Visiting CO for the first time this March

I got a weekend trip to La Vita CO for the first weekend in March from groupon.com. I did not realize it is 3 hours from Denver where the big REI store :boggle: :boggle: :boggle: is and where the airport is. My gf and I decided to fly to Denver and just rent a car but this was really a spur of the moment thing. I was hoping to get some ideas from you guys as far as things to do, places to hike, and things to see. Again this is only a Friday-Sunday trip but we would like to spend some time out hiking and exploring. We have never been there so any suggestions would be great. Thanks everybody:D

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Originally Posted by CryOTheWild

I got a weekend trip to La Vita CO for the first weekend in March from groupon.com. I did not realize it is 3 hours from Denver where the big REI store :boggle: :boggle: :boggle: is and where the airport is. My gf and I decided to fly to Denver and just rent a car but this was really a spur of the moment thing. I was hoping to get some ideas from you guys as far as things to do, places to hike, and things to see. Again this is only a Friday-Sunday trip but we would like to spend some time out hiking and exploring. We have never been there so any suggestions would be great. Thanks everybody:D

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Day trips:

March can be pretty snowy so come prepared or ready to rent.
Mt Evans ( Echo Lake) is very fun to snowshoe or X country ski.

Waterton Canyon is suppose to re open the first of March. 6 mile hike to the dam.
Very beautiful canyon hike along the South Platte river on a old railroad bed turned dirt road.

Lair of the Bear trail. Yaktrax's good idea can be icy but beautiful day hike.

If your looking for an over nighter with your hammocks let me know I have a few good spots.
hth

She doesn't have a hammock yet nor is she quite ready for cold weather camping but she is plenty excited at the idea, just needs to work up to it a little bit. We will probably bring snow shoes, polls, and packs, I'll have the HH with me for sure. I will look into Waterton Canyon.

LaVeta is at 7,000 feet so it will be brisk the first week in March. The 2000 population was about 1,000 people, but recently it has developed a reputation as an artists colony. It is in a beautiful, but remote part of Colorado.

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is any easy drive. Visit the aligator farm while you are at it.

Don't know a thing about the hiking in that area. You drive by a lot of good hiking before you get to LaVeta.

I'm an artist myself and the art there was part of the draw. Alligators at 7000 feet in winter in Colorado? That I gotta see :) What can you tell me about the weather out there. Dry? damp? -30 degrees or 30 above? I have never been to that elevation so I am trying to get an idea of what to wear out there.

First week of March:

average high- mid forties

average low- mid teens

Alligator farm? Think hot springs.

Forget the hammock - this is a romantic trip. LaVeta is a small town - better shop for the ring before you get there.:scared::scared:

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Originally Posted by CryOTheWild

I'm an artist myself and the art there was part of the draw. Alligators at 7000 feet in winter in Colorado? That I gotta see :) What can you tell me about the weather out there. Dry? damp? -30 degrees or 30 above? I have never been to that elevation so I am trying to get an idea of what to wear out there.

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If the Mtns are getting pounded with snow
Downtown Denver- has a very cool museum of natural history, as well as Art museum. 16th street mall is pretty cool to explore.

If you head over to the Sand Dunes, stop by Zapata Falls. It is a waterfall that is basically inside a cave. In March, it is probably still frozen over.

Stopping at the historic fort in Fort Garland is also an option with a very historical perspective (a bit biased here as my father built the stage coach there).

Taos is another artists community that is not too far away just over the New Mexico Border.

Thanks for the great tips. I've got tons of research to do now lol. I'm starting another thread regarding a trip to Washington State now too lol.

Colorado is tough place for a quick trip; too much to see, too much to do!

food's recommendations are good ones! Waterton Canyon is about as easy of a walk as you'll find with some really great scenery. I have never hiked that trail (road!) and not seen wildlife. I've probably walked it about a dozen times and almost always see some big horns near the dam. You can walk in and out in just a few hours time without working too hard. It's basically flat, although you are going up with every step.

I don't know much about the sights south of here. Have not been to LaVeta, but it is on our 'want to see' list. Course, you're always welcome to visit Casa Cannibal while you're here. Also, rental cars at the airport are stupid expensive. If you can get one offsite, you'll save yourself a bunch of cash.

If you two decide to do Waterton Canyon. I live 5 miles from the entrance and would enjoy joining you.

Depending on the weather and canyon road conditions it is sometimes better to go by Mtn Bike. I have 5 mtns bikes and could hook you up.

O&B

That would be great! :) I'll keep you posted as I get our travels more organized.

Two pics from my trip there last April...CO has many surprises.

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Originally Posted by Cannibal

Colorado is tough place for a quick trip; too much to see, too much to do!

food's recommendations are good ones! Waterton Canyon is about as easy of a walk as you'll find with some really great scenery. I have never hiked that trail (road!) and not seen wildlife. I've probably walked it about a dozen times and almost always see some big horns near the dam. You can walk in and out in just a few hours time without working too hard. It's basically flat, although you are going up with every step.

I don't know much about the sights south of here. Have not been to LaVeta, but it is on our 'want to see' list. Course, you're always welcome to visit Casa Cannibal while you're here. Also, rental cars at the airport are stupid expensive. If you can get one offsite, you'll save yourself a bunch of cash.

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I'll PM you my contact info, we will be arriving around 10am Friday morning March 2nd

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Originally Posted by OutandBack

If you two decide to do Waterton Canyon. I live 5 miles from the entrance and would enjoy joining you.

Depending on the weather and canyon road conditions it is sometimes better to go by Mtn Bike. I have 5 mtns bikes and could hook you up.

O&B

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sending you my info as well. we would love to do that hike.

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Originally Posted by CryOTheWild

arriving around 10am Friday morning March 2nd

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Noooooooooo!
Ah man, I'm not going to be around this weekend. Did you bring your gear? I'm going out with a couple of friends from this evening through Sunday.

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Originally Posted by CryOTheWild

sending you my info as well. we would love to do that hike.

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Just checked the canyon conditions. They have reopened. I don't know if there is any snow on the road.
The offer for a couple Mtn Bike is still open. The first mile is kinda crappy and you will be wondering what is so special about this place.
True me, By mile 3 you will be going wow and if you make it to mile 5 it's double wow. The dam has picnic tables for a great alky stove hot chocolate
with a little snapps.

http://www.denverwater.org/Recreation/WatertonCanyon/

I answered your PM with my cell number. Give me a call when you get settled in the hotel.

O&B