Colorado Condo in June
Jan 12th, 2006, 09:59 AM
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Colorado Condo in June
Started a tradition a few years back. The kids and I pick a state and spend a month exploring. This summer they've picked Colorado. Our only previous travel to CO was 15 years ago on Debate tournaments in Colorado Springs & Fort Collins. Any help with suggestions for a base would be greatly appreciated. Requirements are near to airport for husband who will be flying in to join us on weekends, good base for day trips, area where kids and I will feel safe. We will have a car and the kids are great travelers. So far we are thinking Steamboat Springs, Silverthorne, Avon? Also a naiive question - will June be okay for Colorado travel? I read somewhere that Steamboat is a muddy mess in June.
Jan 12th, 2006, 10:50 AM
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Colorado is a huge state; if you want to explore a lot of it, you will need to chose a few motel-type (or camping--might be chilly)overnights. Steamboat is a ski town, mostly (muddy slopes?); I'd suggest as one option staying near Rocky Mt. NP (Estes), which is only a short trip from DIA. You can access the western slope via Trail Ridge Road, explore north via 287, and hit the I70 and I25 corridors fairly easily. Lots more to do than a destination tourist/ski town. Another alternative might be Grand Junction (airport), and go south and east to visit the mountains, etc., with aforesaid overnights in the four corners area. Maybe even make three bases of operations? Otherwise, that's a LOT of driving.
Jan 12th, 2006, 12:03 PM
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I would also suggest several bases. If you're going to be in Colorado for a month, you can spend time on the eastern portion of the mountains (Summit County/Vail area), the Aspen area perhaps, and then on the western slope, Telluride, Durango, and most importantly, Mesa Verde. Mesa Verde is a world historical site; you should definitely visit it. For your husband, he can fly into Denver when you're east, and then another airport (Aspen? I'm sure there are others) when you're further west. (There's plenty of places to visit to the south, as well, such as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, but I don't know much about that part of the state.)
"Mud season" is a relative thing. It's mostly end-of-April, May and possibly early June, and remember that Colorado is a DRY place. Any mud, even in the mountains, would not be in amounts worth worrying, or even thinking, about. What you will still have in June, especially (we're all hoping) this year, is still quite a bit of snow in the upper elevations. Steamboat isn't so high up, so maybe nothing will be left there, but especially earlier in the month, any higher-elevation hikes in Summit County would still have snow. But there are plenty of lower-down hikes to take, and everything in any town you visit would be open.
Steamboat is a great little town, and I love visiting there winter or summer, but it's a bit out of the way for day trips.
In June, you may find good rates for lodging in Vail, as it's the very beginning of the summer season. It would definitely be a more scenic location than Silverthorne. Vail is about a 2-hour drive from Denver. Also consider Breckenridge, a former mining town with lots to do. Same thing with Avon as with Silverthorne; you may find cheaper places, but not so scenic. Also, Avon and Silverthorne aren't walking-around places (unlike Vail or Breck), and there is less to do in those Avon and Silverthorne, though of course they are close to everything else.
Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful, of course, and a national park, but there are plenty of other places in Colorado that are just as beautiful. The hiking in RMNP is a little limited, I think because of the geographic layout of the park. I also admit I'm very biased because I have a fear of heights, and have a really hard time (ok, impossible) time with Trail Ridge Rd., and you must take that to exit the park to the west. And Estes Park I find to be second in tourist tackiness only to Gatlinburg, TN. But the park and surrounding area is beautiful, and an easy drive from Denver. As a base, however, it's a little out of the way as well.
I'm not sure what the question is about safety. My main concern about safety in Colorado is wildlife, and that's only when we're hiking - that's why we have a dog! And it's not a huge concern, just something to be aware of.
"Mud season" is a relative thing. It's mostly end-of-April, May and possibly early June, and remember that Colorado is a DRY place. Any mud, even in the mountains, would not be in amounts worth worrying, or even thinking, about. What you will still have in June, especially (we're all hoping) this year, is still quite a bit of snow in the upper elevations. Steamboat isn't so high up, so maybe nothing will be left there, but especially earlier in the month, any higher-elevation hikes in Summit County would still have snow. But there are plenty of lower-down hikes to take, and everything in any town you visit would be open.
Steamboat is a great little town, and I love visiting there winter or summer, but it's a bit out of the way for day trips.
In June, you may find good rates for lodging in Vail, as it's the very beginning of the summer season. It would definitely be a more scenic location than Silverthorne. Vail is about a 2-hour drive from Denver. Also consider Breckenridge, a former mining town with lots to do. Same thing with Avon as with Silverthorne; you may find cheaper places, but not so scenic. Also, Avon and Silverthorne aren't walking-around places (unlike Vail or Breck), and there is less to do in those Avon and Silverthorne, though of course they are close to everything else.
Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful, of course, and a national park, but there are plenty of other places in Colorado that are just as beautiful. The hiking in RMNP is a little limited, I think because of the geographic layout of the park. I also admit I'm very biased because I have a fear of heights, and have a really hard time (ok, impossible) time with Trail Ridge Rd., and you must take that to exit the park to the west. And Estes Park I find to be second in tourist tackiness only to Gatlinburg, TN. But the park and surrounding area is beautiful, and an easy drive from Denver. As a base, however, it's a little out of the way as well.
I'm not sure what the question is about safety. My main concern about safety in Colorado is wildlife, and that's only when we're hiking - that's why we have a dog! And it's not a huge concern, just something to be aware of.
Jan 12th, 2006, 12:13 PM
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We spend a week in the Vail/Beaver Creek area each summer - to have an entire month would be heaven! Just want to recommend a book "Hikes with Children in Colorado" gives various hikes for all areas of the state and rates difficulty, length, time, etc. Very good directions on driving to Trail Head and on the trails themselves. Our favorite is Missouri Lakes. We go at the end of July to first of August so I can't give you any info on the weather in June.
Jan 12th, 2006, 12:16 PM
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Forgot to add that as far as safety, I'm with previous poster, I'd only worry about wildlife while hiking or camping though we have never encountered any ourselves. Good site for condo rentals is VRBO.com, we use them most every time.
Jan 12th, 2006, 12:46 PM
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what a wonderful family tradition!!! i have many great memories of family trips. and as i lived in co for 25 yrs i am just brimming with ideas. so forgive me if i rattle on...
june will have some cooler weather in the mtns so be sure to pack clothes for every type of weather. depending where you are on a given day you could see 85 or snow fall.
i think summit county is definetly where you want to base yourself. you would be in almost the exact center of the state. with good roads to everywhere and only 11/4 hours interstate driving (65mph speed limit) from DIA. all other airports will cost more.
summit includes the towns of breckenridge, keystone, frisco, avon, silverthorne, dillon and copper mtn.
all these towns will have tons of condos available in june. big grocery, lots of restaurants, things to do. this is a pretty safe place. i would still lock the car though...
you might consider a trip to leadville and buena vista south on rte 285 from copper mtn. old mining towns with neat architecture and stunning views of the mountains. you can drive west on I70 about 45 mins to vail for a day. or rte 9 north to kremmling (a small ranch town) then north on rte 40 to steamboat springs. or past vail on I70 another 45 mins through glenwood canyon (a natural and engineering wonderment) to glenwood springs. go to their web site. they have a huge naturally fed hot springs pool with a big slide. makes a great place to spend a day. you might consider staying overnight as that hot water can make you very drowsy not to mention how much fun the pools are at night with the lights on and the steam rising...
longer trips might include grand junction (3 hrs) to drive through and explore the colo. national monument (mini grand canyon) which will be very pretty in june,the flat tops, or go on a dinosaur dig (call 970.858.7282). past leadville and buena vista south on 285 then rte 17 south, is sand dunes national park - a sort of geographical oddity. just before you get on rte 17 is villa grove which has natural hot springs as does buena vista. these will not be like the pools at glenwood but rather tiny natural pools by streams.(buena's are up canyons so you sit right at the base of mtns.)
aspen is another 45 mins past glenwood but is worth seeing. your kids will LOVE a ride in www.ultimatetaxi.com (so will you, lol.)
there is also a great deal to do in denver that might interest your kids. they have a wonderful zoo. huge malls.
don't know if you had time to explore around colo spgs but cave of the winds, garden of the gods, the north pole are all fascinating and cheyene mtn zoo is very cool, the airforce academy is impressive.
maybe you could find a dude ranch for a couple days.
mesa verde cliff dwellings is intriguing but maybe not if your kids are young. they would need to know ahead what they were going to see and why to make a trip that far worth while.(at least 6 hours each way!)
you should see red rocks amphitheatre, near denver. go to a show if possible.
you will want to make several trips to rocky mtn nat'l park i think. there is alot to explore. estes park and granby are fun towns.
dinosaur national park is really cool. (about 41/2 hrs)
all these places have their own web sites for you to look at. and in colorado the getting there is normally as big a deal as the place. the scenery is stunning everywhere you go.
watch for the buffalo bill overlook as you are driving up and out of denver. there is a spanless bridge designed for that spot because if is the first great view of the rockies. the tunnel just before you drop into summit cty is another engineering marvel. (if you are from boston you will appreciate this all the more)
it is possible independence pass from just south of leadville to aspen will be opened duing your stay. leadville to aspen is an hour+ so it would save you all kinds of time a/or make a circle type tour possible. if you go over independence just after they have cut through the snow i can promise you a drive you will never forget. i'm guessing the snow banks you will drive through this year will be at least 20' high on either side of your car in some spots. this pass is about as high as you will get in colo during "mud season"
if you are going rafting definetly go over to grand junction,down by gunnison or out of the high mtns as the rivers will be really cranking this season and very, very cold in june.
june will have some cooler weather in the mtns so be sure to pack clothes for every type of weather. depending where you are on a given day you could see 85 or snow fall.
i think summit county is definetly where you want to base yourself. you would be in almost the exact center of the state. with good roads to everywhere and only 11/4 hours interstate driving (65mph speed limit) from DIA. all other airports will cost more.
summit includes the towns of breckenridge, keystone, frisco, avon, silverthorne, dillon and copper mtn.
all these towns will have tons of condos available in june. big grocery, lots of restaurants, things to do. this is a pretty safe place. i would still lock the car though...
you might consider a trip to leadville and buena vista south on rte 285 from copper mtn. old mining towns with neat architecture and stunning views of the mountains. you can drive west on I70 about 45 mins to vail for a day. or rte 9 north to kremmling (a small ranch town) then north on rte 40 to steamboat springs. or past vail on I70 another 45 mins through glenwood canyon (a natural and engineering wonderment) to glenwood springs. go to their web site. they have a huge naturally fed hot springs pool with a big slide. makes a great place to spend a day. you might consider staying overnight as that hot water can make you very drowsy not to mention how much fun the pools are at night with the lights on and the steam rising...
longer trips might include grand junction (3 hrs) to drive through and explore the colo. national monument (mini grand canyon) which will be very pretty in june,the flat tops, or go on a dinosaur dig (call 970.858.7282). past leadville and buena vista south on 285 then rte 17 south, is sand dunes national park - a sort of geographical oddity. just before you get on rte 17 is villa grove which has natural hot springs as does buena vista. these will not be like the pools at glenwood but rather tiny natural pools by streams.(buena's are up canyons so you sit right at the base of mtns.)
aspen is another 45 mins past glenwood but is worth seeing. your kids will LOVE a ride in www.ultimatetaxi.com (so will you, lol.)
there is also a great deal to do in denver that might interest your kids. they have a wonderful zoo. huge malls.
don't know if you had time to explore around colo spgs but cave of the winds, garden of the gods, the north pole are all fascinating and cheyene mtn zoo is very cool, the airforce academy is impressive.
maybe you could find a dude ranch for a couple days.
mesa verde cliff dwellings is intriguing but maybe not if your kids are young. they would need to know ahead what they were going to see and why to make a trip that far worth while.(at least 6 hours each way!)
you should see red rocks amphitheatre, near denver. go to a show if possible.
you will want to make several trips to rocky mtn nat'l park i think. there is alot to explore. estes park and granby are fun towns.
dinosaur national park is really cool. (about 41/2 hrs)
all these places have their own web sites for you to look at. and in colorado the getting there is normally as big a deal as the place. the scenery is stunning everywhere you go.
watch for the buffalo bill overlook as you are driving up and out of denver. there is a spanless bridge designed for that spot because if is the first great view of the rockies. the tunnel just before you drop into summit cty is another engineering marvel. (if you are from boston you will appreciate this all the more)
it is possible independence pass from just south of leadville to aspen will be opened duing your stay. leadville to aspen is an hour+ so it would save you all kinds of time a/or make a circle type tour possible. if you go over independence just after they have cut through the snow i can promise you a drive you will never forget. i'm guessing the snow banks you will drive through this year will be at least 20' high on either side of your car in some spots. this pass is about as high as you will get in colo during "mud season"
if you are going rafting definetly go over to grand junction,down by gunnison or out of the high mtns as the rivers will be really cranking this season and very, very cold in june.
Jan 12th, 2006, 06:23 PM
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TGIF - Thank God It's Fodors! Thank you so much for the ideas, routes, hwy #'s, activities etc. Every word is being recorded in our Colorado vacation notebook!
I'll heed your advice and focus now on Breckenridge and Vail. Though if Silverthorne or Avon are okay - I can sure get better prices there. Your advice to stay at several locations is probably what we should do but I've found that settling in one spot and having a sense of "home" even though it isn't really our home is nice for the kids. I do hear what you are saying about how large the state is so I think we will try to find the best central spot we can and then carefully select our longer road trips and just plan to spend a night or 2 in those locales.
Paige is the hiking book by Maureen Keilty? Did a quick Amazon search and I think I've found it -- it's something we will really need. Thanks for the tip!
Also the clothing advice is appreciated. We are in south Louisiana and usually pack away the long sleeves & sweaters by March.
How do we find out when Independence Pass will open? Virginia you have made it my personal mission to drive through when the road is cut through - it sounds amazing. Love all of your other ideas also - thank you so much for taking the time to post. Also it sounds like Mesa Verde would be a good overnight trip. Last summer was our Vermont summer and the kids loved the alpine slides. I think I read about one of those in Breckenridge. Also rafting would be fun but our youngest is 3 - so maybe we should leave that for another time. Okay - I'm off to search for the ultimate taxi - I've no idea what it is but looking forward
to finding out!
Thanks again.
I'll heed your advice and focus now on Breckenridge and Vail. Though if Silverthorne or Avon are okay - I can sure get better prices there. Your advice to stay at several locations is probably what we should do but I've found that settling in one spot and having a sense of "home" even though it isn't really our home is nice for the kids. I do hear what you are saying about how large the state is so I think we will try to find the best central spot we can and then carefully select our longer road trips and just plan to spend a night or 2 in those locales.
Paige is the hiking book by Maureen Keilty? Did a quick Amazon search and I think I've found it -- it's something we will really need. Thanks for the tip!
Also the clothing advice is appreciated. We are in south Louisiana and usually pack away the long sleeves & sweaters by March.
How do we find out when Independence Pass will open? Virginia you have made it my personal mission to drive through when the road is cut through - it sounds amazing. Love all of your other ideas also - thank you so much for taking the time to post. Also it sounds like Mesa Verde would be a good overnight trip. Last summer was our Vermont summer and the kids loved the alpine slides. I think I read about one of those in Breckenridge. Also rafting would be fun but our youngest is 3 - so maybe we should leave that for another time. Okay - I'm off to search for the ultimate taxi - I've no idea what it is but looking forward
to finding out!
Thanks again.
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Jan 13th, 2006, 08:14 AM
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silverthorne and avon are definetly ok. they are just not the scenic/cute towns breck, keystone or even frisco are. but you are going to be out and about all the time anyway and all these towns are very close/blend together except breck and copper. look at dillon too. maybe see if you can find something on dillon lake for ultimate in picturesque.
you can find out when independence will open by calling the colo dept of transportation at 303.639.1111 or when you are in colo toll free at 877.315.7623.
there is an alpine slide in breck.
a number of us used to make it our personal missions to go up independence as soon as it opened. some nuts even took skies - all i can say is they survived.
in my checking for those phone #'s it seems i may have lied though. the mt. evans road may be higher. however, it is not as dramatic a drive and does not end up in aspen and may not be open any sooner.
you can find out when independence will open by calling the colo dept of transportation at 303.639.1111 or when you are in colo toll free at 877.315.7623.
there is an alpine slide in breck.
a number of us used to make it our personal missions to go up independence as soon as it opened. some nuts even took skies - all i can say is they survived.
in my checking for those phone #'s it seems i may have lied though. the mt. evans road may be higher. however, it is not as dramatic a drive and does not end up in aspen and may not be open any sooner.
Jan 13th, 2006, 09:26 AM
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Here's another good hiking book: the New Summit Hiker, by May Gilliland. She also has a Vail Hiker book; they're both good, though I've found the Summit Hiker has, generally speaking, more trails that don't require a long drive to get to. There's another one, Day Hikes in Summit County, that we have; Amazon shows it as being not available, but I'm sure you'll find it in book stores in Summit County. The Day Hikes book is the only one that describes the Tenderfoot Mountain trail, which is a low-lying easy trail with beautiful views of Lake Dillon. Anybody in town would be able to tell you how to get to it, though.
Re where, exactly, to put your base, what do you have in mind? A condo in a residential neighborhood, or a house to rent for a month? Does it matter to you how close things are? For example, I would think in Silverthorne or Dillon, you'd have to drive to most everything (i.e. stores, restaurants, other activities), even if it's a short drive (I'm not so familiar with Avon). Silverthorne is most noted for being the site of a large number of outlet stores (some are in Dillon as well). In Frisco, Breck or Vail, you can walk or take public transportation to lots o' stuff. (Though you'll notice with Frisco, which is also on Lake Dillon, on the west side, the condos near the lake are more expensive, of course.)
Yes, Breck has alpine slides. Seems like lots of families make it a day at Breckenridge Ski Resort's Peak 8, doing the alpine slide, zip line, bungee jumping, climbing wall, mini-golf, maze, "mountain biking" (the kind where you take the chair lift up, and ride the bike down).
Other day trips from the Summit County/Vail area: Leadville, another former mining town, which also has a narrow gauge railroad and a mining museum (which I like, but you have to be interested in history to really enjoy). Glenwood Springs, which is a beautiful drive from Breck/Vail through Glenwood Canyon, and has a hot springs pool. In Summit County, there's a great bike path that runs between Breck, Frisco, Dillon and Keystone. I think it's about 23 or so miles to do the entire thing. Depending on how many bikes you have, you can do a one-way bike ride, then catch the free Summit Stage back (I think the bus can only hold 4 bikes at one time). In the summer, we often ride our bikes from Breck to Frisco for breakfast (Butterhorn Bakery), then bike back. The section between Frisco and Dillon is also very pretty, and has a number of places to stop for a picnic. Both Vail and Keystone's gondolas run in the summer, though I think maybe on weekends only. There's an activity center at the top of the Vail gondola.
You'll have a great month!
Re where, exactly, to put your base, what do you have in mind? A condo in a residential neighborhood, or a house to rent for a month? Does it matter to you how close things are? For example, I would think in Silverthorne or Dillon, you'd have to drive to most everything (i.e. stores, restaurants, other activities), even if it's a short drive (I'm not so familiar with Avon). Silverthorne is most noted for being the site of a large number of outlet stores (some are in Dillon as well). In Frisco, Breck or Vail, you can walk or take public transportation to lots o' stuff. (Though you'll notice with Frisco, which is also on Lake Dillon, on the west side, the condos near the lake are more expensive, of course.)
Yes, Breck has alpine slides. Seems like lots of families make it a day at Breckenridge Ski Resort's Peak 8, doing the alpine slide, zip line, bungee jumping, climbing wall, mini-golf, maze, "mountain biking" (the kind where you take the chair lift up, and ride the bike down).
Other day trips from the Summit County/Vail area: Leadville, another former mining town, which also has a narrow gauge railroad and a mining museum (which I like, but you have to be interested in history to really enjoy). Glenwood Springs, which is a beautiful drive from Breck/Vail through Glenwood Canyon, and has a hot springs pool. In Summit County, there's a great bike path that runs between Breck, Frisco, Dillon and Keystone. I think it's about 23 or so miles to do the entire thing. Depending on how many bikes you have, you can do a one-way bike ride, then catch the free Summit Stage back (I think the bus can only hold 4 bikes at one time). In the summer, we often ride our bikes from Breck to Frisco for breakfast (Butterhorn Bakery), then bike back. The section between Frisco and Dillon is also very pretty, and has a number of places to stop for a picnic. Both Vail and Keystone's gondolas run in the summer, though I think maybe on weekends only. There's an activity center at the top of the Vail gondola.
You'll have a great month!
Jan 13th, 2006, 06:23 PM
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just a minor point. the rr in leadville is full size track. mainly open cars that run between leadville and climax mine,{molybedenum, a steal hardener) which you will pass on hwy 91 (NOT rte285 as i stated in other post-sorry) copper mtn to leadville. it will run at 1pm until june 11 and then at 10 and 2. take coats! www.leadville-train.com
the narrow gauge runs between durango and silverton, in sw part of state. i have never done this trip but hear it is spectacular. they are definetly open in june. www.durangotrain.com
also, i was thinking, when you go to leadville you may as well go home by going over battle mtn pass,hwy 24, through vail. goes past cooper hill ski area, leadville's town area and through camp hale which is where the wwII 10th mtn army division trained. it has some dramatic drop offs which will be good practice to steal your nerves for independence.
and while you are in leadville you absolutely must go to 'the grill' on elm street. they have the best mexican food in the state!! everything is homemade. not fast food. take your husband. great magaritas.
also try pepino's pizza, just down 4th from the silver dollar bar, and tell sean that virginia sent you.
if you tell us how old your kids are and some more about your particular interests we can, hopefully, give you lots more specific advise.
the narrow gauge runs between durango and silverton, in sw part of state. i have never done this trip but hear it is spectacular. they are definetly open in june. www.durangotrain.com
also, i was thinking, when you go to leadville you may as well go home by going over battle mtn pass,hwy 24, through vail. goes past cooper hill ski area, leadville's town area and through camp hale which is where the wwII 10th mtn army division trained. it has some dramatic drop offs which will be good practice to steal your nerves for independence.
and while you are in leadville you absolutely must go to 'the grill' on elm street. they have the best mexican food in the state!! everything is homemade. not fast food. take your husband. great magaritas.
also try pepino's pizza, just down 4th from the silver dollar bar, and tell sean that virginia sent you.
if you tell us how old your kids are and some more about your particular interests we can, hopefully, give you lots more specific advise.
Jan 14th, 2006, 11:47 AM
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Many of the VRBO ads in Silverthorne, Dillon, etc., talk about free shuttle to 4 resort areas. Do those run year round? If so - it sounds like on that route would be right for us.
The rec center in Silverthorne looks really nice and if I am reading correctly - Dillon is very close to Silverthorne right? Maybe Dillon would be our best bet.
Still - I'm afraid that I'll get there -and then get to Vail or Breck and think "Oh why didn't we stay here."
I wish we had already been there so I could picture these towns in my head. While I know a resort would be more convenient for walking and access to activities - I'm afraid it will have kind of a ... "dead feeling" in June. I know that isn't the best word choice - but I hope you know what I am talking about. The choice seems to be central location and more affordable lodging or a special ambience in Breck or Vail. I guess I'm leading toward "more affordable" as I'd like to spend our $$$ on sidetrips and a couple of nice hotels /lodges also.
As for interests and the kids ages -
I have a 3 year old son who LOVES TRAINS - so thanks for the idea on Leadville train - perfect!
Found a mountain biking camp for my girls (ages 7 & 12) in Vail. So many interesting possibilities. How lucky you Colorado-ians are! Also a balloon festival in Buena Vista on June 11. Sounds like a great overnight sidetrip to Leadville/Buena Vista, etc. Looking forward to the hot springs. I've put my 12 year old in charge of researching our side trip to Mesa Verde and the 7 year old is doing Colorado Springs. My 3 year old asked - "what is my job?" So he's got the Denver Zoo. We are hoping for easy family hiking, picnics, maybe a ghost town and the other areas you've mentioned, some down time swimming and playing at a clubhouse or rec center and I think our month will be more than full.
The Grill on Elm sounds great (as does the margarita!) and Pepino's Pizza here we come!
Thanks again for all the help.
The rec center in Silverthorne looks really nice and if I am reading correctly - Dillon is very close to Silverthorne right? Maybe Dillon would be our best bet.
Still - I'm afraid that I'll get there -and then get to Vail or Breck and think "Oh why didn't we stay here."
I wish we had already been there so I could picture these towns in my head. While I know a resort would be more convenient for walking and access to activities - I'm afraid it will have kind of a ... "dead feeling" in June. I know that isn't the best word choice - but I hope you know what I am talking about. The choice seems to be central location and more affordable lodging or a special ambience in Breck or Vail. I guess I'm leading toward "more affordable" as I'd like to spend our $$$ on sidetrips and a couple of nice hotels /lodges also.
As for interests and the kids ages -
I have a 3 year old son who LOVES TRAINS - so thanks for the idea on Leadville train - perfect!
Found a mountain biking camp for my girls (ages 7 & 12) in Vail. So many interesting possibilities. How lucky you Colorado-ians are! Also a balloon festival in Buena Vista on June 11. Sounds like a great overnight sidetrip to Leadville/Buena Vista, etc. Looking forward to the hot springs. I've put my 12 year old in charge of researching our side trip to Mesa Verde and the 7 year old is doing Colorado Springs. My 3 year old asked - "what is my job?" So he's got the Denver Zoo. We are hoping for easy family hiking, picnics, maybe a ghost town and the other areas you've mentioned, some down time swimming and playing at a clubhouse or rec center and I think our month will be more than full.
The Grill on Elm sounds great (as does the margarita!) and Pepino's Pizza here we come!
Thanks again for all the help.
Jan 14th, 2006, 03:23 PM
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None of the places you mentioned will have a "dead feeling" in June - I do know what you mean, and that might be the case in May, maybe, but not June.
I'll try to give you a feeling for Dillon and Silverthorne - my impressions only - maybe folks who live there will chime in. Both of those towns sprung up, basically, because there's a highway exit there; Dillon is on the south side, and Silverthorne on the north (Dillon used to be located where Lake Dillon is now, but as I understand, there aren't many buildings that were moved before the dam was completed). No downtown areas, a lot of chain restaurants and outlet stores and some other big stores; Summit County's SuperTarget is in Silverthorne. They are both set in the middle of the mountains, and the Blue River runs through Silverthorne, so the surroundings are beautiful, but the towns themselves are not particularly so. There are neighborhoods in the trees on the hillside of Silverthorne to the west (and from the west side of there, an easy hike to Lily Pad Lakes). In Dillon, the area down by the lake has nice condos and houses and is scenic; you could walk there if your condo was located there. Dillon has a great-sounding performance stage right by the lake; I've seen ads re performances, but never been to any. 5 miles from Dillon and Silverthorne by highway is Frisco; Keystone is about 7 miles south of Dillon and Silverthorne; Copper Mountain is 10 miles from Dillon/Silverthorne; Vail is about 1/2 hour away; Breck is 9 miles south of Frisco. Personally, if I was spending a month in Summit County, I would choose Vail, Breck or Frisco, possibly in that order (and assuming I could find affordable lodging), and I would definitely wish I stayed there over Dillon or Silverthorne. But that's me -I love small towns that have a real history (ok, Vail has no history), and love to be able to walk into and through them, and walk the kids to the playground, and not have to drive everywhere (unlike my real life, where I do have to drive everywhere!); also sometimes people in our family do different activities, so if my son and husband have the car and are doing a hike far away, my daughter and I can still ride our bikes from Breck to Frisco; you don't have that consideration.
The comments on VRBO re the shuttle probably mean the Summit Stage, though I'm not totally sure - you'd need to ask. The Summit Stage runs every half hour or so throughout Summit County. I definitely know that it runs from Breck to Frisco on that schedule. Vail has an extensive free city bus system, but because it's not in Summit County, is not part of the Summit Stage.
If your little one likes railroads, there's also one in Georgetown (which I think is narrow gauge, but then I thought the one in Leadville was too), which is on the other side of the Eisenhower Tunnel from Summit County. It's had organizational problems, so do an internet search to see if that train is running next summer.
Silverthorne's rec center is very good; Breck's is good too, but kids would probably like Silverthorne's better (or trips to both). Keep in mind that fees for going to either are pretty pricey. Breck's rec center usually has a "Parents Night Out" or similarly-named program where kids can spend a Friday or Saturday evening doing the climbing wall and/or swimming, for a very reasonable price (considering that using the climbing wall all by itself is a lot more $$). Our kids love it (though we adults are usually doing chores during that time, instead of going out!)
Denver Zoo - I'm not sure I'd pick going there over any place in the moutains unless I was totally starved of zoo-going in my life. But then, our family really likes the mountain thing.
Oh, another activity is visiting a mine. There are a bunch all over, but the one I'm familiar with is Country Boy Mine, which is a couple of miles east of Breck. It's pretty interesting, kids really like it, and you get to pan for gold after the tour.
Keep checking online for various festivals that the towns have during the summer. Frisco has a barbeque festival that I think is in June, but I'm sure there are others.
I'll try to give you a feeling for Dillon and Silverthorne - my impressions only - maybe folks who live there will chime in. Both of those towns sprung up, basically, because there's a highway exit there; Dillon is on the south side, and Silverthorne on the north (Dillon used to be located where Lake Dillon is now, but as I understand, there aren't many buildings that were moved before the dam was completed). No downtown areas, a lot of chain restaurants and outlet stores and some other big stores; Summit County's SuperTarget is in Silverthorne. They are both set in the middle of the mountains, and the Blue River runs through Silverthorne, so the surroundings are beautiful, but the towns themselves are not particularly so. There are neighborhoods in the trees on the hillside of Silverthorne to the west (and from the west side of there, an easy hike to Lily Pad Lakes). In Dillon, the area down by the lake has nice condos and houses and is scenic; you could walk there if your condo was located there. Dillon has a great-sounding performance stage right by the lake; I've seen ads re performances, but never been to any. 5 miles from Dillon and Silverthorne by highway is Frisco; Keystone is about 7 miles south of Dillon and Silverthorne; Copper Mountain is 10 miles from Dillon/Silverthorne; Vail is about 1/2 hour away; Breck is 9 miles south of Frisco. Personally, if I was spending a month in Summit County, I would choose Vail, Breck or Frisco, possibly in that order (and assuming I could find affordable lodging), and I would definitely wish I stayed there over Dillon or Silverthorne. But that's me -I love small towns that have a real history (ok, Vail has no history), and love to be able to walk into and through them, and walk the kids to the playground, and not have to drive everywhere (unlike my real life, where I do have to drive everywhere!); also sometimes people in our family do different activities, so if my son and husband have the car and are doing a hike far away, my daughter and I can still ride our bikes from Breck to Frisco; you don't have that consideration.
The comments on VRBO re the shuttle probably mean the Summit Stage, though I'm not totally sure - you'd need to ask. The Summit Stage runs every half hour or so throughout Summit County. I definitely know that it runs from Breck to Frisco on that schedule. Vail has an extensive free city bus system, but because it's not in Summit County, is not part of the Summit Stage.
If your little one likes railroads, there's also one in Georgetown (which I think is narrow gauge, but then I thought the one in Leadville was too), which is on the other side of the Eisenhower Tunnel from Summit County. It's had organizational problems, so do an internet search to see if that train is running next summer.
Silverthorne's rec center is very good; Breck's is good too, but kids would probably like Silverthorne's better (or trips to both). Keep in mind that fees for going to either are pretty pricey. Breck's rec center usually has a "Parents Night Out" or similarly-named program where kids can spend a Friday or Saturday evening doing the climbing wall and/or swimming, for a very reasonable price (considering that using the climbing wall all by itself is a lot more $$). Our kids love it (though we adults are usually doing chores during that time, instead of going out!)
Denver Zoo - I'm not sure I'd pick going there over any place in the moutains unless I was totally starved of zoo-going in my life. But then, our family really likes the mountain thing.
Oh, another activity is visiting a mine. There are a bunch all over, but the one I'm familiar with is Country Boy Mine, which is a couple of miles east of Breck. It's pretty interesting, kids really like it, and you get to pan for gold after the tour.
Keep checking online for various festivals that the towns have during the summer. Frisco has a barbeque festival that I think is in June, but I'm sure there are others.
Jan 14th, 2006, 05:43 PM
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well, the more i read of your wants and think about it i am thinking more about frisco, for you to get a little more happening real town feel and not the prices of breck or vail. frisco is on the bike path. near I70 at one end of main street, but you won't see it or hear it. has lots of small stores and restaurants. is on the lake. is on the road to all other summit towns at opposite end main street from I70. quick/easy drive to big grocery. small enough to walk around. and it is a real town. changed but not built for tourists.
the summit stage def runs year round. see www.summitstage.com
i mentioned the zoo thinking you might want to spend part of a day there if you went to pick up dh at airport.
a couple restaurant recommendations in frisco: woody's, tuscato and the blue spruce** with your hubby**. maybe while kids are at parents night at the rec club.
i think unless you plan to cocktail you can drive home from leadvile a/or buena vista balloon fest. leadville is 45 mins from frisco and buena another 1/2+ hour. save a couple dollars.
frisco bbq will be june 23-24 this year.
fyi. as you will be mostly in the mts you might want to consider renting your car when you get up there if possible. i'm not altogether clear on this, but due to the altitude, the timing must be changed for a car to run optimally. perhaps dh can explain this. all i know is if the car is not tuned correctly it will run very sluggishly (and waste gas $$$) going up hill - which is half the time in the mtns.
checked on the georgetown loop train as that would have been great. however it closed in 04. too bad really, it was a fun ride. now they operate cars in the royal gorge out of canon city (45 mins s of cosprings). if you get down there i'm sure this would be a terrific ride. you son will love their web site www.royalgorgeroute.com - there is a postcard at top and it appears the train is coming right off the page at you. this would be much easier trip than durango!! but a much different trip. durango/silverton through high mtns, royal gorge through canyon along river.
gotta go watch the broncos now.
the summit stage def runs year round. see www.summitstage.com
i mentioned the zoo thinking you might want to spend part of a day there if you went to pick up dh at airport.
a couple restaurant recommendations in frisco: woody's, tuscato and the blue spruce** with your hubby**. maybe while kids are at parents night at the rec club.
i think unless you plan to cocktail you can drive home from leadvile a/or buena vista balloon fest. leadville is 45 mins from frisco and buena another 1/2+ hour. save a couple dollars.
frisco bbq will be june 23-24 this year.
fyi. as you will be mostly in the mts you might want to consider renting your car when you get up there if possible. i'm not altogether clear on this, but due to the altitude, the timing must be changed for a car to run optimally. perhaps dh can explain this. all i know is if the car is not tuned correctly it will run very sluggishly (and waste gas $$$) going up hill - which is half the time in the mtns.
checked on the georgetown loop train as that would have been great. however it closed in 04. too bad really, it was a fun ride. now they operate cars in the royal gorge out of canon city (45 mins s of cosprings). if you get down there i'm sure this would be a terrific ride. you son will love their web site www.royalgorgeroute.com - there is a postcard at top and it appears the train is coming right off the page at you. this would be much easier trip than durango!! but a much different trip. durango/silverton through high mtns, royal gorge through canyon along river.
gotta go watch the broncos now.
Jan 15th, 2006, 04:29 AM
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Just a small comment about the car tuning. We have not had that problem in MANY years of renting cars in Denver to drive to the mountains. I would not worry about it.
Fabulous ideas here and colorado is an absolutely wonderful state. You will have a truly great time--and my compliments on a family tradition that will keep on giving.
Fabulous ideas here and colorado is an absolutely wonderful state. You will have a truly great time--and my compliments on a family tradition that will keep on giving.
Jan 15th, 2006, 06:49 AM
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As part of your side trip to Mesa Verde you might want to consider the Durango Silverton RR. It is a full day trip, but I believe every June they have a Thomas the Tank Engine trip that is much shorter in length. Your 3 year old might enjoy that.
http://www.durangotrain.com/
Other suggestions:
If you take a side trip to Colorado Springs, the cog train up Pikes Peak is also enjoyable.
A day trip to Glenwood Springs for a dip in the Hot Springs Pool is fun. There is a hike in Glenwood Canyon to Hanging Lake Rock that is beautiful.
Other options in Denver are the Museum of Nature and Science (next to the zoo), Aquarium (not my fav, but the 3 yr might enjoy) and Water World, which my kids love.
BTW, I don't think you need to worry about renting a car in Denver. I have never had this problem.
Have a great trip!
http://www.durangotrain.com/
Other suggestions:
If you take a side trip to Colorado Springs, the cog train up Pikes Peak is also enjoyable.
A day trip to Glenwood Springs for a dip in the Hot Springs Pool is fun. There is a hike in Glenwood Canyon to Hanging Lake Rock that is beautiful.
Other options in Denver are the Museum of Nature and Science (next to the zoo), Aquarium (not my fav, but the 3 yr might enjoy) and Water World, which my kids love.
BTW, I don't think you need to worry about renting a car in Denver. I have never had this problem.
Have a great trip!
Jan 15th, 2006, 01:09 PM
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We do a family get together in the CO mountains every summer. They have all run together in my mind, but remember that there was a really nice indoor municipal pool in the Breckenridge area that the kids loved one rainy weekend. Maybe someone can refresh my memory about where it was. i think we were staying in Keystone and had to drive a short distance?
Jan 15th, 2006, 01:34 PM
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I agree with the poster who suggested Summitt County. You'll want to have your home base near the Interstate, and then the day trips to other places will be much more tolerable for you.
What a great tradition to do with your kids. I'd love to do it myself. Where else have you spent months?
What a great tradition to do with your kids. I'd love to do it myself. Where else have you spent months?
