We are recent transplants to Colorado looking for a short weekend getaway to the high country. We're considering Vail or Aspen to catch the fall colors and see the sights and will be taking our 15 month old with us. Like to shop, eat, a little hiking or touristy stuff.

Any suggestions?

Personally, I prefer Aspen. The drive there (over the Independence pass) is gorgeous, if you can go in that way. I have not been there in about 10 years, but it was memorable! Have fun.

The pass is beautiful, but come back by the Glenwood Canyon. Stop and walk along the river there.

Both are wonderful! I'm not an expert, but here are my thoughts on both:

If you are coming from Denver, Vail would be a much shorter/easier drive w/ a 15-month-old. The town is very quaint and lovely. Plenty of little touristy stores to shop in. You could also swing by Breckenridge along the way.

But, if you don't mind the drive, I'd suggest Aspen. It is a lot bigger, so you'd have more options of things to do in town. You'd also have Maroon Bells to hike.

Have fun

I not sure I agree with Wontan. I wondering if he interchanged Aspen and Vail. Vail is much larger than Aspen and quaint is a term I associate with Aspen more so than Vail. For what you want to do, Aspen is really too far. But a loop through Vail, Leadville, Copper Mt and back would be doable. The Mineral Trail Loop in Leadville is an overlooked jewel. It is all paved, and would work with a stroler. At 12 miles it would be better on a bike.


A shorter loop would be through Georgetown and over Grinnall pass through Grant and 285 back to Denver, Some of the best Aspen groves are on Grinnall pass.

I'd hurry regarding the fall colors. A friend of mine was in Aspen 2 weeks ago and said leaves were already starting to fall then. Both Vail and Aspen are nice, so you really can't go wrong. As transplants you can do the other one a different time.

fmpden--I didn't confuse the two. To me, Vail at least seemed much smaller and more quiant than Aspen. (And it has a smaller population, doesn't it?)

I love both though and decynr--you'll have a wonderful time in either location

Vail, particularly the Lionshead area, is still undergoing a lot construction/renovation. I'd go to Aspen.

Wonton -- Vail and Aspen are nearly the same size officially -- Aspen has about 5900 on 3.5 sq miles and Vail is just over 5000 on 4.5 sq miles. However the sprawl is much greater at Vail and I have no idea what the populations of either would be when you roll in the surburbs.

Lionhead area is torn up but no impact on the center of Vail most of the shops and restaurants are located. If you are in Vail you probably will see the cranes in Lionhead.

Veto Vail. I was there to walk my dog on the weekend a while ago, and saw too much con-stru-cion, say it with a sweet french/or spanish or any romantic language accent. con stru cion. (Yes I know its spelled wrong)

Go to Aspen. Go to Crested Butte. Go to Lake Dillon.

The unfortunate thing for this area is the widespread buggage....2 types of bugs, 1 against the pine trees and 1 against the apspens. The area is surrounded by brown pine trees when its usally verdant.

We love Aspen, but it might be too far to drive just for a weekend, especially with a toddler. What about Winter Park? It's a beautiful drive over Berthoud Pass, and there's lots of hiking, etc.
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i'll have to agree with fmpden. quaint is defined as "attractively old-fashioned (but not necessarily authentic)" vail is a newly built (70's) town designed to resemble a tyroleon village. it was a cow field until then.
aspen is a restored 1800's mining town and has lots of nice victorian buildings.
both are fun to visit. i like aspen better. denver to vail is about 1 3/4 hours. denver to aspen about 3 1/2. an easy drive if you get started early. or perhaps stop in glenwood springs (2 1/2 hrs) stay there by the hot springs (for less $$) and day trip to aspen the next day.
independence pass is gorgeous but check with hwy dept to make sure road has no snow on it. not a fun drive for colo newbies in snowy conditions.
glenwood canyon is really dramatic and pretty. not to mention an engineering marvel.
if the leaves are done in the high country try a drive up through evergreen into south park and end up in buena vista/salida area.