Jump to content

Road Trip: Austin to Colorado (red rocks area) on a budget-- tips?


ChuckNorrisActionJeans

Recommended Posts

We're going during the kid's spring break (so help us). Leaving on March 14th. Lucked into a stay at a friend's house in Morrison, and plan to ski at Loveland. We are beginners (well I haven't skied since I was a kid).

Also, haven't done this road trip since I was a kid. What's a good driving schedule? Places to stay one night each way? Bonus for a place being kind of boutique and/or lgbt-friendly.

Welcome any thoughts on places to stop, eat, etc. Whether along the way or in the Morrison/Evergreen etc. area. Also getting ski clothes on a budget, though I think we have some covered already except for one adult. 

TIA!

Edited by ChuckNorrisActionJeans
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We drove to Colorado last summer in a day and that was stupid.  On the back leg we stayed the night in a historic hotel in Amarillo and that’s the plan the next time we go.  
 

If you’re on a budget (or just like the outdoors), you could spend the night at Palo Duron Canyon state park.  It’s pretty awesome and so remote you’ll likely not have a reason to be nearby otherwise.  

  • Hook 'Em 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We've driven from downtown Houston to Leadville in a day. It's a beating but doable. Left about 4 am iirc and were in DFW by sunrise. Reached Leadville after sunset. Austin to Denverish should be easier and you do gain an hour crossing time zones. Coming back you lose that hour, though.

Edited by elfenix
  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

i've driven austin to santa fe and austin to phoenix in one day, but wouldnt do it with kids.  i make a drive west almost yearly but go farther north than your direction - towards the utah national parks and 4 corners area.  when i have driven to colorado, i went through raton/capucin and stayed in dalhart or dumas. who are you seeing at red rocks?

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I did the Austin to Colorado drive a couple of years ago. Stayed in Amarillo at the hotel affiliated with the Big Texan Steakhouse because it was cheap as shit on priceline. Did not attempt the 72 oz challenge as that seemed a bit risky in the middle of a roadie. food was about as "meh" as you would expect. 

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, ChuckNorrisActionJeans said:

We're going during the kid's spring break (so help us). Leaving on March 14th. Lucked into a stay at a friend's house in Morrison, and plan to ski at Loveland. We are beginners (well I haven't skied since I was a kid).

Also, haven't done this road trip since I was a kid. What's a good driving schedule? Places to stay one night each way? Bonus for a place being kind of boutique and/or lgbt-friendly.

Welcome any thoughts on places to stop, eat, etc. Whether along the way or in the Morrison/Evergreen etc. area. Also getting ski clothes on a budget, though I think we have some covered already except for one adult. 

TIA!

starting from where

depart what day of the week

what day of the week do you have to be home back at the starting place

vehicle make

#pax

Link to comment
Share on other sites

also, you won't be doing much skiiing if you stay in denver and attempt to commute to loveland

morrison is a denver suburb

https://www.summitdaily.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor-skier-traffic-makes-interstate-70-a-nightmare/

https://www.denverpost.com/2025/01/03/colorado-ski-traffic-i70-avalanche-danger/

https://www.cpr.org/2019/02/25/i-70-mountain-traffic-remains-the-bane-of-weekend-skiers/

also i would recommend a first-time or first-in-forever skiing attempt at a lower altitude than loveland's base elevation of 10800'

altitude sickness is kind of overblown but the symptoms are real above 8000' and effect everyone differently

a cunning plan would be to forget loveland and do echo mountain which doesn't require i70 and is 1800' lower base elevation

it's small, low-key, and less expensive that summit county (or loveland/a-basin) but you are still looking at $150/day/adult and $100/day/kid/senior w/ rentals:

https://echomtn.com/lift-tickets#discounted

image.thumb.jpeg.14b4114a03d2dcef1e5afc2d96560d0d.jpeg

  • Hook 'Em 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've driven from central TX to central CO so many times I could do it in my sleep (and probably have).  Lots of routes, none of which have a super attractive or world-class place to stay.

My current preference if I can do a longer first day drive is to stay in Las Vegas NM at the Plaza Hotel on the downtown square.  It's actually pretty badass, and you'll recognize the staircase from No Country for Old Men.  A ton of films get made in LV, and the rooms that actors/directors and other celebrities have stayed in have their picture outside.  Given the local ties to the film industry, I'd guess the hotel and the adjacent town square would be quite friendly.  It's also cheaper, btw, than your usual chain hotel.  Eat breakfast the next morning at Charlie's Spic and Span (/noracist).

If I don't think we can make it that far the first day, I've taken to stopping in Tucumcari at the Motel Safari.  It's a redone MCM type place that is clean, good, and cheap at about $100 per night.  The owner/operator and his dog are super nice.  They don't advertise it anymore, but you might be able to get the adjoining "family suite" if you call/email and ask really nicely (we've stayed enough that he still does that deal for us).  Despite the preponderance of boomers and foreign tourists on Rte 66, the town is at least a little eclectic and friendly along that stretch, and likely much moreso than the rest of Eastern NM and the panhandle.  There's not much else going on in Tucumcari, but you can get a good dinner with ample green chile dishes at Del's, and Kix on 66 is a good breakfast diner.  The drive in and out of Tucumcari on that route is as desolate as you might imagine, but has some pretty parts if you like the desert southwest.  Just make sure you leave town with a full tank of gas and your playlist downloaded.

Either of those routes will take you probably 30m out of your way from the route through Amarillo/Dalhart/Clayton, but it's not like you're missing much.

Oh, and if you go through Post, stop for lunch at Holly's Drive In.

  • Hook 'Em 6
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I also cannot recommend enough skipping the Raton pass/25 portion of the drive because traffic between CS and Denver can get pretty bad - a single accident can add 60-90 min, and they happen a lot.
 

Last time I took 287 up from Amarillo to Limon and then it’s a straight shot on 70 headed west.  Think the total time on that leg, with no traffic on either, was like an extra 15 minutes. But lower risk than that shit ass stretch of 25 

You can take 70 and go south on 470 to Morrison 

Edited by Js1
  • Hook 'Em 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

42 minutes ago, LCHorn said:

Is that ice cream and a cupcake with gravy on it?!?

That was peanut butter homemade ice cream, a  chocolate soufflé, and some kind of topping with a very light coffee flavor. I was all proud of myself for ordering the quinoa salad, and then I overheard the next table’s waiter describe the dessert as the best he had ever had in his life. 
I interpreted that as a challenge. 

  • Drool 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Suggest check your vehicle transmission level is where it should be along with all other stuff.  Mountain range is not a joke.  From Austin area, we made it to Trinidad to stop for night but like others have said, Amarillo will be more reasonable with kids.  Came back via the Kansas route and there is nothing to look at for many hours but less stressful because mostly went around Denver which can have horrific traffic.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I live by Morrison and Loveland is only 45-50 min away (not on Sat AM obv). The Loveland Valley is a great place to start and lift tickets are only $50 for adults and $30 for kids. My 6-year old learned how to ski there and my 4-year old is in ski school there now. You can also pick up some day all mountain day passes off Craigslist if you want access to the Basin. They sell the 4-pack for $269 in the off season and people dump them.

Hungry Goat is a good spot in Morrison. But my advice is to drive a few mins over to downtown Golden. Over there you have Buffalo Rose, King of Wings, Atomic Cowboy. Sherpa House, and Thai Gold. Also some good spots to grab a brew and a wine bar too. 

If you're renting I suggest doing it in the Denver area so you don't waste time doing it at Loveland. 

 

  • Hook 'Em 5
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Denver resident here. Have probably done the Denver/Austin or Denver/Dallas roadtrip 75 times. 
 

Stay in Amarillo on the way out/back. 
 

Check weather. If there is a winter storm between Amarillo and Raton, you are fucked.  And doubly fucked if you try to go up through the eastern CO route. 
 

If you time it out to avoid morning/afternoon rush hour through CO Springs, should not be a problem with traffic. 
 

Day trips up to Loveland and back should as long as you’re doing it on weekdays.  Otherwise I’d recommend finding manageable lodging in Silverthorne/Frisco and ski at Copper. 

  • Hook 'Em 2
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yellow City Street Food in Amarillo is LBGTQ friendly and a great spot to eat and drink. Trinidad is probably the best place to stop between Amarillo and CS. 
 

I love Idaho Springs between Morrison and Loveland. Get the loaded fries and a beer at Westbound and Down brewery. Agreed with the poster that recommended checking out Golden. Awesome, walkable downtown. 

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Only been to Golden once (going to fix that this summer), and I was in deep smit.  Jealous of the surls who live there, and I find it very tempting if I ever move.

Sherpa House is fantastic.  Only place I've ever seen yak on the menu (though for all I know it was marmot or something).  Mountain Toad Brewing was great.  Eddy Hotel is awesome but not on the "budget" thread.  Staying there again to see Lord Huron this summer at Red Rocks and taking my kid on CO college visits.

Oh, also, we're actually driving up to CB for spring break as well, so we'll be in the Texas plates caravan.

  • Hook 'Em 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, Hagbard Celine said:

starting from where.     North Central Austin

depart what day of the week.  Depart Friday 3/14

what day of the week do you have to be home back at the starting place    Probably good to be back on Sat the 22nd

vehicle make. Infiniti FX35. Bringing snow chains

#pax

Answers above^^

Thanks to all for the feedback. Great ideas and food for thought. No particular show we're looking to see at Red Rocks....

Definitely waiting til weekday for skiing. Will check out the ideas for food and road stays

We were in the area a few years ago in summer and echo all the love for Golden. Would love to gtfo of Tx and live there

 

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote

Check weather. If there is a winter storm between Amarillo and Raton, you are fucked.  And doubly fucked if you try to go up through the eastern CO route. 

100% agree with the above.  It could be 70F in that part of the world in March or it could be a blizzard.  Good weather - no problem.  If you were traveling in summer, I could give you dozens of places to camp that are awesome.  Spring with kids, weather is too unpredictable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 hours ago, 6th Street said:

I live by Morrison and Loveland is only 45-50 min away (not on Sat AM obv). The Loveland Valley is a great place to start and lift tickets are only $50 for adults and $30 for kids. My 6-year old learned how to ski there and my 4-year old is in ski school there now. You can also pick up some day all mountain day passes off Craigslist if you want access to the Basin. They sell the 4-pack for $269 in the off season and people dump them.

Hungry Goat is a good spot in Morrison. But my advice is to drive a few mins over to downtown Golden. Over there you have Buffalo Rose, King of Wings, Atomic Cowboy. Sherpa House, and Thai Gold. Also some good spots to grab a brew and a wine bar too. 

If you're renting I suggest doing it in the Denver area so you don't waste time doing it at Loveland. 

 

i cannot go to Golden or Golden Gate Canyon SP without a stop at Atomic Cowboy! so good 🍔

  • Hook 'Em 1
  • Drool 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Your Mom said:

Day 1 drive to Dumas, TX. Day 2 drive the rest. Don’t try to stop and see anything on the way. There is nothing cool. Just haul ass and get there. 


If the kids haven’t skied they need lessons unless you want them to hate it and never want to go again. 

If the kids are old enough I would just do the whole drive in a day with a free place to stay in Denver. You'll be worn out the day you get there, but that's fine it gives you a day to drink a ton of water and acclimate

FB marketplace is full of ski gear worn once by Texas families who don't actually ski. 

Rent your gear in Denver for time savings if you are driving there and back no reason to waste time at the mountain doing gear stuff, lessons for kids at least half day for 2 days. 1 day if they have gone before. 

Don't fool yourself into skiing every day there's a reason they sell a 5 of 7 day pass or a 3 of 5 day. 

There's nothing cheap about skiing anymore at a Vail resort. Pack your own food and eat at the base or out of the tailgate of the car, take plenty of water with you if you have a camelbak or something like that it's a wonderful thing to take with you. 

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, immamac said:

FB marketplace is full of ski gear worn once by Texas families who don't actually ski. 

Rent your gear in Denver for time savings if you are driving there and back no reason to waste time at the mountain doing gear stuff, lessons for kids at least half day for 2 days. 1 day if they have gone before.

There's nothing cheap about skiing anymore at a Vail resort. Pack your own food and eat at the base or out of the tailgate of the car, take plenty of water with you if you have a camelbak or something like that it's a wonderful thing to take with you. 

imma w/ multiple critical topics

altitude = dehydration

the best way to avoid altitude symptoms is to hydrate massively, like drink a gallon of water a day for a week before you leave then you can back down a little for the drive so you don't have to stop every 3 hours

get referrals for gear rentals - and don't get wild on skis - there's street cred/prestige with long skis - and there's enjoying the time spent on 175's - GO SMALL on skis

i don't do social so i don't know what FB marketplace looks like but ebay has 79841 results for "ski pants and bibs", you will also need jackets

gloves, underwear (thermal body suits) and socks - don't scrimp - buy at REI or Sun & Ski in austin before you leave so you know the shit fits and you can cut out the tags and launder properly - buying used body suits for the underlayer is gross

goggles are critical but extremely expensive - however if anyone in your party wears glasses you are going to want to ensure you have the make/model that will fit over your glasses and then call ahead to your equipment rental location to see if they have that make/model and if not you may want to spend the money and have that nailed down before you leave

again you can check out goggles at rei or sun&ski

on the subject of where to rent skis poles and boots.....   something to consider is how compliant the younger component of your tribe will be with the idea of having to carry their boots and skis and poles for a long schlep to and from where you end up parking with a late arrival......  if i were going to ever attempt to ski again i would want to walk to the rental hut at the base of whatever mountain and have a pro set me up, walk outside with me, make sure everything is working, and then glide away....   zero hassle, instant gratification

that's worth a $100 premium every day

more later on itinerary

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

21 hours ago, ChuckNorrisActionJeans said:

Answers above^^

Thanks to all for the feedback. Great ideas and food for thought. No particular show we're looking to see at Red Rocks....

Definitely waiting til weekday for skiing. Will check out the ideas for food and road stays

We were in the area a few years ago in summer and echo all the love for Golden. Would love to gtfo of Tx and live there

 

confirming 2 adults 2 utes

age of utes please

number of days you want to ski

Edited by Hagbard Celine
Link to comment
Share on other sites

29 minutes ago, ChuckNorrisActionJeans said:

2 adults

1 ute -- 14yr old boy

Yeah, drive straight through. Buy gear here on marketplace or eBay. 

Put the boy in full day lessons for 2 full days, hell maybe even do private lessons for the 3 of you for 2 full days and it's more like having a guide who is also teaching you and would be $ well spent. Day 3+ skiing will be infintitely more enjoyable if you go this route. 

Do not get any skis longer than 150cm for the wife, 160cm for yourself and the boy. If the boy is feeling good maybe they can go to 170cm. 

The longer the ski the faster it'll go, shorter skis are easier all around to do everything, but they top out much slower. 

Invest in good ski socks, it's the only piece of gear worth spending good money on. Everything else is just whatever. 

Wear a fucking helmet, they are a little extra in the rental but do it. 

 

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, Tylerocks said:

A couple recs in Evergreen if you get there..

Cactus Jacks- burgers and stuff

Little Bear Saloon- bar/restaurant/music venue

Depending on age of kids, The Wild Game in Evergreen could be fun.  It's got bowling, arcade, billiards, ping pong etc..

Evergreen Bread & Cocktail Lounge for breakfast. 

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

There’s a few really nice really affordable Airbnb in Texline called Angela’s place. The cafe downstairs also believes in huge servings for low prices and everything I’ve had has been great.

I’ll second the recommendation for staying at Palo Duro. There are some great Airbnb mini cabins right outside the park for a reasonable rate. You’re close to the rim and if the show is running in the park go see it. It’s quite a production for the middle of nowhere. Considering the small crowd when I went there’s no way in hell they made money that night between the production costs and huge fireworks show. It was great.

  • Hook 'Em 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, Hagbard Celine said:

confirming 2 adults 2 utes

age of utes please

number of days you want to ski

Lots of helpful info and I appreciate it!

Man I really only want to ski a couple of days, 3 max. When I was a kid, I only took one day's lesson and was good to go on greens and even some blues. At least that was my memory. Tell me I don't have to put selves/kid in 2 days of lessons before we can just do the Valley?  This is all sounding like a pain in the ass to me right now lol 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

18 hours ago, ChuckNorrisActionJeans said:

Lots of helpful info and I appreciate it!

Man I really only want to ski a couple of days, 3 max. When I was a kid, I only took one day's lesson and was good to go on greens and even some blues. At least that was my memory. Tell me I don't have to put selves/kid in 2 days of lessons before we can just do the Valley?  This is all sounding like a pain in the ass to me right now lol 

 

17 hours ago, Cap33 said:

Private lesson for all three of you also means getting to cut the lift lines. Don’t underestimate how much of your day is spent waiting in lines on crowded ski days.

Private lessons are a gamechanger. It's like guided skiing not like the lame lessons you have taken in the past. 

They will take you to the valley for your lessons if you want and it's not unsafe for them to do so. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We just did Loveland over NYE.  My biggest tip is to rent ski equipment in Denver and bring it with you.  It'll be significantly cheaper and you can start skiing immediately.  We skied 3 days and rented from the onsite shop.  The wait to pick up gear ranged from 90 minutes to 3 hours.  

We also did one 1/2 day lesson through Loveland. That was not enough.  2 full days would've been great.  I would recommend a private instructor and you can find them easily on Facebook. I would guess it'd be cheaper also.

Also, leave Denver at 6am if you are driving to Loveland each day.  Traffic is no joke.  We left at 9am on one day and at noon we turned around because we'd only gone 2/3 of the way.

For clothes, call this lady, she buys up old new stock and worn once ski gear and sells it like 75% off.  Another good spot is Ebay.  I got a brand new Mountain Hardwear bibs with tags still on them for $100 and retail was $300. I also got a new Helly Hansen ski jacket for $150 ($450 retail).  It all came in REI mylar bags so I wonder if it was stolen by REI staff. 

 

Edited by CooterBrown
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



×
×
  • Create New...