Looking for suggestions in Colorado
 

Hubby and I are planning a trip to Colorado in late August 08 and need some suggestions. We like to bike (flat roads)blade, or white water raft, anything active, but want to stay in a nice hotel, no camping or roughing it. We would love an all-inclusive resort but I don't think any exist. If not, some type of meal plan would be great. We plan to use FF miles so the air portion is covered. Any help out there?

The only all-inclusive I've heard of in Colorado is this:

http://www.mountainlodgetelluride.com/

It's in Telluride, which is a beautiful mountain town, and it seems like it would have the luxury you're looking for.

the only "flat" biking I can think of is Boulder Bike Path; otherwise, set up in a (off-season) ski resort in a ski town and take day trips for the rafting. Try mountain biking down a mountain; they carry you up on the lifts, and you take the (main) wide trail down (and you can switchback pretty easily). Just walking down is fun, too. Winter Park might be close to a lot of the activities, including rafting.

I don't think Sylvia is a frequent cyclists if she is suggesting that Boulder is flat, Boulder sits at the base of the Flat Irons and most of it is uphill. The path along the Boulder Creek is flat in one direction only -- down stream.

With over 500 miles of bike paths and trails in the Denver metro you would plenty of relatively flat cycling. Many of the trails follow drainage areas -- Platte River, Cherry Creek, Bear Creak, etc. which makes for nice riding but riding up steam is up -- it is gradual and easy but it is up all the way -- min coasting.

The path along the Colorado River through Glen Wood Canyon is great ride and is nearly except for about mile when dropping into or climbing out of the canyon at Glen Wood Springs.

The 12 mile Mineral Loop Trail out of Leadville is a gem. It like riding thought or hiking a open air museum. It is about six miles up hill and six mile down with a gradual slope. Some folks suggest that it is easier clock wise but we have done it both ways and notice little difference.

Frisco is the hub of the mountain trail system in Summit County. All uphill from Frisco and can be challenging especially the climb to Vail pass. The Breckenridge/Frisco run is easy. Local bike shops can arrange for you to be driven to the top of Vail, or Boris passes Then all you have worry about is overheated rims unless you are using bikes with disk brakes.

As Sylvia mention the ski resorts will transport your bike on the ski lifts to the top and then you can ride down. Strictly single track for mountain bikes and full suspension is useful. The routes down can range from very challenging to fairly easy.

White water rafting is essentially over by August especially late August. The peak season is May and June with Spring run off. But you can still find some float trips that are nice. However with the current snow load we may be rafting till November. Some of the drainage areas are more than 50% above average and March and April still to come. Of course, it could stop snowing tomorrow.

As a local I don't know of any all-inclusive resorts in the area because I don't look for them. There are a number of very nice hotels in Keystone, Breckenridge, and Vail. I would look to Vail first and then Breck. My personal preference would be Breckenridge but Vail may be more to your liking. Late August should be a good discount since the summer is nearly over and skiing hasn't started.

Keep in the mind that the Democratic Nat Convention will be in Denver the 3rd week of August. We are expecting a zoo.

If you stayed in Breckenridge you have access to Lake Dillon with sailing/boat. For sailing you will need a wet suit since most of the water in the lake was snow the previous week.

At historical Georgetown, a hour west of Denver on I-70, is the Georgetown Loop -- a narrow gauge railroad. A bit of tourist trap but very interesting -- especially the mine tour.

That should get you started, if you have other questions, write.

By all inclusive, I take it you mean that meals are included in cost? Do you also mean that activites are included as well? Do you mean a place like Club Med, Sandals, Couples?? IF so, I don't think you are going to find those here in Colorado.

I believe Mountain Lodge is a condo type set up, not all inclusive.

FWIW, white water rafting in August isn't likely - you need spring melt/ runoff for that. Bu August, water levels are down and much tamer.

There are so many wonderful restaurants in so many areas, why limit yourself to a meal plan?

SW Colorado has wonderful places to stay, eat, and lots of things to see and do. Consider coming down here!
Deb

That is true, Deb. but it is long ways to drive.

I live in Boulder. In the spring, fall, and summer, I bike the path almost daily. From the mouth of the canyon (very west outskirts of Boulder) to the eastern city limits, it's about 5 miles of VERY gentle grade. Believe me, if I do it, it's as about as flat as it needs to be 1 to 2 percent.
BTW, Flatiron and Glenwood are each one word, not two. Harumph.

You go Sylvia ;-) I grew up in Boulder - it sits in the foothills, true, but much of it IS flat. It's a great town to visit - especially the Pearl Street Mall on a summer night! That said, to OP - HIGHLY recommend Vail for your trip! You can stay in a beautiful condo for a great rate in the summer - or if you are looking for nice hotel, also lots of choices, like the The Lodge at Vail (very romantic restaurant inside, Wildflower - we got engaged there many years ago!). And you won't want a meal plan because there are way too many great restaurants to take advantage of in the area. You can bike around the town of Vail itself, that wouldn't be too bad, and taking the gondola up and biking down is very fun! There are often lots of cultural activities as well and you can drive around to spend the day in Breck, etc. The town of Vail is so charming - and absolutely beautiful in the summer!

Claudette - I would also look at Beaver Creek. I would suggest driving to Glenwood Springs from there or Vail for a day trip. Beautiful canyon on the way & the hot springs pool is unique.

I think it's safe to assume you don't have airline tickets yet. SW Colorado is a good choice, and there are certainly airports closer than Denver which means it doesn't have to be a long drive as has been suggested. Denver in August is not really much of a destination - it's hot and dry, a couple hours from the mountains, and I can't imagine you'd want to do much biking or blading within the city.

Friends of ours stayed in a luxury condo in Beaver Creek several summers ago and thought it was fabulous. It wasn't cheap, even in summer, but it was way less than in winter! I can get the name for you if you'd like.

Beaver Creek has a much different "feel" than Vail - I think Vail so much more charming and authentic, BC is more upscale - definitely personal preference, though. They are right next to each other, so you can see lots of both either way. You can fly directly into Vail now on AA and likely other airlines. If you do need to fly into Denver, there are shuttles that take you up and it's not really a bad drive - most of it is very scenic.

I looked up Continental's schedule and they don't fly to Vail after April apparently, at least not with FF miles. Don't have the tickets yet, so we can still go anywhere Continental flies from Atlanta.

For someone who is not familiar with the area, I think it20's post could be a little misleading. Beaver Creek is next to Vail but it is not next door. Requires about 15 minutes on I-70 and 15 minutes to get through Avon and to I-70. The Eagle/Vail airport is about 25 miles west of Beaver Creek and good 45 minute drive from BC and an hour from Vail. Shuttles and airlines service is geared to the ski season so I don't know the frequency of shuttles service in August. It will be reduced. I think you will need a car.

fmpden is correct about the distance between Vail & Beaver Creek. B.C. is very upscale and there is no biking around the village itself. You'll need to go down to Avon to catch the bike trails to Edwards or Vail. from B.C. it's easy down, steep coming back. Avon ( the poor man's Beaver Creek )might be a better choice.

I'm a big fan of Vail, but it is currently under going what it terms a "renaissance' translated that means a massive reconstruction program. Last time I drove by, there were at least six huge cranes in the village. It doesn't really make for 'charming'at least I.M.O. You can ride to Avon/Edwards (from Vail) without much uphill, but it's very tough going east. A better idea would be to make Vail a day trip.

Your best bet would be Summit County( Frisco, Dillon, Keystone or Breckinridge) lots to do, reasonable rates and great bike paths. Another alternative is Copper Mt. IT's a great downhill bike ride to Frisco and you can alwasy take the bus ( racks for bikes) back.

Boulder would also be a good choice for all the reasons mentioned.

I know everyone has been suggesting the Front range, but if you are flying continental. I am going to suggest you fly into Montrose and go to either Crested Butte or Telluride or both. Crested Butte has some fantastic mountain biking. Unfortunately, Club Med has pulled out of its location on Mt CB and so there's no more all inclusive anymore. However, through www.skicb.com which is the ski mountain resort may offer some great deals for summer lodging and their hotel is brand new.

You may also want to do all the Southwest colorado stuff. Telluride is a nice town and there's lots to do in the area like go to Silverton adn Durango etc.

You'll get a little more wild west feel from Western Colorado as opposed to the Alpine Villages of Vail. Personally, I think Vail, and Beaver Creek while fun for a night or so are just a little ritzy and full of people for me.

"I know everyone has been suggesting the Front range"

No they haven't been. I agree though, if your FF miles can get you into Montrose go for it.