cthree

Traveling to Colorado with husband and son who will be almost 3. We will have 4 days between June 4-8th. We were thinking of camping but we've nixed that plan. An earlier posting gave me lots of great ideas but due to a variety of reasons we're back to square one. People have directed us towards Estes Park. But I recently found a yurt in Woodland Park that looks nice. Wondering which direction to go.

I am drawn to EP b/c of being able to pass through Boulder from Denver to see the town. The river, the views. We would do easy hikes.

I am drawn to WP b/c of proximity to Garden of the Gods as a day trip and Pike's Peak. But I hear WP is a dreary town. Is that true?

We don't need fancy food. But we like a good charming town with a local coffee shop and a brew pub if we were so to be so lucky!

As an aside, one of the reasons I'm having trouble committing to EP is because I can't find a cabin that has nice furnishings! Unfortunately I'm VERY picky about the furnishing of where I stay. I either want bare bones tent or if I'm paying $$ to stay somewhere I want attractive furnishings. Thus far I'm finding it hard to get excited about paying $200/night for ugly plaid couches and boring rooms.

Suggestions much appreciated as always.

WhereAreWe

I can't imagine spending 4 days in Woodland Park just to visit GOG and Pike's Peak. Much more scenery and hiking if you choose Estes Park.

Check out the KOA - super cheap cabins with basically no furnishings, so you don't have to feel bad about spending a lot of money for ugly.

Other than that it's hard to give suggestions, as one person's idea of nice furnishings is another person's ugly/trashy. It would help if you could direct us to specific lodging in EP that you've rejected based on price/furnishings so we'd have an idea of what it unacceptable.

I've found that you can expect to pay more in EP than elsewhere for similar accomodations because of the location - and many places do have a more rustic look to them than a normal town.

kwood1955

Stayed here a couple of years ago and they were very clean. They are also just a bit out of Estest Park so you don't have to always deal with the traffic. They are very close to Rocky Mtn National Park entrance. Here's their website: http://www.mcgregormountainlodge.com/

spirobulldog

since you mentioned tent. There are a couple of places in Denver to rent camping equip. Morraine Park, in RMNP, isn't far from Estes Park and is a really nice place to camp. Perhaps rent an RV, if it was super cold. I am assuming you weren't referring to the Yurt as a Tent, because they a yurt is actually very nice compared to a tent and some cabins. I would think you could find something in Estes Park that would work for you. I would have a meal at Stanley Hotel, it's neat place to see.

spirobulldog

Kids love to camp was my point that I forgot to make.

sylvia3

Consider YMCA of the Rockies for nice budget accommodations; just outside Estes Park.
http://www.ymcarockies.org/estes-par...-colorado.html