I'm headed to Colorado in late July to visit a buddy who moved up there, but I'll have two whole days to myself to fish wherever I want. I'm flying to Denver, renting a car.

I've got some ideas, but where would you go? Let's say within 2-3 hours of the city.

Head to the frying pan, or up to estes park/rocky mountain.

Ill second the pan. Parachute ants under trees and a pheasant tale and hares ear for nymphing. The pending on the time of year the green drake hatch is incredible. Spend the day fishing up to the toilet bowl then finish there. The will tell you misese shrimp is the only thing to use at the toilet bowl. Last time I was there I meet a local he gave me three big split shot and some 8# floro tippet he said its funny all these people that are throwing the shrimp in there on 7x for these giant trout you don't need it. The heavier line won't stress the fish as much and the water is so turbid they can't see the line. I ask what to put on he said San Juan worm all the time I caught some of the biggest trout I've ever caught over the next few hours throwing it right at the outlet letting those heavy split shot get it down quick letting it drift thru on a tight line. These trout where measured in pounds not inches.

The South Platte flows right through the middle of town and has lots of trout.

South Platte would be the most convenient. My buddy is actually in Bailey. We'll probably fish it together.

Frying Pan was on my list. Also considering a couple spots on the Roaring Fork and maybe make the drive up to the Yampa which is my personal favorite.

Yampa is a haul from denver, but it is one of my favorites too. Some great guides in steamboat, and the tailwaters from stagecoach can be awesome.

Stagecoach tailwater is greatness. It's a good 3 hour drive, but it just might be worth it.

The South Platte at cheeseman canyon is awesome, pretty close to Denver. Fishing was tough when I went but that was due to water going up 400cfs overnight. RMNP is a must see as well. Heres a couple of my old posts if you want to check out some pics. Let me know if you want some more details.

South Platte
http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/6398899/Colorado_6_30#Post6398899

RMNP and Arkansas
http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/7933299/Colorado_Trip_Report#Post7933299

I did something similar about 2 years ago in the fall.

My S.O. was in Downtown Denver for a meeting... I drove to/from the confluence of the Williams Fork and Colorado River near the hamlet of Parshall on 2 consecutive days.

The direct route via Silverthorne is about a 2 hour drive, the scenic route via Winter Park is closer to about 2 1/2 hours.

There are closer waters to Denver certainly, but I have been told the angler to fish ratio in those places is much higher and consequently the fish are smarter.

The Williams Fork is very scenic, and while it draws its share of anglers it's not nearly as crowded as Cheesman or Deckers.

I'm partial to the spot because I caught my very first trout on the fly on that trip. It was a long drive to and from each day but the place was so magical the first day I happily covered the distance again on the second.

Best of luck to you, I am sure you will have a great time wherever you go.

J.

Late July? More props to the Frying Pan, but I would want as high and cool as possible. RMNP is both. The Greenback Cutts are doing well up there, too. You have a small hike in to get to good water, but its worth it.