Midwest - Best Vacation Spot in Colorado?

We are planning an impromptu vacation for either the first or second week in August. Our son will be having cataract surgery in July, and since he will now be able to "see" better than before, my husband wanted to take him someplace "majestic."

This will be our first family trip to Colorado...with soooo many possibilities, where would be some of the best places to go? I've looked into Estes Park and might still be able to get accommodations in August, but I'm not sure. Where are some lesser known spots that are just as beautiful? We will be travelling with a 10- and 14-year-old. We are looking for hiking and scenery mostly, but maybe with other options nearby. Also suggestions for accommodations? We'll be travelling by car if that's important. Thank you for any suggestions!

Welcome to FlyerTalk margaretwhite !

Looks like you're not geting much traction here in BT, so I'm moving the thread to the Midwest forum. Hopefully you'll get more responses there.

EmailKid
Budget Travel moderator

The Colorado Springs area, with Pikes Peak, Air Force Academy, and Garden of the Gods is nice. Also look into the "high desert" area near Durango/Montrose/Telluride. I've only been there for skiing (it's beautiful), but understand they do a lot of mountain biking and jeep tours in the region, too.

I think the San Juan mountains in the southwest of the state are the most scenic. If you have a jeep or rent one you can do a lot of great little drives in the area around Ouray-Telluride-Lake City-Siverton.
If you won't have a 4X4, you can still see a lot of the area. Off the paved roads, one can get up to Ophir Pass from the east side and get quite a ways up various little roads to the east of Silverton as well.

Looks like you're not geting much traction here in BT, so I'm moving the thread to the Midwest forum. Hopefully you'll get more responses there.

This should be in the West forum, actually.

Should be in the West forum.

I lived in CO for over 35 years before recently moving. You can see a lot by basing yourself in Colorado Springs and taking day trips. I personally love the Estes Park area.

We are planning an impromptu vacation for either the first or second week in August.
In October you are planning an 'impromptu' for next August...if that counts as 'impromptu' I'd like to know how far in advance you normally plan...

Anyway, welcome to Flyertalk.

For me the best part of Colorado was the Estes Park area. Lots to do, and right at the gate of Rocky Mountain National Park. As a kid I loved going up the Aerial Tramway!

So many things around Denver/Colo Springs and Colorado in general...

- If you like music, I suggest "Red Rocks Amphitheater"
- Royal Gorge
- The Independence Pass drive up to aspen (this road is only open for a couple months during summer)
- Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park like others suggested
- The ski resorts over summer are still bustling with activities and scenic views
- Great fishing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting