Ideas for a Colorado "Staycation" (Denver, Aurora: hotel, live in)

[the3Ds]

Given the state of the economy and summer vacation looming, I was wondering if anyone has some great ideas for a 2 or 3 day "staycation" for families who want to vacation, but may not have enough money to take a big trip. We do live in Colorado after all (a place where many out-of-staters take their own vacation) so if anyone has some great ideas/itineraries, I would appreciate it (as I'm sure many others would as well).

I'm specifically looking for ideas outside of Denver. I know there are fun things to do in Denver but I still want my kids to have the excitement of packing a suitcase and staying in a hotel.

[maciesmom]

Steamboat Springs, Ouray, Durango......

[suzco]

Have an adventure. Take the train to Glenwood Springs. (Here's a link to a package available that includes train, hotel, hot springs pass to give you an idea)
Train to Glenwood Springs Colorado ~ Amtrak Travel Packages

[maciesmom]

I've always wanted to do the Silverton to Durango train.....

[vegaspilgrim]

Out of state (but nearby) ideas:

Moab, Utah. About 6 hours away. Arches, Canyonlands, tons of fun outdoors, incredible red rock scenery.

You could go down to Santa Fe/ Taos/ Albuquerque, New Mexico. Great food, beautiful scenery and architecture, high deserts and mountains, a lot of museums & culture & history in Santa Fe. Only a 6 hour drive. Oh wait, I forgot you hate New Mexico.

[maciesmom]

Sand Dunes? Mesa Verde? Black Canyon?

[vegaspilgrim]

Originally Posted by maciesmom

Sand Dunes? Mesa Verde? Black Canyon?

Each of which are all great places to see.

Unfortunately though I feel that April and also May is probably the worst time of the year to vacation in Colorado. The skiing starts to suck (unless if you catch an immediate snowstorm), but the mountains are still too wet/cold for summer activities. This is the time of year when I especially like taking road trips to the desert southwest. That is, if a mega blizzard doesn't prevent you from getting there or back.

[Mike from back east]

From Aurora to Durango shoots the better part of a day, each way, but it can be done.

Closer to Denver, try this resort up at Grand Lake, the horseback riding is superb in summer and the lake is gorgeous. You can be there in under 3 hours from Aurora via I-70 and Berthoud Pass, or you can take the long way via Estes Park and Trail Ridge Road through RMNP. Been there and can personally attest that it's a good place. They are very near the Continental Divide and a small piece of the Colorado River runs through it, almost at the headwaters.

[maciesmom]

Originally Posted by vegaspilgrim

Each of which are all great places to see.

Unfortunately though I feel that April and also May is probably the worst time of the year to vacation in Colorado. The skiing starts to suck (unless if you catch an immediate snowstorm), but the mountains are still too wet/cold for summer activities. This is the time of year when I especially like taking road trips to the desert southwest. That is, if a mega blizzard doesn't prevent you from getting there or back.

I thought the OP was asking about places to go this summer...? Perhaps I misunderstood.....

April is definitely "iffy" to go anywhere around here! We were lucky to make it from Laramie to Ft. Colllins last night.....

[DenverAztec]

I totally agree with Suzo and Mike FBE!

Glenwood is perfect and thinks to do for kids. If you drive up, you can checkout the castle in the Red Stone/Marble area and the marble quaries. Then head into Snowmass and Aspen, all about 40 minutes from Glenwood. The Maroon Bells mountain range is my favorite of the 14,000 foot peaks in the state. The gondolas up Aspen mountain are great fun and you will get the feeling that Juile Andrews had in the opening of the 'Sound of Music', if you remember that flick.

Grand Lake and any place in the Rocky Mountain National park is great. Sadly the pine beetle has munched so much of the western side that the hills appear redish or rust in color. But there is still much to see and do. Winter Park is on the way up if you take I-70, the other direction in would be through Estes Park.