Started By
Message

Upcoming Colorado Vacation

Posted on 5/15/17 at 3:32 am
Posted by Da #1 Stunna
985
Member since Oct 2012
1083 posts
Posted on 5/15/17 at 3:32 am
Going with the family of 4, everyone above the age of 15, to the Denver area of Colorado for a few days in early August. I have been to Colorado several times during the winter. I have never been during the summer. Are there any special attractions, events, locations or things we should do that are a must?

Right now I'm thinking Pikes Peak and the Royal Gorge. Possible Red Rocks concert, fishing (anyone know where to go?), skydiving? I'm open to suggestions.
TIA for all helpful replies.
Posted by Sancho Panza
La Habaña, Cuba
Member since Sep 2014
8161 posts
Posted on 5/15/17 at 5:57 am to
Red Rocks Concert is Special as the sun sets.

Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park & adjacent Town of Estes Park.

Go see the Rockies play.
This post was edited on 5/15/17 at 5:58 am
Posted by OTIS2
NoLA
Member since Jul 2008
50118 posts
Posted on 5/15/17 at 6:55 am to
Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs is a nice short stop.
Posted by surprisewitness
Littleton, CO
Member since Apr 2013
558 posts
Posted on 5/15/17 at 1:49 pm to
Other than what you already posted:

1. LOTS of places to go hiking and biking
2. Drive up to Mount Evans, you can fish Echo Lake on your way up. Be prepared, storms can come in quick and it can snow any day of the year up there, last time we went on 4th of July and it snowed.
3. Estes Park
4. Buffalo Bill museum and grave
5. Georgetown loop railroad
6. Check out the Lariat loop, lots of things to see and do
7. Many other things....
Posted by TJRibMe
Houston, Mexas
Member since Sep 2004
5214 posts
Posted on 5/15/17 at 2:59 pm to
I'll second Garden of the Gods. Nice trails for hiking around G of the G, get there early, especially for Balanced Rock
Posted by dukesilver72
Texas
Member since Feb 2015
916 posts
Posted on 5/15/17 at 3:39 pm to
I know everyone love the winter ski season, but Colorado is the best summer vacation spot imo. Unreal amount of outdoor stuff to do and not 100° out to dampen it.
Posted by nicholastiger
Member since Jan 2004
42567 posts
Posted on 5/16/17 at 10:30 am to
Going past Colorado Springs is a lot further than some better areas closer to Denver.

If you go through Boulder you can get to Estes Park pretty quick and Rocky Mountain National Park area is incredible. Estes Park has a marina you can kayak or rent a pontoon boat around Lake Estes. Lots of hiking and white water rafting.

Coors Brewery is in Golden.

The ski resort areas are nice like Vail, Breckenridge. Aspen is a little further out.

Vail has a nice adventure ridge during the summer that is fun for the kids, they have jeep tours, alpine coaster, zip line, summer tubing, ropes course, etc.

Mt Evans drive up to the top is neat also and on that main interstate that takes you back to Denver from the ski resort areas.
Posted by nicholastiger
Member since Jan 2004
42567 posts
Posted on 5/16/17 at 10:55 am to
Have to agree with the weather, when you get up into the mountains, you can't beat the temps in the middle of the summer.
Posted by Lsupimp
Ersatz Amerika-97.6% phony & fake
Member since Nov 2003
78602 posts
Posted on 5/16/17 at 11:39 am to
Spend a day in Boulder, preferably a Saturday as there are always a million thing to do for free on Saturday. It's a short drive from Denver but feels a world away. You can have a great day and be right back at your hotel:

Denver to Boulder is a short drive. Park at Chautauqua Park (free parking) and go for a great hike up The Flatirons.




Then head over to the Pearl Street Mall.There are a lot of great stores and restaurants. Also street performers on Friday and Saturday evening.



Then check out Boulder Creek. There is a path that runs along it that goes up into the Canyon for walking cycling.


Check out CU (in foreground):



During Summer if you have "art kids" check out the Shakespeare Festival. It's outside at night and a great evening. There is almost always a good show at the Fox Theatre or elsewhere. It is a renowned Foodie Town for small towns. If you get there early go to Luciles for breakfast. Also The Farmers Market is my favorite anywhere as it is right off the creek (Saturday 8-2 and Wednesday 4-8). You can also drive up the Boulder Canyon to Boulder Falls. If you are a beast you can rent bikes and take them up Flagstaff Mountain(if you go to Boulder keep driving past Chautauqua-Baseline Road-- and park at the Boulder outlook for a great view of the City) or Sunshine Canyon.

Hit me up if you have any questions.

Posted by Cailloue Pitre
Parts unknown
Member since Sep 2011
404 posts
Posted on 5/16/17 at 4:15 pm to
Take a ride over to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park if you get a chance. Beautiful views from top of the canyon, etc...
Posted by Lsupimp
Ersatz Amerika-97.6% phony & fake
Member since Nov 2003
78602 posts
Posted on 5/16/17 at 4:30 pm to
That's 200 miles one way bruh.
Posted by Cailloue Pitre
Parts unknown
Member since Sep 2011
404 posts
Posted on 5/16/17 at 6:10 pm to
He said he would be there a "few days" and I said if he had a chance, bruh. OP said he was thinking of driving a distance like going to Royal Gorge, what's another 60-70 miles to somewhere else from Denver?...
This post was edited on 5/16/17 at 6:23 pm
Posted by txtigersw
Where the west begins
Member since Oct 2011
494 posts
Posted on 5/16/17 at 9:30 pm to
Wouldn't bother with Royal Gorge unless you raft thru it. Better scenery elsewhere. Winter Park is close to Denver and has some nice hiking. RMNP is just amazing, but crowded in mid summer
Posted by nicholastiger
Member since Jan 2004
42567 posts
Posted on 5/17/17 at 11:55 am to
Rafting under Royal Gorge is awesome.
The train ride in that area is neat too.

Going to the top of the Royal Gorge is a waste of money, tourist trap.
Posted by MountainTiger
The foot of Mt. Belzoni
Member since Dec 2008
14663 posts
Posted on 5/17/17 at 3:07 pm to
quote:

Rafting under Royal Gorge is awesome.
The train ride in that area is neat too.

Going to the top of the Royal Gorge is a waste of money, tourist trap.

All of this. If the Arkansas isn't too bony that time of year, raft Royal Gorge or Brown's Canyon. I've done the Gorge when it was pretty low and it was still fun.
Posted by S
RIP Wayde
Member since Jan 2007
155613 posts
Posted on 5/18/17 at 8:10 am to
Red Rocks is legit even without a concert. Great sightseeing.
Posted by Da #1 Stunna
985
Member since Oct 2012
1083 posts
Posted on 5/28/17 at 2:04 am to
Thank you to everyone for posting your suggestions. I will definitely look into these areas and attractions. You have been a big help.
Posted by eLeSyoU225
Prairieville
Member since May 2017
77 posts
Posted on 5/28/17 at 4:44 am to
Hiking the Horsetooth trail in Fort Collins. Absolutely beautiful hike, very peaceful and they have a really nice waterfall along the trail as well. Many diff paths depending how long/far you want to hike. The whole thing is 6 miles I believe. It's a very easy and fun hike and amazing views.
Posted by Da #1 Stunna
985
Member since Oct 2012
1083 posts
Posted on 7/3/17 at 10:12 pm to
Thanks again for your posts. I booked a Red Rocks concert. Steve Miller & Peter Frampton are playing during my visit, so I could not pass it up. Garden of the Gods is working its way on the list as well as Rocky Men National Park. Whitewater rafting is not out of the question.

Anyone know the best place to go zip lining in the area?
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
18919 posts
Posted on 7/3/17 at 10:19 pm to
Pikes Peak sucks. Hike to Dream Lake with the fam BEFORE 8:00 AM
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 2Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram