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 correctly set up and take down a popup camper rental, and what kind of tools or equipment do I need?
Setting up and taking down a popup camper rental typically requires a few basic tools, including a rubber mallet, wheel chocks, and a few different sized wrenches. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves locating and extending the stabilizer jacks, popping up the roof, extending the sidewalls, and connecting any necessary hoses and cables. Be sure to follow any instructions provided by the owner and ask for assistance if you are unsure about any aspect of the setup.
Can I rent a popup camper in Windsor, CO without a vehicle capable of towing it, and if so, what are my options for renting a towing vehicle?
Standard passenger sedans typically able to tow popup campers that weigh less than 1,500 pounds. Heavier duty vehicles, such as 4x4 SUVs, can usually tow a heavier popup. If you are unable to tow, another option is to have the popup campered delivered to your campsite. The RVshare owner will bring it to the campground and set up for you, then tow it away after your trip is over.
Are there any special driving considerations or techniques I should know when towing a popup camper rental in Windsor, CO?
When towing a popup camper rental, it's important to practice safe driving techniques and be aware of your surroundings. You may need to adjust your driving speed and distance from other vehicles to account for the additional weight and length. It's also important to make sure the camper rental is properly secured and level before hitting the road.
What kind of amenities can I expect in a popup camper rental, and how do they compare to other RV rentals in Windsor, CO?
Popup camper rentals typically offer a range of amenities and features, including comfortable sleeping quarters, kitchen appliances and supplies, and on-board storage options. While they may be more compact than other RV rentals, they often offer a more affordable and flexible option for travelers who want to explore the outdoors.
Can I bring my bedding and linens to use in the popup camper rental, and what kind of storage options are available for these items?
Many RVshare owners will provide bedding and linens for the popup camper rental, but you can certainly bring your own if you prefer. There are typically storage compartments and cubbies located throughout the interior of the camper rental for storing personal items.
How do I properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental at my campsite or RV park, and what equipment or tools do I need for this?
Discuss your particular campsite with the RV owner to determine if leveling and stabilizing will be necessary. To properly level and stabilize a popup camper rental, you will need a few basic tools, including leveling blocks, wheel chocks, and a bubble level. The process will vary based on the specific model, but typically involves leveling the camper rental side-to-side using the leveling blocks and adjusting the front-to-back level using the tongue jack.
What weather conditions should I know when renting a popup camper in Windsor, CO, and how can I prepare for them?
Depending on where you are renting the popup camper, you may need to prepare for a range of different weather conditions. It's important to check the forecast before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and gear for any potential weather events. You should also take steps to protect the camper rental from high winds, rain, and other elements by properly securing it and using any available window covers or awnings.
Can I bring my outdoor equipment or appliances to use with the popup camper rental, such as a portable grill or camping chairs?
Yes, you can certainly bring your own outdoor equipment and appliances to use with the popup camper rental. However, be sure to check with the RVshare owner beforehand to make sure there is enough space to store your items and that they are safe to use with the camper rental.
What kind of maintenance or upkeep do I need to perform on the exterior and interior of a popup camper rental during my rental period?
The maintenance and upkeep required for a popup camper is handled by the RV owner. Handle the camper with care and return it in the condition you received it.
Are there any unique features or amenities available in popup camper rentals that may not be found in other RVs in Windsor, CO?
Popup camper rentals are light and easier to tow than most other towable trailers, making them easier to bring along on your trips, and typically meaning your own vehicle should be able to tow them.
