My husband and i will be visiting our son in Denver for a week in July. We would like to spend a night or two in the mountains. We considered camping but decided to save that for another trip. Can anyone recommend a scenic cabin or lodge somewhere? Maybe in Estes Park or Boulder or someplace driving distance? As you can tell, I'm not very familiar with Colorado.
Thanks,
Laurie

You can go to the Estes Park/Rocky Mountian Nat. Park area or west to Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Glenwood Springs, Vail, etc.
For enjoy the mountain views, I'd go with Breckenridge vicinity. For hiking/outdoor activity, my choice would be Estes Park and RMNP.

How about the Winter Park area?
Couple hours outside of Denver and you can take the historic train that is really cool.

Re: train to Winter Park... the operator went bankrupt last year and that train didn't operate this season, although there's a buyer in the works that may be able to resurrect service by next winter. So no summer train.

Both Estes Park and Breckenridge are good destinations from Denver, both within a 90-minute, easy drive. July is a popular time, so you may want to try to reserve soon to get your first choice. Estes Park and Rocky Mtn National Park is spectacular and well worth it for a couple of nights. Breckenridge would have more activities available and plenty to do. A quick search in these forums on either of those destinations will bring up a wealth of suggestions on where to stay, or checking out either on Google will too.

We went to Breckenridge in May several years ago. We loved the town of Breckenridge-plenty of shops and restaurants and the town of Frisco(nearby)has more shops and restaurants. We drove to Vail one day-not too impressed. We spent our time walking and hiking and had a great time in the area.

Definitely Estes Park! My husband and I have been three years in a row for a long weekend getaway. We love Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park! We stay at the Fall River Cabins:
http://fallrivercabins.com/Index.html
These cabins are so adorable and they book up so check soon! We have stayed in the Bristelcone & Pinecone. The summer is getting full on their calendar. Also, if you go to Estes Park eat at Village Pizza and Penelope's (burgers). While in Rocky Mountain National Park, drive Trail Ridge Road. Have a good time!

Not Winter Park. There is much more to see on westward. And there's LOTS to do in Denver too.

Not Winter Park? I beg to differ! It's a beautiful drive over Berthoud pass, and the ski area offers summer activities if you like that sort of thing.

I would suggest Devil's Thumb Ranch, just past Winter Park. It has recently been renovated, updated, and expanded. It has a spa, two great restaurants, hiking, horses, and gorgeous views. They did a gorgeous job decorating it in authentic Old West style. Great service, too.