I will have 1 or 2 days in between visiting RMNP and Colorado Springs in early Sept. I'd like to visit a ski town, maybe Vail or Aspen or Breckenridge, or somewhere else? Which one of those should I visit for nice views and hiking? I heard Vail might be a little artificial, is that true?

Also, is Glenwood Springs worth visiting?

We've stayed in Frisco (Summit County, near Breckinridge) twice during the summer, once in '99, once in '03. It was recommended to us by my brothers who've gone several times, winter and summer. In fact, one of them is taking his kids there in a couple of weeks.

It's a very nice area. Great hikes of all difficulty levels. Lots of restaurants. And Breck is great for shopping.

If you do decide to go there, I highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Summit Hiker". It's great not only for hikes, but as a guide to some beautiful drives.

I'd recommend Breckenridge, especially since you only have 1-2 days. It's closer than Aspen and Vail so you won't spend all of your time on the road, and it's a beautiful area. Plenty of hiking trails and good restaurants. If you like to bike, Summit County has fantastic paved bike trails as well. I think you can even bike from Breck to Vail.

You could drive over Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake, then to Steamboat for two days. It's gorgeous there, with all the outdoor activities you'd want. I personally prefer it over Summit County or Vail resorts. It's relatively authentic old west Colorado.

For years, we rented a place during July in Frisco/Dillion. Great central location and very short drive to Keystone, Breckenridge and Vail, especially if you only have a couple of days. As noted above, lots of hiking and biking.

Restaurants:
Frisco - Blue Spruce
Breckenridge - The Cellar, and the Hearthstone
Keystone - Keystone Ranch

With one or two days, I am in the Breckenridge camp. Short drive south over Hooiser pass through Alma and Fairplay with give authentic western towns. Continue through Como and hook around the backside of Breck is a spectacular route. BUT check with locals. Years ago the road from Como was passable with a standard car but it has been several years since I was on it. An short loop would be through Leadville. The 12 mile Mineral Loop Trail out of Leadville is a gem for hiking or biking -- all paved and relatively flat. The Aspen leaves should be turning at that time.

We stayed in Aspen several years ago and loved it... it is absolutely beautiful. We went on some wonderful hikes, visited a small nature museum there, etc.. But, I think it may be a bit out of the way for you if you only have a day or two to spend there?

Echoing previous posters, I'd say Breck or Frisco. Also the advantage of Summit County is that if you're traveling from Colorado Springs to RMNP you can take the back way through South Park, Fairplay, Hoosier Pass and it spits you out in Breck. From there a 10 minute drive to the highway which will take you to the RMNP exit.