Nearby Rocky Mountain National Park is 33 miles west of Longmont. Visitors will find Estes Park near the park's east entrance, providing convenient amenities like gas, food, and shopping. Keep the higher elevation here in mind as you visit, and wear plenty of sunscreen year-round. Conditions can change quickly as clouds and wind come down the eastern side of the continental divide, so dress in layers. The main geological feature here is Longs Peak, one of Colorado's fourteeners (mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet in elevation). A major draw for outdoor enthusiasts is the 300 miles of hiking trails providing access to the park from May through early October. Enjoy ranger-led tours, explore the diverse fauna, and observe the wildlife, including black bears and moose.
A 271-mile road trip south of Longmont will get you to Great Sand Dunes National Park. It provides over 100,000 acres of land to explore, including the 30 square miles of dunes that are the main feature here. These are the tallest dunes in North America, with some reaching 750 feet in height. The weather here fluctuates a lot, with the 8,000- to 11,000-foot elevation keeping things colder than the plains to the east. Besides taking in the incredible views, visitors can enjoy sliding down the dunes on sandboards or sleds. Surrounding areas offer forested routes to explore, and you can backpack and camp in the dunes.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is 284 miles southwest of Longmont, near Montrose. The highlighted feature is the 12-mile-long Black Canyon carved by the Gunnison River. It contains some of the oldest exposed rock in North America. The weather here is considered mild, with highs above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and lows near 18 degrees in the winter. Popular activities here include fishing or kayaking on the Gunnison River. Off-water activities usually involve hiking and rock climbing in the canyon or stargazing in the dark skies at night.
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 Longmont, 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 Longmont, 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 Longmont, 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 Longmont, 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 Longmont, CO particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Longmont, 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.