicked up fowl butt muck, including the one I live on!

 

[jage]

Now ready for public consumption: the video! (To further hijack this thread!)

WMV Movie

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Linky no worky

 

[jage]

Now ready for public consumption: the video! (To further hijack this thread!)

WMV Movie

Fixed. Hopefully everyone can play wmv...

 

[BroncoHauler-SMB]

Now ready for public consumption: the video! (To further hijack this thread!)

WMV Movie

Fixed. Hopefully everyone can play wmv...

That's some slippery stuff. You can see wheels spinning, and then you suddenly catch some traction and LAUNCH.


Herb

 

[Ford_6L_E350]

Now we understand why gravel was invented!

Ice has nothing on slick mud.

Mike