Day 1: Take time to hike up to the magnificent Hanging Lake (start early in the day and allow several hours for the climb and descent) in Colorado's Glenwood Canyon; consider whitewater rafting or kayaking on the Colorado River from Hanging Lake to Grizzly Creek (or beyond)
Day 2: Spend the day, relaxing in Vail Village - have lunch along Gore Creek or browse various gift shops and art galleries
Day 3: Follow US-24 south from Minturn, Colorado, through the San Isabel National Forest; explore Leadville, Woodland Park and Manitou Springs; take in the incredible beauty of Colorado Springs' Garden of the Gods (my all-time favorite destination for tranquility); pick up lunch, dinner or snacks from Garden of the Gods Gourmet at 2528 W Cucharras