Going to spend 4 days 3 nights a week before thanksgiving in Colorado. What must-see-places do you guys recommend? I'm not really into skiing. Just want to enjoy the mountains, take some outdoor pics, relax, and more relax. Some hiking and fly fishing would be nice.

I plan to stay at least 1 night in Estes Park and spend one day around Rocky Mountain. Where should I go next? I'm thinking either Aspen or Colorado Springs? Heard nice things about Garden of Gods. Can anyone vouch on this?

TIA

While your in Estes Park you should go to the Stanley Hotel, its where Stephen King got inspiration for the movie and the book The Shining. Other than that, Garden of the gods is really nice in the Summer, but I've never been in the winter months. Another good place to go is Breckenridge. I hope you have a great time!

is stanley hotel in estes park or aspen? we're thinking about going there this week before halloween

Red Mountain Pass. Yeah baby, yeah !!!

S
p.s. don't look down.

Just bring a nice jacket and some long underware for the nites and you will be fine. If you like to gambel there is black hawk and central city. Have a good stay.

Here's a pic that I took of breckenbrige or how ever its spelled. There are sure alot of nice places to "Relax" On this town. YOu can sit in a hot tub while its snowing and not even get cold.Its the coolest thing ever. imm happy that Breck is only about an hours drive from my house. And its also real close to Keystone Aspen and vail. So if you get a room here you can drive around to these other towns. I recamen the Beaver Run Resort.

While you're in Estes Park, you can visit Boulder and eat sushi and rolls at Happa in Pearl St.
If you go to Garden of the Gods, you can also visit Royal Gorge Bridge.

Estes Park - Spend a day in Rocky Mountain Nat'l park. Pack a lunch, go for a hike, and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery this side of... well, anywhere, IMHO. :) Justin and I have spent a lot of time in that park, so if you want specific info, let me know.

Co. Springs - Garden of the gods is pretty, but the whole park is paved roads and paths. Good if you just want to drive around and look at pretty rocks from your car, or if you're in a wheelchair, but bad if you want to 'experience' nature a little more. Also, 7 falls is on the south side of Co. Springs, IIRC.

But, if you go down there (Co. Springs), you MUST drive up Pikes Peak if the weather/time of year permits. Incredible rally heritage, fun road, but it's gravel most of the way, so don't be too uptight about your paint. :D Spend $5 to go to the museum, see the videos and cars, and then tackle the mountain (for an absurd $20).

We went to Rocky Mountain last year and spent 2 days around the park. We LOVED it!! Looks like we're hitting Aspen instead of Colorado Springs. We'll definitely check out Breckenridge.

The Stanley Hotel is in Estes Park, tonight they are showing the Shining, and this weekend they have a murder mayhem event... kind of like that game clue...(i think):dunno.

I'm from Colorado Springs, not to discourage you from coming through here, but I'd really recommend one day/night in Glenwood Springs. There's an historic hotel there with hot springs (very big) pool to soak in. I-70 through Glenwood Canyon is, I think, one of the major engineering feats considering the way the canyon was preserved. About halfway through the canyon, get off on the exit to the Hanging Lake Trail (you have to watch for it). It's about a one hour hike round trip but well worth it. Plus Glenwood Springs is just up the road from Aspen, worth a lunch stop just to say you've been there. There are some incredible roads, try continueing throught Aspen over Independence Pass (if it's open), then up 24 through Leadville to Vail - about a six hour trip counting the lunch stop.

Jack

Its called Hotel Colorado I believe. If it's snowing you'll really be in for a treat because theeres nothing cooler than relaxing in an outdoor hotspring with snow falling.

I definately second this suggestion.