6 nts in Colorado (Denver-Aspen?)
 

I am planning a week-long trip for my family (2 adults and our parents) for mid-June. I'm thinking 2 nights in Denver, 1 night somewhere else (maybe around Vail) then 3 nights in Aspen, with 1 last night in Denver. We're interested in walking around towns and doing very easy hikes and day trips (i.e., to Boulder). Any suggestions on how to make this trip come together? Any input would be appreciated!

I really don't know what you are asking. A Boulder day trip ?? from where? why? Interests???

fmpden, thanks for asking the question - I'm clearly confused! Also, I know next to nothing about this area. Basically, I'm not sure what to do, but I know I have about 6 or so nights and will be flying in and out of Denver. I've read a bunch of listings, and it seems like Aspen is a great place to visit. I'm thinking of skipping RMNP because my parents are seniors and I think they would enjoy more leisurely hikes. So, I guess what I'm asking for is recommendations on how to spend my week in this area. The plan I outlined in my post was what I was thinking of doing, but I wondered if that was a bad itinerary or if there were other suggestions on how best to spend my time there without too much driving. Thanks!

Again, I not clear on what you want to do. Aspen is a four/five hour drive from Denver but can be broken up. I am not the biggest fan of Aspen (someone will jump on me for that) because I think is fairly boring in the summer. Mid-June is little early for the summer festival but something could be going on. Some people view the shopping as vastly overpriced and the restaurants are expensive. The scenery around Aspen is terrific but no more so than many other mountain towns. It is kind of isolated at the end of a valley so day tripping other than the immediate area is limited. It is good place to go and do nothing for a few days.

Denver for a couple of days is fine with the normal museums, downtown tours, etc. Georgetown and the Georgetown Rail loop is very interesting. An overnight in Frisco with jeep tours, or a float trip on Clear Creek might work for your parents. Vail is reasonably cheap at that time of year.

The Mineral Trail Look in Leadville is a nice paved path but at 12 miles and 10,000+ feet might be to much for your parents.

I think you should get a tour book for Colorado and do some reading.

Thanks again. I will definitely do more research on specific activities. I just wanted to know if there were any suggested itineraries for an older family of 4.

I don't know of any suggested itineraries for an older family of 4. That is a pretty broad question in a very big and varied state. I could keep you pretty busy for week just within the Denver metro area. . If anyone has respiratory problems you may not want to go very deep into the mountains. Altitude sickness is always a risk. You could stay in Denver and day trip to a number of interesting places but sleep at a lower elavation.

And it is the Mineral Belt Loop trail in Leadville. Should read before I post.

Have you considered Rocky Mountain National Park. Easy drive from Denver and it is quite nice.

I was going to suggest that you reconsider Estes Park and RMNP as well, mainly because it has all the elements you're looking for, including easy hikes, it's at a lower altitude and you could do a day trip to Boulder from there. You can drive around in the park as well as drive over Trail Ridge Road for a few hours. There are walking trails that are short, flat, scenic and have a good surface like around Sprague Lake and Lily Lake. The town of Estes usually appeals to older people with its little shops and restaurants. It's only a 90 minute drive from Denver, 60 from Boulder. Mid-June is a great time to visit because it's before most of the summer tourist hordes descend, yet the weather is usually pleasant. If nothing else, it would be a great day trip from Denver, or when you're en route to a destination further west.