Midland/Odessa > Colorado Springs > Glenwood Springs > Pueblo

740 Views | 17 Replies | Last: 1 day ago by CanyonAg77
Equinox
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The set up-

55 years ago or so my mom and I traveled by Continental Trailways bus from Monahans, Texas to Pocatello, Idaho where my dad was working. I recall on the trip at one point where we're driving through very mountainous terrain, (of course), and it was beautiful. One minute there'd be a river on one side of the road, with mountains going straight up on the other side. A few miles down the road the river would be on the other side. Back and forth like that for miles. At one point the river went into the mountain (at least it looked like it did), only to pop back out a couple of hundred yards down the road. I'll never forget it.

My mom is now 88 years old and barely remembers anything. The only story she has ever told about the trip was that at one point we were at the Salt Lake City bus terminal, which makes sense.

People I've talked to familiar with Colorado seem to think that sounds like I-70 (or what became I-70) between Denver and Glenwood Springs. So we've planned a trip to Colorado in late July in part to drive that route.

We have tickets to see Marty Stuart at Pueblo Memorial Hall on Friday, July 31st. So as of now the plan is to arrive in Colorado Springs the evening of Monday July 27th. We'll lolligag around there Tuesday so the wife can recuperate from the initial long drive (she'll be doing all the driving). We've been to CS before and have done all the tourist things to do (Royal Gorge, Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, etc) so that day will likely just be shopping and eating.

Wednesday, check out of CS hotel and drive to Denver, hit I-70 to Glenwood Springs (3.5-4 hour drive depending on distractions). We'll probably explore Grand Junction as well. Spend the night there, get up and go back to a hotel in Pueblo on Thursday. Go to concert on Friday, then return to Mid/Od on Saturday.

We'll likely stop for a bit in Denver either on the way to GS or on the way back.

My question is, since we've done Colorado Springs before, is there any reason to stay in Pueblo on those first couple of nights instead? I'm talking simple stuff like shopping, or some great restaurants, etc. My physical limitations rule out things like hiking/climbing, white water rafting etc.
RightWingConspirator
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AG
We've stayed in Pueblo a few times on our way to Casper from Houston. There is nothing that we saw that would have me stop other than a hotel room after a very long drive. Others may have had a different experience.
Equinox
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Pretty much what I thought. Plus CS has a Guitar Center I can visit. CS it is.
Hoyt Ag
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AG
There is nothing of importance in Pueblo.

Be sure to plan on traffic (read as dead stop) in Glenwood Springs for construction. We went though there hauling cows last night and it took us an additional hour to get through the canyon. I imagine the way CDOT works, the work wont be finished anytime soon. It is mainly the westbound lanes affected, but the eastbound is also being worked on.
Hoyt Ag
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AG
And shameless plug....Skip Grand Junction. Head up to Meeker where I live and ride through the White River National Forest on County Road 8. Head up to Trappers Lake for lunch and walk around the lake. Go up to Pagoda peak and check out the lookouts for amazing views.
CanyonAg77
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AG
Supposed to be a really good airplane museum at the airport.

Or you can drive west to Canon City for the Royal Gorge and Skyline Drive. We took the train through the gorge, it was pretty cool. Some companies offer helicopter flights through it
Cinco Ranch Aggie
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AG
The airplane museum in Colorado Springs is fantastic. If any interest in WWII aviation, I highly recommend.
HollywoodBQ
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AG
I've made the drive from Denver to Los Angeles a few times. The area you were describing is on I-70.

Lookup Parachute, Colorado and Rifle, CO.

If you don't want to mess with Denver, head up US 24 West from The Springs past Manitou Springs to Hartsel and then head up to Breckenridge via South Park on Colorado Hwy 9.
CanyonAg77
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AG
Cinco Ranch Aggie said:

The airplane museum in Colorado Springs is fantastic. If any interest in WWII aviation, I highly recommend.

???

Been to COS a lot, never knew about it.
CanyonAg77
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AG
Quote:

e've been to CS before and have done all the tourist things to do (Royal Gorge, Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, etc)

Air Force Academy is an interesting place. Kind of depends on what you want to see.
Equinox
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HollywoodBQ said:

I've made the drive from Denver to Los Angeles a few times. The area you were describing is on I-70.

Lookup Parachute, Colorado and Rifle, CO.

If you don't want to mess with Denver, head up US 24 West from The Springs past Manitou Springs to Hartsel and then head up to Breckenridge via South Park on Colorado Hwy 9.

Rifle Falls is right there close to GS and looks to have easy access. We're talking about hitting it.

Although I did learn that Seven Falls there in CS has an elevator to the Eagles Nest viewing area. The 200+ stairsteps to the top scared me away last time.
waryman
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AG
I did this area in a rental campervan week before last. Glenwood Canyon portion of I-70 is beautiful and was completely unexpected for me.

Hanging Lake just east of Glenwood Springs is unique and awesome, but it is a decent hike with 1250' elevation gain in about 1-1/2 miles.

There is construction on both sides of I70, but my wait was only 30-45 minutes. No biggie.

Rifle Falls is very accessible and a short stroll from the parking lot. The park is at least 45 minutes from the interstate though, iirc.

I would definitely not skip Colorado National Monument which is just outside of GJ. An easy drive through the length of the park gets you many fantastic views.

Lastly, the air museum in CS is very good. There is an active area where WestPac does aircraft restorations that can be viewed as well. The museum is private, but expect a high quality experience. I've met Springs locals while traveling and a few of them didn't know it existed!

https://www.worldwariiaviation.org
Cinco Ranch Aggie
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AG
CanyonAg77 said:

Cinco Ranch Aggie said:

The airplane museum in Colorado Springs is fantastic. If any interest in WWII aviation, I highly recommend.

???

Been to COS a lot, never knew about it.

https://www.worldwariiaviation.org/

When we went up there in 2024, they were putting the finishing touches on what is now the world's third only flying SB2C Helldiver dive bomber. That was in the "working" hangar bay rather than the bigger display hangar.
CanyonAg77
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AG
To be fair, we haven't been there much since our kid graduated in 2011
Detective Jake Peralta
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AG
If I were mapping this out, I would go through Denver on the way out to Glenwood Springs. Unless you just really want to see something in Downtown, take 470 out around past Red Rocks to catch up with I70.

On the return to Pueblo, take US 24/285 through Leadville and Buena Vista and then 50 through Salida all the way back to Pueblo. US 50 follows the Arkansas River the whole way and is beautiful. You'll also see the collegiate peaks in BV and can stop in Canon City and do the Highline Drive.
CanyonAg77
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AG
Are you planning to drive through from Midland, or take some stops?

Stop by Capulin Volcano, or

Get off US 87 at Des Moines, NM. Take 325 to Folsom, then 72 over the top of Johnson Mesa, into the back of Raton.

At Trinidad, take highway 12 through Stoneall, Cachura, and La Veta. Take 190 to Walsenburg to rejoin I-25

If you've never been to Bishop Castle near Rye, it is amazing
Equinox
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CanyonAg77 said:

Are you planning to drive through from Midland, or take some stops?

Stop by Capulin Volcano

We are planning to do this. We skipped it last time.
CanyonAg77
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AG
I like Capulin, but don't miss Johnson Mesa
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