Our lodging is a 300 yd. walk to RMNP. The Big Thompson River flows thru our backyard. Enjoy hiking, wildlife, fishing, birding & photography. Treat yourself to a soak in our riverside hot tub. Some cabins w/ kitchens & fireplaces. Catering to singles, couples & small families. Exceptionally clean & affordable w/ a relaxing atmosphere, personality & charm. Swiftcurrent Lodge on the River Details
Brian and I descended back to ~7,000 feet for dinner in a small-town Indian restaurant in Nederland, Colorado, west of Boulder. By then, both our heads ached like a bad hangover, and my lungs literally burned when I tried to inhale anything but shallow breaths. Add generalized joint pain, and I had a full-blown case of altitude sickness. Given that I am a noted hypochondriac, I expected the worst. 
“The law is clear: if the federal government is shut down, our National Parks must also be closed to protect public safety and pristine spaces. It is not acceptable to use FLREA (Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act) funds to keep the parks open, and the Department of the Interior’s actions likely violate appropriations law,” McCollum said in a statement.
Dream Lake is one of the most-photographed lakes and is also noted for its winter snowshoeing. Emerald Lake is located directly below the saddle between Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, only a short hike beyond Dream Lake.[44] The shore of Lake Haiyaha (a Native American word for "big rocks") is surrounded by boulders along with ancient, twisted and picturesque pine trees growing out of rock crevices. Nymph Lake is named for the yellow lily, Nymphaea polysepala, on its surface. Lake Helene is at the head of Odessa Gorge, east of Notchtop Mountain. Two Rivers Lake is found along the hike to Odessa Lake from Bear Lake, and has one backcountry campsite. The Cub Lake trail passes Big Thompson River, flowery meadows, and stands of pine and aspen trees. Ice and deep snow are present during the winter, requiring the use of skis or snowshoes.[44]
Take your love to new heights by ringing in your celebration at a unique tree house cabin rental near Pagosa Springs. From the private hot tub to feeling like you are above the trees with epic views of Pagosa Springs, this rental cannot be beaten. Guests would be right to take a vacation to this site in the winter so they can take advantage of skiing Wolf Creek Pass. Snuggle up with your partner from the comfort of a luxurious accommodation for your honeymoon.
For dinner, award-winning Trecento Quindici simply can't be beat. Food is mouthwatering and service is impressive; you can even expect a "crumber" to keep the crumbs from building up on the white tablecloths. The food here is exquisite. It's contemporary, handmade Italian (can you say "Lady and the Tramp?"). Dine in tall, dramatic chairs and feel like royalty.
The Experience: If Aspen isn't quite your mountain town scene, head to Vail instead. It's equally as idyllic (it was modeled after European mountain resorts), pedestrian-friendly, and lovely, but the town itself is more of a square in a village with a small collection of boutiques and restaurants for visitors. Ride up and down the gondolas for mountain views in every direction and ski the unique back bowls. It's also closer to Denver, making it easier to get to and, therefore, a little more crowded during peak seasons.
Another one of the state’s most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations, Steamboat Springs may be a winter wonderland during the chillier months of the year, but the summer brings an endless landscape of green dotted with brilliant wildflowers. This is when this Wild West town really comes alive, with visitors enjoying fly fishing, inner tube rides and rafting trips on the Yampa River, endless scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, and natural hot springs that are ideal for soothing sore muscles afterward. If you can be here around late June/early July, you can attend the legendary annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park festival which boasts an extensive display of colorful hot air balloons along with some 50 artist vendors, live entertainment, food and drink vendors, and an interactive children’s art area.
Just outside the towns of Grand Junction and nearby Fruita is Colorado National Monument. A scenic road snakes its way through some outstanding scenery. This is not typical mountain scenery, but a landscape of huge rock spires, cliff walls, canyons, and desert-like surroundings with small trees and scrubby bushes. Most people drive through the monument along Rim Rock Drive and stop at the lookouts that peer over the landscape below. The road is also a popular road biking area, with hearty souls peddling their way up to the lookouts. A number of day hikes access some scenic areas of the monument, most of which involve moderate elevation changes that range from approximately 300 feet to more than 1,000 feet.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort offers a honeymoon escape that includes breathtaking mountain views, outstanding dining and especially luxurious rooms. It has a good menu of special romance packages to choose from too, including having Champagne, locally-sourced gourmet cheeses and fresh fruit delivered to your room. You can look forward to indulging in a romantic dinner buffet for two, or even go all out by booking the boudoir portrait session, which includes complimentary Champagne. Activities abound too, with a 35-acre lake for water sports, five indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, 18-hole golf course, tennis courts and a fitness center.
The weather in RMNP is highly variable. To avoid being caught off-guard, pay attention to the weather report (especially afternoon thunderstorms in the summer or heavy snow during the winter). The NPS also warns that wintertime visitors planning on cross-country skiing should be aware of the risks of avalanches, and should consider completing an avalanche training from places like the Colorado Avalanche Information Center before hitting the trails. For more safety tips, consult the NPS website .
Located at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains at the elevation of one mile, Denver is a modern, vibrant city with a rich mix of industry, art and history. Explore the city’s bustling downtown with one of the guided Bikalope Tours. Visit the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art that includes works of more than 80 internationally recognized architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Denver Art Museum has 68,000 art pieces from all over the world and a significant collection of American Indian Art.
If you are looking for romantic mountain getaways in Colorado, Taharaa Mountain Lodge in Estes Park, Colorado is a beautiful country lodge just minutes from the Rocky Mountain National Park. Set on five acres, the lodge offers vacationers nine rooms and nine suites with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Guest room decor incorporates natural elements from the region. Each room and suite has floor-to-ceiling windows, fireplace and a panoramic outdoor deck, perfect for savoring the view. Ask for one of the suites with a Jacuzzi tub if you are planning a romantic getaway or a honeymoon in Colorado. The lodge has a sauna and a cozy massage room where guests can enjoy a variety of treatments, such as aromatherapy, hot stone massage and facials. Rooms start at $159 per night. Delicious morning breakfast and evening happy hour are included in the cost of your stay.
Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains in Idaho Springs, the Silver Lake Lodge is a cozy log cabin-style lodge that offers a relaxing and luxurious mountain retreat. Artfully blending rustic luxury with warm Colorado hospitality, the lodge boasts plush guest rooms with private bathrooms, modern amenities, and delicious, home-cooked cuisine. Guests can choose from a variety of retreats that cater to different size groups, from romantic one-bedroom cabins to family-sized lodges.
If you’re planning to visit Breckenridge this summer, plan plenty of time to fit it all in. Local fan favorites include fishing or biking the paved trail along the Blue River, a scenic drive over Boreas Pass road accessing 1,000 miles of mountain biking across Summit County, hiking countless miles of trails or climbing a nearby “14er.” The entire family will love the Breckenridge Peak 8 Fun Park’s Gold Runner Coaster, 4X4 off-road tours, climbing wall, Alpine Superslide, hiking tours, Superputt Mini Golf and free scenic gondola rides with spectacular views of Cucumber Gulch. The 2013 Kingdom Days/Outhouse Races June 14-16, 2013 are a must. It’s not every day Outhouse Races, old-fashioned games like potato sack races, magicians, blacksmithing demos, gold panning and historic hikes are the star attractions. http://www.gobreck.com/events/kingdom-days. If you want a date night, drop the kids (ages 5-12) off at the Recreation Center Parents’ Night Out. As your kids, climb, swim and play, they won’t even notice you’re gone.
To reach Rocky Mountain National Park, many travelers fly into Denver International Airport (DEN) and either rent a car and drive the 80-some miles northwest to Estes Park or take the Estes Park Shuttle, which runs frequent routes from the airport to Estes Park for $45 one-way and $85 round-trip. There is no public transportation available between the airport and the park.
An alpine village peppered with an array of modern resorts, Beaver Creek is the perfect weekend getaway destination. A laid-back ambiance of unhurried travelers, here visitors can get away from it all with the area’s world-class skiing and resort amenities. With gorgeous Rocky Mountain views, Beaver Creek is located in the Vail Valley and offers plenty of activities to fill a weekend itinerary. Many people come to try their hand at the 1,815 acres of skiable slopes, catering to both novice and experts alike. The area has plenty of other things to do, however, as visitors can take in a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, or indulge in anything from golf courses to pampering spas, shops and restaurants, with the city even home to a large outdoor ice rink in its city center.
At about 68 million years ago, the Front Range began to rise again due to the Laramide orogeny in the west.[58][59] During the Cenozoic era, block uplift formed the present Rocky Mountains. The geologic composition of Rocky Mountain National Park was also affected by deformation and erosion during that era. The uplift disrupted the older drainage patterns and created the present drainage patterns.[60]
Colorado is the perfect destination for an extra-special weekend getaway, especially since it’s home to numerous exciting cities and nature spots. Admire panoramic views of the sweeping, majestic Rocky Mountains, and plan an afternoon hike and picnic. Book a stay at a gorgeous Colorado vacation rental near a historic national park to conveniently enjoy the great outdoors. Here are eight of the most romantic weekend getaway locations in Colorado.
An alluring destination to explore throughout the year, Durango offers a wealth of activities for every season. From white water rafting to horseback riding, fishing and snowboarding, outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven at Durango. Popular for its Durango train ride day trip, the famous line runs from the old mining areas in Durango and Silverton, where visitors can soak in breathtaking views of the mountain vistas against its black steam-powered engines. Explore the archaeological sites in Mesa Verde National Park, visit Henry Strater Theatre, the oldest running theatre in Colorado, and explore the downtown area to discover an array of lovely shops, galleries and eateries.
The 179 guest rooms are furnished in a relaxed Rocky Mountain style, featuring overstuffed leather chairs, suede pillows, wool throws, and leather tabletops. For guests who require additional space, the hotel offers two Presidential suites and 11 One-bedroom suites. The Club Floor, accessible by key-activated elevator, provides guests with additional privacy, complimentary food and beverage presentations, and personal concierge service.
You’ll feel really spoiled (especially in Vail!) with complimentary WiFi, complimentary underground valet parking, free breakfast buffet included a surprisingly hefty selection of pastries, breads, fruits, meats, cheeses, cold cereals, and eggs, as well as juice, tea, and coffee. And the outdoor heated swimming pool is worth taking the plunge just for the view.
The park has a total of five visitor centers[9] with park headquarters located at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center—a National Historic Landmark designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture at Taliesin West.[10] National Forest lands surround the park including Roosevelt National Forest to the north and east, Routt National Forest to the north and west, and Arapaho National Forest to the west and south, with the Indian Peaks Wilderness area located directly south of the park.[5]
Located just 45 minutes west of Denver, historic Georgetown annually attracts hundreds of visitors who come to experience the history and pioneering spirit of this 1875 mining town. Absorb the atmosphere at museums like the Hamill House Museum, the Georgetown Heritage Center and the Hotel de Paris. Learn all about silver mining as you take a ride to Silver Plume on the historic Georgetown Loop Railway - you can tour the Lebanon Silver Mine en-route.
All rooms include large desks, 26-inch flat screen TVs, same day laundry and dry cleaning service. Stay fit by working out at the fitness center which is open 24/7. The Corner Office Restaurant + Martini Bar serves a fresh global menu and creative cocktails. The hotel is located across the street from the Denver Performing Arts Complex, a block from the Colorado Convention Center and two blocks from 16th Street Mall. Rooms start at $249 per night.
The rooms here are Euro-sexy, with dark, thick, exposed beams and spacious, mirror-lined bathrooms. The spa is one of the best in Vail Valley, with a beautiful indoor-outdoor pool, fresh spa water and tea easily accessible and multiple hot tubs, both inside and out. Sit in the bubbling, warm water with a cup of tea while snowflakes drift around you.
