3 hours from Denver getaway (Steamboat Springs, Aspen: rentals, hotel, restaurants)

[0512ny]

My friends and I want to go somewhere in the mountains for a couple of days, we are thinking about staying in a cabin or maybe hotel. they are high energy and one of them already told me she wants to do horse back riding...........

perhaps kayaking but not necessary im trying to think about activities to keep them busy.. we are going for 3 days in two weeks from now.

We dont want to drive more than 3 hours from Denver.

if you know of a place where we can stay i'd appreciate it if you can share the info, budget is not a problem as we are dividing expenses.

Thank you

[bluescreen73]

Look into Buena Vista (1st choice) or Salida. Can't give you recommendations because I've never stayed more than a day in the area, but others will be able to.

[NW Crow]

Other options include Estes Park, Granby (west side of Rocky Mtn Park), Summit County. If restaurants and bars are important part of experience, probably pick Summit County (or Estes). If want to emphasize wild and less crowded, go to Buena Vista / Salida or Granby.

Where you can get on 3 hour drive will depend on time of drive. If you are driving out Friday night or Saturday morning, traffic to the mountains may be heavier than other times. Avoid the city and mountain rushes if you can. Don't try to go further out if 3 hours is your limit. Give yourself some slack getting back to airport too.

[alphagifted]

Thanks. We would be driving on Friday morning and stay until Sunday morning.

So far the options are Estes and buena Vista How about Breckenbridge?

NWCROW well i want to mix the wild with some bar and restaurant options would definitely be nice and like I have mentioned before we want to do a ton of activities during the day, well they want to haha

If you know of any cabin vacation rentals or hotel i would love to hear the options!

[NW Crow]

If you are in 20s / 30s Breckenridge can give you the mountains and town experience.


Estes is ok but maybe better for older people and families.


Buena Vista could work if you can work with a small town with a pretty modest sized young / hip scene. Salida has at least 2-3 times the restaurants, bars, shops. Could mix it up, maybe one night at Mount Princeton Hot Springs (lots of outdoor options- horseback, foot, atv / jeep, hot springs, etc.)http://www.google.com/url?q=http://m...QVP2wuHXHL3RmQ
one night in Buena Vista South Main hip zone http://www.google.com/url?q=http://w...CO1UxzdGo_-wlA, one night in Salida.


A list of cabins and other style accommodations in or near BV https://www.airbnb.com/s/Buena-Vista...s_tag=CXE6mrAY

[EastwardBound]

I second Salida and you can make a stop over in St. Elmo and the Alpine Tunnel as well as the Mount Princeton Hot Spring. Lots of activities in the area to pack in a lot in three days.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

Bring warm clothes! The nights are in the 40s here in Buena Vista, and there's been fresh snow on the mountain tops twice already.

Leaves aren't turning yet, even on the mountain sides. Maybe in two weeks?????

[Dogmama50]

Frisco/Breck would be fun and give you lots to do also Glenwood/Carbondale/Aspen.

[ponyupgrl]

Steamboat Springs is fantastic and has almost any activity you'd want. Downtown area is fun and has cool shops, since it's a ski town in the winter there are plenty of rentals in the area - just do a search on google or look at airbnb.

If you drive 20 min north from there to Steamboat Lake, they have various water sport rentals (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, fishing boats, pontoons).

[Neditate]

The weekend of September 10th?
Steer clear of Estes Park. The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival is that weekend. It draws huge crowds (80,000 people). Traffic will be a nightmare and lodging has been booked for months.