If you were to go on vacation to Colorado, where would you go?

[Janeway]

I am thinking of getting a hotel in Golden? I am unsure if that is the best place to go. We do not want to go to the Colorado Springs area (already went there). We want to see the Boulder/Denver area and the mountains and such. 

 

If anyone has specific hotel or resorts they recommend, that would be nice too. Also, we are a big family on a budget.

[PeacefulChaos]

Denver, Colorado Springs, Estes Park.

 

Again, not much help from me bc I went all those places multiple times as a kid/teenager, so I have no idea about cost, etc. so... 😅 Sorry about that!

[jelbe5]

Aspen, Basalt snd Glenwood Springs are beautiful. A visit to Maroon Bells is worth it.

[Caroline]

Estes Park, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs

[MorningGlory]

We just returned from a 10 day trip to Estes Park. 

 

Yes, I am deeply despondent right now. 

 

We chose the Estes Park area because we wanted easy access to the National Park. We hiked 13 trails and drove Trail Ridge Rd. twice during our time there. We rented a cabin through VRBO. I prefer cabins/houses because I like to cook in and wash clothes. Our cabin was pretty expensive, but we went during peak season which upped the price. And of course, we off-set some of that expense by eating at "home" during our stay. If you go during more of an off-season, you can probably find a cabin for a decent price--especially if you have kiddos that don't mind sleeping on the floor. 

 

Enjoy!

[regentrude]

Depends on what you want to do. We go to CO with our kids to rock climb and hike, so any destination is chosen accordingly.

We never stay in hotels, but prefer to rent a condo or cabin so we can cook our own meals; this is much cheaper than eating out.

 

On our trips to CO, we stayed in Aspen (many times, because DH attended the physics center),  Telluride,  Lake City, and  Boulder.

Aspen is expensive and has an odd atmosphere and split personality, but the area is beautiful, and there is lots of good hiking. Been with the kids maybe 6-8 times, starting from infancy/toddlerhood.

Telluride is a bit quirkier, still very touristy; you can start hiking in town without having to drive to a trailhead.

Lake City is charming, we rented a cabin; access to the 14ers is difficult and requires 4 wheel drive. 

Boulder is a real city; nice vibes, great rock climbing, not many high mountains within reach. 

[VeteranMom]

I live in CO.  I would look into Estes Park and specifically Ranch of the Rockies.  At Ranch of the Rockies, you can rent a cabin or stay in a room that resembles a hotel room.  I know families that go their every year.  It's beautiful and they have a lot of different activities on the grounds and in the area.  I stayed in a cabin that was last decorated in the 80s.  They were renovating many cabins, so if you are particular you should ask for a remodeled cabin.

[elegantlion]

I would take ds and ride the Durango train.

[chocolatechip]

I vote Aspen :)

[SJ.]

I recommend looking at the YMCA campground outside of Rocky Mountain National Park.  There are cabins and yurts available for lodging.  I have friends that do it every year and there are a lot of activities through the YMCA, the national park to explore, and Grand Lake is nearby.

[Outdoorsy Type]

I would choose Estes Park or Durango. Durango area has the train to Silverton, and Mesa Verde is within an hours drive. Pagosa Springs is a 45min drive and it has hot springs and a cute town, and of course there is lots of hiking in the area.

Edited July 8, 2016 by Outdoorsy Type

[Suzanne in ABQ]

Durango or Ouray.  Both are beautiful and full of charm.

 

[Pippen]

Another vote for Durango! 

 

We stayed at this campground and our kids loved it. They have cabin rentals, but as we had our camper I don't know anything about the cabins.

http://www.camplightnercreek.com/

 

[AK_Mom4]

If I was going back o vacation (instead of seeing numerous relatives), I would go to Durango, ride the train, visit Mesa Verde and then make a run up to Dinosaur National Monument. And maybe play in the sand dunes on the way.

[Pippen]

If I was going back o vacation (instead of seeing numerous relatives), I would go to Durango, ride the train, visit Mesa Verde and then make a run up to Dinosaur National Monument. And maybe play in the sand dunes on the way.

 

That's the trip we did--sans the train ride. Plus we stopped off and spent a few days with family in Steamboat. Loved that vacation!

[goldberry]

I have had several friends on a budget stay here and really enjoy it.  It's in the Estes Park area.

 

YMCA of the Rockies, they have accommodations.

http://ymcarockies.org/

[Beebug123]

We are going to CO in a few weeks for a family reunion just outside of Glenwood Springs and we plan to visit Mesa Verde. When I was about 10 we took a family road trip there and I remember camping near the Royal Gorge, driving up Pikes Peak, going to the Olympic Training Center, Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, Mesa Verde, Aspen, and countless small towns that we stopped in along the way.

[Spillman6]

If you like to hike, come to Carbondale. Mount Sopris is a full days hike. It is beautiful here.

[Spillman6]

If you like to hike, come to Carbondale. Mount Sopris is a full days hike. It is beautiful here. You could stay at a KOA?

[Laurie4b]

You must do Rocky Mountain National Park. That is top importance!

 

In Golden, IIRC, there is a Buffalo Bill museum that is very interesting, especially if you have kiddos. Also there are dinosaur prints that have been preserved right off a road. (You'll have to google.) Golden also has beautiful hiking. 

Edited July 10, 2016 by Laurie4b

[sheryl]

Yes, Estes Park, Pikes Peak.  DH and I took a tour of Coors Brewery in 1981 or 1982.   We skied in Steamboat Springs, Vail, Aspen.  As a child and again with DH on this trip we visited Central City - a little western town.  It is famous for the painting on the "Bar room floor".   I wonder if it still exists. 

 

Love Colorado!

 

Does anyone here/native have any recs for a "working ranch" vacation? 

Edited July 10, 2016 by sheryl

[UmMusa]

Would any of these suggestions still be valid for late November?

Edited July 10, 2016 by UmMusa

[desertsuncat]

I love CO...lived there briefly 20+ years ago.  If you stay near the Denver area you are only about an hours drive from many places to see...like Boulder and Estes Park.There is so much to see and do in Denver too like visiting the Mint, the Zoo and Museum of Natural History. You could check out VBRO website for places to stay....we used this site last year when we visited Winter Park.

[theelfqueen]

Golden is a really good choice if you're trying to do Boulder and Denver -- a quick drive up to Boulder (and a not-bad drive to Estes if you want to go there, too) and quick back into the city.

 

Near Golden: Golden Gate state park is lovely, Lookout mountain is lots of fun (I'd go up Gennessee park -- it's lovely) The Railroad museum in Golden is really fun. The school of Mines has a small geology museum. Mt Evans isn't far but don't do it til you've had a couple of days to acclimate to the altitude.

 

But definitely spend a little time in Boulder, go to the NCAR, visit ElDorado Canyon, the Celestial Seasonings tour.

 

Between Boulder and Estes in Lyons is a great pinball place.

 

[theelfqueen]

In late November-- it's ski season. So all the ski resorts and mountain towns are on a different heading. Estes is still great in the winter (SO MANY Elk and Big Horn sheep!) and so few tourists but the stores and restaurants and things are on very abbreviated schedules and some of the roads in the park can close due to weather. We usually go up in October and March.

[SJ.]

You must do Rocky Mountain National Park. That is top importance!

 

In Golden, IIRC, there is a Buffalo Bill museum that is very interesting, especially if you have kiddos. Also there are dinosaur prints that have been preserved right off a road. (You'll have to google.) Golden also has beautiful hiking. 

 

Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison - so fun and interesting!