Need Help w/ Denver Trip
 

My boyfriend and I are leaving on Friday to go to Denver for the weekend. Do you have any suggestions on where to stay? We don't mind driving a short distance. We would rather not stay in the middle of the city. I live in TN.. so I know nothing about the Denver area. Also, do you have any suggetions on what we can do? I would really like to do something outdoors focusing on nature.. but we don't have alot of time. We will be leaving out on Sunday. Any suggestion you have would help a lot.

Drive to Estes park at the entrance of Rocjy mountains national park.Paul

There's been a fair amount of snow in RMNP, so I doubt you'll want to do any hiking there. Driving to Estes Park would be a waste of time then. Boulder is 25 miles from Denver and pretty outdoorsy.

What's a short distance in your mind? You could drive up to Summit County - stay somewhere like Breckenridge. That would take you a couple hours from the airport. There's a lot to enjoy in the mountains. Definitely get out of Denver.

You could stay in Broomfield or Boulder. There are many hotels off the Boulder turnpike (hwy 36). Then you would be close enough to Denver and a short distance from many hiking trails in Boulder. The Omni by Flatirons mall is a great place to locate (we've got this on price line for $80). Free shuttle to numerous area restaurants. Drive into Boulder and hang a left(west) on Baseline road. Just before you start the climb up the mountains is Chautauqua Park. There are some good trails, picnic spots and I've heard the restaurant there is really good. Or keep going up the mountain for numerous pull-offs, trials, and great views of Boulder.

Personally I'd stay downtown where you are still an hour drive to many hikes in the foothills. Do a 4* bid on priceline for downtown. Check out the Platte river district, REI, Proto pizza, My Brothers Bar for great burgers and Platte wine bar. There is a cute and yummy little breakfast place called Mona's right near REI on 15th St. Head over to Washington Park for a great walk and people/dog watching. Take a picinic and bottle of wine!

Boulder is gorgeous right now, trees in color everywhere, weather cool and sunny; no snow, lots of nice easy trails to walk/hike, lots of restaurants, shopping. Scenery can't be beat--save the big city for another time, unless you want an art, museum, theater-type focus trip.

If you stay in the Boulder area, take Hwy 119 up into Boulder Canyon to the town of Nederland. If you're into rock climbing, Boulder canyon is the place. In Nederland, take Hwy 119 south to Central City and drop $20 in the casinos. Take the "Oh MY God" Road from Central City to Idaho Springs. In Idaho Springs take a tour of the Argo Gold Mine, then eat at the Buffalo Restaurant. Then back to Golden via I-70. From Golden take Hwy 93 back to Boulder.

OR...

From Nederland, take Hwy 72 north to Estes Park. Go into Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park and hike one of the trails in the Moraine Park or Beaver Meadows section. Then back into Estes Park for some shopping along the main drag and dinner at the restaurant in the Stanley Hotel (the inspiration for the hotel in Stephen King's "The Shining"). Then take Hwy 36 out of Estes back to Boulder.

Or.... check to see if there's a room at the Stanley Hotel and stay overnight there. Bwaaaaaa Haaaaaaa Haaaaaaaaa Haaaaaaaa. Here's Johnnnnnnnnnny!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone for the info!! We have decided to stay in Boulder. I'm not sure what we will do yet, but you guys offered some great suggestions.

I think Boulder is a great choice for you, especially if you're young-ish. The CU campus is beautiful and makes a nice place to walk-- if you enjoy colleges, this one is exceptional. The Pearl Street mall has lots of places to eat, and kiosks which post musical events, etc.
So much to do that's outdoorsy near Boulder, and you've received some good tips so far. The restaurant at Chautauqua is fabulous, and the park is great for hiking. Or drive to Eldorado Canyon for a nice walk and to see some rock-climbers.
Enjoy Colorado! It's lovely now with the leaves changing (even though the aspens are about done by now).