Colorado Trip Advice

**ADKmike** · 02-13-2017, 07:46 AM

Heading out to CO this upcoming Sunday for a week. Never been to CO but have skied many other areas out west (UT/WY/MT/CA).

Going to be with my wife. Primary purpose of trip is skiing of course...but trying to see some things as well and we're gonna have a couple off/travel days.

I've got the skiing aspect of this already under control...but need to get some approved spots for the après!

Basic plan is fly into Denver-->Aspen(3 days, two skiing)-->Glenwood Springs for one night-->then an off day somewhere between Glenwood Springs and Frisco/Silverthorne area-->Stay Silverthorne-->A-Basin-->Denver one night then fly out.

Looking for suggestions on where to eat in Aspen without spending too much. We like brew pubs and "locals spots". Despite choosing Aspen as a place to ski and stay, we are no frills types. Mostly going there to try and avoid crowds on front range during holiday week. Maybe good plan, maybe not who knows. Heard Aspen as a classic ski town is pretty cool too, aside from the $$$$.

Also looking for suggestions on where I can find a reasonable hot spring. She really wants to go to one (never been). Prefer the natural type ones, not the ones that are a manmade pool or whatever.

Also looking for suggestions on other things to do/see/eat between Glenwood Springs and Frisco and then between there and Denver.

Any other suggestions on what to do/where to go/what to see are welcome. Looking to avoid touristy shit, even though that's exactly what we'll be....

Thanks! Sorry for so many questions in advance!

**Just a Skosh** · 02-13-2017, 07:47 AM

I've heard the backside of Monarch is pretty epic.

**billyk** · 02-13-2017, 08:33 AM

As for Hot Springs, there are some in Glenwood Springs. I think that's about the most convenient to where you are going to be. Never been there myself.

I really like the springs in Pagosa Springs, but you're not going to be anywhere near those.

**The SnowShow** · 02-13-2017, 09:10 AM

Mt Princeton hot springs are cool...right along the river. A little south of your route but maybe worth it.

Check out the Aspen Art Museum...pretty cool piece of modern architecture.

Red Onion in Aspen is good and affordable.

The backside of Monarch is definitely epic.

If rolling through Summit County, ski at A Basin for a day. Pali lift, Zuma Cornice, East Wall. Drive over Loveland Pass.

Idaho Springs: tiny main st but has Tommyknocker Brewery and excellent pizza at Beau Joe's.

Golden's a pretty cool town. Windy Saddle for good coffee and lunch. Walk on the river.

Back in Denver: lots of restaurants in LoDo, RiNo and LoHi neighborhoods. Denver Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art are cool. Must stop at Red Rocks and take a hike as well as checking out the amphitheater. Check out Cherry Creek North neighborhood.

**Benny Profane** · 02-13-2017, 09:20 AM

Glenwood hot springs are a classic choice. Look no further.

Dillon Dam brewery is a good choice near Silverthorne, although crowded most times. Try to hit happy hour. If you like Vietnamese, Pho Bay II in Frisco is excellent. Happy hour deals are awesome. Nothing like a big bowl of pho after a powder day.

There really is nothing to see between Frisco and the airport in Denver, unless you really have time to kill, so then go over to Boulder and gawk at the old hippies n the people's republic.

Try to ski Loveland one day, especially if it's Saturday.

**billyk** · 02-13-2017, 09:33 AM

A couple things come to mind on the way to the airport. The Coors brewery tour in Golden and the Red Rocks amphitheater. Also, there are casinos in Black Hawk, if you are into that kind of thing.

**rudy** · 02-13-2017, 09:56 AM

Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood is also another good option to Glenwood Hot Springs. Probably a bit less crowded.

**ADKmike** · 02-13-2017, 10:14 AM

Thanks - great info so far all...I was hoping to be able to reference back to this thread throughout the week as a summary of spots.

As far as Glenwood Springs goes, it appears to just be a giant rectangular pool? Doesn't seem too "natural". Is this the case?

**Shredhead** · 02-13-2017, 10:38 AM

Iron Mountain is a lot nicer than the big pool.

In Aspen, most of the nice restaurants have a bar menu that's typically 60% of the cost in the dinning room. Really good food, lot less expensive.
Most have hi tops, so it's not like your sitting at the bar. Save the pub food for later in the trip.
La Hosatria
Rustique
Jimmy's
Cashe Cashe
Campo
Pinion's bar is price fix at $35 for two course, but it's really good.

Pass on desert and pick up a cookie or brownie, at Paradise Bakery.

Your wife will probably like Snowmass the best, but don't go on a windy day. Gwen's sitdown serves breakfast till 10:30 and it's a lot less expensive than lunch.
Take her up the cat at Highlands. Even if you don't ski the bowl.

**Garth Bimble** · 02-13-2017, 10:50 AM

If you're looking for natural hot springs, try Penny in Carbondale. I've never been but have heard from others that it was nice. Anything REALLY natural is going to be hike to and probably not accessible this time of year. Glenwood Springs has others besides the big pool but not sure about anything "natural". The Hotel Colorado is worth a stop though. Like to gamble? The casinos in Blackhawk are pretty nice. There are more in Central City but older/smaller as it's a historic district. Stop at the Hard Rock Cafe (not the chain) in Empire for breakfast, you won't be disappointed. (just don't speed through the town)

**The SnowShow** · 02-13-2017, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by Benny Profane

Glenwood hot springs are a classic choice. Look no further.

Dillon Dam brewery is a good choice near Silverthorne, although crowded most times. Try to hit happy hour. If you like Vietnamese, Pho Bay II in Frisco is excellent. Happy hour deals are awesome. Nothing like a big bowl of pho after a powder day.

There really is nothing to see between Frisco and the airport in Denver, unless you really have time to kill, so then go over to Boulder and gawk at the old hippies n the people's republic.

Try to ski Loveland one day, especially if it's Saturday.

Nothing to see between Frisco and DIA? Umm ok...

Red Mtn Grille and Pug Ryan's is good in Dillon too.

Glenwood Springs is not a good choice if you're looking for "natural".

Ski Loveland and pick up a Ridge Cat pass in the office, ride the Cat along the Continental Divide, hike to Point 13,010' and drop into Rock Chutes.

**skiNEwhere** · 02-13-2017, 11:05 AM

If you go to Glenwood make sure to check out "Smoke"

Might just be one of the best burgers I've ever had in my life

**Flyoverland Captive** · 02-13-2017, 11:09 AM

Indian Hot Springs in Idaho Springs is pretty cool, esp. the underground caves, but they're gender-specific, so you don't get to hang out together unless you go to the covered pool.

**Cruiser** · 02-13-2017, 11:15 AM

If you can work in a day of skiing at steamboat then you could hit the strawberry park hot springs.

**ADKmike** · 02-13-2017, 11:30 AM

Originally Posted by Shredhead

Take her up the cat at Highlands. Even if you don't ski the bowl.

What's this cat all about? Free?

**skiNEwhere** · 02-13-2017, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by ADKmike

What's this cat all about? Free?

Yea it's free but it only takes you 1/3 of the way up

**ADKmike** · 02-13-2017, 12:02 PM

Cool - good to know

**half-fast** · 02-13-2017, 12:45 PM

You can drop in toward the deep temerity lift from where the cat drops you off and get 2000' tree runs

**Shredhead** · 02-13-2017, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by ADKmike

What's this cat all about? Free?

The Bowl just about always has the best snow. If your both good, it's mandatory.

First Tracks is also free, but you have to sign up the day before.
https://www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-y...s/first-tracks

I'd spend a day at each. But if your only skiing two days, you could easily combine first tracks on Aspen and then take the free bus out to Highlands, for the afternoon.
Longshot out at Snowmass is also a nice run, with a much shorter hike.

**ADKmike** · 02-13-2017, 01:38 PM

Awesome - thanks for the info guys. Bowl will be a must-do for me. She's capable, but will prob psych herself out of doing it for no good reason. First time out west for her, I think she's nervous, but we're hitting Snowmass first day so hopefully she gains confidence.

Also, if I'm gonna hike the bowl is there somewhere she can hang and wait that has a good view or a good spot to get some pics for me (I am usually the picture taker!)

**WTF is dat** · 02-13-2017, 02:05 PM

Aspen has plenty of good places to eat that won't break the bank. It is a walking town, so walk around and check out your options.

The snow will be ok this week - not great, but you should still find some good snow on north aspects.

In between Glenwood and Frisco you will be driving the Glenwood canyon, which is beautiful.

You could do the hike to hanging lake? The trail is probably pretty snow packed though.

You will also drive be driving through Vail. If you want you can check out Vail village for lunch or drinks.

Skiing a basin is a good choice. Definitely the best option in summit county.

I agree with Benny, If you have time check out Boulder in between Frisco and DIA.

**ADKmike** · 02-13-2017, 02:20 PM

Originally Posted by WTF is dat

The snow will be ok this week - not great, but you should still find some good snow on north aspects.

Just curious which week you're talking about - I'm heading out Sunday the 19th. You referring to this week as in next few days with the warmer temps? I saw early next week maybe some snow coming back in...maybe it'll be good timing....

**uglymoney** · 02-13-2017, 02:33 PM

My wife just hit the Iron Mountain Hot spring this past Saturday in Glenwood on the way out Aspen. She said it was awesome and filled with cool people drinking beers. I'd never heard of it...just opened last year apparently. And she did the bowl at Highlands and loved it.

**whipski** · 02-13-2017, 03:52 PM

Where are you staying in Aspen?

**Benny Profane** · 02-13-2017, 05:00 PM

Just thinking that I have to stress, if you are in Summit County on the weekend, ski Loveland. Do not ski Breck, and even Abasin on a Saturday can be a shitshow. If you must, get to Abasin about an hour early on the weekends, especially if there is snow, and just chill and boot up slow, because most of the front range is stuck in traffic trying to get there. If Rt. 6 over the pass is closed, then you're way cool. You're OK to get close to Pali if you get any space in the lower lot, but, you may even get a beach spot if you're they're early. It fills very quickly on Saturday.
Aspen on the weekends is much better, because the front range crowds don't go there.