JD

My boyfriend and I are trying to plan a long weekend (approx. 5 days) in Colorado this August and we are looking to visit Denver (1-2 days), Vail (1 day), Breckenridge (1 day) and/or any other suggestions. We would love some ideas on things to do (hiking, rafting, biking, etc), places to go (restaurants, special sites, hotels), etc.

Lexma90

I would suggest that you spend no time in Denver and all of your time in the mountains. There's plenty of biking, hiking, fishing, shopping, dining, etc. in both Vail and Breckenridge. Rafting is available, though probably about a 45-minute drive from either of those locations. There's an Alpine slide in Breckenridge, and the gondola in Vail operates during the summer. In terms of the other amenities in the towns, they're pretty similar, and you could easily travel to Vail for the day from Breck, and vice versa.

You can check out Breckenridge on Breck.net; I don't know the specific site for Vail.

You also might want to consider some time in Rocky Mountain National Park, instead of Vail or Breckenridge.

Feel free to e-mail me directly for info on restaurants & hotels. I live in Denver, have a condo in the mountains, so know more about things to eat & places to eat than I do about places to stay.

cl9

I would definately recommend Rocky Mountain National Park over vail and breckenridge (they're there for ski bunnies and tourists). There are some neat towns farther south. The collegiate peaks are beautiful (and there are hot springs near Bueana Vista). Goergetown (and other little towns) and Glenwood Springs (although farther west) are also a nice little towns. Although depends on what you want to spend you time doing.

kima

Hi JD. First if it were me and I had limited time I would spend one day in Denver. Stay in or near Lodo. Denver is a great town and you will have fun but the mtns are the best! Breck and Vail are close enough that I am not sure it makes sense to pack up and move if your only there a few nights. Also you will find a better lodging rate if you can stay 3 nights or more. Summer rates are MUCH less than in the winter.

I have to disagree with cl9, Georgetown?

If I had to choose I would stay in Vail, much better resturants, the village is great and they often have free events. check out http://vail.snow.com/act.asp

Lunch outside at the Creekside is great another favorite is Sweet Basils, though a bit pricey. As far as rafting, well unless we get a bunch of rain its going to be pretty bad in August. Great Hikes in the area and you can take the gobdola up for mtn bike riding. Caution just because you get a ride partially up does not mean you will not work! If you keep climbing you will feel like your about to couf up a lung. Bonus is very few people climb you will find you have the trails to yourself. If you have bikes bring them.

Another great site for ideas is www.summitnet.com if you end up a t Breck, you might want to consider Keystone as well. They have done a great job with summer activities.

Connie

We've traveled all over Colorado and, by far, our favorite area is southwest Colorado, mainly the loop of Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Telluride, and Mesa Verde National Park.

This is where the prettiest and most awesome mountain scenery is in Colorado.