Early June in Colorado
 

The facts: two parents, 14 year old, and 20 year old boys. Colorado trip either the first week of June or first week of July. Likes - rafting or kayaking, maybe some biking and hiking, photography. We are not more than intermediate level for any of these activities. Also just relaxing and eating! Flying in/out of Denver, most likely, and renting a car. Six or seven days to spend. Budget $200/night on lodging (need space for the boys), but saving a little here or there would be great.

I am considering Denver, Colorado Springs, Glenwood Springs. Denver, Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes. Or, Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Estes. Any comments or suggestions about itinerary?

Questions.

Is the first week of June too early to go rafting in Colorado. That is, will the water be unbearably cold? I am guessing that waiting until July will be warmer, but less water flow.

How would one drive Colorado Springs to Glenwood Springs? Backtrack to I-70?

Water is cold anytime in Colorado, IMOP. I am not use to that cold water, but it doesn't seem to bother a lot of people. A lot of people like it because it has a higher flow(earlier in the year)better/wilder rapids.

I love Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park.

Most places will provide wet suits. Just check on river levels, we haven't had a lot of snow this year, so the snow pack may not equate to a good melt.

I would cut out Colorado Springs.

How about:
Fly in to Denver.
Drive to Boulder for one or two nights.
Drive to Glenwood Springs/Aspen and stay there as long as possible.
Return to Denver for a night or two.
Fly out of Denver.

I think your boys would especially like Boulder and Glenwood Springs/Aspen.

Lodging is pricey in the mountains in July, but you could look at hotels in Basalt, a tiny town between Glenwood Springs and Aspen. It's a great location and not nearly as expensive. There are plenty of things to do in that area. Probably outdoor music festivals of one sort or another. Rafting, and every other thing you would want.

There's lots of activities available in Rocky Mountain National Park, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, ATV rentals (not within the park, and of course hiking.

In Estes Park, you shouldn't have a problem finding condo type accommodations within that rate - which would have a kitchen so you could prepare most of your own meals. Some relaxing areas that are not in the "busy" area of Estes are Woodlands on Fall River, Wildwood Inn, Riverwood on Fall River - basically anything along Fall River Road would be a nice area.

There are lots of nice, easy hikes that you can enjoy in the park. Sprague Lake is less than mile loop and if you get there early in the morning you'll have an opportunity for spectacular pictures. Emerald Lake, in my opinion one of the best hikes in the park, is just a little over 3 miles and you'll actually pass two other nice lake along the way- Nymph and Dream Lake.

http://www.rockymountainhikingtrails...easy-hikes.htm

The drive across Trail Ridge Road - which connects the east and west side of the park - is an incredibly scenic drive and would a great day trip.

Estes Park is a typical tourist town with lots of shops and restaurants and a great place to walk around at night if the kids get bored with the outdoor activities!