jenblase

I'm taking DH to Colorado for a week for his 40th birthday. This particular trip is vexing me more than usual since it's a surprise and he's unable to help me "trip plan" and give me his opinions... so I could really use your help here.

We are arriving in Denver May 28th, spending one night in Denver, then next day departing for the Broadmoor in Co Springs (our splurge for this trip). Spending two nights in Colorado Springs and actually quite excited about this area since there's lots nearby to see and do (Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Manitou Springs, Olympic Training facility, etc.). So I am sure we will have no problem filling up our days there. Then, I have three nights rented in a house in Estes Park, but that's not til Weds night. So here is our dilemma: We need a location for the night between Co Springs and Estes Park. I am thinking we'll probably hit Idaho Springs to go to one of the mine tours, and I would kind of like to visit Georgetown, so I was thinking of Beaver Creek. I need Hyatt nights to requalify for Diamond status this year, so that's why I was thinking of doing the Park Hyatt in Beaver Creek. Or, if it seems totally stupid to drive all the way to BC, give me suggestions as to where we should spend that night. Not able to afford a third night at Broadmoor, so that's out... besides, I'd like to see one more different "area" of Colorado, even if it's only for one night.

lindagj

Spend that night in one of the Denver Hyatts. Relax a bit or hit the Denver Art Museum. The next day drive up to Gtown and Idaho Springs. Check a map and take the backroad to Estes thru Central City, Lyons, etc.Pretty ride.Save BeaverCreek for next time.

historytraveler

Denver is really a great city with much to offer, so I'd certainly consider it for another night. Breckenridge has a Hyatt and would be a better option than Beaver Creek.

furledleader

I'm going to disagree. My guess is you're coming here to BE IN THE MOUNTAINS. Not in a big city on the high plains. Although Denver has a lot to offer, it's nothing more special than you can find in any other big city for the most part.

Do Breckenridge.

Gretchen

Or go to Boulder for the night. I wouldn't go as far as Beaver Creek, although it isn't really "that far". I'm also in the Denver camp. Have a really nice dinner somewhere, go to the botanic gardens--or the art museum, as suggested.

fmpden

A couple of things since the prior advice is all over the place. B Creek is two and half hours west of Denver and you need to back track to Denver to get to Estes. You have no guarantee that you can reach Estes from the backside as suggested by lindagi. The target for opening Trail Ridge Road is Memorial Day weekend. Yesterday a local TV report showed road crews struggling to make progress through record high drifts. It is snowing in the city today which means it is snowing harder in the mountains. Even if CDOT does get it open on schedule it can quickly close if a storm comes up. It trapped on the west side it is a long ways around to the other side. At this time of year, I would not take that risk if time is short. Hit Denver.

wtm003

Lindagj DID NOT suggest taking Trail Ridge Road and most likely her suggested route will be fine. The OP could also run into bad weather driving over Monument Hill from Colorado Springs to Denver if a storm pops up, so IMO I think it is slightly overkill advising against driving through Central City & Lyons. Yes it is snowing in the mountains, but it is a bit of an exaggeration to say that it is snowing in the city today. Yes, I've seen a flake or two in the rain but nothing measurable.

Gretchen

I am also not sure the mine tours will be beginning by then so that would be worth an inquiry.
It's a cute tour, but we took our grands--I think it is a bit better for them than me, personally.

jenblase

I think Lindagj was suggesting I take the Peak-to-Peak highway from Idaho Springs-ish up to Estes Park - is that correct? If so, that was my plan anyway, presuming all of those roads would be open.

What is a good website to check for road closures/openings in that area?

usroadman

This website has current CDOT conditions (and links to cameras). http://www.cotrip.org/roadConditions.htm

lindagj

Yes, it is Peak to Peak highway. I couldn't think of the name. I wouldn't plan on Trail Ridge. We were in the mountains today and seems to us to be more snow than usual for the middle of May.