Incredible input. Really appreciate it. I think the family can deal with people as long as its not long, ridiculous lines of cars, like many have been complaining about at RMNP. I don't know shit, but based on what I'm reading, it sounds like the options are:
Breckenridge - pretty cool but might be a little crowded. My wife and I went there 30 years ago, but I could see this working.
Golden - have had a few different people recommend this. Wonder if we could do a day trip there.
Winter Park - since the wedding is there, it would be nice to be based there, if there is stuff to do. I do like how you could hit Grand Lake, Golden, even Breckenridge from there. This seems like a good option if there was a good place to stay. The resort??
Leadville/Arkansas River/Buena Vista - my wife and I are going to hit this, but it might be a little too remote for a large family with diverse interests.
Estes Park - lot's of divergent opinions about crowds or not. Not sure.
Grand Lake - BIL loved it, but it does seem like a day at the Lake and a day or two in RMNP. Maybe we can drive there from Winter Park and do it that way?
Vail - the MIL is not a huge fan. That rules that out. Maybe the wife and I will hit it someday.
Durango - the family has already been and loved it. But, won't go again since we were just there.
Telluride - too far away. Wife and I will hit that later.
Lake City or Cripple Creek - probably a little too remote for a larger group.
So, we are leaning Winter Park, if the place is cool, has things to do, and has cool scenary. We'd hit Golden, Lake Grand, maybe Breckenridge from there. Thoughts?
Breckenridge would probably be 2nd choice.