Right now, airline travel isn’t attractive. But, NOT vacationing isn’t attractive either! Last year, I wrote about traveling within Colorado and adjoining states. Who knew car travel would be
even more relevant this year! At least we have the good fortune to live in a part of the country so full of the wonders of nature. When Brenda and I moved to Colorado in 1971, we bought a Renault 16 hatchback (picture below) and drove it all over the state, stopping and camping wherever we wanted. A loose air cleaner bolt allowed the sand to get into the engine while driving through a sandstorm in Arizona. We got through the sand storm only to find our engine blowing a smokescreen. After spending an interesting night in Tuba City, Arizona, we continued to the Grand Canyon, and about a case of oil got us back to Denver. It took me about a week of late nights to rebuild the engine. The moral here is to be sure your vehicle is thoroughly inspected before leaving.
The great thing about traveling in the West is that you can find outdoor spaces that are easy to socially distant and keep your risk of Coronavirus exposure minimal. Below are several
recommendations to get you started planning your road trip vacation.
One source I sited last year was the Colorado State Vacation Guide. On this site, you can search for things to do, hotels and lodging, festivals and events, and trip ideas. It’s like checking out the whole state on your laptop. Another good source is Encompass Magazine by AAA.
All national parks and monuments can be found here. Because Rocky Mountain National Park is so popular, they are taking visitors by appointment for entry during 2-hour windows, but it’s easy to sign up here. Colorado’s other National Parks do not have this restriction at this time.
Our favorite Colorado destination is Grand Lake and vicinity. Growing up in Indiana and near Michigan, lakes were a big part of our experience, and we think the lakes in and around Grand Lake are Colorado’s best. There is a lot to do in and around this little town: boating (rentals available), hiking, 100 miles of ATV trails (rentals available), and fishing (obviously). Make sure to check out Rocky Mountain Repertoire Theatre. Their summer shows have been postponed until 2021, but at this time, they are still planning to perform “Ring of Fire” in the fall. A favorite Grand Lake local event in September is Constitution Week, which boasts music, barbecue, a parade, classes, and fireworks.
Outside of Colorado, some of our favorite destinations are Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Northwest Wyoming and Zion National Park in Southwest Utah. The drive through Wyoming on US 287 is beautiful.
There are myriad opportunities for travel and exploration here in the Mountain West, and we want to help make it easy for you to do it. During June and July, we are offering a free trip inspection upon request with any service, including oil changes. Just ask for the inspection when you drop off, of schedule your visit here.
Addison Auto Repair and Body Shop have been your neighborhood one-stop auto shop since 1982. 
