Where to fly in Colorado?

[pcooper114]

Hey everyone, Part 107 pilot here, and I'll be in Denver/Boulder for a football game in August. I'm giving myself a free day the day after to explore and fly, since my family won't be with me and won't be able to complain about me making them sit in the car while I fly. So here's my situation:

I know the I-70 route pretty well between Denver and Silverthorne from a tourist standpoint, but have only flown in a few obvious areas. I'll only have a day, so I want to get in as much as I can while I'm there. I'm thinking the Arapahoe Nat'l forest area will be my best bet, since I'll be in Boulder the day before. Anyone have any suggestions/hidden gems/favorite places to fly? Not opposed to short hikes to get the right shot!

 

[hank970]

If you don't mind heading west on I-70, a three-quarter mile hike up the Grizzly Peak Trail from Loveland Pass (on US Hwy 6, the alternate route which bypasses the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels) would afford great views of Grays and Torreys Peaks, two of Colorado's 14ers, The air is thin at 12,000 feet ASL, but I've flown with no problems on Vail Pass,

 

[pcooper114]

If you don't mind heading west on I-70, a three-quarter mile hike up the Grizzly Peak Trail from Loveland Pass (on US Hwy 6, the alternate route which bypasses the Eisenhower/Johnson tunnels) would afford great views of Grays and Torreys Peaks, two of Colorado's 14ers, The air is thin at 12,000 feet ASL, but I've flown with no problems on Vail Pass,

I was thinking the furthest I'd go is Dillon and work my way back, so that would work. But I'm confused - that trail definitely doesn't look 3/4 mile haha

 

[hank970]

I was thinking the furthest I'd go is Dillon and work my way back, so that would work. But I'm confused - that trail definitely doesn't look 3/4 mile haha

You don't need to walk the entire trail to reach a good vantage point. Accirding to Google Earth's "ruler," the distance is 0.8 miles.

 

[YorksPhotos]

I spent a lot of time in Boulder on business. Probably 9 months or so in the 42 years I was working. Beautiful no matter where you go. You might try getting to the Flat Irons, can't miss them if you are in Boulder. From there you could head west on 119 through Boulder Creek and canyon to Nederlands. Many opportunities just off the highway. 119 loops back south and gets you into Blackhawk and then Denver. If you go north from Nederlands to hwy 7 you can stop by St Cathrines Chapel on the way to Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. No flying there but a worthwhile stop if you have the time. Many wildlife opportunitiesas well. St Cathrines was renovated awhile ago and lost the reflection pond. I will try to find the pic I have from before. Enjoy your trip and share when you get back.