Arvada is only an hour and a half southeast of Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. Longs Peak, the highest point in the park, is a popular destination for climbers who would love a panoramic view of the mountain ranges. The park also offers scenic drives and trails with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, the park has something for everyone. You will need to carry several layers of clothing as the weather can change quickly.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, four hours southwest of Arvada, has the tallest dunes in North America. The dunes were formed over thousands of years by wind and rain. This over 100,000-acre park offers great grassland landscapes with conifer forests and wetlands. You do not have to worry about where to park your RV as the park has many RV-friendly camping sites. You will have a great time sliding down the epic dunes on a warm day.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is four hours and 45 minutes southwest of Arvada, and it is one of the deepest gorges in North America. The canyon was carved over time by the Gunnison River, and it is a popular destination for hikers and climbers. The park offers many ranger-led programs during which you can learn about the history and geology of the canyon.
Chatfield State Park is a half-hour south of Arvada, and it offers a variety of activities such as camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The park has a marina where you can rent a boat or bring your own. You can also go for a swim in the heated pool. It has over 1,000 acres of land and is a great place to see wildlife such as birds, deer, and coyotes.
Cherry Creek State Park is about a half-hour southeast of Arvada, and it is one of the most popular state parks in Colorado. The park has some trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The park also has a reservoir where you can go for a swim, fish, or paddleboard. You can also camp in the park at its many RV-friendly campsites.
You cannot finish your trip around Arvada without visiting the beautiful and rustic Golden Gate Canyon State Park. The park is about 40 minutes northwest of Arvada and offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. With rent-out boats available, you can explore the 12 miles of shoreline at the reservoir. The park also has some hiking and biking trails.
Colorado is rife with incredible landmarks and monuments near Arvada. Twenty-two minutes southwest of Arvada is the famed Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. This celebrated venue is 6,450 feet above sea level and the only naturally occurring, acoustically amphitheater in the world. It consists of two 300-foot monoliths, Creation Rock and Ship Rock. In addition to hosting concerts from some of the top artists in the world, Red Rocks also holds yoga sessions, shows films, and contains several hiking trails.
Stephen King fans must make it a point to visit The Stanley Hotel, which is an hour and 25 minutes northwest of Arvada in Estes Park. It was opened in 1909, and King stayed there once, which inspired one of his most well-known books, "The Shining." The hotel offers several tours. The Historic Tour and Caretaker’s Cottage Tour take place during the day while the decidedly spookier Spirited Stanley Tour and The Spirited Shining Tour happen at night. You can also enjoy one of The Stanley Hotel’s six eateries.
You also will want to view the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center, which is an hour and 20 minutes south of Arvada in Colorado Springs. This National Natural Landmark consists of unique red rock formations that were created along a natural fault line millions of years ago. They range in color from deep red and pink to white and have been tilted vertically from the uplift of the Rocky Mountains and Pikes Peak. It is biologically diverse as it melds the piñon-juniper woodlands and grasslands with a massive mountain forest. Here, you can hike, bike, rock climb, horseback ride, and take vehicle and Segway tours.
Clear Creek RV Park in Golden features full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a laundry room. You could also consider Applewood RV Resort, 10 minutes southwest of Arvada, which has both back-in and pull-through sites. Enjoy a rustic experience at Golden’s Dakota Ridge RV Resort with its 141 camping sites.
How do I properly pack and store my belongings inside a camper van rental, and what storage options are available?
When renting a Class B motorhome from an RVshare owner, there are typically several storage options available for your belongings. You can utilize overhead storage compartments, under-bench storage, and even cabinets for heavier items. When packing your belongings, it's best to use soft-sided luggage or collapsible containers to save on space. Keep items secure while driving by using bungee cords or tension rods to prevent shifting during travel.
Can I drive a camper van rental in Arvada, CO without prior experience, and are there any special driving considerations I should know?
Driving a Class B motorhome rental is typically similar to driving a regular car, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to adjust your mirrors before setting off and be aware of the height and length of your vehicle. It's also advisable to take a test drive around the RVshare owner's neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the handling and braking of the vehicle before embarking on your trip.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the camper van rental during my rental period?
The owner of the RV is responsible for maintenance. Renters should keep the RV clean and handle with care to avoid any damages. You may need to empty the water tanks depending on your agreement with the RV owner.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a camper van motorhome rental in Arvada, CO?
It's important to know the height and weight restrictions of your camper van rental in order to avoid accidents or getting stuck in low clearance areas, especially when traveling on highways or bridges. It's also advisable to check local regulations regarding weight limits when driving on certain roads.
Can I park or store a Class B motorhome rental in a regular parking spot or garage in Arvada, CO, or are there specific requirements for parking and storage?
Parking a Class B motorhome rental in a regular spot or garage can be challenging due to the size of the vehicle. It's important to check local regulations and parking restrictions before setting off on your trip. RVshare owners may also provide guidance on where it is safe to park or store the vehicle.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class B motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Most Class B motorhomes are relatively fuel efficient, but it's important to be mindful of your driving habits in order to minimize fuel costs. Avoid idling the engine unnecessarily, accelerate smoothly, and avoid excessive speeding. It's also a good idea to plan your route before departing in order to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessary detours.
Are any particular features or amenities available in a camper van rental that may not be found in other RVs in Arvada, CO?
Features and amenities vary depending on the model of the Class B motorhome rental, but some popular options include a built-in microwave, refrigerator, and TV/DVD player. Some models may also include a shower and toilet, while others may not. Check the listing details on RVshare for all of the available amenities for each rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class B motorhome rental?
Each RVshare owner may have different instructions for using the kitchen and bathroom facilities in their Class B motorhome rental. In the bathroom, there may be a shower and/or toilet that needs to be hooked up to water and sewage sources. RVshare owners will typically provide instruction manuals or walkthroughs of the rental vehicle's features.
Should I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the camper van rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
While some Class B motorhome rentals may include entertainment equipment or appliances, such as a grill or music player, it's always a good idea to double-check with the RVshare owner about what amenities are included in the rental. If you have specific entertainment preferences, you may want to bring your own equipment or devices.
Are any specific campgrounds or RV parks in Arvada, CO particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Arvada, CO that are well-suited for Class B motorhome rentals. Some popular amenities include electrical hookups, dump stations for sewage, and picnic tables. It's important to research and reserve a spot in advance to ensure availability during your trip. RVshare owners may also have recommendations for great campsites or RV parks in the area.
