My husband and I are going to take about a 10 day trip to Colorado (flying into Denver and then renting a car) in the early spring. I am starting with my research now...and am open to suggestions! Cripple Creek is on the agenda...that's about all I know so far. Also- would love to see some art museums (Western art is dandy- no modern-any with Golden Age Illustration?)and historic places to stay/visit...Thanks!L

We enjoyed the Colorado History Museum(near the public library downtown Denver).Also, near Boulder/Longmont is the Leaning Tree facility(creators of birthday cards and such). In their lobby they have the "Leaning Tree Museum of Western Art" including sculptures.It's small,but free. You'll enjoy it if you're in the Boulder area.
On day 1 and 2 of you're arrival, remember the altitude adjustment. Drink extra water and reduce caffeine and alcohol to avoid that headache and nausea.
Not too far from Cripple Creek is Colorado Springs. They might offer western art. You can also go to the Air Force Academy and drive through Garden of the Gods.

Rocky Mountain National Park (about 1-1/2 hour north of Denver) could fill a few days of your time. Estes Park would be the place for any accomodations and restaurants.

I was never much of a hiker, but my wife wanted to go to Rocky Mountain National Park. We hiked up a fairly intermediate trail to a mountaintop lake, and I was just floored at the beauty. Mountaintop bluewater, with pine trees and snow capped mountains in the background. I'm looking at a picture of me sitting on a rock there now. I can't remember the name of the trail, but I'm sure its pretty famous. One of the ranger reccomended we go there.

As a Colorado Native - I should warn you that Spring - especially early Spring is THE most unpredictable time of year for weather in Colorado. It can be windy, rainy, cold, snowy, cloudy and and sunny all in the same day. Rocky Mountain National Park will still be under alot of snow - as will most of the rest of the mountains. What isn't under snow will likely be really muddy. In the mountains - Spring is referred to as "mud season." Winter is the best time to travel here if you like winter sports - If not Summer is by far the most beautiful time in Colorado - Followed by early fall (Sept. and October). March is probably the worst month of all because the weather is often really bad and the snow isn't that great for skiing. April isn't much better. Sorry to be a downer - but if you have any options in changing to at least late, late Spring - I would.

...thanks for the heads up for crappy weather! We are traveling from Seattle...our plans are such we can wait!L

We love Crested Butte. Don't know if it will be open but the Million Dollar highway and towns of Ouray and Silverton have spectacular scenery. There is a train that goes this same breathtaking territory-don't know the specifics on it, sorry.

I would definitely do Rocky Mountain N.P. and I definitely second Ouray, Silverton, Telluride, etc. Get to the western side of the state--it's much prettier.

Ditto on Rocky Mtn. NP and Ouray and the Million Dollar Highway. Here is how I would do the trip.
Denver to the national Park and then head back to Denver and then down to ,Colorado Springs. Then Cripple Creek before heading west paying a visit to theBlack Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Then over the Million Dollar highway (rt 550) to Ouray and then Telluride. From Telluride to Cortez and a visit to Mesa Verde National Park.Then east to Durango and continuing east with a visit to the Great Sand Dune National Monument. Then back through theSprings to Denver. Easily done in 10 days.

Wow! Perfect- just what I was looking for. I had no idea where to start- now I do (and which direction to head off to!) Thanks so much for everyone's help.L