My husband and I are planning on taking a trip to Colorado at the end of Oct. We're still trying to figure out what area to visit. We will be there about a week and like to stay at one place. We have been to Estes Park previously and really enjoyed it. We were wanting to go to a different place than Estes Park, but definitely want to go somewhere that we can hike., which is what we'll spend most of our time doing. My husband would like to go somewhere that we could 4-wheel also (would probably need to rent a vehicle or ATV to do so.) We were looking at the Vail or Aspen areas. Will these areas have snow then or will we still be able to hike? Are there good places to hike in these areas? Is one suggested over the other? Is there another area of Colorado we should consider over these areas? Any info would be great!

The end of October is lovely here in Colorado. Be prepared for sun or snow in the mountains. You should be able to hike and four-wheel. Bring layers and be prepared for cold evenings.

I recommend Aspen. It's my personal favorite, and we've been many times. I believe it has more open country than Vail, for your outdoor events. I don't like the way Vail sits next to the highway.

We like the little town of Aspen, and don't think it deserves the "glitz" image it has. We've seen many more fur coats and high-heeled boots in Vail than Aspen. Snowmass is ok, but Aspen is classic old Colorado.

Try The Gant for a nice condo/hotel. It's within easy walking distance of Aspen town, and has competitive rates. Late October should be good rates in general, since ski season won't be underway yet.

For a splurge hotel, the Hotel Jerome is wonderful.

We like the little town of Aspen, and don't think it deserves the "glitz" image it has. We've seen many more fur coats and high-heeled boots in Vail than Aspen. Snowmass is ok, but Aspen is classic old Colorado.

I just wanted to add a comment - I haven't been to Vail to compare, but I did find Aspen to be fairly "bling-y" when I was there last January. That didn't do anything to ruin my enjoyment, however. The town is lovely, nice sized, great hotels, condos and restaurants and, of course, shopping (all ends of the spectrum). Regarding Snowmass, I wouldn't stay there unless you're skiing -- it's a ski village, as opposed to a real town.

dmlove is right. I should have said "glitziest". Almost all the ski towns in Colorado are relatively glitzy, because it's expensive to ski and stay in them. I meant Vail vs. Aspen in their degree of glitz.

Please be aware that hunting season goes through the fall, and hikers need to be very careful up there. Be ready for possible snow too.

Hi jamayda,

Another vote for Aspen, a very pleasant place to stay anytime of the year. Great restaurants, great little shops(not all of them out of my price range), bookstores, coffee places and great scenery.

Might be a bit of snow or a lot, but it usually melts quickly. The area around Maroon Bells is gorgeous and good for a walk-around.
For a different experience you might drive to Glenwood Springs(less than one hour away) for a dip in the hot springs pool or the vapor caves-a fun way to spend time. I especially love sitting in the pool in the snow. A great ride is south from Carbondale to the little town of Redstone-you might want to have lunch at the Redstone Inn. Then drive to Marble for a look-interesting place with huge slabs of marble here and there in the area.

Hope this gives you some ideas for a great Colorado trip.

Linda

I think some of the advice is a little off. As a local I would not concur with all of it. First, October can be beautiful but that is is generally early to mid October. End of Oct can get to be pretty IFFY and if you trip is the last week in Oct, it could be very changable, and quickly. If the snow comes it will not melt quick. Any back country activity will be limited because of the potential weather conditions. It is just a tough time of the year to predict.

I would look at Breckenridge as providing a wide range of activities, restaurants, etc. Aspen has become extremely upscale and many of the old local places are gone. And, an equally important consideration, you would have have to drive over Vail pass on the return if the weather turns. The great bike/hiking trails around Breck, Frisco, Copper, Vail that are hard surface and better with snow on the ground.

fmpden, since you're around today, I'm going to find my early thread about Breckenridge and hope you can answer!

Thanks so much for all the info so far. I might have to take a closer look at Breckenridge. It seems to be more in our price range too.

dmlove, I am around. Contact me directly if you like.

Different people have different responses to Aspen based on personal perceptions. There is the old Aspen which is long gone. Little Nell, Red Onion, Corner Drug, second hand clothing store, etc. are history. Overrun by high rents. All replaced with very high end shops only available on the coasts and/or Europe. The glitz !! The Four Season at the base of Ajax represents the changed face of Aspen. While Aspen reminds an interesting Victorian mining town it is not the same Aspen it was 20 years ago. And we cannot go back.

Is there good hiking in Breckenridge that's comparable to hiking around Estes Park in the RMNP? Are there any suggestions of where to stay that's not too expensive?

Lots of hiking trails. The issue will be accessibility. Could be snow covered and would be if you get very high - 9,000 + feet. And it could be bone dry. You will not know until you get there. Just goggle Breckenridge and use the reservation service. At that time of you should be able to drive some very good deals. Ski season will just be opening and you should find tons of specials.