It's a two hour drive to Vail, you'll get there for a late lunch, and then turn around and go to the Springs? You asked if it was worth it for a day trip--that's a quarter day trip. Why the Springs that night--why not Vail?

In Boulder, the area around Pearl St. Mall and the CU campus is nice. If you take Baseline Rd. towards the mountains there is a lovely park -Chattaqua - and the road goes up the hill and you get great views overlooking town. You'll take 93 to I-70 to get to Vail. I would make a quick stop at Red Rocks Ampitheater which is just a very short distance on the other side of I70 at the morrison exit. There is a nice museum and the park is lovely. I'm less inclined to plan Vail. You'll wander the village - perhaps take a gondola to the top of the mountain - maybe a short hike. Not much to plan.

You may have said this - but I can't find it. When exactly are you going?... My son returns to CU on August 17th. That weekend will be quite busy.

I agree with Gretchen, you really don't want to leave Denver at 11:00, drive the two hours to Vail and then come back to Colorado Springs. If you would return via Denver it's going to take you almost four hours to just get back to the Springs with a lot of traffic along the way.

Two possible routes ( more scenic, less traffic but certainly no quicker) would be to take 91 south ( at Copper Mt.) to Leadville & Buena Vista and then 24 into the Springs. Or from Vail head west on 70 a few miles to Minturn and pick up 24 there. One more option is to go to Breckinridge and take 9 to Fairplay and on to Hartsel where you get on to 24.

Please note that the traffic on 70 can be impossible late Friday afternoons and Sundays.

Can anyone advise her on the current construction situation in Vail village? Wouldn't want her to get there and see lots of construction debris.

I think they are redoing Lionshead... I don't think the rest of the village is impacted... So I would stay away from Lionshead (which is easy enough to do).

This is way off the topic, but I could sure use some help.

My Daughter will be getting married this April. She lives in Vail and financing a reception in this area is not an option! The expense!
Do any of you know of a destination, outside of Vail, where a simple wedding reception could be held?

Bronwhynn

Bronwhynn, oh, boy-- good luck with that location! Try looking at Eagle, Avon, Edwards-- the surrounding towns. Maybe go all the way to Breckenridge for ideas.

I'd be thinking as far as Glenwood!

Bronwhynn, not to completely side-track this thread, but...
I don't know the exact name of the place, but at Buffalo Bill's grave, in the foothills west of Denver, there's a very nice building that we used to rent for special business meetings. It has a nice patio, is set off by itself, nice indoor wood and stone, complete kitchen, baths, fireplace, etc. I think it's owned by the county. Sorry I don't know more exact info., but it's worth looking into.

Thank you all.
I will check on everything and everwhere that you've suggested!

Bronwhynn