Advise for two weekends in Colorado ?
 

Hello, I am from Germany and I will spend two weekends in Colorado in September.
The first weekend (September 21) is set to be in Colorado Springs and I have two days to explore the nature around. I already have plenty of locations on my list.
For the second weekend , 1 week later (the week in between is on business), I have the choice to stay in Colorado springs or move north on Friday evening and spend Sat, Sun and half of Monday in or near the Rocky Mountain NP before I fly home on Monday evening from Denver.
I am mainly interested in nature/landscape photographie.
My question: will the wider Colorado Springs area be rewarding enough to stay two weekends there or should I better change place to perhaps Estes Park ?
I can see two arguments against moving: 1. the RMNP will probably be very crowded on a weekend, perhaps more than the area west of Colorado springs. 2. Living in Germany, I know the Alps very well and people told me that the RMNP might then be less impressive.
I saw that there are also some other interesting spots north of Fort Collins (e.g. Eagle's nest open space,Red Mountain open space).
What would you do ? Stay two weekends in Colorado springs or spend the second weekend in/near RMNP and which locations there (including the out of the park open spaces) would you visit ?
kind regards
Manfred

I agree that RMNP is similar to the alps. Unless you hope to see elk, perhaps moose, bear, and mountain sheep, then I would stay in Colorado Springs

Since you're flying out of Denver, I suggest you change locales for the second weekend. Although, RMNP is only one place to consider. You could easily go to Winter Park, CO, for a more wide open feeling. Devil's Thumb Resort is an amazing place to stay between Granby and Winter Park.

Definitely not CO springs for two weekends. Go to the Park, or do as Tabernash suggests. Go to Aspen, Glenwood Springs. Marroon Bells near Aspen would be a photo op.
Where are you "on business"?

Thank you for your replies ! That helps.