Hi, a friend and I (we're women, mid-30s) are planning a long weekend in Colorado in July. We don't get to see eachother often and it's a rare trip away without our respective spouses and kids. We'd like to do some outdoor stuff, light hiking, see beautiful scenery, maybe take in some shopping and/or spa treatments. Someone suggested Aspen and Snowmass. We'd like to stay somewhere nice but not budget-breaking. I started searching for ideas on where to go and what to do and am a bit overwhelmed. We're not locked in to Aspen/Snowmass. It will only be 3 days/nights, so I don't want to spend the whole time in the car. Any suggestions - what would you do for 3 nights in Colorado? Thanks in advance.

We love Aspen, but not sure you'd enjoy it if you have to fly to Denver, drive the 5 or so hours to Aspen, then only have three nights.
Boulder is a great destination with everything you want, especially if you stay at the new hotel/spa St. Julien. Or checkout the vintage Boulderado Hotel.
Boulder has a very 'outdoorsy' attitude, and there's tons of hiking trails in the foothills from there. Also good shopping and dining. A great girls' get-away place.

I agree, Boulder sounds like exactly what you're looking for. If St. Julien is booked/too much $$, try the Hotel Boulderado. And there are several B&Bs very near the Pearl Street pedestrian mall that are nice.

If it were me, I'd get up into the mountains. You don't have to go all the way to Aspen. Vail is only a couple hours and you can often get good deals in July. Breckenridge has lots of things you'd enjoy; shopping, eating, hiking, bicycling, music. It's an hour and a half. Lake Dillon has condos where you could relax, hike, kayak, bike, eat out. Keystone has condos, dining, bicycling, spa treatments. All of these have fabulous scenery and would be a great setting for your getaway. Enjoy!

I agree with Catbert. I would head to the mountains. Breckenridge is only a 1 1/2 - 2 hour drive from Denver and the temps will be cooler than Boulder. Lake Dillon should be gorgeous this summer and filled to capacity after a snowy winter. Great scenery and plenty of outdoor activites. Have fun!

And from Boulder you could even vist Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park, about a 45-60 minute drive, for a day trip. Or there are lovely cabins for rent.

Sue

Hi,

If it were me, I would head to Vail. Great walking trail along the river, the lift is open for rides to the top of the mountain, the Betty Ford Garden, which should be lovely in July, the Vail Bravo concerts in the Ford Amphitheatre and many other great ways to pass the time. Good restaurants, bars, scenery, shops, galleries--what more could one want?

Ditto GJLinda!