coldkelly

I'm meeting up with my 4 daughters, all in their 20's, for a week at a condo in Breckenridge. Only one has been to Colorado before, but that was in winter, So we're very much newbies in this area. We chose Breckenridge because, being in the off season, the condo was very affordable and it's of course right in the mountains. We're now at the point of planning out the details of what we'll do day to day. We'll be there the week after Memorial Day. We enjoy short hikes, rafting ( not too wild for me-I've no desire to end up outside the raft..) wildlife and casual dining-- outdoors would be good, and for me, I like quaint downtown areas.. I"m wondering if RMNP is a good idea for a long day trip. We'd like to go fishing if possible, if it's not too costly. Any advice would be appreciated.

tomfuller

These guys have been running raft trips from Estes Park for over 25 years. They must be doing something right.
http://www.rapidtransitrafting.com/
The rivers will be cold with all that snowmelt water.

sf7307

If you like quaint downtown areas, you'll love Breckenridge (I was a also there in winter, so can't help with a spring trip).

martym

There are lots of rafting companies around Buena Vista. One we like is River Runners. http://www.riverrunnersltd.com However as others have said, the water will be very cold and running high.

Mt Princeton Hot Springs is in a gorgeous area and has nice pools. http://mtprinceton.com/

Salida (not far from Buena Vista) has a nice downtown and quite a few restaurants. Amica's has good pizza. http://amicassalida.wordpress.com/ http://salida.com/

Gretchen

There is an outfitter in Silverthorne who could get you onto a river. The Blue runs right through Silverthorne and is a trophy trout river. And surprisingly, right behind the outlet shops in Silverthorne is some of the best fishing from the tail waters of the dam--BIG trout and a tiny shrimp fly!!
I'd go to Glenwood-Aspen area for a lovely day.

Gretchen

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but Trail Ridge Roada might be open yet and the Park wouldn't be accessible from the west?

furledleader

For rafting,I can suggest...

KODI: (http://www.whitewatercolorado.com/)
or
Liquid Descent: (http://www.liquiddescent.com/)

Runs in your experience range:

KODI does early season (early June) runs on the very nearby Blue River. Also Browns Canyon on the Arkansas River north of Salida. And a 2 hour Happy Hour trip on nearby Ten Mile Creek between Copper Mountain and Frisco.

Liquid Descent does a nice beginners run on the lower Eagle River west of Vail.

Both do an easy ride down the upper Colorado west of Kremmling.

Half day trips give you about 1 1/2 to 2 hours on the actual water. Full day trips give a bit over twice that much time as well as some kind of shoreline lunch somewhere along the river.

Any whitewater raft trip can be cold and wet. Wear quick drying long pants (convertible pants are nice in case you run into a warm day, you have the option of unzipping them into shorts). Tennis shoes are OK. If it's cold, a wool shirt is nice. And a light, water repellent jacket is generally a must early in the season.

fmpden

The target to open Trail Ridge is Memorial Day weekend. But with the record snowfall this year, who knows? Sometimes they can get it open for a day or two but storm can quickly close it again. But if in Breckenridge why bother with RMNP. You have Georgetown and Georgetown loop railroad just below the tunnel on the East side of the mountains. Breckenridge has a number of options. Trip to Vail. Leadville and loop over Independence Pass to Aspen is nice if the pass is clear. It doesn't get any pretty than Glenwood Canyon and then Glenwood Springs. You have lots of options to fill your week.

coldkelly

Thank you very much for these great recommendations. Can't wait to go. Any restaurant recommendations for Breckenridge?

sf7307

>>

That depends. Where are you coming from? I ask that because while Breckenridge has some decent restaurants, none of them will blow you away if you're from NY or SF or Chicago, for example.

coldkelly

We're coming from Tampa, Minneapolis, and Milwaukee.

NativeNewYorker

Vail!

the_scarecrow_in_oz

Best breakfast deal in Breck is at a little hole in the wall mom & pop place called Daylight Donuts (305 N. Main St.). It's where the locals go for a reasonably priced, full plate of food or hefty donuts. It's small, with limited seating. If there is a line of people waiting to get in the front door, then you can figure the seating may be all taken, but don't be discouraged - a lot of those people are just getting a donut and coffee to go, and you may get lucky once you get inside. Lines form mainly because the place is small and there's only one cashier who takes everybody's order at the counter. If the four of you are in line, and a table opens up, send one of your group over to grab it. Among the entrees served are eggs, breakfast burritos, biscuits & gravy, pancakes, and a tasty sweet potato waffle. The food isn't exquisite, but it's hot, cheap, and it'll fill ya up. And the donuts absolutely ROCK!!

CASH only.

furledleader

I'll second that Daylight Donuts recommendation. The breakfast dishes ain't fancy, just simple, wholesome, and fresh. The big apple fritter for less than $2 is a steal. You know the donuts are good when you see the local law officers buying them.

Happy Hour at Mi Casa Mexican Cantina is packed during the ski season due to its location right across the street from the base of Peak 9, as well as its $3 plates of wings, $0.99 tacos, $5 pitchers, and a buck off all their specialty margs. Their regular dinners are standard, yet tasty, and very reasonable. I don't know how crowded they are at happy hour during the summer, but I would imagine it's less of a zoo. I think they're closed now until after Memorial Day.

fmpden

sf likes to make that comment and frequently does. I have been to several restaurants in NY, SF, and Chicago with big reputations and was not exactly blow away either even with the inflated prices. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Start with the Hearthstone in an old Victorian. Briar Rose is more of a steak house. If you like sushi and Asian, try Mountain Flying Fish. The chef and owner, Tetsuo Shimoda, is from Japan via New York. Must have washed out in NY. The Cellar is good and Taddeo's Ristorante serves family style. Then there is the Ranch and Aspen Grow at Keystone - both award winning restaurants but may not be open in that time frame. Breckenrige brewery probably has better beer than SF. Then there is Frisco and Vail.

sf7307

Sorry, but that is my opinion. Actually, we ate at Mi Casa and liked it, but in general, the food scene in Breckinridge is not outstanding (I didn't say BTW that there isn't decent food to be found, but that it isn't "drive miles put of your way for" food. FWIW, I am not a fan of high-priced celebrity-chef restaurants in San Francisco either. I just like delicious food in a nice setting for a fair price.

wtm003

Another thumbs-up for Daylight Donuts. My husband is also a big fan of the apple fritter but my favorite is the raspberry twist. Maybe you should try both!