Where is the best place in Colorado to view the mountains?

I'm going to Colorado in a couple months and I want to see the montains close up. I usually just make it to Denver when in Colorado, so I need a good place to actually be close to or in the mountains. Places with a great view. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Telluride, Aspen, Leadville, or Buena Vista.
2. Pike's Peak is the highest point in Co. You can take a train to the top
3. Colorado Springs. Pike's peak is there and Cheyenne mountain also. Both are pretty good for looking at, climbing or biking. Awesome view at Cheyenne Mountain up at St. Peter's Dome. It's almost to the top and you can see the entire city. Looks great at night.
4. probaly colorado springs but if you whant to go to the mountains i recommend Pikes Peak at the other side of the mountain there are sand dunes it is pretty kool!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
5. Boulder! and its a fun city too
6. Close to Denver (the first two are my most spectactular suggestions): Rocky Mountain National Park - Gets crowded in July/August, avoid the weekends. The town is Estes Park. Best road access to the high country. Drive to the top of Mount Evans. Not for those afraid of heights. Some dropoffs. Dillon Reservoir. The town is - Dillon. Breckenridge. Fun town. Farther away. Aspen. Expensive to stay there. Wonderful gondola ride takes you up into the mountains. The Maroon Bells, just West are incredibly photogenic. Buena Vista. You're a bit far away in the middle of a broad valley. Telluride. About as close as any town gets. Easiest. Just drive west on I-70. Maybe the most scenic Interstate in the country. Adventurous. Drive Kebler Pass (unpaved, can be driven in an ordinary car) west of Crested Butte. NOT Schofeld Pass, dangerous. It's actually pretty hard to go wrong. Colorado Springs/Pikes Peak would not be my first choice. It's the closest high mountain to the plains, feels less like being "in" the mountains.
7. Pikes Peak is definitely NOT the highest point in Colorado, Mt Elbert holds that distinction, but it or Mt Evans will give you a nice view. You might want to take the Guanella pass road from Georgetown, which is on I-70, over the mountain to Hwy 285 and back to Denver. Or Rocky Mountain National Park is an easy drive from Denver and will give you spectacular views.
8. the bedroom window of my cabin is great..... wanna see?
9. Just drive up I-70, or go to Estes Park and go up on the continental divide.
10. just get on I-70 west ffrom Denver and you'll be in the mountains in 30 min. or take the tram ride to the top of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. Call ahead for reservations ( no joke) its busy in the spring and summer
11. I think Loveland CO has the best view... but you said you wanted to "see the mountains close up" So slap on the sunscreen and take a hike!! IMHO your can't go wrong in Estes Park!
12. I-70 to Frisco, highway 9 and follow highway 9 through Frisco and Breckenridge over Hoosier Pass into Alma keep going through to Fairplay ( this is South Park, Park County, the same place the cartoon takes place). Go to the end of Fairplay, hang a right and follow signs towards Beuna Vista. Amazing, beautiful country, every inch of the way!
13. Raised in the Colorado mountains, I would have to say Idaho Springs and Georgetown, west of Denver. Of course, Vail and Aspen are good choices as well. But if you have time, check out Black Hawk, Central City and Nederland...the views are awsome! If you're into the gambling casino scene, there are plenty! The weather will be great by the end of May.