The Colorado Tourism Office ( www.colorado.com or 800/265-6723) is a good place to get maps and information on activities and road conditions.
Destinations
Boulder Canyon. Popular climbing area, partly managed by city of Boulder. About 5 miles west of town off State 119; www.osmp.org or 303/441-3440.
The Spot Bouldering Gym. Bouldering classes from $30, half-day outdoor climbing sessions from $40. 3240 Prairie Ave., Boulder; www.thespotgym.com or 303/379-8806.
Rocky Mountain National Park. Five visitor centers have books and maps. Campsites at Glacier Basin and Moraine Park can be reserved (from $20; reservations.nps.gov or 800/365-2267); those at Aspenglen, Longs Peak, and Timber Creek are first come, first served (arrive early on weekends). $20 per vehicle (for seven days). www.nps.gov/romo or 970/586-1206.
Hi Country Stables. Guided horseback rides in Rocky Mountain National Park. From $40 per person for two hours. Two locations: Glacier Creek (970/586-3244) and Moraine Park (970/586-2327).
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area. 100 miles of trails and dozens of peaks (including Castle) in Gunnison and White River National Forests. Free wilderness permit required to hike Maroon Bells; available from U.S. Forest Service (806 W. Hallam Ave., Aspen; 970/925-3445) and at trailheads.
Aspen Expeditions. One-day rock-climbing trips and guided mountain ascents from $150 per person. 426 S. Spring St., Aspen; www.aspenexpeditions.comwww.aspenexpeditions.com or 970/925-7625.
Crested Butte Mountain Bike Trails. Pick up a free trail map at visitor center, bike shop, or the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame (12-7 daily; 331 Elk Ave., Crested Butte; 800/454-4505).
The Alpineer. Mountain bikes to rent, biking and hiking gear for sale. Bike rentals from $25 a day. 419 Sixth St., Crested Butte; 970/349-5210.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. A 149,500-acre park with giant dunes. Camping at Pinyon Flats ($12 per night). $3 entrance fee per person. 11999 State 150, Mosca; www.nps.gov/grsa or 719/378-6300.
4 Corners Rafting. Single- and multiday floats on the Arkansas River. Half-day trips from $42. 22565 S. U.S. 285, Nathrop; www.fourcornersrafting.com or 800/332-7238.
Lodging and dining
BOULDER
Bácaro Ristorante. Italian dishes. $$; lunch Sat-Sun, dinner daily. 921 Pearl St.; 303/444-4888.
BookEnd Cafe. Soups, pastries, espresso, on the mall. 1115 Pearl; 303/440-6699.
Boulder Outlook Hotel & Suites. Colorfully painted motel rooms; indoor pool and bouldering wall in main building. From $90. 800 28th St.; 800/542-0304.
Jax Fish House. Lots of seafood choices, lively bar. $$; dinner daily. 928 Pearl; 303/444-1811.
ASPEN
Hotel Durant. Small but nice rooms. From $135. 122 E. Durant Ave.; www.durantaspen.com or 970/925-8500.
Hotel Lenado. Mountain lodge-style rooms with four-poster log beds. From $195, including breakfast. 200 S. Aspen St.; http://www.hotellenado.com" "www.hotellenado.com" "" "_new"] or 800/321-3457.
Poppycocks. Hearty breakfasts. $; breakfast and lunch daily. 665 E. Cooper Ave.; 970/925-1245.
Six89. Outstanding seasonal menu. $$$; dinner Tue-Sun. 689 Main St., Carbondale; 970/963-6890.
Specialty Foods of Aspen & the Cheese Shop. Deli with great sandwiches and salads. Closed Sun. 601 E. Hopkins Ave.; 970/544-6656.
CRESTED BUTTE
Camp 4 Coffee. License plate-covered stand has a patio popular with locals. 402½ Elk Ave.; 970/349-5148.
Cucina of Crested Butte. Gourmet deli with great soups, lasagna, salads. $; closed Sun (open daily Jul-Aug). 425 Elk; 970/349-7174.
DURANGO AND OURAY
Bulow's Bistro at the Beaumont Hotel. Roast chicken, grilled salmon, steaks; off historic hotel's lobby. $$; lunch and dinner daily. 505 Main St., Ouray; 970/325-7050.
Cyprus Café. Greek and Italian dishes in a Victorian house. $$$; lunch and dinner daily. 725 E. Second Ave., Durango; 970/385-6884.
Jean Pierre Bakery. Lovely French pastries. Closed Sun. 601 Main Ave., Durango; 970/385-0122.
Leland House and Rochester Hotel. Two inns with large rooms, across street from each other. From $149, including breakfast. 721 E. Second, Durango; www.rochesterhotel.com or 800/664-1920.
Mouse's Chocolates. Coffee and sweets. 520 Main St., Ouray; 877/793-7447.
Wiesbaden Hot Springs Spa & Lodgings. Low-frills lodge over natural hot springs with vapor cave and outdoor pool. From $120. 625 Fifth St., Ouray; www.wiesbadenhotsprings.com or 970/325-4347.
BUENA VISTA And SALIDA
First Street Cafe. Barbecued ribs and steak in historic building downtown. $$. 137 E. First St., Salida; 719/539-4759.
K's Dairy Delite. Roadside stand with burgers and ice cream. 223 S. U.S. 24, Buena Vista; 719/395-8695.
