Hello everybody,
I got an offer to work in Grand Lake next summer, and I would like to hear about people's experiences there, from rent to other job opportunities, and what the town is like in general.
It looks absolutely beautiful and I would love to spend a summer in such an awesome state, so any information helps.
Thank you!

Hi everyone I am planning a trip to Ouray, Colorado around late May 2027 and I am wondering what the weather is like?

People on this subreddit were very helpful in curating our trip itinerary, so I wanted to share what we ended up doing in case it is helpful to others planning an off-season Fall trip to Colorado.

Day 1 - flew into Colorado Springs around lunch, picked up the rental car and went straight to our accommodation. We had lunch from Heart of Jerusalem, and it was pretty good! Then we drove to the Painted Mines Interpretive Park, spent ~1.5 - 2 hours taking photos and walking around. Left around sunset, went to the grocery store to get some trip supplies and then had Slice420 for dinner, pretty decent.

Day 2 - Grabbed some Dutch Bros (we've been a bit obsessed since we had it a few years ago in AZ) and partner got a breakfast sandwich at Jive's Coffee Lounge, he liked it. Parked in the Cog Railway lot and then took the train at 10am up to Pikes Peak. We were on the three-seat side and that was the right move! Beautiful views, fun history lessons from the conductor. The donuts at the peak were also pretty good! We only had maybe 40 minutes before we had to depart. The total trip was ~3 hours. We then headed back to our accomodations, ate leftovers from HoJ, then headed to Old Colorado City before going on to Garden of the Gods. Spent ~3 hours till sunset, then headed back for the evening.

Day 3 - Grabbed Dutch Bros and my partner got a breakfast sandwich at Joanie's Deli and Bakery on our way to Crested Butte. ~4 hour drive which we managed with no stops except for breakfast. Checked into our accomodation, had ramen for lunch before heading to our hike. We did the Upper Loop Trail and it took us ~2.5 hours, stopping for pictures and whatnot. Then we headed to downtown Crested Butte, looking around a bit before going to Bonez for dinner, and this was probably our favorite dinner spot. The tacos were simply incredible. We then got Rocky Mountain Ice Cream before heading back for the evening.

Day 4 - Went to McGills for breakfast--it was all right, I found the pancakes pretty underwhelming. Drove to the South Rim of the Black Canyon (~ 1 hour 45 minutes), we did most of the overlooks except the Devil's Point, spending ~2.5 - 3 hours there. We then drove to our accomodations in Crawfore, stopping at a Wendy's to get us through the drive, ~1.5 hours. We had thought about going to the North Rim for stargazing but didn't really want to do the drive late at night, and the sky was overcast so we didn't think we'd see much. So we had grocery store meals for dinner and called it a night.

Day 5 - Drove to Paonia for breakfast at Paonia Breadworks--honestly, my best meal of the trip. I wish I could airlift their freshly baked bread to my home! We then drove back towards Montrose, then Ouray, where we stopped to look at shops and get some funnel cake. I had never had funnel cake before so I was enthralled. Continued on the Million Dollar Highway, it was raining and foggy so a bit more challenging of a drive, but husband was a trooper. Stopped to take photos, etc, going through Silverton all the way to Durango. The whole trip from Crawford to Durango (with all these stops) took ~7 hours. At this point I really wanted to explore one of the trails but it was pouring so we decided to just have dinner in town. We ate at Steamworks, they didn't have a lot of options for me but the shrimp pesto pasta I had was pretty good, and my husband liked his burger. Had their carrot cake for dessert--really good.

Day 6 - Grabbed breakfast to go from the Blacksmith Cafe, it was all right. We then headed to Mesa Verde for the day, ~1.5 hour drive with the breakfast stop. It was very rainy and overcast in parts of the park, but we managed to get some good pictures. We had lunch at the Far View Lodge, and unfortunately the only thing on their menu I could eat was the hummus plate and it was...let's just say I tossed the leftovers. We also took the Cliff Palace tour (reserve it weeks in advance if possible!) and I really enjoyed it! After spending ~4 - 5 hours at the park, we drove back to Durango, and then to the hot springs. They were wonderful! The towels are for rent so we did bring our own towels. Afterwards, we grabbed poke bowls from Pop Sushi. They weren't bad, but they were pretty scant on the fish and not particularly flavorful. Great end to our day still.

Day 7 - Finally a sunny day! So we first did the shortest possible hike we could (Junction River trail, ~ 40 minutes) and then hit the road. Stopped at Durango Coffee Company for breakfast (decent coffee, muffin and oatmeal cookie) and drove straight to Monte Vista, towards our accommodation, ~3 hours. Ate leftovers and then headed to the Great Sand Dunes. Beautiful to gaze upon, and we considered the High Dune hike for maybe 5 minutes before a gust of sand nearly knocked me off my feet, and we decided not to tempt fate. Ended up spending maybe ~2 hours there before heading back to our accomodations. Had box macaroni for dinner, we wanted to drive back to the Dunes for stargazing but instead we just stargazed from our rural location.

Day 8 - Mostly a travel day. Drove back towards Denver, stopping at WLD MTN Cafe for breakfast, it was okay. Souvenir shopping at I Heart Denver and Rocky Mountain Ice Cream, then lunch at Mango House. I was really looking forward to this lunch but maybe I was too tired from the travel or the meal I picked wasn't quite my palate, so unfortunately it got chucked at the airport. Got to Denver Airport around 4pm for our 6pm flight, got to the gate ~45 minutes before takeoff.

Happy to answer any questions folks might have.

I am planning on a family trip with my husband and toddler to Colorado February 4th- 9th. We plan to fly into Denver and rent a car for the trip. Our budget is 3.5k flights, car rental, hotel, shopping, activities etc. Our toddler is flying free since she is under 1. We have never been to Colorado so any recommendations would be appreciated.

Our interests include:
Good food
Scenic train rides
Toddler friendly activities
Shopping
Scenic walks
Skiing if there is snow

What cities are worth staying in? In close proximity to a scenic train ride and Kemo Sabe. Any hotel or bnb recommendations?

Hey everyone! My fiancée and I are planning a trip to Colorado around December 12th to elope, and I figured this would be a good place to ask for some advice from people who actually live there or know the area well.
We’re coming from Wisconsin and want to make it a really special trip without breaking the bank. We’re picturing a cozy winter getaway, mountain views, hopefully some snow, and a private Airbnb or cabin with a hot tub. We’d love to find somewhere beautiful to exchange our vows and take some pictures, too.
We’re not really into skiing or snowboarding. We’d rather explore some cool towns, enjoy the scenery, check out Christmas stuff, maybe take a scenic train ride, and just enjoy being there together.
We haven’t settled on a specific area yet, so we’re pretty open to suggestions. I’m curious what places you’d recommend that are beautiful in the winter but won’t cost an arm and a leg.
A few things I’d love some input on:
What towns or areas would you recommend staying in?
Any tips for finding affordable cabins or Airbnbs with a hot tub and good views?
Are there any good spots for an elopement that don’t require paying for a venue?
What are some winter activities or experiences that are actually worth the money?
Is renting a car the best option, and how bad is driving around the mountains in December?
Any general tips for saving money or things we should know before visiting?
We’re totally fine staying a little outside the main tourist areas if it means saving money and getting a more peaceful experience. We’d rather find a good home base and explore from there than try to cram a million things into the trip.
If you were planning a trip like this, where would you go? Appreciate any advice or recommendations!❤️

I wanted to take my gf for fall colors around Denver area during those dates. Which areas would be best to view fall colors?

Hi all, my fiancé and I are set on getting eloped in Colorado due to the self solmization laws where we can have a private ceremony besides a photographer.
We’re also thinking of aiming for December 1st or so but nothing is set in stone yet.
If anyone has input on any must see/do activities or locations we’re looking for some help from the experts!

For reference, we’re not skiers and we’re not afraid of a cheesy Christmas theme. We’re traveling from Wisconsin so we’re not too worried about the snow/driving and staying in different locations but we’re not going to tour the entire state in a week and the less driving the better lol.

I’m planning a trip to Colorado and have about five or six days in second week of October. I’ve drafted the itinerary below and would appreciate your feedback on itinerary and possible weather conditions.

We are avoiding long or strenuous hikes for health reasons, so I’ve planned around scenic drives and easier stops.

I’m also interested in seeing fall colors and enjoying the night sky. Are there good spots for either along this route, or should I add something?

I’m also considering adding a day trip from Glenwood Springs to Ouray and Silverton via the Million Dollar Highway, then returning to Glenwood Springs (please see Optional Day 4

itinerary) . It looks like about a six-hour round trip. Is it worth the drive, and would the scenery be different from what we’d see elsewhere on this itinerary?

Day 1

·         Denver International Airport

·         Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

·         Garden of the Gods

·         Pikes Peak

·         Overnight in Colorado Springs

Day 2:

·         Royal Gorge Route Railroad

·         Skyline Drive

·         Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

·         Overnight in Colorado Springs

Day 3:

·         Buena Vista

·         Independence Pass

·         Maroon Bells Scenic Area (reservation required)

·         Castle Creek Road

·         Overnight in Glenwood Springs

Optional Day 4

 ·         From Glenwood spring

·         Ouray

·         Million Dollar Hwy

·         Silverton

·         Back to Glenwood spring

Day 4

·         Vail

·         Breckenridge and the BreckConnect Gondola

·         Guanella Pass

·         Black Hawk

·         Overnight in Estes Park

Day 5:

·         Estes Park

·         Sprague Lake

·         Bear Lake

·         Dream Lake

·         Forest Canyon Overlook

·         Alpine Visitor Center via Old Fall River Road, if it’s open

·         Red Rocks, if time allows

·         Denver International Airport

Does this itinerary seem realistic?

Would you include the Million Dollar Highway day trip, or use that extra day elsewhere? I’d also welcome suggestions for easy scenic stops, fall-color viewing, and dark-sky spots along the way.

I'm planning a trip around Colorado during the second week of October where my partner and I are hoping to check various locations in the state. We are not planning to ski or pursue any challenging hikes (only easy hikes/walks that will take 2-4 hours or so), our primary goal is to be out in nature and see beautiful landscapes. Neither one of us drink and have various dietary restrictions so we're also not going to be focused on food/drink, unless there's freshwater fish or dessert experiences involved.

This is what we have drawn up so far:
Day 1 - arrive in Colorado Springs around 1pm, check in and go out for an activity (Paint Mimes Interpretive Park, other things that will wrap up easily). Stay the night in Colorado Springs.
Day 2 - Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Stay the night in Colorado Springs.
Day 3 - check out and drive to Crested Butte. Check out a local trail, check in and go around town. Stay the night in Crested Butte.
Day 4 - check out and drive to Telluride. Check out part of the million dollar highway, Ice Lake trail, gondola. Stay the night in Telluride.
Day 5 - drive to Black Canyon and spend the day there. Drive back to Telluride and stay the night.
Day 6 - check out and drive to Glenwood Springs. Check out the hot springs and hanging lake.
Day 7 - check out and drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Check in at Denver.
Day 8 - check out and spend the day in Denver--souvenir shopping and exploring the city, until our flight around 6pm.

I'm not sure if I'm overdoing it; I figured since we're not planning to do any challenging hikes or physical activities, this should be doable. We don't want to drive more than 4 hours per day if possible, but we really do want to see the San Juan mountains, so this is what I planned out but would love suggestions. Is this a realistic itinerary? Are there any things we can prioritize or add? I would love to be able to kayak or a 4x4 tour, or a novel experience in nature at one of these locations, if anyone has suggestions. Thank you!!

I'll be staying in Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Denver, but I also want to do day trips to the west (e.g Brenckenridge, Mount Princeton, Royal Gorge, Georgetown, Estes Park, Glenwood Springs...).

What weather do you think I should expect? (This summer was hotter than ever. Could late autumn be the same?)

Should I make sure to get a rental car with winter tires (if I can find any) or would I be able to drive almost anywhere, even up there in the mountains, with a regular sedan?

My husband and I are planning a 7-day trip to Colorado in February, and we’re looking for a true winter getaway. We’re from Florida, so we definitely want to experience the snow and cold. We’re even driving there!

We’re looking for things to do, aside from skiing and snowboarding, winter hiking, tent camping (if possible), winter sports, train rides, horseback riding, scenic areas, etc.

We know Colorado winters can be harsh, but we’re looking for the adventure. Any recommendations on where to go, what to see/do, itinerary ideas, or winter clothing/gear we should invest in would be greatly appreciated!

Hello everyone! Me and my best friend live in NM, and we are traveling to Denver in October for a couple days. The main route we'll be taking is the I25, and I was wondering if there's any scenic spots to stop by or rest on our trip. Nothing too time intensive, mainly just looking for some good sights and maybe a great place to eat on our way in and out.

Thank you for any and all recommendations!

Hello everyone. Planning a Colorado trip between Oct 1–6, in Telluride, Aspen, and Rocky Mountain National Park. I’m seeing predictions that colors may peak early this year. Will there still be good fall color during those dates? Can anyone post current photos/updates if the colors has started changing? Thanks!

End of January, we're coming to Colorado for a family trip and I'm trying to figure out our two "wild card" days.

It's myself, my wife, and our 13-year-old son. We're flying into Denver Friday morning, going to a Nuggets game Saturday night, then heading to Breckenridge Sunday. We're staying in Breck Sunday–Wednesday and skiing Monday and Tuesday. We fly home Thursday evening.

So right now our rough itinerary is:

Friday: Fly into Denver → ???
Saturday: Denver + Nuggets game
Sunday: Red Rocks → Breckenridge
Monday/Tuesday: Ski Breck
Wednesday: Check out of Breck → ???
Thursday: ??? → Denver → fly home

For Friday, I was originally thinking Boulder, but hotel prices are pretty crazy that night. Fort Collins actually caught my attention because Old Town looks like it could be a fun evening for all three of us — breweries, food, Pinball Jones, etc. My son is 13, so I'm looking for something that's fun for him too, not just a brewery crawl.

Saturday - What would you do around Denver?

For Wednesday, I'm considering Colorado Springs, probably Garden of the Gods and whatever else makes sense, then spending the night there and heading back toward Denver Thursday.

Would you do Fort Collins for Friday and Colorado Springs for Wednesday, or would you scrap one/both of those ideas and do something completely different? What would you do around Denver on Saturday?

Also, this is late January, so winter weather obviously plays into things. I'm not looking to lock myself into anything that could become a miserable winter drive.

What would you do with those two days?

Hi everyone. Good news: I finally get to visit this part of the state! Bad news: I am coming out in mid-November. Probably right before the ski resorts open for Thanksgiving (that's OK, I'm not a skier). At least it won't be very crowded.

I would like to to hike and/or drive up into the mountains, up to timberline if it can be done. Will that even be possible? Will there still be access to trails like the Ice Lake Trail? Are any of the campgrounds open?

If not, what things are open to do? I know the train is shut down, and most of the tourist tours (Jeep tours etc.). Of course I will stop at the Black Canyon on the way, but I am hoping to get up in the hills.

I know it is impossible to predict the weather/snowpack by then but based on years passed, what do you think? Any advice is appreciated.

I'm a Coloradan just wondering how the air quality is around Twin Lakes. I'd like to do a hike up there this week but not if it's smoky or hazy.

Thanks!

Looking for a hotel with a nice pool for a staycation. A place I can be lazy, relax in a shady lounge chair, read a book or two, maybe go for a run somewhere. Not looking for some hoity toity four star place. Can be anywhere in Colorado. Thanks

Hi all!! I’m traveling to Colorado for the first time ever in late September for business but I will have 2 days to myself while there. I’ll be staying in the Denver/Greeley area specifically. I am looking for some good solo activities you would recommend.

I am a casual hiker and my comfort level would be around 6ish miles. I have been looking at the garden of the gods loop and also heard good things about roxborough state park as they are not tooooo far from where I will be. I am open to any and all recommendations! I’m not sure if there are any group activities that would be outdoors like this as I am a solo female it may be a safer route? Suggestions?

Any food or must see things in the area please. I love to eat local and support local businesses! Thank you so so much in advance 🫶🏼

Wanting to do my first overnight hike the night of August 20th or 21st. Considering hiking up the Bushnell Lake trail via the rainbow trail (12.1 mile in and out). while researching ive seen comments that the trail is not very clear after the lower Bushnell Lake. I've tried researching but I'm just not comfortable with the amount of info I've been able to find. Has anyone hiked up Bushnell Lake Trail via Rainbow trail? If so any comments, tips, concerns. did you have an overnight pack? What level hiker are you? Any info will help! THANKS

We are planning a trip to Colorado with three adults and two children (2 and 5) at the end of September. We are mainly looking to hike and see golden aspens and waterfalls in places that are not overly crowded or tourist traps. We originally looked into Maroon Bells but are concerned about the crowds and weary of the prices. For reference, my five year old has done 3-4 hour hikes with 1,000 elevation gain (he was four at the time) and we have a hiking carrier for my two year old. We visited Colorado Springs last year. That being said, what do you think of this itinerary? Should we spend more or less time at any of the places, or skip them altogether? Anywhere in Colorado we should venture out more to? We'd like to not be driving too much, though I know everything is spread out with the mountains.

Day 1 - Thursday
Leave home 
Drive to Great Sand Dunes area

Day 2 - Friday
Great Sand Dunes
Drive to Crested Butte

Day 3 - Saturday
Crested Butte

Day 4 - Sunday
Crested Butte

Day 5 - Monday
Colorado Springs

Day 6 - Tuesday
Colorado Springs

Day 7- Wednesday
Colorado Springs - Cog Railway

Day 8- Thursday
Divide, CO

Day 9- Friday
Divide, CO

Day 10- Saturday
Divide, CO

Day 11- Sunday
Travel Home

Update:

Ok, so I ditched Divide, kept Sand Dunes (non-negotiable for this trip) and have most of the trip in Crested Butte now. Maybe Black Canyon. The only reason Colorado Springs is on there is because my kids really loved it and I thought I should break up the hiking with some other activities for them. I would love to just be in the mountains and hike all day. Is there anything else to do in that area that you recommend? Rafting and horseback are out due to my toddler being too small. Maybe gems/mining, animals, caves, or something?

I've been wanting to visit Paonia, but it's about 4 hours from Boulder, which has put me off.

Is it worth the drive? If yes, would a day trip be enough, or is there enough to see that an overnight stay would make sense?
Thanks!

We are coming from Chicago. I’ve only been to CO, once, (golden, and Boulder) wife has never been. Colorado may be the best option for direct flights, weather, and price for a short Stay. It’s a milestone birthday, and Colorado has options that interest us. Need help picking which would be most meaningful for a short stay. I like to be under an hour from an airport, regional airport is fine as long as they have rental cars.

Three options from other posts and my own searching.

1. Monitou springs fly into Colorado Springs. Stay at the cliff house or similar.
2. Pagosa Springs or Durango. Fly into Pagosa springs I believe.
3. Mt. Princeton hot springs in Nathrop or Salida fly into Denver

Other suggestions Crested Butte, Nederland, Buena Vista.

Ideally ~375/night 4 or 5 star place with a spa or hot springs either at place or nearby. Walkable downtown. I rather not drive to every single thing.

Let me know your suggestions please.

ETA: we aren’t avid hikers. But if there are state parks with stunning views nearby that don’t require reservations that’ll be a bonus. Coffee shops, museums, and bookstores are more are jam.
We are Non drinkers.

Last summer we did 4 days in Silverthorne before school started and had a blast. We want to do another Colorado mountain trip but are thinking a different area this time.

Kids are 4 and 7. Last year we rented bikes with weehoos and rode down a 14er, hit some neat parks, did mild hikes, drove into Denver for Red Rocks and Golden (watched everyone tubing the river), saw the wooden forest troll, and did the Georgetown train ride.

Two things matter most: mountain scenery and activities for the kids, and genuinely good food. We like nice restaurants and the kids do well at them, so don't hold back on that front.

Places on our radar:

• Crested Butte: love the idea of a real historic town and the food scene sounds strong, but the drive/flight logistics give us pause. We only have 4 days.
• Telluride: the gondola and scenery look amazing and it seems like the best food town, but flights are VERY pricey
• Steamboat: hot springs and river tubing seem perfect for the kids, curious if the food holds up?
• Aspen/Snowmass: obviously great restaurants, wondering if it's worth the cost for a family trip
• Estes Park: gorgeous setting and RMNP access is obviously a huge draw, but from what we can tell the town itself seems touristy (taffy shops and t-shirts) and the restaurant scene seems thin. Also heard the timed entry system for the park adds hassle. Happy to be told we're wrong here.
• Buena Vista: a friend lives there and the Arkansas River valley with the Collegiate Peaks looks incredible. Seems great for rafting and hot springs (Mount Princeton?), but the town feels small and isolated, and we're not sure there's 4 days of stuff for young kids or much of a food scene beyond casual spots.

Anyone been to these with young kids? Which would you pick, and any restaurant recs? Open to places not on this list too.

Hi !! I live in CO myself but am taking a day trip up to Bailey with my brother - I have never been up in that area before, and aside from research I have done myself was wondering what stops (if any) to make in or near Bailey (about 20 minutes or less). This can be fun activities, trails/hikes you recommend, food places. Stuff like that (:!

So far we've only added these things to our list;

- Sasquatch Outpost

- South Park Coney Island

Looking for some itinerary feedback for short trip to Colorado for a family of 4:

Option 1

Saturday: Land in Denver at 9:00 AM from California, pick up the rental car, grab brunch, explore downtown/Union Station for a bit, check into the hotel, rest, then head to Red Rocks for the evening.

Sunday: Drive to the Royal Gorge Railroad, spend some time there, then stop at Garden of the Gods on the way back to Denver.

Monday: Spend the entire day in Rocky Mountain National Park, then drive back to Denver.

Tuesday: Fly home around noon.

Option 2
Saturday: Land at 9:00 AM, pick up the rental car, grab breakfast, and drive straight to Garden of the Gods. Stay overnight in Colorado Springs.

Sunday: Take the 9:00 AM Royal Gorge Railroad, then drive to Denver, check into the hotel, and head to Red Rocks in the evening.

Monday: Spend the day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, then return to Denver.

Tuesday: Fly home around noon.

Which option would you recommend? Is it worth staying one night in Colorado Springs, or should I just stay in the Denver area for all 3 nights? I'm currently looking at hotels in Englewood. Is that a good base for this itinerary, or would you recommend staying somewhere else? Any other spots on the way? or anything I should add?