Denver, or somewhere else in CO?

[peppermint]

I've been wanting to go to Colorado for awhile now, but can't decide what city/part of the state I should go. I would likely be traveling solo, and like to sightsee, go hiking, and be in nature. I'm not a big drinker or foodie. When it comes to accomodations, the view and price are the most important things I consider. It would most likely be a 3-5 day trip, and I could rent a car if needed to get around.

So...with the above information, where should I go? Denver? Colorado Springs? Anything I *must* see or do my first trip to CO? What is the best time of year to visit for hiking and generally being outside?

TIA for your help and advice!

[magdala]

I loved Rocky Mountain National Park which was a couple of hours outside the city. I was in Denver for work for two weeks and stayed the weekend between I met up with a college roommate in Longmont (her residence) and we drove up to the park and joined a ranger escorted hike. She arranged it all and I really enjoyed it. Pack lots of sunscreen, body lotion and water. I found that the elevation sucked all the moisture out of my system. On a good note, my hair never looked better.

[peppermint]

magdala thank you, i had no idea you could do ranger-escorted hikes. since hitting up all the national parks are also on my travel list, maybe i will do this while i'm in CO! thanks for the tips!

[panicked]

Colorado Springs is lovely. I miss living there SO much! It's got a ton of great stuff to do, and Garden of the Gods cannot be beat.

[egishere]

Boulder would be a good base so you can visit easily Denver, RMNP and other places. There is also hiking in Boulder.

[buddysmom]

Not sure what time of year you'll visit but here are some really amazing, unique offerings from Colorado to peruse

www.mesaverde.com/

www.visitpagosasprings.com/things-to-do/activities The Springs Resort is amazing!!

redrocksonline.com/

www.gardenofgods.com/home/index.cfm?flash=1

travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/national-parks/great-sand-dunes-national-park/

[peppermint]

thanks so much buddysmom...my afternoon will now be spent looking at those websites!

[Whitecaps]

I agree that Boulder would be a good place to stay if you want a "home base" of sorts that makes it easy to head up into the mountains or into the city. It's a cute hippie town.

If you'd like to stay in the mountains, Estes Park and Breckenridge are both lovely. Estes will get you into RMNP very easily. I've gone snowshoeing from there several times and it's a lot of fun!

I think those are the areas I'd recommend for starters, but...Garden of the Gods in CO Springs is simply amazing. If you have an extra day...don't miss it.

[AmyRI]

We spent a week in Colorado last June and went a lot of different places. We started in Denver (flew in/out of DEN) but didn't spend much time there.

We went up to Estes Park (near Rocky Mountain National Park) and it was gorgeous. We didn't have time to go into the park, but heard from my in laws that they really liked it.

Colorado Springs was our favorite. Garden of the Gods is absolutely stunning. Go early in the morning, if you can. No crowds and the light is beautiful.

Then we went down to Great Sand Dunes National Park and that was also beautiful, and so much fun. It would have been even better without 2 little kids that wanted to be carried through the dunes, so it would be perfect for you! haha.

[peppermint]

Thank you all for your suggestions!!

[escrow]

I just want to add I would definitely plan on renting a car.