[memyselfI]

Originally Posted by DaFace

Got it. After thinking it through a bit more, I think I'll change my recommendations a bit (partially based on good points by others in this thread).

Estes Park is going to be boring this time of year. Unless you want to go for a snowshoe hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, there's just not going to be much to do up there. You can burn an afternoon shopping, and there are enough restaurants that you're not going to have to go shoot an elk or anything, but I wouldn't go there.

Breck is a neat little town, and it's still on my suggestions list. However, it's one of those things where you're just not squarely in its target market this time of year. Like Vail, Breck is going to be dominated by ski traffic. There's no problem with that, but unless you're going to ski, you can probably do better.

If I were you, I'd seriously look into the Colorado Springs AREA (note that I didn't necessarily say Colorado Springs itself). Look into the cog railroad train to the top of Pike's Peak. Zero effort, and you get to be at the top of a 14er. You can also visit Cave of the Winds if you're into that kind of thing. If you're up for a little drive, it's about 1.5 hours from there to the Royal Gorge.


Think about staying in Manitou Springs rather than in Colorado Springs itself. It's only about 15 minutes from town, and it's much quieter and relaxing. There are a handful of restaurants there, or you can always drive into town for a much larger selection.

(Glenwood Springs is an OK place as well. They've got a big hot springs pool that is fun. I just can't see burning more than a day in the town itself.)

Did the Cog as a kid and was not impressed. My husband and I always drive up to Pikes Peak. Weather permittingm it's all paved and a great drive. Just make sure you check the conditions and don't use your breaks alot on the way down. It's a scary as shit drive but really cool.

Garden of the Gods is amazing and if it's open I'm sure it's gorgeous in the winter. I second the Manitou Springs recommendation. Such a quaint little town. If you do stay in the CS area the Homewood Suites close to the AFB is really nice and reasonable. Great buffet in the morning but also has kitchens incase you want to pack a lunch or store whipped cream or lots of adult beverages.

I also second the Glenwood Springs recommendation. Really cute little town right off the highway and like 40 miles from Aspen. You could stay in GS and then head up to Aspen to window shop and maybe star search for the day while not paying the ridiculous prices in Apsen.