Family is heading to Colorado this weekend but it feels like the wildfires may change our plans. Would love some ideas for other destinations that are accessible from Denver airport and good for a family of 3 (8 year old boy). We were going to fish, hike around, and hit some breweries in Estes Park.. Thanks!

BV for the collegiate peaks and rafting on the Arkansas or Glenwood Springs for access Colorado/Roaring Fork/Crystal along w tons of both lower and upper alpine hiking along w proximity to Aspen (45 minutes) and Vail (55) minutes.

Neither have smoke issues. It's getting pretty hazy in Denver and really bad up north. On 70 into Denver yesterday it was beautiful up until about Hwy 50 and then noticeable in clear creek but really noticeable when you go over Floyd Hill in Jeff Co

Or grand lake.

https://colosmokeoutlook.blogspot.com/?m=1

BV or Salida based on this map.

Manitou springs. Its awesome

Winter park

Thanks for the suggestions!

Lake City

Guess you didn't read the op.

We just spent a week outside of Manitou Springs and really enjoyed it. Outside enough of Colorado Springs that you feel more mountain-y but close enough to enjoy lots of cool stuff. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Manitou Incline, Red Rocks open area, etc. If you go to this area, highly recommend Gold Camp Road drive. Really beautiful and have some good views and pull offs including a waterfall area. I've always done more Crested Butte/Vail/Breck, but the ease of flying into Colorado Springs was too attractive.

Flew out of the front range today. There's a significant amount of smoke haze along the entire section of 25 from FOCO to COS. I think it's supposed to improve but it's very noticable at the moment.