Estes Park or Aspen,Co
Jun 11th, 2006, 08:18 PM
#21
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Donna-
Just got back tonight from a surprise anniversary trip to Estes Park. I've stayed there twice now (once at the Stanley which is HIGHLY overrated) and we just got back from a FANTASTIC and very private place for couples only. It was called Antlers Pointe (part of Creekside Suites). They actually have about 3 properties that are all very close to each other but are literally less than a mile from the entrance to RMNP. I will agree that Main Street in Estes is fairly touristy and although there are lots of restaurants we still haven't been to anything spectacular. We got a great reccomendation to go to the Baldpate Inn (which is not right in town) and when we went they were closed for a wedding but they have a very unique setting. Antelope Pointe is 8 small cabin/1 floor condo type units that you cross a little footbridge to get to over the river. Each unit has a grill outside, really nicely manicured landscaping, private hot tubs for each cabin all of which were just renovated and look brand new. They have a small kitchen with a tiny oven and stove and all the cooking supplies. So one night we grilled and the next night we went out. We also did the cookout picnic inside the park. We went almost every direction in the park and we still didn't see even close to everything. I live in CO and I still wanted to spend more like 3 to 4 nights up there so I wouldn't worry about it getting boring. I'll try to upload some photos of where we stayed and post them for you.
Just got back tonight from a surprise anniversary trip to Estes Park. I've stayed there twice now (once at the Stanley which is HIGHLY overrated) and we just got back from a FANTASTIC and very private place for couples only. It was called Antlers Pointe (part of Creekside Suites). They actually have about 3 properties that are all very close to each other but are literally less than a mile from the entrance to RMNP. I will agree that Main Street in Estes is fairly touristy and although there are lots of restaurants we still haven't been to anything spectacular. We got a great reccomendation to go to the Baldpate Inn (which is not right in town) and when we went they were closed for a wedding but they have a very unique setting. Antelope Pointe is 8 small cabin/1 floor condo type units that you cross a little footbridge to get to over the river. Each unit has a grill outside, really nicely manicured landscaping, private hot tubs for each cabin all of which were just renovated and look brand new. They have a small kitchen with a tiny oven and stove and all the cooking supplies. So one night we grilled and the next night we went out. We also did the cookout picnic inside the park. We went almost every direction in the park and we still didn't see even close to everything. I live in CO and I still wanted to spend more like 3 to 4 nights up there so I wouldn't worry about it getting boring. I'll try to upload some photos of where we stayed and post them for you.
Jun 11th, 2006, 08:34 PM
#22
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I just started uploading these photos but here's a few of ANTLERS POINTE (called it Antelope Pointe on the last post). Their website is below also.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...37104772vGOGAh
http://www.estes-park.com/antlers/
http://community.webshots.com/photo/...37104772vGOGAh
http://www.estes-park.com/antlers/
Jun 12th, 2006, 04:50 AM
#23
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lenleigh. THANKS.... The pictures are great!!!
Now we were thinkin of landing in Denver, drive out to Vail/Beaver Creek stay there for 2 nights, and while there making a day trip to Aspen.
Then on the 3rd day, leave early and head to Estes or Grand Lake for 2 nights. Then head to Denver for the last night to spend the day with my step-son.. Maybe go to Garden of the Gods for a day trip. WE don't mind getting up early and driving for 2 or 3 hours to get to our destination. This seems pretty do-able, wouldn't ya say?
Now we were thinkin of landing in Denver, drive out to Vail/Beaver Creek stay there for 2 nights, and while there making a day trip to Aspen.
Then on the 3rd day, leave early and head to Estes or Grand Lake for 2 nights. Then head to Denver for the last night to spend the day with my step-son.. Maybe go to Garden of the Gods for a day trip. WE don't mind getting up early and driving for 2 or 3 hours to get to our destination. This seems pretty do-able, wouldn't ya say?
Jun 12th, 2006, 05:46 AM
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I agree with Tess on Breckenridge in the summer. I'd choose that over Vail for summertime. Again, come back to visit Vail in the winter when you can ski the slopes. If you still want to make a day trip to Aspen, I'd recommend staying in Glenwood Springs... that way you can take advantage of the hot springs as well.
Jun 12th, 2006, 06:43 AM
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Donna, regarding your most recent plan, IMHO you would be spending way too much time in your car and too little time enjoying any one place.
I agree with Catbert's recommendation. Maybe drop the visit to Estes/RMNP/Grand Lake in favor of Breckenridge or Aspen or one other place you've researched. Forget about Garden of the Gods, with the other places you're planning, and a day-trip to Aspen from Vail would be a bad idea, too.
Simply pick a place and enjoy it.
It makes no sense to try to pack in as much as you're listing. They are all beautiful places, but each has plenty to offer on its own. Trying to see them all will just frustrate you.
It seems visitors think of Colorado like they do Italy-- that you can see it all in one quick drive-by visit. No, you can't. Don't even try. Because rushing through a beautiful place for the sake of saying "I've been there" is a waste of time, IMHO.
Plus, the mountain roads do get congested in the summertime with people trying to do just that, to touch bases with a packed itinerary of places. So driving can be sluggish in some spots, cars overheat on the inclines pulling , etc. And the price of gas??
Please minimize your driving, reduce the pollution and congestion. Just enjoy Colorado's quiet beauty and lively activities, not its choked highways.
Sorry if I seem to be ranting. It's a hot button of mine. If we had a good train system here, like in parts of Europe, it would be a godsend.
I agree with Catbert's recommendation. Maybe drop the visit to Estes/RMNP/Grand Lake in favor of Breckenridge or Aspen or one other place you've researched. Forget about Garden of the Gods, with the other places you're planning, and a day-trip to Aspen from Vail would be a bad idea, too.
Simply pick a place and enjoy it.
It makes no sense to try to pack in as much as you're listing. They are all beautiful places, but each has plenty to offer on its own. Trying to see them all will just frustrate you.
It seems visitors think of Colorado like they do Italy-- that you can see it all in one quick drive-by visit. No, you can't. Don't even try. Because rushing through a beautiful place for the sake of saying "I've been there" is a waste of time, IMHO.
Plus, the mountain roads do get congested in the summertime with people trying to do just that, to touch bases with a packed itinerary of places. So driving can be sluggish in some spots, cars overheat on the inclines pulling , etc. And the price of gas??
Please minimize your driving, reduce the pollution and congestion. Just enjoy Colorado's quiet beauty and lively activities, not its choked highways.
Sorry if I seem to be ranting. It's a hot button of mine. If we had a good train system here, like in parts of Europe, it would be a godsend.
Jun 12th, 2006, 09:43 AM
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I strongly disagree with the last post. For years, I visited Colorado on at least an annual visit. Some of those visits were Grand Circle-type tours. Some of those visits were driving or flying in and spending lots of time in one location. The type and style of travel varied based on 1) what I wanted to see and do at that time 2) who was traveling with me and 3) what traveling companions had seen or not seen.
Colorado is a wonderful state. I have strongly reconsidered relocating there. If I "drop out" of my current life, I will probably resurface in Colorado.
Donna, enjoy your travels. Get a taste of Colorado and do your best to meet the needs, expectations and interest of your travel companions.
A warning though - you will want to come back again and again - especially since you have family there!
Enjoy.
Colorado is a wonderful state. I have strongly reconsidered relocating there. If I "drop out" of my current life, I will probably resurface in Colorado.
Donna, enjoy your travels. Get a taste of Colorado and do your best to meet the needs, expectations and interest of your travel companions.
A warning though - you will want to come back again and again - especially since you have family there!
Enjoy.
Jun 12th, 2006, 10:23 AM
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Donna-
Your plan would work out fine. We rented a 4x4 and we had just as much fun driving back home through the mountains. Just because your in a car doesn't mean you can't enjoy the mountains. We drove through Grand Lake and it's a lot smaller than Estes but the main road is pretty packed with people. I think Estes is prettier than Grand Lake and you feel like your surrounded by more/bigger mountains than you do in Grand Lake. If you don't have the time to make it to Garden of the Gods (which I also have photos of on webshots) then you could stop at Red Rocks which is also very pretty and similar. It's famously known for the amphitheater where they have summer concerts and it's just off I-70/ C-470 on the way to or from the mountains.
Your plan would work out fine. We rented a 4x4 and we had just as much fun driving back home through the mountains. Just because your in a car doesn't mean you can't enjoy the mountains. We drove through Grand Lake and it's a lot smaller than Estes but the main road is pretty packed with people. I think Estes is prettier than Grand Lake and you feel like your surrounded by more/bigger mountains than you do in Grand Lake. If you don't have the time to make it to Garden of the Gods (which I also have photos of on webshots) then you could stop at Red Rocks which is also very pretty and similar. It's famously known for the amphitheater where they have summer concerts and it's just off I-70/ C-470 on the way to or from the mountains.
Jun 12th, 2006, 11:23 AM
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Donna - There's lots of good advice here, but I think you need to take a moment and decide what it is you want out of this trip.
Your first post on this thread said you were going to spend a night or two in Denver, and the rest of your time in either Aspen or Estes Park. Your latest itinerary has you going from Denver to Vail/Beaver Creek (with a day trip to Aspen), then on to Grand Lake or Estes Park, then a night in Denver, with a possible day trip to CO Springs.
It's up to you - do you want to spend some time in one or two spots and explore/relax while there, or drive around to several locations and not have as much time at any of them? There are pluses and minuses to either plan, but for now, I really think you need to decide which plan (exploring one area vs. seeing a little of everything) is right for you, and THEN worry about the exact itinerary.
Your first post on this thread said you were going to spend a night or two in Denver, and the rest of your time in either Aspen or Estes Park. Your latest itinerary has you going from Denver to Vail/Beaver Creek (with a day trip to Aspen), then on to Grand Lake or Estes Park, then a night in Denver, with a possible day trip to CO Springs.
It's up to you - do you want to spend some time in one or two spots and explore/relax while there, or drive around to several locations and not have as much time at any of them? There are pluses and minuses to either plan, but for now, I really think you need to decide which plan (exploring one area vs. seeing a little of everything) is right for you, and THEN worry about the exact itinerary.
Jun 12th, 2006, 01:54 PM
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I'm with the "Estes is too crowded" group. We'll go up in the fall to see & hear the elk bugling and camp and hike, but if you're not of the camping hiking crowd - I think you could do RMNP in a day.
I think an Aspen day trip from Vail would be too much driving. I work in Vail, husband works in Snowmass - so we know that drive!
My 2 cents - from Denver drive to Estes, have lunch, drive through RMNP over Trail Ridge Road overnight in Grand Lake. Drive GL to Vail/Beaver Creek for a night or two. Drive thru Glenwood Canyon to Aspen and overnight. Return to Denver via Independence Pass thru Leadville- a long but scenic drive.
I would skip the Colorado Springs/Gdn of the Gods, Pikes Peak area this trip. Opposite direction and worth several days on its own.
I think an Aspen day trip from Vail would be too much driving. I work in Vail, husband works in Snowmass - so we know that drive!
My 2 cents - from Denver drive to Estes, have lunch, drive through RMNP over Trail Ridge Road overnight in Grand Lake. Drive GL to Vail/Beaver Creek for a night or two. Drive thru Glenwood Canyon to Aspen and overnight. Return to Denver via Independence Pass thru Leadville- a long but scenic drive.
I would skip the Colorado Springs/Gdn of the Gods, Pikes Peak area this trip. Opposite direction and worth several days on its own.
Jun 13th, 2006, 04:44 AM
#30
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Thanks for all of the great advice...
I have to make some decisions, trying to cram everything in just in case we don't come back. :0(
We don't mind driving and stopping and seeing things on the way. We did the PCH last year in 5 nights, was nice. We drove 2 or 3 hours every morning then stayed either a night or 2.
I have to make some decisions, trying to cram everything in just in case we don't come back. :0(
We don't mind driving and stopping and seeing things on the way. We did the PCH last year in 5 nights, was nice. We drove 2 or 3 hours every morning then stayed either a night or 2.
Jun 13th, 2006, 07:35 AM
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Last summer I spent time in Estes Park, Steamboat Springs, and Aspen.
Of the three, Steamboat Springs was by far our favorite. A real western feel, nice people, and beautiful scenery.
Estes was also beautiful, a little touristy, but worthwhile, especially if your goal is to see Rocky Mountain National Park.
Aspen was ok, although we felt out of place there...people were not friendly, the town was extremely expensive...I will not be headed back there.
Between the two I would choose Estes. However, if you can make it to Steamboat, it is worth the time to get there. Plenty to do, whitewater, horseback riding, rodeo, big firework show on 4th of July.
Of the three, Steamboat Springs was by far our favorite. A real western feel, nice people, and beautiful scenery.
Estes was also beautiful, a little touristy, but worthwhile, especially if your goal is to see Rocky Mountain National Park.
Aspen was ok, although we felt out of place there...people were not friendly, the town was extremely expensive...I will not be headed back there.
Between the two I would choose Estes. However, if you can make it to Steamboat, it is worth the time to get there. Plenty to do, whitewater, horseback riding, rodeo, big firework show on 4th of July.
Jun 13th, 2006, 01:03 PM
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Donna, I'm surprised no one has mentioned the YMCA Estes Park right outside RMNP. We have stayed there twice, before kids and then last summer with kids. You may be able to get a room--it's very popular. We woke up early one morning to find mule deer outside our cabin! I agree that Estes Park is congested but it is a pretty town--we spent a morning walking around. Another suggestion, if you find yourself in the Boulder area, you MUST go to Celestial Seasonings Factory Tour. It's free and you'll never forget the experience. (They have a website.) I don't know anything about Aspen but Trail Ridge Road and RMNP are second to none. If you start the drive early, you'll avoid most of the congestion. Hope this helps.
Jun 13th, 2006, 01:07 PM
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I ditto not driving to Aspen just to "see" Aspen. You would do much better to enjoy the other mountain towns (and surrounds) you are already visiting. You aren't missing anything by missing Aspen - IMHO of course 
Jun 14th, 2006, 07:44 PM
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I would highly recommend Aspen. It is a favorite summer destination. The key to enjoying your visit though is staying in a location that is walkable to town. Traffic is heavy and frustrating if you stay out of town. I would not stop in Avon/Vail. 3 nights in Aspen would be better. Do not miss the Maroon Bells. They are gorgeous mountains in Aspen. Hiking is available from the parking lot. The evening concerts are wonderful in Aspen. The bike trails are fabulous. Take a ski lift to the top of the mountain too. Be sure and drink plenty of water if you aren't used to high altitudes.
Jun 15th, 2006, 09:26 AM
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Jun 15th, 2006, 02:06 PM
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Donna, there are two ways to get Aspen. I would go TO Aspen via I70 to Glenwood Springs and then 82 to Aspen. Glenwood Canyon is dramatic and beautiful.
I would return from Aspen by going over Independence Pass and then north on 91 to 9, connecting with I-70. Take 119 (Blackhawk) to 72 to Estes Park.
You could reverse these, or go one or the other both ways. It would give you a better overview of Colorado to do a different one each way. I-70 to Glenwood Springs is the less stressful.
I would return from Aspen by going over Independence Pass and then north on 91 to 9, connecting with I-70. Take 119 (Blackhawk) to 72 to Estes Park.
You could reverse these, or go one or the other both ways. It would give you a better overview of Colorado to do a different one each way. I-70 to Glenwood Springs is the less stressful.
