Rocky Mountain National Park is only 47 miles from Windsor, Colorado. Longs Peak rises more than 14,000 feet and is one of the park's most popular attractions. For hikers, there are 300 miles of trails available. Veteran hikers will enjoy both the 12-mile-long Bluebird Lake Trail that climbs nearly 2,500 feet along its length and the 0.6-mile-long Bear Lake Trail. Newbies will enjoy the Bear Lake Trail, too, along with the slightly tougher Cub Lake Trail that rises 540 feet along its length of 4.6 miles. Because of the park's elevation, sudden weather changes are common. If you travel due south from Windsor, Colorado, you will reach Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is about 300 miles away. The dunes cover about 30 square miles of the more than 100,000 acres of this national park. The tallest dunes are the height of an 80-story building. The most popular activities at this national park are sand sledding and sandboarding. You need special sleds and boards that are designed for sand, but the national park service doesn't rent them. The closest place to rent the proper equipment is the Oasis Store, which is four miles from the park. Keep in mind that the store does not rent sleds or sandboards if the sand is wet. A bit less than six hour's drive to the southwest, you will find Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. It's among the newest national parks in the United States and has only been so designated for a little over 20 years. The Gunnison River cut the Black Canyon over millennia, and the park consists of 12 miles of hiking trails, cliffs for climbing, and rapids for kayaking. The kayaking is only for experts, however, because the large majority of the rapids in the canyon are Class V, and portions of them are impossible to navigate. Most of the hiking trails are short in this national park, and they range from easy to strenuous in difficulty.
Boyd Lake State Park is just 11 miles from downtown Windsor, Colorado. The park covers just about 2,000 acres. Boyd Lake itself is the park's chief attraction, and after setting up your popup trailer, you can fish, boat, and swim in the cool mountain water. Should you visit during the winter, you can skate on the lake as long as the park rangers indicate that it's safe. The park has quite a few hiking and biking trails that meander around the lake, and these are either easy or moderately difficult. Just over the border into Wyoming, near Cheyenne, Curt Gowdy State Park is a 75-mile drive in your toy hauler and popup camper from Windsor, Colorado. The park named for the famed sportscaster features 35 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Three reservoirs provide excellent fishing throughout the year. If you're a hunter, then you can hunt with a bow during the applicable hunting seasons, but firearms are not allowed. Wildlife, such as chipmunks, both mule and white-tailed deer, and elk, is plentiful in the park, so bring your camera along. Jackson Lake State Park is 57 miles from Windsor, Colorado. Hiking is quite easy in the park because of the flatter-than-normal terrain for such a mountainous area. The park covers 2,700 acres. The fishing for walleye, trout, pike, and catfish is excellent. If you like to swim, then you can do so everywhere on the lake except by the boat ramp. During the warm weather, you can play volleyball or take a walk on the short nature trail.
On the outskirts of Colorado Spring, about 160 miles from Windsor, Colorado, there is the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. The park's rangers provide a 20-minute orientation video for the site and will answer questions before you head out to explore. The Petrified Forest Loop trail is just 1.1 miles long and is an easy hike past fossilized insect and plant deposits. There are fossils of more than 1,700 species to see, and there are even a few sequoia trees that are more than 40 feet in circumference. Scott's Bluff juts 800 feet into the Nebraska sky and was a beacon on the Oregon Trail. Today, the national monument that is 150 miles from Windsor, Colorado, covers 3,000 acres, and you can experience not only the relevant American history but also that of the prehistoric periods. After you park your Windsor, Colorado RV rental, you can walk a half-mile section of the Oregon Trail and see three historically accurate prairie schooners. The Saddle Rock Trail is just 1.6 miles long, but the second half of the trail is exceptionally steep to the top of the bluff. The first 700 yards or so of this trail are paved for accessibility to wheelchairs. Three hours drive north brings you to the Agate Fossil Beds. The fossils in this national site are from the Miocene Epoch, which lasted from 23 million years ago to 5 million years ago. They include small rhinoceroses and camels and huge dogs that were the size of small bears. The so-called "Bone Cabin," which used to be a homestead, has more recently been a place for paleontologists to bunk as they studied the fossils of the area. The hiking trail that gets there is 1.1 miles long, and it's an easy hike.
Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains RV park is a luxurious place with showers, laundry, complimentary Wi-Fi, and both pull-through and back-in sites. Each site has both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections and full water and sewer hookups. There are showers and a hot tub available too. There is even a small lake on site where you can kayak or rent paddleboats. Winding River Resort has 104 well-apportioned RV-specific campsites that are great for a wide variety of campers. There is no pool or hot tub, but there are showers and laundry available. The RV sites have both 50-amp and 30-amp service and full hookups. The Colorado River flows right by the resort, and the fishing is great. The park likes to say that it treats everyone like members of the family, and the semi-remote location at the base of the Rocky Mountains is peaceful. In the city of Estes, you can proceed to Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park of Estes Campground. The campground is pet-friendly as long as your furbabies are leashed, and you clean up after them. This RV park has laundry facilities and provides military and Passport America discounts. Camper vans and smaller motorhomes are welcome although Class A vehicles and the largest fifth-wheel trailers might have trouble. The pool is good for keeping cool during the summer.
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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, 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 Windsor, CO particularly well-suited for a camper van and what amenities or features do they offer?
There are many campgrounds and RV parks in Windsor, 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.
