spike74

I'm going to Colorado with my wife and 1-year old in May for the U of C graduation in Boulder. We are planning to spend one week there are are trying to find somewhere else to stay besides Denver and Boulder. We are not Skiers or Hikers. We like pretty views and towns, authentic restaurants. We are planning on two nights in Boulder and two nights in Denver. Where else should we go... Vail, Steamboat Springs, somewhere else?

Ideally, we'd like to pick one spot to stay and take day trips rather than staying one night in one spot and then driving somewhere else and staying there.

MaureenB

In May, the mountain weather can still be iffy, even snowy. So be prepared. It can also be quite muddy. But it's always beautiful. Lodging prices will probably be lower in May.

We live in Denver and love it, but I'm wondering if you couldn't visit Denver as a day-trip from Boulder, instead of coming down here for two whole nights. That way, you could stay three nights in Boulder, then head for the mountains for the rest of the week.

You might want to research the various mountain areas to see what most interests you. It's a matter of personal taste which one attracts you. Some like Vail, some don't, etc.

How far would you want to drive? My all-time favorite destination is Aspen, which is about 4 to 5 hours from Denver, depending. It's a fun town, much more authentic than most people expect. Many, many things to do in that region.
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historytraveler

When in May? I ask because late April and certainly early May are known as mud season at the mountain resorts. It's not pretty and it's not the best time to visit. However by late May things usually begin to look a lot better.

I agree with Maureen, a longer stay in Boulder might be your best bet. You might want to wait until you get here to decide on one of the mt.resorts. That time of year you shouldn't have a problem booking a place at the last minute unless it's over the holiday weekend and the weather's fantastic.

sylvia3

Rocky Mt. National Park is always beautiful, and you could certainly go over Trail Ridge Road, then to the mountain communities of Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, etc.

tekwriter

<<Rocky Mt. National Park is always beautiful, and you could certainly go over Trail Ridge Road...>>

Trail Ridge Road isn't cleared of snow until Memorial Day, and it's often closed temporarily in early June (CU graduation would be early May and, Spike, it's always CU, not *U-of-C* HORRORS! lol)

The east side of the park and Estes Park are always open and would be an easy and very nice daytrip from Boulder. Well worth it if you've never seen RMNP!

tovarich

I vote for Aspen.Paul

breckgal

I would vote for the mountains IF you can make a last minute decision based on the weather. A few years ago I attended my daughter's graduation from CU and the next day drove to Breckenridge in the worst snowstorm ever.

Consider Colorado Springs which is 2 hours from Denver Airport. Tour the Air Force Academy and the Olympic training facility, hike or drive thru the Garden of the Gods, visit the cliff dwellings, shop and lunch in the old city. If the cog train is operating at that time, it is a wonderful way to go to the top of Pikes Peak.

sjde53

I vote for Estes Park and RMNP--only a 45 minute drive from Boulder. If you wanted to stay overnight in a cabin, there are planty. Check www.vrbo.com or www.ponderosainc.com--a property management service.

Sue

tovarich

Is Aspen too far?Paul

fmpden

Early May puts you in the change over season from winter to summer. Not much is happening in the moutains. While I don't disagree with any of the prior postings except the Aspen rec. and remembering that you have a 1 year old which requires a little extra attention, my suggestions are more limited. Since you don't like skiing that is not a problem since the only area open would be A Basin with a combination of snow and water skiing.

You might consider a couple nights in Frisco as a base for day trips to Gerogetown, Leadville, Vail, Breckenridge. Georgetown has a fun narrow gauge railroad BUT, I think, it is only running on weekends in May. However, you tour some of the other historical buildings. And there is the outlet mall in Silverthorne. Leadville is a very authentic old mining tour with a pretty drive there. And, of course, there is Vail. Further along I-70 is Glenwood canyon and Glenwood Springs with the biggest hot tub you will every see - a couple of city blocks. Stay in the old Colorado Hotel and use the hot spring pool. You could day trip to Aspen. Personally -- other than name and inconvenient location, I don't think Aspen offers anything more than Breckenridge.

Now if you do want spend a little money -- but a great experience and well worth it in my opinion. Take AmTrack from Denver to Glenwood Spring, spend a night or two and take the train back. Train goes through some great wildnerness areas.

Or if you want a quick hit in the mountains. Stay in Breckenridge or Frisco for a couple of days and then return via 285 -- Fairplay has an interesting outdoor museum. However, it could be under snow in early May.

To the South is Colorado Springs and the Air Force Academy, Garden of the Gods, Maitou Springs, and the Broadmore Hotel. Historical and expensive but a great place to hang out.

And there is nothing wrong with two or three days in Denver -- there are more than enough attractions to keep you busy. Lots of options.

boondogs

Close by to Boulder and Denver is Golden and of course Evergreen. All within an half hour to an hour from Denver.

NativeNewYorker

What are Golden and Evergreen like? I, too, will be in Boulder, but in June. Looking for interesting day trips.

sylvia3

For the record,there's no set date on Trail Ridge opening, and I've been up many times before Memorial Day. Depends on the season.

fmpden

There is not a whole lot to see in Golden and even less to nothing in Evergreen except for the scenrey. Golden has the Coors brewery which is interesting if interested in beer. There is a model train museum that is interesting and a most unusual County building. The downtown area of Golden is pleasant and it has nice foothill setting. The Colorado School of Mines is in Golden

A little further west on I-70 is Idaho Springs with gold mine that gives tours. And another 30 minutes will take you to Georgetown which is an interesting Victorian town. And there are a couple of above average resturants along the way.

virginia

for those heading to golden/evergreen you might plan a stop at red rocks amphitheatre.
in the mountains frisco/dillon/silverthorne would be an excellent base for day trips to all the places mentioned in posts above. glenwood springs would be a fun place to stay and an outstanding drive to get there. the road the built through glenwood canyon is simply a wonderment.
yes, vail and aspen are nice but you can stay in glenwood & go to aspen for the day or stay in frisco and see vail, for a bit less.
leadville is stunning. you are surrounded by 14,000 ft mtns. and the best mexican food in colo is there at "the grill" on elm street.