Cindy, no matter what else you see or where you go, under no circumstance should you miss RMNP.

Cincy, I will bow out now.
I hope you enjoy CO. Really, don't sweat trying to "see it all".
Wherever you go in CO will be nice. Enjoy your trip, and please post a trip report.

I would not cut RMNP--go through the Park on Trail Ridge and head for Aspen that way. Just my opinion.
It's a great state--you'll love it wherever.

Again, I also would not cut out RMNP.

To repeat from above: "Ordinarily I'd recommend Boulder and then Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park and on to Aspen."

The sedimentary mountains around Aspen are extremely beautiful and iconic Colorado, but very different from RMNP's granite peaks. Around Aspen you will not see impressive features like the east face of Longs Peak, The Spearhead in Glacier Gorge, or Ypsilon Mountain. The rock is too soft and crumbly.

Anyway, have a great trip.

I also hope you find time for RMNP and Trail Ridge Road.

Sylvia, thanks for mentioning the Leanin' Tree Museum. I've never been there & always forget about it until I read your posts. I need to put it on a to do list.

It's so close to Celestial, visiting both makes for a fun couple of hours!

Instead of Boulder or Colorado Springs I was thinking about Estes Park to have access to RMNP. This would be our entry point after landing at Denver International. We would stay here for 2 days and than head over to Aspen for 5 days to our rental in the town. I'd love feedback from the group. Does this make sense?

Yes, great idea. RMNP as others have stated is a do not miss. Boulder may have more to do in the evenings, but for hiking & scenery Estes Park is a better location to visit RMNP.

I am not the biggest fan of Estes Park especially for August. It will be over run by tourists and it is mostly t-shirt shops, candy stores, hat shops, etc. Boulder being a college town might be more interesting. EP is good jumping off point for exploring RMNP but not a great place to hang out beyond one day.

Thanks for the feedback. After talking it over with the family there's a bigger interest in the hiking vs. town/ city exploring. I think we'll get some of that with our stay in downtown Aspen. Now, any recommendations on a place to stay in EP?

Checking into the Stanley Hotel in EP. Anyone with knowledge of this older and grand facility? Looking at staying in one of their 2 bedroom condo's on the Hotel property. It's pricey but with the cost of a 2nd room (5 people) at a hotel, the Stanley is on the higher end but within of our daily budget range. Is it close to RMNP? Things to do at the hotel - Swimming (3 teenage boys)??

Found this little gem: The Appenzell Inn" Anyone heard of this hotel. Close to town and looks like a little Swiss Hotel.

I think Colorado Springs has a lot to offer an active family. So many things there, Garden of the Gods, so beautiful and lots of hiking there, the Cog Railway up Pike's Peak, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Cliff dwellings, Manitou, Old Colorado City. I have spent a lot of time in CS but almost none if Boulder, so can't compare.
Enjoy whichever one you choose!