Hello - my fiance and I were thinking of going to colorado for 4th of july weekend. We enjoy the outdoors (short hikes, scenery)but are not excessively active.

I know there are probably lots of possibilities, but could one suggest an itinerary from San Francisco? Basically want to be somewhere different and not too hot.

thanks in advance

I would suggest Vail...they have a great 4th of July celebration every year that would be fun to attend. You could fly into either Denver (cheaper, but you have to drive a couple of hours) or directly into Eagle/Vail. You'll enjoy Vail itself...lots of shops, restaurants, and probably a few outdoor concerts that weekend. You can also ride the gondola to the top of the mountain and hike around up there. There are plenty of short hikes in the area surrounding Vail, too. Depending on how much time you had, you could drive down to Aspen for the day...the drive takes a while, but is beautiful. Aspen is ritzier than Vail, and worth a view, I say!

Ouray does a great 4th of July.

That's my wedding anniversary. We a
look for neat places to spend the 4th and this is one of our favorites.

I think Estes Park does fireworks over the lake which would be nice. Denver of course will have fireworks all over the city. If you get the right elevation, you can watch them all over the city.

For 4th of July you need to make reservations soon. Estes will be very busy. I personally do not care for Estes, to crowded for me. I do as you may have seen love Vail.

flying to denver and then driving probably makes the most sense. Any recommendations on where to stay in Vail?

What is your budget? http://www.sonnenalp.com is very nice.

Deeman,
You will have a great time in Vail. Summer is the best time IMHO.

We stay at Vail Cascade Club in a condo located on the river. It is by the condo pool and the river which is fantastik! Plus, after a day of hiking you can relax with a massage at the spa. Or do nothing and read by the river. You'll have a great time. If you can, go on a cattle drive at a ranch nearby. Or you can take a very scenic horseback ride with views of Vail Mountain. Lots of fun things to do! Great food and good shopping $$$!
Have fun!
Sheila