Help with itinerary
 

Hi - we are traveling to Denver and Boulder for work and will extend our trip for vacation. We will be staying in Denver for a few nights. On our last trip, we spent a few days in Breckenridge and really enjoyed our time. This year, we'd like to visit another area. We'd like to relax - take a hike or two, swim, shop, and enjoy a few good restaurants. We plan to head out from Boulder and were thinking about traveling to Crested Butte. Is there anywhere along the way that would be a good stop for one night? We are also open to other areas - one friend recommended Steamboat Springs, although I am not sold. Many thanks for your advice!

How soon is this trip? Be aware of where the big forest fires are. The air quality may be poor in a lot of Colorado for 2 weeks to 2 months depending on weather and how much more burns after today.
For a great hike take the Amtrak California Zephyr to Glenwood Springs. Hike along the Colorado River east of town or take a bus up to Aspen.
The Colorado Dept of Trans also runs the "Bustang" to Glenwood Springs if you don't want the train. Both leave from the transit center near Coors Field. The light rail also comes from Denver airport to the transit center.

beginning of august

The two largest fires are the 416 which started 1 month ago and is 55000 acres and is 45% contained. It is a 6 1/2 hour drive from Denver and is expected to be close to contained by the end of July so shouldn't be an issue. Another fire, the Spring creek fire is in southern CO. It stands at over 100,000 acres and also is not ear any of the areas you mentioned. There are a total of 8 fires burning in CO at the moment. But things change in a flash and what is currently happening could be irrelevant in a month. You can monitor all fires in CO by going to the inciweb website. BTW, one of the smaller fires is in the aspen area, Tom.

Crested Butte is a great option - a beautiful slice of Colorado.

Buena Vista would make a good overnight stop. Pretty little town - hot springs, hikes, beautiful views of the Collegiate Peaks.

Crested Butte is a little tough to get to with a lot of driving. At that time of year you might consider the Aspen/Glennwood Springs area. About four hours from Denver. Make a nice loop of Frisco, Copper Mt, Leadville, Independence Pass, Aspen, Glenwood Springs, the canyon, Vail and back to Denver. That is one of the prettiest areas of CO. At that time of year Aspen is a pleasant, laid back town. The Mineral Belt Trail (12 mile paved looped trail- mostly flat) is hidden gem in Leadville. Overnight in Leadville and on to Aspen would be good stop. Outside of Leadville, towards Tennessee pass is Camp Hale - the training camp for the 10th Mountain Division.