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.

 

[Paludo]

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!

Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado is one of my favorite locations - quite stunning

 

[wco81]

How many of the areas near mountains are outside of National Parks, where drones are prohibited?

Or are you guys listing places which are National Parks but as Part 107, the OP would still be able to fly in them?

 

[hank970]

How many of the areas near mountains are outside of National Parks, where drones are prohibited?

Or are you guys listing places which are National Parks but as Part 107, the OP would still be able to fly in them?

The acreage of national parklands in Colorado's mountains is dwarfed by the acreage of national forestlands. Similarly, the acreage of parklands at lower elevations is dwarfed by the millions of acres of public lands administered by the BLM. There are plenty of places to fly in Colorado without any restrictions other than those imposed generally by the FAA.

NPS regulations expressly prohibit the launching, landing or operating of drones on national parklands. The regulations do not exempt Part 107 pilots. They apply equally to everyone. There are no exceptions absent express permission from a park's superintendent. Don't waste your time or the superintendent's time trying to get that kind of permission. Fly someplace else.

 

[AZAV8R]

How many of the areas near mountains are outside of National Parks, where drones are prohibited?

Or are you guys listing places which are National Parks but as Part 107, the OP would still be able to fly in them?

Part 107 doesn’t allow flight in National Parks. Sure wish it did!

 

[hank970]

Part 107 doesn’t allow flight in National Parks. Sure wish it did!

I'm sure glad it doesn't. There need to be at least a few refuges in this world where wildlife and visitors aren't subjected to the buzzing of drones and where natural features, like Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone, are protected from damage because thoughtless idiots lose control of their toys.

 

[AZAV8R]

I'm sure glad it doesn't. There need to be at least a few refuges in this world where wildlife and visitors aren't subjected to the buzzing of drones and where natural features, like Grand Prismatic Spring in Yellowstone, are protected from damage because thoughtless idiots lose control of their toys.

Disregard my shoot from the hip comment; you are absolutely correct. I flew manned aircraft for 34 years and was always happy that the Feds severely limited access to the Grand Canyon.