Colorado
 

We have four choices for a free trip we won to Colorado. They are Frisco, Avon, Breckenridge and Steamboat Springs. My husband and I are seniors in our 60's and don't really hike much. But can do short hikes depending on what what body part hurts that day! Anyway, which of these do you recommend? Steamboat Springs appeals to me for the for the various hot springs you can soak in. We also would be going in September unless you all recommend a better time of year.

Steamboat, hands down.

Steamboat is also the lowest elevation of the four which would probably be easier, esp. if it's a short-ish stay with less time to acclimate.

We much prefer Steamboat over anything in Summit County or the Vail valley.
Steamboat is an authentic Colorado town, with real history and open spaces around it.

How are you getting there? Transportation included in your prize package? Steamboat sounds almost as good as my favorite - Glenwood Springs. Hike as far up as you are comfortable with from town and then come back down and soak in the hot spring. Early September (Labor day weekend?) sounds like a good time.

We have to pay our way there and will rent a car. But still an awesome prize.

Thanks Jean. I wondered about the acclimation issue. My sister and her family stayed in Denver about 15 years ago and took a drive in their car up to about 1.5 miles or more and they did indeed suffer a bit from being that high. They got very tired and then my sister felt a bit nauseous for a while.

I'd say Steamboat for what you want. It will have many more choices for eating and shopping etc.

Steamboat's elevation is about 6700 feet, and Denver is at about 5300 feet. If you fly in and out of Denver, the highest point of the drive would be about 9000 feet. If you can fly into Grand Junction, the drive wouldn't take you above 7000 feet and would take less time.

If flying to Grand Junction is too much, fly to SLC and take the California Zephyr to Grand Junction. The train leaves SLC at 3:30AM and goes through the Ruby Canyon into Colorado arriving in GJT before 11AM.
The Ruby Canyon is one of the 3 beautiful daytime sections on the California Zephyr route.
Rental cars are available in Grand Junction.