I am going to the Denver (Golden) area the first week in August. Working with only two full days, should my husband and I go to the Boulder area and drive up to Estes Park, or go to the Vail area...or Colorado Springs? I would like to raft if at all possible. Any suggestions would be very helpful!
Sitesee, raft, dinner...
Thank you!

For rafting, there are some companies out of Idaho Springs that raft on Clear Creek (near Golden). Idaho Springs is the closest of your listed destinations to Golden. The other really good rafting is farther west in the Salida area.

I am a fan of Estes Park and RMNP. I spend a lot of time in Colorado Springs, but don't know that I'd choose to go there if I only had 2 days to spend. And Vail - well, it's up the I-70 corridor (as is Idaho Springs) but having just been hung up in traffic coming back on I-70 for over 2 hours last weekend, I don't know. The village is nice and the area is lovely, though.

Thank you...so it seems like we should just stay in Golden and make day trips...one day to Estes Park and maybe one day rafting in Idaho Springs area? Well at least I've narrowed it down to Golden or Vail!!

That's what I would do!

I agree with DDavis also in order to catch some bigger sights that daytrips to Estes and Idaho Springs are a good idea.

You might even be able to snag a kayaking lesson on Clear Creek right in downtown Golden across from the rec center.

Also interesting sightseeing in Golden are NREL, the Alpine Museum, Coors,and Buffalo Bill's museum and grave on Lookout Mountain. Slightly further West is the buffalo overlook and Evergreen is a charming small mountain town as well. Mount Evans is a memorable drive as well and can be accessed from Idaho Springs or Golden/Evergreen. Just watch for cyclists as the road narrows!!

Re: dinner. In Lakewood, 240 Union is a nice spot for a meal as well and not very far from Golden.

Golden isn't that far from downtown Denver, depending on where you will be in Golden. It is about a 20-25 min drive into town for dinner.

In Denver, unique and yummy spots vary depending on your taste. I'd direct you to either Larimer Street (Rioja, Tamayo, Osteria Marco, several wine bars and a pretty good nightlife) or to the Highlands neighborhood, where our favorites include Z Cuisine and Bistrot and its wine bar next door (small French spot, no reservations, get there early but well worth it) as well as the Highlands Garden restaurant. Beautiful garden setting and delicious, clean food as it was meant to be prepared and eaten. Fruition and Duo are also good Highlands spots.

For more casual fare, Wynkoops is nice. If you like Indian, India House. If you like sushi, Sushi Sasa is a good pick in downtown; otherwise Sushi Den is a favorite.

For another unique experience, consider the Fort in Morrison. Mostly the emphasis is on game and pioneer-influenced food, but very delicious and worth the time if you have it (it can be slow on some evenings) and certainly a very beautiful panoramic view of Denver and its surrounds.

Thank you pisceantraveler for your advice...I appreciate your time.