Colorado - First Trip

[Garb]

I am making my first trip this August to ride parts of Colorado.  I go with friends and I set p a spoke-and-hub arrangement.  Each day we ride 250-400 miles and return to the same condo or cabin from VRBO or Air BNB. 

My research so far points to having to make a few trips.  It appears that a home base could be set up near the Western outskirts of Denver, near the ski resorts almost, or Colorado Springs and several top routes available from either. 

Does anybody have a suggestion for my first trip base camp?

Garby

[David S]

Try Silverthorne, Breckenridge (or even Leadville). West of Denver off I-70. Right in the middle of everything. Leadville may be the easiest to fine a place. You're gonna love it!

[spl383]

buy a butler map.  I have about 8 of them and really help me plan trips
https://www.butlermaps.com/motorcycle-road-maps/colorado-map/

[Garb]

Thank you for the information.  I just ordered a Butler Map. 

[OK_Trophy]

I did a ride in CO a few years ago with my wife.  We based in Colorado Springs and then road out from there.  It was a very enjoyable experience.

[atrophy]

Pot is legal in Colorado.  I was there last May and had trouble finding a cigar but "Smoke shops"  were plentiful.

I came to a stop light in Silverthorn and noticed a well dressed male about 35 years old standing on the corner holding a cardboard sign.
The sign said....

$$ Please Help $$
Lost all my pot in a series of small fires.

 

[nervouswreck]

I would choose the Montrose area.  It is in the midst of some great riding and would probably be less expensive than the ski areas which is within reach on a day trip.  There is so much in Colorado but do not skip or miss the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and make sure you ride the north rim road as well as the Portage road to the floor of the canyon.

[mtn_trophy]

Lots of beautiful rides all over the western portion of Colorado. If you want to hit the Northern portion having a base camp in Breckenridge, Frisco or Leadville area would work fine. You could ride Rocky Mountain National Park (crowded), Grand Lake, Mount Evans, Steamboat, etc.. etc..  I would definitely head down to SW Colorado area. Montrose and Gunnison area is nice but you need to also go to the Ouray, Durango, Telluride area.  The Million Dollar Highway is a fun ride and Ouray makes a great base camp. Really there is now way to go wrong riding in the Colorado Rockies.

Have Fun!