Although I'm generally a strong advocate for visitors seeing Rocky Mountain N.P., I'm not sure I'd suggest it this year at this time. It's been a cold winter with lots of snow, The biggest attraction - Trail Ridge Road - won't be open for several weeks yet, lakes will still be frozen, trails will be muddy or snow-covered, an wildlife activity will be minimal.

Thanks for your thoughts...what WOULD you suggest?

The weekend is great -- the best in several weeks. It snowed in the city on Monday and Tuesday so bring some cool weather gear especially if headed into the mountains. We have had our heaviest snow fall in the mountains in decade. Many areas in around Frisco, Breckenridge, Vail, etc. received more than 500" of snow this year and most of it is still there. However, the Denver side of the mountains are pretty clear and you could easily drive to Georgetown. And a beautiful ride would be to Glenwood Springs - about 3 hours -- and only Vail could be problem if the weather is bad.

It is the beginning of the market season with a Sat market at Aspen Grove in Littleton and market on Sunday at the Streets of Southglenn in Centennial.

Even though Trail Ridge Road is closed, on a nice day, I'd still go up to RMNP. Even in the snow, it's every bit as beautiful. Doing the various drives through the park would still be a great experience.

There are tons of mountain parks within easy drive of Denver
http://co.jefferson.co.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R108.htm

My son and DIL live in Denver and one of my favorite things to do is explore one or more of these a day. Most of them have hiking loops and generally they're not too long 2-3 miles or you can just start off and see how far you want to go.

This 3 sisters park outside Evergreen is one of my favorites:
http://jeffco.us/jeffco/openspace_uploads/alderfer_3sis_12_06.pdf

Everyone of them is a jewel and make perfect daytrips with a stop to pick up a picnic lunch

Check this map to see where they all are:
http://co.jefferson.co.us/jeffco/openspace_uploads/01_10_system_map_colo_mills_lightbox.pdf

Thanks! I love markets - these are outdoor ones I assume? Do you know their hours? How long would you say it takes to get to either one from Denver - would it make sense to do one or both as a side trip on our way to Colorado Springs for a day?

Both are in the metro area -- Aspen Grove just north of C-470 and Santa Fe, and other off University Blvd (NS) and Arapahoe Road (EW). Both about 20 minues south from downtown Denver. Aspen Grove is at the Mineral Station which is the last stop on the SouthWest light rail line using C or D trans to get there.

Just check long range forecast -- which are not the most reliable -- snow is in the picture for Monday.

certainly go to larimer square in lodo. my favorite restaurant is tomayo on 15th and larimer. It is a richard sandoval restaurant (spanish, not mexican).

I have always found city tour buses on day 1 as the best way to get the lay of the land. then zone on the areas that interest you later.

denver has city bike rentals all over the city. i believe weekly rental is by far the best deal. there are stations to pick up and drop off throughout the city.

a day trip to vail is always fun. i would recommend lunch at "sweet basil". If you want an overnight trip, steamboat springs or aspen are fun towns. gold mine tours are available in idaho springs.

you should love coors field. i will be there weds also.

hope that helps.

For a picturesque mountain drive, take I-70 west to exit 232 (U.S. Hwy 40/Empire/Winter Park), drive through the little speed trap town of Empire and up over the continental divide at Berthoud Pass to the town of Winter Park. On the way back, stop in Empire at the Lewis Sweet Shop for some great malts.

or

Continue up I-70 all the way to the Eisenhower Tunnel. Get off I-70 at exit 216, just before the tunnel and take U.S. Hwy 6 up over Loveland Pass and down to Keystone.

Mountain scenery galore.

The Cherry Creek Market at University and 1st opens this Saturday. It's only about 10/15 minutes from downtown Denver.