Trip to Colorado - recommendations for places I should visit?

[bestlight]

Hello all! I'll be flying to Denver for about a week with my mother in mid-July for a fun trip. Any recommendations for must-see destinations? I've never been out west before, except to San Francisco and Los Angeles. We'll have a rental car and we're willing to drive. My mother had foot surgery about a month ago, so she should be in good shape for light hiking but nothing too strenuous.

I will be using a recently-purchased Tri-Star for this journey, by the way!

[Moose]

Hi bestlight,
Since you have a car I'd head south (50+/- miles) to Colorado Springs. This time of year you can drive to the top of Pikes Peak. You could spend some time hiking or driving around the Garden of the Gods while in the Springs. If you want to stay closer to Denver you can head west to Idaho Springs. There's a great pizza place there. I think its called Beaujos. West of Colorado Springs is Wilkerson Pass. The sunset from the top is quite lovely. There's so much to see its hard to pick what to do first.
Have a good time,
Moose

[TavaPeak]

I second the suggestion for Pike's Peak...not just cuz I'm a native of Colorado Springs. There is also a cog railway that goes to the top - that way the driver can enjoy the views, too. Pike's Peak Cog Railway - The world's highest cog railroad, the highest Colorado railroad AND highest train in the United States. Take a warm layer for the top, if you don't want to buy an overpriced sweatshirt.

We love the parks in summer - Mueller State Park (less than an hour west of Colorado Springs), Rocky Mtn National Park (near Estes Park), Maroon Bells (near Aspen). Our kids love the huge hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs. Hope you have a great time!

[lotuseater]

Some good tips on this thread back in January, although you can ignore the snow and winter wear comments obviously. Expect temperatures in the 90s during the day, high 50s or low 60s at night. Plan your outdoor excursions early, as thunderstorms can develop any time from late morning onwards. Use plenty of sunscreen and pace yourselves - the altitude and dry climate will surprise you if you try to do too much. Drink more water than you are accustomed to, and have tylenol/ advil/ motrin (insert chosen brand here) on hand for any altitude-induced headaches. You should acclimatize within 2-3 days.