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NFT: Aspen/Vail in the Summer

Anando : 5/3/2016 7:56 pm
All,

Looking for some guidance -

Family looking to head on a quick trip out west over memorial day weekend (San Francisco), and then stop at the aforementioned locations on the way back to NYC for a few days.

Two questions:

1) We have never been - is there stuff to do in these cities during this time of the year? Obviously big ski towns, but hopefully hiking/other activities? Are the cities pretty lively or dead?

2) Between the two of these, which would you visit? Seems like Aspen has more options in terms of things to do...

We're a family of (4) - my parents and a younger mid-20s brother.

Interested in golf, tennis, hiking, spa, etc.

Thanks!
Summer in Colorado is a phenomenal time to visit  
regulator : 5/3/2016 8:05 pm : link
There is actually more going on in the mountain towns at that time of year than the winter. There's a saying among locals that "people come for the winters and stay for the summers." It definitely has merit.

Both Aspen and Vail will be busy, although having been to both in the summer several times, my preference would be to go to Vail. Aspen is somewhat isolated and while there is no shortage of things to do, being in Vail opens up easier access to a wider array of options for golf, rafting (will be good this summer due to the above-average snowpack), fishing, biking, hiking, camping, etc.

Vail is within easy driving distance of Frisco, Breckenridge, Minturn, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, Eagle and Glenwood Springs. I'm not sure of your price point, but neither Vail nor Aspen will be particularly cheap. If you're more budget-conscious, consider Frisco, Avon, Edwards or Eagle. In any event, you'll be driving, and I-70 makes access to all of the above very easy.

If you are willing to consider other places in Colorado, take a look at Crested Butte and Steamboat Springs, too. Fantastic places in the summer. I won't say underrated, since they are popular destinations in their own right, but I don't think enough people on the East Coast are aware of how outstanding the Colorado ski towns are in the summertime.
I'm in Palo Alto, CA  
Modus Operandi : 5/3/2016 8:09 pm : link
About 15-20 outside of SF. San Francisco sucks. Just my opinion.

If you're going to be in the Bay Area, and you're into the touristy stuff, then you'll probably want to check out Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Lombard Street at Russian Hill (most crooked street in the world). Your wife might want to see the Painted Ladies (Victorian style homes features in the opening credits of Full House). Golden Gate, etc

But in my opinion, here's what I'd tell you to do:

1) Muir National Forest - Thousand year old Redwood trees. Can easily spend an entire day there just hiking. Or just a few hours. Simply awe inspiring.

2) Jump on to the Pacific Coast Hwy and just drive. The sights are amazing.

3) Continue on down to Santa Cruz/Half Moon Bay. It's a resort town. Where the big surfing competitions are held. It you catch it at the right time od dat you can see Orcas from the shore.

4) Drive up to Napa Valley. About an hour or so from San Fran.

Each of these choices are better than spending your day in SF. Just my opinion
RE: I'm in Palo Alto, CA  
Anando : 5/3/2016 8:10 pm : link
In comment 12943683 Modus Operandi said:
Quote:
About 15-20 outside of SF. San Francisco sucks. Just my opinion.

If you're going to be in the Bay Area, and you're into the touristy stuff, then you'll probably want to check out Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Lombard Street at Russian Hill (most crooked street in the world). Your wife might want to see the Painted Ladies (Victorian style homes features in the opening credits of Full House). Golden Gate, etc

But in my opinion, here's what I'd tell you to do:

1) Muir National Forest - Thousand year old Redwood trees. Can easily spend an entire day there just hiking. Or just a few hours. Simply awe inspiring.

2) Jump on to the Pacific Coast Hwy and just drive. The sights are amazing.

3) Continue on down to Santa Cruz/Half Moon Bay. It's a resort town. Where the big surfing competitions are held. It you catch it at the right time od dat you can see Orcas from the shore.

4) Drive up to Napa Valley. About an hour or so from San Fran.

Each of these choices are better than spending your day in SF. Just my opinion


Thank you. We are likely staying with friends just outside of SF, and spending most of our time in Napa...

well you will have a rocky mountain high no doubt  
gtt350 : 5/3/2016 8:10 pm : link
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RE: Summer in Colorado is a phenomenal time to visit  
Anando : 5/3/2016 8:10 pm : link
In comment 12943676 regulator said:
Quote:
There is actually more going on in the mountain towns at that time of year than the winter. There's a saying among locals that "people come for the winters and stay for the summers." It definitely has merit.

Both Aspen and Vail will be busy, although having been to both in the summer several times, my preference would be to go to Vail. Aspen is somewhat isolated and while there is no shortage of things to do, being in Vail opens up easier access to a wider array of options for golf, rafting (will be good this summer due to the above-average snowpack), fishing, biking, hiking, camping, etc.

Vail is within easy driving distance of Frisco, Breckenridge, Minturn, Avon, Beaver Creek, Edwards, Eagle and Glenwood Springs. I'm not sure of your price point, but neither Vail nor Aspen will be particularly cheap. If you're more budget-conscious, consider Frisco, Avon, Edwards or Eagle. In any event, you'll be driving, and I-70 makes access to all of the above very easy.

If you are willing to consider other places in Colorado, take a look at Crested Butte and Steamboat Springs, too. Fantastic places in the summer. I won't say underrated, since they are popular destinations in their own right, but I don't think enough people on the East Coast are aware of how outstanding the Colorado ski towns are in the summertime.


Thank you! Seems like the best option is to fly into Denver then drive to either location?

Then you're golden.  
Modus Operandi : 5/3/2016 8:12 pm : link
Another suggestion for your drive back. Spend a night (or more) at Lake Tahoe.

By far my favorite place in CA.
Driving to Vail in the summer is a piece of cake  
regulator : 5/3/2016 8:17 pm : link
2 hours and change from the airport in normal conditions. You can also fly into Eagle/Vail, but there aren't nearly as many flights and they tend to get pricey. That's about 35-40 minutes, so probably not worth the premium over DEN.

For Aspen, it's more like 4 hours' drive. It's a nice ride, but that's approaching my limit. ASE has an airport with pretty frequent service but again, expensive.
Go to Telluride instead  
flapjack : 5/3/2016 8:21 pm : link
Amazing in the summer
I was out in  
Tim in Capital City : 5/3/2016 8:23 pm : link
Aspen for a wedding this fall and it was amazing. There was plenty to do outside - the gondola was running to the top of the mountain. Hiking/biking/golfing/etc. Good food and drink.

I loved the drive from Denver to Aspen. We stopped in Leadville for lunch and drove through Independence Pass - I'd only been to Aspen in the winter previously, and the Pass is closed all winter, so that was new to me. It was a scenic/fun drive.
For what it's worth  
regulator : 5/4/2016 9:25 am : link
I'm not sure if you ski/ride, but Arapahoe Basin ("Abasin" or "Abay" in the local parlance) will be open over MDW and figures to still have a reasonably good amount of snow.
Is it a decent place to go after school starts in September?  
UConn4523 : 5/4/2016 9:39 am : link
I randomly have a pretty decent sized gift card for the Four Seasons and I have been looking to use it somewhere I've never been before. 5 year anniversary in late August but can push the celebration to right after school starts in September. Trying to stay domestic since we have an 8 month old and can't really take a week vacation without her just yet. 3/4 days in the states would be nice.

There's a Four Seasons in Vail and Denver and we've both always want to go out thee. Not interested in skiing at all, more hiking and just being out doors.
Thanks everyone for the advice.  
Anando : 5/4/2016 10:40 am : link
UConn - I am considering the Four Seasons in Vail
RE: Thanks everyone for the advice.  
UConn4523 : 5/4/2016 10:58 am : link
In comment 12944382 Anando said:
Quote:
UConn - I am considering the Four Seasons in Vail


Yeah if you prepay you can get some great deals. Just trying to figure out the activities we would do in early September. The Four Seasons is right in town for food/shopping and seems close to all the trails in the area.
I prefer Vail like that vibe more  
mdc1 : 5/4/2016 4:02 pm : link
have also stayed in Aspen in a personal home, was fun, although I think it is full of d-bags, including that rib place that claims to feed their pigs with tulips...lol

The ride to Aspen from Colorado can be a harrowing experience for some as can the landing into their small airport.
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