Rocky Mountain National Park is near Erie, sitting just over 44 miles to the northwest of here. The dominating feature here is Longs Peak, one of the state's fourteeners that reaches 14,259 feet at its summit. The weather here can change quickly, so dress in layers, as it is not unheard of to see snow showers in June. Rocky Mountain National Park covers 265,461 acres of terrain, providing 300 miles of hiking trails of various ratings that will challenge any skill level. You can also explore the park in an RV by driving Trail Ridge Road as you enjoy the scenery and stop for photos at one of the overlooks. Driving south to central Colorado places you at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, providing access to over 100,000 acres of terrain that includes alpine lakes, forests of conifers, grasslands, tundra, and the tallest dunes in North America. The tallest dunes here reach 750 feet, and you can make your way down many of them using a sandboard or a sled. The park is wide open for exploration on foot, and you can find trails to walk in the surrounding preserve area. Nearby towns with amenities include Blanca, Gardner, Silver Cliff, and Westcliffe. You can take I-70 in Denver and travel west to reach the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, about 273 miles by road. Here you will see some of North America's oldest exposed rock, highlighted by the deep Black Canyon created by millennia of erosion by the Gunnison River. The 12-mile stretch of the canyon here offers climbing and hiking opportunities above the water and angling and kayaking adventures on the river. Drive your motorhome along Rim Drive to see the park from various overlooks before parking at one of two developed sites within the park. North Rim Campground can accommodate RVs up to 22 feet but lacks hookups. The South Rim Campground has electricity.
Boyd Lake State Park is the nearest facility, located 34 miles north of town, outside Loveland, Colorado. With 2,000 acres to explore, visitors can camp, bird watch, and hike. The top draw here is Boyd Reservoir, providing access to water activities like boating, fishing, swimming, and waterskiing. There are 140 RV sites with paved pads at this location. They have varied amenities, including electrical hookups. When you are not on the water trying for the trout or elusive tiger muskie, see if you can spot the bobcats, black bears, coyotes, deer, elk, mountain lions, or other small mammals that visit the area. Another location that is almost as close as Boyd Lake is Golden Gate Canyon State Park, 35 miles southwest of town by road. You can orient yourself and learn about the park at the visitor center before exploring the 12,000 acres the park offers. There are over 100 campsites and picnic areas to use, and the park boasts 36 miles of hiking trails, 22 of those are multi-use and shared with bikes and horses. If you are adventurous, you can get some breathtaking rock climbing in, but you need to backcountry hike to the best locations. Wildlife is abundant here, providing chances to see Albert's squirrels, black bears, deer, elk, moose, and mountain lions. Anglers will explore the park's streams, and fishing is allowed at Dude's Fishing Hole, Forgotten Valley, Kriley, and the Ranch Ponds. Nearby Cherry Creek State Park is south of Erie, on the southern edge of the Denver Metro area. It is home to the 880-acre Cherry Creek Reservoir, a body of water used for angling, boating, and other water activities. Your four-legged travel companions will enjoy the 107-acre off-leash dog area, and everyone can enjoy the 35 miles of trails. The park has RV-friendly campsites with 20, 30, and 50-amp power hookups, with a dump station that only closes during the winter.
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is a nearby attraction south of Erie, offering you a chance to experience the pre-history of the state. There are impression fossils of 1,700 animals and plants on display, including 14-foot-wide sequoia trees. You can also meander the 1.1-mile Petrified Loop Trail and visit the ancient Lake Florissant. Head north into Nebraska, and you can check out Scotts Bluff National Monument, a 3,000-acre location showcasing 800-foot bluffs overlooking the North Platte River. A visitor center lets you explore the area's importance as a navigation landmark, and you can visit the top of the bluffs in your Erie, CO RV rental using Summit Road. Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site sits south and east of town, near La Junta, CO. This recreation of the original Pueblo-style fort offers a short documentary and a self-guided tour of this trading outpost used by Native Americans, buffalo hunters, and soldiers until 1849. A 1.7-mile trail rated as easy explores the banks of the nearby Arkansas River.
Prospect RV Park is one of RVshare's Top Picks for campgrounds in nearby Wheat Ridge. It offers 70 back-in or pull-through sites providing full RV hookups, 30-amp power, laundry facilities, and showers for anything from a camper van to a Class A rig. One of the best locations for RV camping is Clear Creek RV Park in nearby Golden. It sits along Clear Creek, offering 30 sites with 30 or 50-amp power, cell reception, and shower facilities, all near Golden's historic downtown area. A popular facility within nearby Rocky Mountain National Park is Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. The pet-friendly facility has several activities for kids, with jaw-dropping panoramic views at sites with full hookups and access to showers and hot tubs.
How do I properly navigate and park a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces in Erie, CO?
When navigating and parking a Class C motorhome rental in urban areas or tight spaces, it's important to take your time and plan your route beforehand. Familiarize yourself with the dimensions of the motorhome and the height and width restrictions of the roads you'll be traveling on. When it comes to parking, look for designated spots or parking garages that can accommodate the size of your RV. Always pay attention to signage and be aware of any towing restrictions in the area.
Do I need to know any weight or height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Erie, CO?
Yes, it's important to be aware of weight and height restrictions when driving a Class C motorhome rental in Erie, CO. Many bridges and overpasses have low clearance levels that may not accommodate the height of your RV. Additionally, be mindful of the weight of your vehicle and ensure that you're not exceeding any weight limits on the roads you're traveling.
How do I properly level and stabilize a Class C RV rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your specific campsite with the RV owner to determine if any leveling equipment is necessary. If so, they will walk you through how to set it up safely.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on a Class C motorhome rental during my rental period?
During your rental period you are not responsible for maintenance. Treat the RV with care and maintain cleanliness during your trip.
Can I bring my bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental, and what storage options are available for these items?
Yes, you can bring your bicycles or other outdoor equipment to use with the Class C motorhome rental. Many RVs have storage compartments or racks that can be used to store bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor gear. Check with the RV owner to see what storage options are available and how much weight they can accommodate.
What fuel efficiency considerations do I need to consider when driving a Class C motorhome rental, and how can I minimize the impact on my fuel costs?
Class C motorhome rentals are generally less fuel-efficient than smaller vehicles, so it's important to be mindful of your fuel usage. To minimize fuel costs, try to stick to slower speeds and avoid idling or rapid acceleration. Planning out your route ahead of time can also help you save fuel by avoiding unnecessary detours or backtracking.
Can I bring my entertainment equipment or appliances for the Class C motorhome rental, such as a portable grill or music player?
Yes, you can bring your own entertainment equipment or appliances to use with the Class C motorhome rental. However, be sure to check with the RV owner beforehand to ensure that the RV is equipped with the necessary outlets or connections to use your equipment. Additionally, be aware of any safety hazards, such as using portable grills near the RV, and take appropriate precautions.
Are any particular features or amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Erie, CO?
The features and amenities available in Class C motorhome rentals can vary depending on the make and model of the RV. Some common features that may be available in Class C motorhome rentals include kitchenettes, bathrooms with showers, and additional sleeping areas. Check with the RV owner to see what features and amenities are included in their particular rental.
How do I correctly set up and use the kitchen and bathroom facilities in a Class C motorhome rental, and do I need to know any specific maintenance or cleaning considerations?
The RV owner will familiarize you with how to use the facilities. Take note of where the water and electrical hookups are located, and make sure to follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the RV owner. When it comes to cleaning and maintenance, be sure to follow proper procedures for disposing of waste and using cleaning products that won't damage the RV's plumbing or fixtures.
