> <i>...but the road is not for the faint of heart during the winter</i>

Very true, you must be traveling on foot! The road is closed to motor traffic November-May. I've been up there in the winter, it can be exhilarating and brutal at the same time, but definitely not for the ill-prepared or faint of heart.

But you are correct, the west side of the park is very beautiful, more laid-back than the east, and worth some time.

I would not want to stay in Vail and have to get up for an 11:00 am flight at DIA. Besides April is not a great time - it's called mud season - it can still snow but the skiing by late April is pretty much done due to melting. Many restaurants close. You would be better off going to Estes Park - maybe staying at the Stanley Hotel. Or spend the night in Boulder.

Oh, speaking of getting a flight OUT of Denver, do not cut your time close on turning in the car and getting into the terminal. We always allow a full 2 hours. It is one of the most crowded screening areas we know of. Sometimes the maze is full to overflowing. if you are going to get something to eat, do it after security.

As LouisvilleCO has already mentioned, April is the begining of mud season at the mountain resorts. If you are coming the first week in April you might be fine depending on how much snow we get in March, but by mid-April it's usually starting to melt, and it isn't pretty.

It's an easy trip up to Estes and into RMNP and may be your best bet. You'll certainly revel in its natural beauty. Personally I'd come back to Boulder for the night and for a good meal. I've never had a really good meal while staying in Estes. The Stanley isn't bad just not really good IMO. Boulder has some great restaurants, and you'll be very close to DIA, besides it's just a neat town.