dchal09

We have 5 days in Colorado the end of September and besides visiting our daughter in Vail for 2 days, we were either thinking of Steamboat Springs and the hot springs there or Rocky Mountain National Park. We love the changing of the leaves and modest hiking. What is best? Or should we spend the entire time around Vail and Aspen?

fmpden

The biggest hot spring is in Glenwood Springs plus a terrific canyon to get there. Since you are in the Vail area I would stay there. Also, the drive through Leadville, over Independence Pass into Aspen does not get much better when the leaves are turning.

padams421

Stick with Vail and Aspen, and visit Glenwood. You will have plenty to do in those areas without going out of your way to Steamboat or RMNP.

PeaceOut

Yes, go to Aspen and visit Glenwood Springs.

HappyTrvlr

Of the two places you mentioned, RMNP has more breathtaking beauty. Steamboat is a nice western town, with a big ski resort area but different from Vail which was created as a resort town.

dchal09

Thanks. That should save alot of travel time. Any recommendations for lodging in Aspen?