Looking for mini-vaca ideas, 3-4 hours from Denver (Grand Junction, Durango: hotels, colleges)

[emilybelle]

Moved here not too long ago, and are LOVING it! We've had lots of fun exploring around Denver, and now that fall break is coming, were looking for some ideas for a little getaway. Something that is driving distance, maybe 3 hours or so that would be family friendly. Appreciate your ideas!!

[DenverLawGal]

I really like what Glenwood Springs has to offer. I do wish they had more higher end hotels, but staying at the Best Western or Holiday Inn work just fine too.

[vegaspilgrim]

Try Steamboat. Everybody I know who has gone there has had a great time.

[la junta econ devel]

Originally Posted by emilybelle

Moved here not too long ago, and are LOVING it! We've had lots of fun exploring around Denver, and now that fall break is coming, were looking for some ideas for a little getaway. Something that is driving distance, maybe 3 hours or so that would be family friendly. Appreciate your ideas!!

emilybelle.

Back in 2009, "the3Ds" started a similar thread that may be worth referring you to. //www.city-data.com/forum/denve...taycation.html Hope the3Ds doesn't mind having their thread referenced....it was a good one.

There were some great posts from all over the State and I put one up on page 4of that thread about La Junta and Southeastern Colorado with some pictures of the some of the attractions. Not sure about reposting rules, so I will just reference the entire thread....and it had some great suggestions.

You can check that post out and if you hurry....you can come down to the farm markets our farm markets and get cantaloupe that was not recalled, but was pulled off the shelfs of the major markets!

Hope you have safe travels and an enjoyable time wherever you decide to go.

[Idlewile]

Aspen for fall gets my top vote. So much to see and explore in town and out. We used to go this upcoming weekend every year. Great hotel deals too.

Steamboat
Crested Butte
Breck

[maciesmom]

Depending on what you want to accomplish on this trip and how long you actually have, it is entirely possible to do a nice drive around the state, hitting some of the more interesting sites and getting to know it better in a very short time. Last fall break, my son and I took a lovely, but relatively short trip around the state (we were actually looking at colleges but I regret not taking the few days to do this earlier just to see the state).

Day 1: Denver to Grand Junction (about 4-5 hours without stops so if one wanted to stop in Vail or Glenwood Springs one could certainly add that).

Day 2: Grand Junction to Durango. We stopped at Black Canyon of the Gunnison for lunch then stopped later in the day in Ouray for a hike before ending up in Durango.

Day 3: Durango back to Denver. If you wanted to get an early start, you could stop at the Great Sand Dunes.

Short, sweet and to the point drive around the state in 3 days. And this is a particularly lovely time of year to do that.

If you want to go someplace and stay there, I'd go with Steamboat myself.

[80skeys]

Glenwood Springs is fun.