re: Colorado in Summer - Need Suggestions (Updated)

I’d skip Colorado Springs. The mountain towns are where you want to be.
Buena Vista is a cool small town with great hiking , fishing and rafting. Others recommended Breck, a solid choice.
RMMP is awesome, Def spend a lot of time in the park hiking and sightseeing.

I’ve never been to Telluride due to it being so far out the way. I’m sure it’s great but there are lots of great towns much closer to Estes, your destination.