I am flying into Denver on a Saturday Morning and flying out on Tuesday. I have never been to Colorado and I am looking for suggestions on places to go. I am thinking of skipping Denver and going to Aspen and maybe Rocky Mountains. I love to hike and would like to take a whitewater rafting trip? Any suggestions? Thanks a million

Take the cog railway up Pike's Peak in Manitou Springs, near Colorado Springs. The trip up is fantastic, and you can't beat the view at the top, which is above 14,000 ft. The Royal Gorge is also a neat sight. They do have whitewater rafting trips that go through the Gorge.

Aspen is a great little town. In the summer there is street entertainment, lots of shops and nice restaurants, etc.. You can hike up and around the Maroon Bells which is lovely. If you venture up Independence Pass, you can hike and sitesee up that way. I'm less aware of whitewater rafting - but the Aspen chamber of commerce could help with that. You can raft in Summit county on the way to Aspen. I would be less inclined to go to the Colorado Springs area - but it is lovely also. And I have hiked in a wonderful spot on the back of Pikes Peak called the Crags. You don't need to venture as far as Aspen to get great hiking. YOu could stop in Winter Park/Fraiser area instead and be on the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park - a good bit closer than Aspen. Or even Breckenridge if you want a old style mountain town with nightlife, etc..

I agree with Julie, I would skip Co Sprgs, Aspen is wonderful but a bit of a drive. Winter Park is beautiful in summer but not much in the way of night life so depends on what your wanting. This weekend will be very busy so I would try and make your reservations now wherever you go. If your traveliing solo there are many B&Bs in Summit county, + hostels and such.

For rafting in Summit look at http://www.whitewatercolorado.com

Thanks for all your suggestions. I am heading there this saturday thru tuesday.

I agree with the suggestion for Winter Park and also that it does not have much nightlife. If that's important to you, continue on past Winter Park about 75 scenic miles to Steamboat Springs. It has all the daytime activites you can enjoy in Winter Park and has an active nightlife as well.

Just back from a trip that incuded white water rafting through the Royal Gorge. Went on a 8:30 trip with River Runners. It was great experience and the first trip in the morning was good because it was 106 in Canon City while we were there, and hot on the river.

Aspen & Vail are both gorgeous in summer.

Summit County has it all! Try basing yourself out of Breckenridge. Wonderful
raft trips nearby, hiking, nice town with night life available. Simply beautiful this time of year.