Denver/Boulder area for the weekend in early December (Idaho Springs: to rent, gardens)

[smarterguy]

I'm going to be in the area with girlfriend from noon Friday to mid-afternoon Sunday (after a week work stuff). Probably going to rent a car.

Anyone have recommendations for things to do? Haven't been in the area for a few years. Girlfriend doesn't ski and I've done most of the big resorts anyways. We're outsdoors type people, so any good hikes, even long ones, or through would be cool. I've done a few by Nederland but those were years ago.

Any other hot springs in the area? I've been to Glennwood Springs, but probably won't make the drive for a weekend. Are the springs in Idaho Springs worth going to?

We're also open to snowshoeing, or even a doing a backcountry ski tour (I think I saw a groupon for it).

Any ideas are much appreciated!

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Since you have a car, I suggest any of the many hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park.

I wouldn't count on snow-related activities in early December. Especially if you don't want to drive too far into the mountains. I'm not in Colorado right now, so hopefully someone else will join in and let you know if there's any hope for snow in the next couple of weeks.

Has your girlfriend been to Red Rocks? You could take a drive up there, have lunch in Morrison, and then hike at Mt. Falcon park. Probably should hike in the morning, come to think of it.

[davidv]

If you will be here on Nov. 30/Dec. 1, then you can watch the Parade of Lights downtown.

In any event, even if you are going to miss the parade, you can hang out downtown and see the lights and downtown all decorated for Christmas.

Check out the Trail of Lights at Chatfield. It includes a skating rink, hayrides, and beautiful light display by the foothills.