Me and my daughter are flying into Denver on the 20th of December and spending 9 days before leaving on December 28th to head back home. My original plan was to try and do some traveling around. I want to check out Breckenridge, Crested Butte, and Salida. I also want to check out Buena Vista and potentially Fairplay. Unfortunately, I have heard from locals, read my own info, and watched some videos of past "explorers" in CO in the winter time around those same areas, and it seems like that's a horrible idea for me to try and attempt. Especially because I'm inexperienced in driving in the snow. So, I have narrowed it down to Breckenridge for this trip. I've gotten some feedback for areas to book an Airbnb if I choose not to book in Breckenridge because of the prices. I've heard Frisco and Silverthorne. I need feedback about these 2 spots. I definitely want to do the tourist activities with my daughter such as snow tubing, sledding, dog sledding (if possible), dining out, shopping, and seeing the quaint downtown areas with the local shops decorated with stunning views. I have no interest in skiing unless it's super convenient. If anyone had any feedback about Frisc and/Silverthorne and why it would potentially be better for me to book our Airbnb in either of those spots, I would GREATLY appreciate it! Thanks in advance:)

Earlier this summer I decided I wanted to visit the beautiful state of Colorado for Christmas. Myself and my daughter (She will be 7 in January) will be flying into Denver on Dec. 20th and heading back home to NC on Dec. 28th. I really would love to have a white Christmas, even though I know that's not guaranteed. I'm under the impression there's a good chance in the Breckenridge area. We want to go snow tubing, sledding, ride a mountain coaster (if possible), take strolls through the downtown shops, dine out frequently, and see all of the Christmas festivities. I still have not booked an Airbnb because I'm not 100% sure of where to stay. I would love to travel around while we are in your lovely state. I ultimately would love to visit Buena Vista, Breckenridge, Salida, and if possible Crested Butte. My question to anyone who can PLEASE help me is, where would be an ideal central location for us to stay and be able to still travel to the places I would like to see? I'm thinking Fairplay but I'm not sure. I'm not experienced driving in the snow, but I am experienced in driving through the mountains. I will have an AWD/4WD SUV rental. I don't want to stay anywhere that is well off the beaten path just for the safety of me and my daughter. I would greatly appreciate anyone's feedback. I've been trying to decide where to book our Airbnb now for 3 weeks and I need to book ASAP. Prices are going up and places are getting booked up quickly. I have no idea where to stay.. PLEASE HELP!!! Thanks in advance.

My wife and I are taking our honeymoon in Ouray in a couple of weeks and could use some suggestions. We had a lot of hiking planned, but unfortunately she broke her wrist, so now we can only do a little bit of non-strenuous hiking while we’re there.

We enjoy scenic drives, ghost towns and other spooky things like that, good food, and we’d still like to do some easy hikes.

We’re willing to travel anywhere close, we’re just staying in Ouray. We’ve never been outside of Denver, so we’re open to pretty much anything in the mountains.

Hi, Is it good time to visit Colorado during thanksgiving weekend? Based on my research I understand that it would be snowing in the area and most of the points would be closed.

Hello everyone,

We are a family of four (Mom, a 4-year-old daughter, Dad, and Grandma) visiting from Florida over Thanksgiving weekend. We’re flying into Denver and want to take our little one to experience snow for the first time. We’ll be renting a 4x4 vehicle and would love some local recommendations for family-friendly spots and must-see attractions.

We’re not into skiing, but we’re open to snow tubing or other fun winter activities. Since we’re traveling on a budget, we’re looking for affordable options unless there’s something truly worth the splurge.

Thanks so much for any tips! We’re excited and can’t wait to explore your beautiful state.

Best,

Hi all

We're heading to Colorado for a 3 week vacation next summer. We've got teenagers and so require 2 rooms for our 5 night/4 day stay in Denver.

We're struggling to find a hotel suitable that either has twin beds in some rooms or doesn't charge $50 a night parking (for our rental car) or doesn't risk having the car broken into...

We ideally want to be within 20-30 min drive of:

• Wings over the Rockies
• Museum of Nature & Science
• Denver Cat Company
• Meow Wolf
• Putt Shack (or similar)

We've looked at Cherry Creek and this is coming in at $2907 (inc parking) at Moxy, so we're wondering if there is something maybe a bit further out of town that will be a little cheaper, maybe self-parking on site, but in a relatively safe neighbourhood.

Thanks in advance

Hey guys, I’m heading to Colorado and will be about 30 minutes west of Colorado Springs in Woodland Park. I’ve already checked out Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods, and Pikes Peak, so I’m looking for some new adventures.

Any recommendations for easy hikes, gondola rides, or unique, offbeat spots? I’d love to find some quirky, fun stuff to do within an hour’s drive. Chill bars and coffee shops where I could journal and have a good coffee/beer would be awesome. Also – any good small businesses that sell handmade postcards/art/etc.?

Hi everybody! My friends and I are taking a week long trip to Denver and Breckenridge in December! We’re open to any suggestions/ advice, must have places to visit, and fun things to do! I want to note that we’re all Floridians that have no experience in the snow so any beginner activities are appreciated! We’re also huge foodies!! Thank you so much to everyone in advance!

A friend and I are thinking of going up to Colorado around spring time. We know nothing about the beautiful state, just seen nice videos/pics. We’re looking for any advice/tips available that will help us make the most of the trip. We are both amateur photographers and want to get good pics while connecting with nature. What are the best places/parks to visit? And what city should we stay in? I’m most familiar/comfortable with Hampton Inn but if anyone has airbnb rec’s that may be cheaper. And with all that, what Airport we should fly into? We are coming from Central Florida, so anything we need to know about Colorado, like the weather, safety, etc? Of course we will try to do our own research as well, but any help would be appreciated, Thank You! And thank you mods for allowing me to post.

I currently live in the Springs along with most of my loved ones, but lately I've been feeling I want to move to a small town where everyone knows each other and it's a small, tight knit community

Does such a place exist near the Springs, or anywhere in Colorado? Are there cheap apartments there, or at least a house with a cheap mortgage?

Hi all!

Thanks to the admins for letting me join.

I'm planning a trip out to CO in mid Feb with some friends. I've been before and stayed at a hostel near Keystone, unfortunately they were shut down.

Wondering if you have any recommendations, places to avoid, inside scoop of any kind. I know roads out there can be a gamble. We will have a 4X4 Truck. I would like to avoid any possibility of not being able to get up to the mountain.

Any help is appreciated!

Hello all,

I am contemplating going on holiday next year to North America. Here's my thoughts so far:

• Considering either Colorado or Canada
• I'm British, and frankly want to go somewhere far away from other Brits for a short while so I can feel like I'm as far away as possible and fully unwind - I assume Colorado will attract less Brits than Canada, is this correct?
• Apologies if this is crass - I am recently single and heartbroken, but in a few months time I imagine I'll be in the mood to let loose a little bit and be potentially open to a holiday romance; from what I understand, Colorado may be more suited to nightlife than Canada - is this right?
• I'll be 31 at this point also, so if the nightlife leans towards people in their early twenties and there's barely any people in their thirties, I'll probably not be interested - will there be plenty of people my age?
• Looking at my work schedule, I think I'd be able to go early April - is this too late/will the resorts be empty?
• If I opted for Colorado, would Vail be a better option than Breckenridge, considering my above criteria?

Thanks in advance :)

Hello everyone!

I am an off grid electrician and I have just accepted a fantastic job in Longmont, CO.

I am trying to figure out if it is going to make more sense for my personal happiness to live in FOCO or Longmont.

I have a ton of family in Fruita/GJ but I have never been to Longmont or FOCO.

Anyone who cares to help, I truly appreciate (and YES OF COURSE I AM GOING TO COME VISIT I AM LOOKING FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP HERE GANG).

A little about me:

-I love hiking/camping

-I love training Jiu Jitsu!

-I love Organic Food and access to health food stores/farmer markets.

-I am 30 years old

-I love Live Music

From what I have seen, most folks lean towards FOCO because they simply enjoy the town more, but the Longmont fans tend to bring up the act that its a little quiter, and a little easier to navigate in terms of traffic and parking and whatnot. Cost of living seems to be something Longmont has as well.

Anyways,

I truly look forward to hearing your input.

And for any Jiu Jitsu assassins out here, which place has the best No-Gi Jiu Jitsu Classes?

I have already pretty much decided I will be training at 10th Planet Longmont!

Me and a group of friend are going to Fair Play,CO on October 25-29. I’m trying to see if there any we can do while we there drinking/hunting/swimming/ partying anything honestly. We are a mixed group of M/f and also is there anything I should stay away from

First, thanks to the moderators for letting me post. Second, my wife and I are talking about starting to take month long vacations in Colorado, probably in July or July into August. We're in Texas and it's been pretty hot, and humid here for several summers. I know we can't be gone the whole summer but a month would help. Anyway, were older, retired and always stay in hotels, motels, or lodges while on vacation. Never done the vrbo or airbnb stuff but looking into it for a month long stay. We plan on staying just a week next summer for our first trip to try out our plan before expanding to a full month. We like to go to National and State Parks for leisurely walks, not long strenuous hikes. We also go to historical sites when available. We've recently been to Rocky Mtn NP and Durango to ride the train. I've been looking at four cites to try all this out - Grand Junction, Glenwood Springs, Frisco, and Silverthorne. I know everyone probably has their favorite so let me know why you like the ones I mentioned, or give a shout out to some other vacation spots that you love. Thanks.

We’re coming over next August and are planning the following rough itinerary. How does it sound? We love Breckenridge so want to spend a fair bit of time there relaxing, doing mountain activities, shopping and visiting the surrounding area. Are we missing any stops en route? We have a 12 year old who won’t be keen on long car journeys! I think Great Sand Dunes/Salida might be too far, likewise Estes, although I’m wondering if we’re missing out as Boulder is in that direction too.

Arrive Denver - 1/2 nights (Red Rocks, shopping, exploring local area)

Manitou Springs - 4 nights? (Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Cave of Winds)

Breckenridge - 7 nights (South Park City Museum day trip)

Back to Denver for flight home

I am driving from Dallas area to Leadville around the 10th of October to see family. I know I will miss the leaves change but I’d love to find some scenes in central or south Colorado that are still beautiful in October. We will stay one night along the way and then will stop at Royal Gorge or maybe Great Sand Dunes on the way into Leadville.

We will stay in Leadville two nights and then would like to stay up to 3 nights somewhere to the south before heading back to Texas. We like nature, scenic routes, breathtaking views, moderate hiking and may even bring our bicycles, but only for easy trail rides, and a place to relax a bit in the middle. I also would love a few memorable meals along the way. Doesn’t need to be 5 star just some good creative local restaurants. Anyone have any suggestions? I don’t want to go any further west than Durango before heading back to Dallas.

I’ve been looking up treehouses, cabins, etc and wondering if anyone has suggestions for a cool spot. Thinking max 2.5 hours from Denver. It would just be me, and I have limited camping experience (and gear, but would be willing to get a few things) so trying to find something that’s less camping, more cabiny. Would love to go somewhere I can read, soak in a bath/hot tub, hike and paint beautiful nature views.

Trying not to break the bank, ~$200 per night is ideal but would be willing to spend $500.

I’d be going the first week of October, and the bad news is I don’t have a car with 4WD. I could rent one, but would prefer not to.

If anything, let me know what general areas would be easy to get to and would be beautiful during that first week of October! Is there anywhere to see the changing fall colors that week? Thanks!

Hello,

I'm leaving for a small road trip in western Colorado next week, travelling from Denver with stops in Manitou Springs -- Salida - Aspen - Grand Lake -- Estes Park. Do you think a SUV is necessary to travel on normal roads in this part of the state, or an intermediate car (Toyota Corolla or similar) is enough for driving without any problem?

Thank you

I have vacationed Colorado early January for the past couple of years and love it. We have a group of 5 people and usually get airbnbs. We have stayed in Brek and Silver Thorne and are wondering if there are any different places to go in Colorado that have good slopes and also night life.

Hi im planning to make a Anniversary trip from texas to colorado in first days of november, my worry is if road conditions are good for a Toyota Camry, or should i rent a 4x4 car.

Also if you could suggest good cabins to stay with good view i will appreciate it.

I'm travelling solo from Scotland to Denver in early November for a concert at Red Rocks. I have a couple days either side of the concert to plan.

I arrive late afternoon on Thursday 31st October. I have full days Friday & Saturday, Sunday is the concert in the evening, followed by two more full days Monday & Tuesday, then Wednesday I fly out in the early evening.

My plan from the start was to hire a car at the airport, however I've been doing some reading on driving conditions in November onwards & it has me worried. I have very little snow/ice driving experience & I have never driven an automatic. I've owned a 4x4, I habitually double clutch & engine brake, but if something happened in snow/ice while driving an unfamiliar automatic I fear I wouldn't know what to do.

Researching things to do I was starting to settle on Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun nights in Denver, with a day trip out to Idaho Springs via Golden, then driving down to Colorado Springs first thing on Monday to spend two nights there to see Pikes Peek/Royal Gorge/Garden of the Gods/etc. I would then drive back to Denver on Wednesday for my flight home at 17:25.

How worried should I be? Am I right in thinking that it's not really realistic to get around without driving?

Hi,

I will be visiting Colorado for a 5 Day Trip (Sep 4 - Sep 8) from Atlanta with my wife and am thinking of the below itinerary (Please note - Me and my wife are not that good at hiking, so you won’t see any hikes in the itinerary )

Day 1 - Land at Denver (8 am), Pickup Rental Car and drive to Garden of Gods and Red Rocks. Drive back to the hotel at Boulder for the night.

Day 2 - Boulder to RMNP - Trail Ridge Road and Bear Lake by Car (Entrance - Beaver Meadows/Fall Estates) Drive back to Boulder for the night.

Day 3 - Leave for Glenwood Springs (Stop at Vail for Lunch). Evening - Enjoy the hot bath. Stay at GS for the night

Day 4 - Drive to Aspen via Independence Pass and visit Maroon Bells. Thinking of only taking the 1 mile scenic trail loop ( not the 3.5 mile one) And then explore Downtown Aspen and head back to Glenwood Springs.

Day 5 - Glenwood Spring to Denver. Fly back to Atlanta (Flight at 11pm)

Is this going to be difficult ?

I am very keen on adding either Mount Evans or Pikes Peak but seems difficult to fit in the itinerary.

Please share your thoughts!

Hello everyone,

My gf and I are planning a 5 day trip to Denver mid August and so far our activities planned are as follows, Denver Museum of Art, Denver Aquarium, Elitch Gardens, and AVA Rafting in Idaho Springs.

Any other recommendations or feedback on these? Also what are Great burger, chicken, or pizza places? Or even some really cool/unique bars to check out?

Thanks in advance!

Hello, some friends and I are planning a trip to Denver and Colorado Springs which will be the first time for all of us. We're mainly focusing on the nature aspects and currently have the following areas planned:

In the Denver area:

• Rocky Mountain National Park
• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
• Mount Blue Sky

In the Colorado Springs

• Manitou Cliff Dwellings
• Pikes Peak
• Garden of the Gods
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

A few questions I had about the upcoming trip are:

• Currently we're planning on going in Early October, but would it be better to go in late September in order to minimize the chance of snow and road/hike closures?
• Is it worth it to get a hotel in Colorado Springs, or just drive there to/from Denver since its only a 1 hour drive? We're planning on doing a 2/2 day split between Denver and Colorado Springs attractions.
• Are there any points of interest around Denver or Colorado Springs to add or replace points in our current list with?
• Are there any good food places to check out in Denver and Colorado Springs?

Thanks

Flying into DEN beginning of August and staying with family in Monument area. Family of 5 w/ 16, 15 & 8yr old. We used to live in Palmer Lake so we plan to do our old favorite hikes up Mt. Herman, PL Reservoir, drive Pikes Peak for the 4th time, etc..... We used to be members of the Cheyenne Mt. Zoo and have done GOG many time. So we are looking to see some things we missed while living there. We are looking to take a "short" road trip from the airport Monday into Tuesday and are looking for the most worthy drive between DEN and Monument. Options on our map include the following:

1. DEN to Lake Dillon area for the night, down through Breck, Fairplay, Garo, Florissant, to the Springs?

2. Same as above but skip Buena Vista/Salida for Garo & Guffey via 9 toward Canon City?

3. DEN to Leadville via 91 to Buena Vista, Salida, to Canon City, Pueblo and up? (Should we backtrack to Poncha Springs/Pass?

4. Some other drive I don't know about from a map? lol

We are hoping for scenic spots to stop and take fun photos, learn some history, see cool stuff. Beautiful views are a given but hoping to stumble on a Ghost town or small towns with Mom & Pop places for a fun ice cream or renowned pizza. We like places locals like and try to avoid the tourist traps. A friend recently drove through South Park and my teen boys would get a kick out of that.

Other ideas that pooped out to us but might be too far of a drive include St. Elmo (I'm guessing this isn't worth the trek further west) Painted Mines (is this worth the drive East? It can happen on a different day, somehow we missed this park while living there)

Any other ideas or locals that could provide some insight into cool spots and which drive would be worth the time? Any help is greatly appreciated!!!!

Hello! We're Wisconsin natives, wanting to make the move to Colorado in 2025. What are some things we should know before moving? If you've made the move, what are things you wish you knew? What are the do's and don't's you learned?? Also- what are cities we should definitely research? Or cities you would not recommend moving to? Here's some info on us and what were looking for: -We want to buy right away.

• were in our early 30s
• looking for an affordable city
• good location, for easy travel the state on the weekends.

-price range of $400-500k

• I want a small town, friendly neighborhood feel. Larger city is fine, but not much larger than 300,000 population.
• there needs to be neighborhoods with decent yards and good public parks.
• decent school district
• we are liberal, and would prefer a like-minded community

Okay, that's a lot.. but really any thoughts are really appreciated ❤️ Thank you for reading ❤️

Hi all, my husband and I (both from Europe) are planning to spend our honeymoon in Colorado and we will be flying into Denver. We've never been to Colorado, but saw pictures of how amazing it looked in the fall so we're landing in mid-September and will stay for 3 weeks. We don't want to change our accomodation too many times so we’re hoping for some recommendations for maybe 4-5 locations to be based in that allow us a) to see the fall foliage in all its glory and explore nature, go on hikes etc b) to easily visit some nice neighboring cities/towns. We want to avoid driving for too long when doing day trips (around 2.5h max), to change accomodation we'd be happy to drive for longer (maybe 5-7 hours) and then stay there for a few days. When we land, we're thinking about staying in Denver for maybe 2-3 nights and would like to visit the Rocky Mountain National Park. Other than that, we don't have anything else planned yet, so would love to hear what other places are worth visiting! We would also appreciate any recommendations around car equipment for our rental car as we’ve heard there are laws around equipment when driving in certain areas.

I'm planning to stay in Vail for 4 days in mid-July. My partner is attending a conference, so I'll be by myself most of the day without a car. I love the outdoors and am looking for activities to do while waiting for my partner. I also appreciate any recommendations for indoor activities. Any suggestions? :)