Thanks wtm. Appreciate the support and understanding...it's the final planning that's the toughest. (esp.
when so many gorgeous areas to explore in an area like this!) :-) Plus, the trip is being planned rather last minute for us...but wanted to visit my brother who recently re-located to SW Colorado, and has been through a very rough year.

Anyway, thanks to all. And, Jackie...
it's not too late to share on Chautauqua, as I've requested to be on a Wait List there, altho' odds are poor for them, as I believe there's a wedding going on. (booking out the place, pretty much)

Thanks for sharing your experience w/wildlife in RMNP & elsewhere. Never having been in SW Co, but having been in RMNP..gosh almost 20 yrs ago! (can't believe it's been so long)...anyway, the comfort of what you know, called a bit. And last time, we definitely had little time for RMNP. It was part of a long driving trip from the West Coast.

This time, we plan on 2 nights in Estes Park (found space at Boulder Brook). Hope to have a full 2 or 2+ days there for hikes, and gen'l exploring. Will get there midday on Saturday...and need to leave midday on Monday. That's when we'll head south & aim for Aspen, I think. (the Maroon Bells are calling!) :-) Will only have a day in that region, as I'd like to reach my brother's area (Ridgway) by end of day Tuesday...or maybe Wed morning. Thanks again for everyone's help & advice!! :-)

Just to clarify...
in my earlier threads, I thought we'd only do one night in Estes Park, but like Jackie shared here, found it too tough to find anything for one night.
Soon figured out, that was WAY too short a stay, anyway, so that's how we arrived at what we have now.

Less time for Aspen area, but I think that's okay for now. Just was what we needed to do since it's a wknd in Estes Park, and was *very* difficult to find space, anywhere! Of course, I'd love to have 2 nights for Aspen, as well, but need to get to my brother's. Will have about 5 days for SW Colorado, including a quick trip to Mesa Verde. Everyone, have a great week! :-)

I did not read the other thread until now. This thread hasn't been exactly forthcoming. Even on the other thread someone suggested Idaho Springs for a "mountain feel". I finally understand but it has been by reading TWO threads and a whole lot more explanation by the OP.

Daydreamer, we thought the best parts of Chataqua were the location/setting and eating outside on the porch at the Lodge. On the grounds, they have a very nice meditation park and an outdoor yoga area. The community nestles up against the Flat Irons and has lots of hiking paths.

We had a tiny 2BR, 1 bath house. I think it was about $180 a night bfore taxes. We were there in August and it was really hot with no AC. The house had a strong gas odor and I wouldn't have wanted to use the kitchen if I were staying there an extended period. It was okay, but I wouldn't stay in that particular house again. I overhead a woman saying they had a really nice place, so I guess the houses must be of different qualities. As I recall, they opened up the houses and lodge to students in late August--that may be another reason there are no vacancies. There was a post or 2 on trip advisor about chataqua--I seem to recall there were 3 tabs for Boulder lodging;it is reviewed in the tab on the right.

In EP, my favorite thing to do (when not hiking, of course) was sit on the porch at the Stanley with a nice glass of wine taking in the view. You can probably see a trend here...love sitting on porches taking in the view

Enjoy your vacation.

Thanks, Jackie! Will keep fingers crossed for a last minute opening here.
Appreciated the helpful details, most esp! :-)