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Hi, we're trying to build a trip around a concert at Red Rocks on Tuesday, September 3rd. We could really use some advice.

We had originally planned to arrive (LAX to Denver) on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning and drive directly to Golden. Then, we could have the rest of the week to explore.

1. So, first big question: We would have from Wednesday until Saturday. Where should we spend it? Should we try to make it all the way to Mesa Verde or Ouray Hot Springs? Or would we be better off heading to Boulder and Estes Park/RMNP? Or maybe someplace completely different. We're open. There are so many things that sound interesting and beautiful that we're a bit overwhelmed. We don't want to squeeze too much in so we would love to hear about some favorites.

2. Big question #2... Would it be crazy to fly into Denver on Sunday or Monday morning of Labor Day weekend? That would give us a couple of extra days.

Our thought was that maybe we would arrive in Denver, rent a car and spend our first couple of nights in Boulder or the Estes Park area. That way we could make a little loop back down to Golden for the concert on Tuesday. Given the holiday and the DNC, are we just asking for trouble and beastly traffic?

A bit about us: We're a couple in our late 30s. We don't care about bars or nightlife. We're not into crowds. Our dream vacation would be a balance between history/ museums/ quirky stops and a chance to just relax and enjoy the state's natural beauty. We can manage easy to moderate hikes. We're up for rafting or riding. We love to stay in unusual places.

Oh dear. I've gone on waaaaay too long.

Many thanks,
Lb

I would take the extra two days for sure, if you can.
I would head down and see Great Sand Dunes NP. I would then head to Mesa Verde and spend two days there. get lodging in the park if you can. Metate Dining Room is good. hike Petroglyph Point trail. See as many of the houses as you can. Long house, Cliff Palace, etc. There are 5 or 6 major sites to see. They are all similar, yet very different. Balcony House is my Favorite.

Then head back to Durango. Ride the Durango train and zipline. Ziplinning is SUPER FUN!
www.soaringcolorado.com

You might have time for 4 Corners or
perhaps Black Canyon of the Gunnison. There are several other good options to stop along the way.


here are some pics of our trip a couple of months ago

www.photoworks.com/members/spirobulldog

search the pics under Mesa Verde

We will be in Colorado same time as you Wednesday 3rd Sept and though I'm no expert have discoved on my searches some places which sound nice.These are our plan B route if original plan needs changing last minute.

In the NW area the town of Meeker sounds like it has a smashing western musuem and i believe they hold sheep dog trails around this time. Discovered this info after booking our hol!!

We are going towards Gunnison via Salida as the Musuem there has a vintage car section, and Western part and looks fab.

Maybe for a change you could do something like Visit Golden and see Buffalo Bill Museum & grave, then go on I70 past Glenwood canyon (maybe visit hot springs) towards Grand Juncion (lots of wineries i believe, and Colorado Nat Monument).
Then up the 139 towards Rangley on to Meeker and carry on to Steamboat springs then down 131 towards Vail, Frisco, Lake Dillon areas, maybe do the train ride at Georgetown (we've booked this as its only about 1 hour).

As i said i'm def no expert and the locals who live in Colorado will give better advice I'm sure. Its just one of the itineries i was thinking of doing myself.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

I don't concur with going to SW Colorado if that is not your original plan. It is two big days of driving -- one down and one back and not allowing a lot of time for sightseeing. The earlier suggestions are not very practical given your need to be at Red Rocks on Tuesday.

Arriving on Sunday or Monday will not create any unusual problems except you do not want to be returning to Denver from the mountains on Monday PM. Traffic will be awful. Going the other way will be OK.

Labor Day weekend is the last blowout of the season so you might have problems finding reservations in Estes Park or the RMNP. The DNC will be gone by then.

Probably not a good time to be in Boulder. Classes are starting. Some motels are filled with students waiting for housing. Sunday night is the CU/SU clash at Mile High.

Rafting will be nearly non-existent at that time - low water. Might find a float trip. Could encounter very cool weather and maybe a touch of snow.

Given you time pattern --- I would try Breckenridge, Frisco, Vail, Keystones on the I-70 corridor. Lots to see and do in that area. Use Breck or Frisco as a base. Easy to get to and from Red Rocks. The Golden area is less interesting.

Good luck

Thanks to all for the excellent advice. I need to make my way through all of the suggestions. I'm leaning away from heading to the Southwest because of time constraints, but that only rules out one option. I'm going to dig into the details.
Thanks again!
Lb

And btw... sheepdog trials! how cool is that?

Buttercup,

Look at this sight for info about sheep dog and hotel in meeker

www.themeekerhotel.com
and search for info on the
White River museum it looks really interesting.

Another excellent sight for info on Colorado (includes pictures of towns etc and vistas) is

www.sangres.com

Agree with frmden - unless you are really into driving,I would stay in Breckenridge, Keystone,or Vail. Be sure to drive to Glenwood & visit the pool. If you wanted to come early, you might just enjoy doing stuff in Denver. Do you like baseball? Don't know if there's a game that weekend but Denver does have fun stuff to do. See the latest post by MikeWeber. They did a lot.

The Colorado ROCKIES are in town ~

playing the Houston Astros 9/05 at 7pm

on 9/6 at 1:05pm

and 9/07 at 6:06pm

wear sunscreen !

such amazing information here. thanks for the great links, Ann.

Buttercupcali,

You are very welcome, I have done so much research for my upcoming holiday i feel like i know Colorado better than my home town here in UK. LOL!!

Suppose its the Virgo in me...

We are doing Golden as Buffalo Bill museum looks good.


hope it all goes well.