help plan my vacation: three 30-year-old college friends go to Colorado

June 28, 2015 1:44 PM

We're looking for: - something exciting like whitewater rafting or hang gliding, but safe enough that we'll live. - somewhere to hang out and catch up over a long weekend. - cool summer weather. - great accommodations at a 3 1/2-star price. We're all city-dwelling liberal professionals with obligations who haven't met up in over a year. Good ideas appreciated!
posted by sninctown to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (7 answers total)

Several years ago, my friends got a cabin outside Denver for a bachelor party. One day, we rented a boat and went fishing. Another day, we rented ATVs and tooled around some mountain trails.
posted by gnutron at 1:57 PM on June 28, 2015

Check out Steamboat Springs. This is where I would head for a weekend with friends. The Yampa River runs through town and provides lots of opportunity for rafting and kayaking. Lots of hiking and mountain biking in the surrounding mountains. As a ski town there's a diversity of accommodations, from 1 to 5 stars. Of course, there are also the springs. The springs in town are great for soaking, and the Strawberry springs just outside of town are spectacular.
posted by u2604ab at 2:22 PM on June 28, 2015

I was going to suggest Steamboat Springs, or Glenwood Springs. Both are great options.
posted by That's Numberwang! at 2:51 PM on June 28, 2015

I was just coming in to recommend Strawberry Springs too. We stayed there a few years back with a group like yours. It was lovely.
posted by goggie at 3:00 PM on June 28, 2015

Go to Ouray. Rent a jeep and drive the Black Bear Road. It's even got a song, but don't go down like these guys did (they lived!). Go back to Ouray from Telluride via Ophir Pass and the Million Dollar Highway.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 3:23 PM on June 28, 2015

The alpine coaster in Glenwood Springs is super-fun! They also have this terrifying giant canyon swing which is closed for repairs right now. And Glenwood has hot springs, hiking, rafting, etc.
posted by jabes at 3:55 PM on June 28, 2015

When are you coming to Colorado? I assume summer (cool summer weather), but when?

Whitewater rafting in Colorado is a blast; most of the rivers are currently coming down from their springtime peaks. So if you're coming soon, I'd recommend Brown's Canyon; it's beautiful, and it's a classic (Class III, but big water class III right now). If you're talking about late July or August, do a Numbers trip -- it's solid Class IV (and not being run commercially right now due to the high water). The Buena Vista/Salida area is magnificent. Try the various hot springs in the area. Or head down to Valley View Hot Springs (note: clothing optional) and check out the Great Sand Dunes, though they're going to be pretty hot some days.

As for lodging, check out AirBnB or VRBO for some options. There are a lot of condos out there, particularly in ski towns, that can be rented very cheaply in the summer, since summertime is the off season for those areas. What might rent for $400/nt in February could go for $100/nt now.

It's also worth going to a recreational dispensary if you're not in a state where over-the-counter pot is legal. Enjoy responsibly, and don't try to take any home with you.
posted by craven_morhead at 9:12 AM on June 29, 2015