Denver has had similar growth, but much bigger.

However, there are lots of spectacular mountain ranges in Colorado that are not within convenient driving range of Denver--you might want to research those.

I always wanted to visit the San Juan Range (which would be closer to you), but haven't gotten there. It's a long way from Oregon and there are so many spectacular mountains closer to me.

If I lived in your part of the country, though, I'd check out the San Juans first! It's a long drive from Houston, but not nearly as far as Idaho or even northern Colorado.