Sorry downedl. I suppose after 10+ years as a Fodor's member I should brush up on protocol.

I'm no expert on RMNP (we don't go often, because we hike with dogs, and they're not allowed in national parks to hike), but Trail Ridge Road is the road that gets you from the east side to the west side, and it generally closes for the season in mid-October. Their website gives the status of the road (FYI, it's still closed right now); if it's closed, then you would have a longer trip from RMNP to the Grand Lake / Granby or Summit County area. Again, just keep an eye on the website.

In Breck, depending on the weather, there are plenty of lower-level hikes that the tourist information office could point you to. Or higher-level if the weather is warmer. Bike rental places, which are ski rentals in the winter, might already be switching to the skis, but if not and the weather is good, you could rent bikes and take the path back and forth between Breck and Frisco. Maybe four-wheel-drive tours, depending on the weather.

Country Boy Mine is right outside Breck. There's a small children's museum in town. Several walking tours of the historic aspects of the town, operated by the historical society. You could drive to Vail; their gondola runs all year round - though confirm that, it may be weekends-only at some times of year. In Leadville, there's a decent mining museum, and a narrow gauge railroad, but that may be closed for the winter by October. Seems like I should be able to think of more, but the time of year is a factor.

Thank you Lexma90 - great Breck info! The mine is open, but the Leadville train is closed and October 4 ends Vail Gondolas. You’ve given me lots to explore. There is a highly rated ranch near Steamboat and the Strawberry Park Hot Springs, so may head up there. I’m happy to have time and less hotel-booking-urgency as October is a low travel season. Thanks all!

The Georgetown loop railroad is a much better train. A great experience is the dinner train. Georgetown is a narrow gauge steam engine where as the Leadville is a diesel engine.

It doesn't surprise me that Vail Gondolas is closed. You might check Keystone. They have a couple of gondolas that service year around mountain top restaurants so I know those are running. October is the big changeover month from summer to skiing. All of the lifts, gondolas have to go through maintenance and safety checks prior to the ski season.

Sweet fmpden - Oktoberfest Trains at Georgetown! Beer (and root beer) and brats for all on the train.

I called Keystone, Gondolas and lifts close September 20. I guess I can go to each ski town and inquire about Gondolas. Estes Park Aerial Tramway and Royal Gorge are the only similar rides I find open in October.

Estes Park Aerial Tramway and Royal Gorge are tourist attractions that will be open nearly year around. Are not ski areas. Not sure how scenic Royal Gorge will be. A forest fire sweep though there last year damaging a lot property. They are open but struggling at the moment. Georgetown Loop Railroad is fun. We did the dinner fall last Fall. For the special trains you will need advance tickets.

If you really want a special treat. Try Alpenglow Stube. It is a fixed priced restaurant at the top of Keystone. It takes two gondolas rides to get there. For some reason could not get on the website so don't know if open in Oct. I am fearing that it not be open in Oct.

I like special treats and Alpenglow does look divine, from the little info I was able to access. Open Table shows no availability.

Trying to pare down itinerary as fitting in RMNP to the north, Georgetown in the center and Garden of the Gods & Pike's Peak to the south is a challenge when want to fit in some ski towns and/or Glenwood Springs.