"Off the beaten path" road trip from Vail, CO
 

Hello! I'm headed to CO this June for a friend's wedding in Vail. The current plan is to fly into Denver on Friday morning and make my way to Vail by late afternoon for check-in. The wedding will take up the entire weekend, but my hope is to check out on Monday morning and then have the entire week ahead for vacation, with plans to fly home the following Saturday.

With Vail as my starting point, I'm running into issues with which direction to go for the remainder of the week. Part of me would love to do Southwest CO, incorporating Moab, UT and Telluride if at all possible. But I also realize that it might make sense to head back east toward the Rockies from Vail on Monday in order to make the most use of our time that week, seeing as though everything seems closer together and we would wind up in Denver for flying out.

I'm traveling with my boyfriend and want to make sure that, along with some great day hikes and maybe a water sport here and there, that we're staying in locations that have a "cooler" vibe with good food and at least some nightlife (funky bars and hole in the walls will do!). Not really interested in the whole mining/ghost town thing, though if there are any spots that are a must-do no matter what I would be open to suggestions.

It's our first trip together, and really hoping for it to be a unique one with some off the beaten path gems. Any sample itineraries or even a general direction on where to head from Vail for the week would be appreciated--thanks so much in advance!

First, you need to look at a map. Second, from Vail, no heading back east to the Rockies. You are there. The Rockies are in every direction. You need to head to a local book store or library and get a good guide book for Colorado to give you a better idea of what is available. Water sports will be limited to white water rafting which will be at a peak in June. You could sail on Lake Dillon but you need full wet suits. You can bike the length of Glenwood Canyon from Glenwood Springs. Nice hike to Hanging Lake from the bike trail.

The funky bars from Aspen are gone but still worth a visit. Go out the back side over Independence Pass into Leadville. Haven't make that bar scene in several years but at one some real local dives. The Mineral Belt is great but better on a bike. Swing down through Gunnison and the Black Canyon.
Have a local wine area just east of Grand Junction. Catch Steamboat Springs on you way back to Denver and go over Trail Ridge Road. By then you will have run out of time.

Ditto what fmpden said. When you are in Vail you are <i>in</i> the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Yes, go to Aspen then Trail Ridge Road, stopping where you want, and you'll have a great trip.

You'll find funky bars and brewpubs everywhere. For example, even a sleepy town like Grand Lake has the Lariat Saloon, live music, good drinks, mix of locals and tourists. Just walk downtown and you'll find someplace.

I would not go all the way to Moab or even to Southwest Colorado, as nice as those places are. Too much driving. Just take it easy and have fun near where you'll be.

I'd suggest coming to Fort Collins, where I live, on your way back to Denver. It's a microbrew capital of the country, with lots of funky bars. I always wind up talking to tourists when I hand out at New Belgium, but you may was well stay up in the high country since that's where you'll be.

Vail- Aspen- Leadville- Gunnison- Grand Junction- Steamboat Springs- Estes- Denver.

"By then you will have run out of time." I'd say so! Do all that in a week?

You can hike some amazing trails in and around Vail. I love Shrine Pass, incredible wildflowers and scenery. If you are in good shape, tackle a 14 er as the trail head for Grays and Torrey's is right off of I 70. I would recommend heading west then to Glenwood Springs . Soak in the hot springs, bike or hike. Or if you don't head west from Vail, go up to Rocky Mountain National Park for a few days. Really depends on what you want to do.

Save a night for Denver, catch a Rockies game if they are in town, or just enjoy the bars and restaurants in Lodo ( lower downtown) in Denver.

Appreciate the feedback, all. I should have specified--I meant heading east toward RMNP, not the actual range. I'm aware that's what those tall things are in Vail :) Going cross eyed from looking at google maps and not knowing what was worth the distance in driving, so that's all I was going for when I asked about which direction was the best use of our time.

At this point, sounds like we're probably going to stick with flying in/out of Denver instead of spending our time heading west and doing a smaller airport. Appreciate all of the town/trail/night life suggestions--will make it easier to sort through once I start doing the major trip research. Sounds like we have an awesome trip on our hands no matter what, thanks so much!

Also, bring a jacket, sweater, gloves, long pants, and a stocking cap. It can get very chilly in the evening. Summer in the mountains does not mean tank top and short shorts.

We like the pool at Glenwood Springs if you get by there & glenwood Canyon on I-70 is a beautiful drive.

I second the idea of Glenwood Springs. It has the world's largest hot springs pool (http://www.hotspringspool.com/), and outfitters for rafting the Colorado River and the Roaring Fork River (which join together just west of downtown). The Colorado Hotel is a distinguished and venerable establishment that served as Teddy Roosevelt's home base on one of his hunting expeditions to the west while he was president. It's virtually right across the street from the hot springs.

Wyatt Earp's pal, Doc Holiday, lived the last of his days in Glenwood Springs and is buried in the town cemetery.

AND

The 16 mile drive along I-70 through Glenwood Canyon (just east of Glenwood Springs) is stunning.

first go online and get the Vail Daily News newspaper that is virtual and has everything to do in Vail as bar scenes and happenings that week and weeks to come .. if you are in Vail a bit, save money on supplies and drive to the Super Walmart in Avon 10 min down I 70 .. Moab is great to see, not far 3 to 4 hours west of Vail but well worth the trip to the national parks .. beautiful drive thru Glenwood Springs .. or hang a left at Glenwood and explore Aspen .. lots to do when you base out of Vail .. RMNP is a great day trip from Vail as well .. have a great time

So, for some fabulous scenery etc. in Colorado:
perhaps from
Vail to
Glenwood Canyon to Glenwood Springs (must do hot springs pool) to
Redstone (stay in the Inn) for a couple/few nights: many day trips from there (drive to Marble area or other places to visit? http://www.redstonecolorado.com/explore.html) to/
through Aspen/Independence Pass
to Leadville and 91 to I-70 (you've circled) then
Take 40 through Winter Park to Granby then 34 and RMNP OR
9 through Kremmerling to Granby and 34 RMNP (these take you past lovely lakes; lunch at the Grand Lake Lodge http://grandlakelodge.rtrk.com/?scid..._id=9339692628
Over Trail Ridge Road into Estes Park
Airport