What about Telluride, Montose, or Ouray? I'd go to any if those in the summer before Vail.

Colorado native, so I'm probably biases but Vail ALL day. I spent every summer growing up going to Vail for at least a week and it's still my favorite mountain town. Aspen is beautiful but annoying...not a place Coloradans spend any time. That being said, that is probably my bias against it from growing up there. Its just so much more a scene in the ways that I don't enjoy.

Forgot to add - Vail/Avon/Edwards as well as Aspen have lots of small fly fishing shops. They will rent you all the necessary gear and set you up with a guide. Very nice to get out on the river!

These were my recommendations from an older thread:

Hike, paddleboard or canoe, and have lunch at Piney Lake (rough drive, but beautiful once you are there) https://www.pineyriverran...ranch.com/

Whitewater rafting -- we like these guys out of Glenwood (assuming no mudslide issues on I-70 through Glenwood Canyon): https://www.coloradowhite...fting.com/

Less dramatic than rafting but still fun -- tubing on the Colorado River https://turtletubing.com/

Horseback riding at Beaver Creek Stables or Vail Stables

Some summers 4 Eagle Ranch has hayride/cowboy dinners -- programming tends to change year to year https://4eagleranch.com/

Take Lionshead Gondola up the mountain, ride the alpine coaster at the top, take some beautiful pictures overlooking Holy Cross, and do a nice easy hike with great views on Fireweed Trail over to Gondola One. Take Gondola One down, stroll through Vail Village, wade in Gore Creek, and make your way back to Lionshead parking garage (walk behind the library along the creek)

Betty Ford Alpine Garden (great playground there as well, wade in creek down by covered bridge). Check to see if there is a performance at Ford Amphitheater that you’d enjoy.

Vail and Minturn farmers' markets (Vail market much bigger/more crowded)

Lunch hike with a llama via Paragon Guides

For Aspen: we like the Gant for condos - good location, nice pool. Maroon Bells is a must - bus system works well, and you might not be allowed to drive up depending on timing. Rent bikes for a nice ride to Woody Creek tavern. Same recommendation as above for Glenwood rafting. Visit/hike around Ashcroft ghost town. Look into dinner at Pine Creek Cookhouse and any performances at the Music Festival.

Have a wonderful trip!

If you like jaw dropping heights, Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction is amazing.

The weather (wind) and private jet volume can affect flights into Aspen, so be flexible about airports.

We had to change to drive from Denver. That being said, the drive is quite spectacular.

Vail has great views of I-70.

I haven't been to Aspen, but I hear the hiking there is great. The Maroon Bells are a famous hike near Aspen, but not sure about the logistics of hiking it.

We loved Steamboat. Not on your list but beautiful and an actual town.

How old? Look into the trail from aspen to crested butte. It’s a bucket list hike but it’s long and you would need to spend a night in crested butte. But it’s worth it.

Might depend on age. Have only been to Vail in summer so can’t compare, but Vail has great playgrounds (at least three of them), bike path that connects them, creek, and nature center. Really enjoyed visiting there with young kids.

Anonymous wrote:Add a trip to the Glenwood Springs pool for a day.

Yes, Glenwood Springs is great! Go there.

Add a trip to the Glenwood Springs pool for a day.

Aspen is better in summer. It’s a real town and lots to do. Vail is great for skiing and as a ski town but not as great for summer. I lived in Aspen for a summer and it was fun.

Single mom here planning on taking my son to aspen or vail this summer in August. We both have never been to either or Colorado in general. He is new to hiking but likes it a lot. Any recommendations for which one/lodging/ or tips in general? Thanks!