Roadsurfer’s New Rental Station in Denver Affords Limitless Exploration All through the Rocky Mountains
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This previous spring, Roadsurfer, a German journey and campervan firm, opened its latest rental station in Denver, Colorado, capitalizing on the sweetness and journey alternatives that exist on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Spanning 3,000 miles north to south from New Mexico into Canada, the Rocky Mountains have a declare as the most well-liked vary in america. With Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park simply 100 minutes from Denver, plus scenic mountain cities unfold out throughout all the state, getting the possibility to set out on a traditional American street journey from the Mile Excessive Metropolis is a dream come true.
As a brand new resident of Colorado, I wished the chance to see my new residence state transition from summer season into fall. So, I set off on a week-long street journey, chasing fall colours, which took me by stunning landscapes and cities that introduced just a few tears to my eyes and gorgeous photographs to my portfolio.
Fall Colours Attain Their Peak at Totally different Dates in Totally different Locations
As a result of various elevations and microclimates, Colorado’s fall colours can peak wherever from just a few weeks to a number of weeks aside. However the basic timeframe is the final 10 days of September into the primary week of October.
The upper up you’re, the sooner the leaves will change.
So, when you’re taking in views at Guanella Cross, close to 11,000 toes, you’ll need to plan to move on the market round September 23-25. Nevertheless, for the San Juans, for instance, October 1 is an efficient time to go to and take within the magical views, with hopefully snowy peaks.
Now, that is the place the difficult half comes into play.
If a storm rolls by, which occurred on the finish of my journey in 2025, these fragile, golden aspen leaves may be blown proper off. Despite the fact that it seems to be like peak colours might final one other weekend, a fast-moving storm can finish the autumn colours chase in a heartbeat.
To finest chase fall colours in Colorado, keep nimble and control climate forecasts and photographs on social media to see the place peak colour is at. Fortunately, in a campervan, you’re in one of the best place to regulate on the fly and go to the place one of the best colours are!
Having a Van With a Range and a Generator Is a Luxurious
All Roadsurfer leases come geared up with a range, fridge, generator, bathroom, and sizzling bathe. I rented a Liberty Lodge, and with fall rearing its head, temperatures within the mountains started to drop into the 30s. Not having to go exterior to cook dinner meals meant I may keep heat whereas my espresso brewed or I chopped veggies for that night’s dinner.
Even in the summertime throughout the mountains, lows can nonetheless get down into the 40s in case you are up at Independence Cross, which crests at 12,095 toes. Having a weather-sealed atmosphere which you can hand around in, no matter rain, sleet, snow, or chilly temperatures, ensures morale stays excessive all through all the time.
Free Tenting on Public Lands
In the event you’re okay sleeping within the forest, Colorado has an enormous quantity of dispersed tenting spots. This implies there isn’t a established campground. No working water. No picnic tables. But additionally, no charges.
This route isn’t for everybody. Nevertheless, with a camper van, all you want is a stage floor, and also you’re good to go. With a giant tank of water contained in the Roadsurfer, you possibly can go days with out the fashionable world.
Two locations the place I had one of the best dispersed tenting have been close to Crested Butte on Kebler Cross Highway and in Washington Gulch. Kebler Cross was filled with golden Aspens, and Washington Gulch confirmed off the great thing about Mount Crested Butte.
Many Campgrounds Shut Down on October 1st
When the calendar flips to October, I discovered that many mountain campgrounds have closed their gates. Whereas that is comprehensible, as falling tourism and temperatures sign the top of the journey season, it made it arduous to refill my water tank. And when you don’t have water, it makes camper van life a bit difficult.
Fortunately, after calling round to some locations within the Carbondale space, I used to be in a position to safe a refill.
In the event you plan to move into the Rockies throughout October, be certain to plan out the place you’ll get water throughout your street journey to make sure you don’t find yourself with a dry tank.
My Favourite Locations To See Fall Colours in Colorado
In the event you drive any of the roads into the mountains from Denver, you’re destined to see fall colours on the finish of September. And none of those are a secret, however they’re a number of the most magical views you’ll expertise within the state.
My favourite of the under is the San Juans. The mountains on the market are jagged, reminding me of the Cascades in my former residence in Washington State.
- Georgetown (Guanella Cross)
- Aspen (Maroon Bells and Fortress Creek Highway)
- Crested Butte (Kebler Cross)
- San Juan Mountains (Silverton/Telluride/Ridgway)
Hold an Eye on the Climate
As has been the theme of the autumn in Colorado, climate can change rapidly, and realizing the right way to react is essential. On my method residence from Ridgway to Denver, I skilled all Colorado seasons in a single day.
Solar. Rain. Wind. Sleet. Snow.
Earlier than heading over mountain passes, do a fast verify and see what the climate circumstances are. And if you should take a pause and let a system blow by, it’s safer than making an attempt to push by a ten,000-foot move with snow in a car you’re unfamiliar with.
As at all times, returning safely is probably the most important a part of a fall Colorado street journey, and with the facilities in a campervan, pulling over to a relaxation cease is a straightforward selection!
What Camper Van Choices Does the Denver Location Provide?
Denver’s new hub affords 4 camper van leases, with limitless miles on your subsequent journey.
- Household Freedom: Sleeps 5, Class C RV
- Libert Lodge (pop-up high): Sleeps 4, Class B Sprinter Van
- Couple Apartment: Sleeps 2 Class B Sprinter Van
- Horizon Hopper, Sleeps 2, 4×4 Mercedez Benz Sprinter Van
The brand new Roadsurfer location is a bit north of downtown at 5347 Sherman St, Denver, CO 80216.
