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.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV in Windsor, CO, and what kind of pet policies do I need to be aware of it?
The fees and charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV vary by individual listings and are determined by the RV owner. Be sure to check the specific listing for details on any additional fees or deposits required for pets. Additionally, the pet policies for each rental will also vary and are at the discretion of the RV owner. Be sure to review the listing description or ask the owner for more information on their pet policies before booking.
How do I properly prepare my pet for traveling in an RV rental, and what kind of equipment or supplies do I need to bring for them?
To properly prepare your pet for RV travel, bring along their favorite bed, food and water bowls, food, and any medications they may need. Additionally, bring your pet's leash, waste bags, and any toys or treats they may enjoy. It's also a good idea to acclimate your pet to the RV before your trip by introducing them to the space gradually if possible.
Can I bring multiple pets in a pet-friendly RV rental, and are there any size or weight restrictions for my pets?
The number and type of pets allowed will vary depending on the RV owner's policies. Be sure to check the listing details for any restrictions on pet size or weight, as well as the number of pets allowed per rental.
Are any specific RV parks or campgrounds in Windsor, CO particularly well-suited for pets, and what amenities do they offer?
Some RV parks and campgrounds are more pet-friendly than others, so be sure to research your destination beforehand. Look for parks that offer amenities such as pet-friendly trails or dog parks. Additionally, some parks may have specific pet policies or restrictions, so be sure to check before making a reservation.
How do I properly clean and sanitize a pet-friendly RV rental before and after my rental period, particularly regarding pet hair and odors?
Renters should vacuum and sweep thoroughly and wipe down all surfaces with pet-safe cleaning products. Additionally, be sure to dispose of any pet waste in designated trash areas.
What safety considerations must I be aware of when traveling with pets in an RV rental, particularly regarding hot or cold weather conditions?
Pet owners should be aware of hot and cold weather conditions when traveling in an RV with pets. Keep pets hydrated and ensure the RV is properly ventilated and climate-controlled. Additionally, never leave pets alone in a hot or cold RV and be sure to monitor their behavior for signs of distress.
Can I bring my pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen?
Yes, renters can bring their own pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen. However, be sure to check with the RV owner before bringing any large or bulky items to ensure they can be accommodated.
How do I properly secure and restrain my pet during travel in a pet-friendly RV rental, and what kind of safety equipment or devices do I need to use?
Pets should always be properly secured and restrained during travel in an RV rental. This can include using a pet carrier, seat belt harness, or pet barrier. Ensure that all safety equipment or devices are properly installed and used according to manufacturer instructions.
Can I leave my pet unattended in a pet-friendly RV rental, and if so, are there any specific guidelines or restrictions I need to follow?
Pets should not be left unattended in an RV rental, as it can be dangerous for them and may result in damage to the rental. If it is necessary to leave your pet briefly, ensure that they are properly secured and that the RV is climate-controlled and ventilated.
Can I bring my pet to any activities or attractions in Windsor, CO during my RV rental trip, and what kind of pet policies or restrictions may be in place for these locations?
Pet policies and restrictions for activities and attractions in Windsor, CO will vary by location, so be sure to research beforehand. Some locations may not allow pets at all, while others may have specific areas or guidelines for pet access. Always check with the location beforehand to ensure pets are allowed and to understand any restrictions or guidelines in place.
