I know I could have looked up in the internet, but plethora of (supposedly) useful information has me all confused. I am staying up at Boulder (could not stay anywhere else, I have reward points that expires this December), therefore I humbly request residents of Colorado or individuals who've visited there to help me out with my trip planner.

I have three full days at Boulder (21,22,23 of this month) and I would really appreciate if someone could advise me to make the best out of it. Should I underscore that I am primarily interested in hiking, scenic drives, horseback riding and photography?

I also know this is a cliche' thread, hence tirades are welcome as well.

Uranus ji,

If you go to Boulder Downtown (Pearl Street), there is a visitor information place right infront of Boulder Court House. You can get FREE maps and information. There are tons of map with hiking trails. The best hiking place in Boulder is Mount Sanitas. It is close to donwtown and is on Maplton street right behind Boulder Community Hospital (Mapleton Campus). Another great place is Red Rocks in Boulder which is in walking distance from Mt.Sanitas. Both places has a great view of city of Boulder.

Estes Park is only 45 minutes from Boulder. There are several nice hiking places there too. If you want to enter Rocky Mountain Nationl Park, the free is $ 20.00 for 1 week or $ 40 for annual pass. I would suggest you get the pass and go to Bear Lake, it is beautiful. There are several other lakes in near by. Alberta Falls is amazing and it is only 1 miles hike up from Bear Lake parking.

Colorado Spring is about 1 1/2 to 2 hours drive from Boulder, depending on the traffic. Garden of Gods is free and you can walk around, it is sourounded by big giant red rocks, great hiking. Cave of the wind is near by and you can pay $ 20 to take 45 minutes tour inside the cave. It is about 55 degrees inside the cave so it's a good idea to have a nice jacket. Royal George is in Colorado Springs too, $ 25.00 for entrance free. Seven fall is another great place in Colorado Springs.

Colorado is a great place, awesome place for pictures. Have a wonderful trip.

Thank you very much Rekha and Sna for your valuable inputs,

I just discovered that Trail Ridge road is partially closed, but I might be lucky enough to drive all the way to Bear lake. Taking into consideration the time of visit, I'd be fortunate enough to hike whatever I could. Garden of gods is certainly in my trip list, but I was unsure about how much of a hiking could I do at Estes park.

I never heard about Sahmbhala monastery before, so that is definitely a must see. I now realize how ignorant I am.

Sambhala Center is in Boulder Downtown. It is right behind Boulder Court House.

Here is a link for hiking trails around Rocky Mountain National Park http://rockymountainnationalpark.com/pages/hiking.html

The restaurants in Boulder Downtown (Pearl Street) are wonderful. Great food and great atmosphere.

Nederland is about 30 minutes from Boulder. Eldora ski resort is in Nederland too. Boulder Falls is on Canyon Road in the middle of Boulder and Nederland. There is a nice Nepali Restuarant called Kathmandu Restaurant in downtown Nederland.