I am heading to Colorado to see my son who works at Beaver Creek. I will be with my brother and daughter (18). We will spend a few days in BC but would like some help with days trips- the first from BC. We enjoy photography, short hikes (weather permitting) and beautiful scenery. We are considering a day trip to Glenwood Springs on the day we rest from skiing. Other than getting in the spring itself- what is there to do? I did a bit of research but I don't see much due to it being winter, of course. Our return to Denver will be early March 24. We have that day to do more sightseeing on our drive east. We are considering either Red Rocks (worth it in winter? Seems a bit out of the way) or Boulder. We would hit Pearl St. and just enjoy the shops and get a late lunch. Is there a side trip off of 70 that would be scenic/interesting or a have a special place that we should eat? We will spend Mon night at an airport hotel. Thanks!

So I guess this is THIS week.

Glenwood Caverns and the other stuff on the website should keep you busy for hours. http://glenwoodcaverns.com/
From the California Zephyr train on December 14, I saw someone swimming in the world's largest hot spring fed swimming pool.
I was looking across the Colorado River and I-70.
Winter ends on Thursday. Aspen is only 41 miles from the town of Glenwood Springs. There is a very long bicycle trail going east from GWS along the Colorado River through the beautiful Glenwood Canyon.

I am aware of the hot spring pool. I was wondering what else there might be to do. Bicycling would be a good option if that is an option. And, yes, Gretchen. It is this week. It's a quick trip to spend a few days with my son. Might give up a day of skiing if Glenwood Springs is worth it. As stated above, we want to do something on Monday as we head back to Denver to fly out Tuesday. Any insight is appreciated.

It is winter in the mountains and today reinforced that idea. Bicycling the trail along the Colorado is probably out due to snow. A short hike to Hanging Lake just off I-70 in the canyon - might be possible - again snow could be an issue.

Red Rocks is a big outdoor stage set in the rocks - OK for an hour and just off I-70 at the Morrison exit. Boulder is an hour out of the way. Georgetown is an interesting old Victorian town set at the foot of the climb to the tunnels. It is worth a stop.

If you haven't been in Denver, then spend it along the 16th street mall and LoDo with a wide range of very good restaurants. All walkable with the free mall bus. Have dinner in downtown Denver and then a short, easy drive to the airport. hotel.

I prefer Boulder to Georgetown. There's more to see and do. There are some unique shops along Pearl St and some good places for lunch. The 16th Street Mall is not really an attraction IMO. In need of some serious updating. However Lodo is fun. I'd still opt for Boulder. The Boulder Bike Path running alongside Boulder Creek is a good place for a walk.

Thanks! I do understand that the weather will dictate some things that we can or can't do. I know that my son got about 6 inches of snow since Monday so we will play it by ear.

If you have time, I suggest you drive to Aspen, which also takes you through Glenwood canyon and Glenwood Springs. It's about 45 minutes' drive from Glenwood. Aspen is worth seeing, IMHO, since you're so close.

Boulder is fun, but it's out of your way from I-70. Maybe Golden?

Less than 6 miles off I-70 from Copper Mountain as you head back to Denver is Mayflower Gulch.
http://www.summitcountyexplorer.com/...ng%20Trail.htm

A beautiful basin surrounded by impressive 13'ers. It's a good place to aim your camera!
https://www.google.com/search?q=mayf...urce=univ&sa=X

Ha! I just realized I was standing right next to guy who took the current 13th listed picture on the Google link posted above.
http://images.summitpost.org/original/248963.jpg

Just to keep the logistics straight, Aspen (which I love but a similar experience to B. C. ) is about 30/35 minutes from Glenwood Springs. Boulder is about 30/35 minutes from I 70.

Unless you have snowshoes or Nordic skis, you won't be able to do much hiking in the mountains. Too much snow! The Springs does have a spa along with the pool, but most activities will be limited because of the snow. It's a great place to bike and raft just not this time of year.

Aspen similar to BC? Uh, no. Not one bit.

Similar in that they are both ski areas. Aspen has more shopping and restaurants and certainly a different ambience. I assumed the OP was looking for something other than another ski resort.

Don't trash Tabernash2 beloved Aspen. Wondered how long it would take for her to respond to that comment. But I know what you meant.

Yes, I like Aspen. It is much more than just "another ski resort".

When I refer to Aspen, I mean the town and and the surrounding area, not just the Aspen ski mountain(s). There's so much to do there, besides skiing. All year round.

Along I70 before you get to Glenwood Springs there is the exhibit about constructing that part of the highway--cantilevered over the river. It is a very interesting exhibit--ordinarily you could bike along that part but apparently the snow is upon it.
In Denver, if you have time, shop on Pearl Street with your daughter--particularly Five Green Boxes. LOVE those two little stores. And there are lots of eclectic and good restaurants.
Also shopping up in the Highlands area (32nd St.--this is NOT Highlands Ranch subdivision) is fun. Good restaurants. There is a GREAT cheese shop there (St. Killian's), and a darling ice cream shop (Little Man's (?)).
Pizza/antipasto at the best pizzeria at Marco's Coal Fired Pizza near Coors Field on ______. Worth the trip!! Denver Botanic Gardens are lovely. Not sure about in the snow!!
Flagship REI is downtown, and a great spice shop--Savory Spice--is not far from it. Better than Penzey's.
While driving back from the mountains you might enjoy a lunch in Frisco--or outlet shopping at Silverthorne.
Have fun.