Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs draws visitors who come to see the view from the mountain that inspired the writing of the song “America, the Beautiful.” Some hike to the mountain’s 14,115-foot (4,302 meter) summit while others drive or enjoy a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. With its sculptural sandstone formations and balancing rocks, the Garden of the Gods is another popular natural attraction. This culturally rich city has many museums worth exploring too, including the Fine Arts Center, Pioneer Museum and the Rock Ledge Historic Site, an open-air museum where costumed docents depict life in Colorado Springs throughout its long history.
Snow-fed rivers tumble over granite boulders in the Rocky Mountains, creating an ideal environment for fly-fishing and whitewater rafting. The state's most famous river -- the Colorado -- flows from headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park, with alternating stretches of heart-pounding hydraulics and quiet areas where you can wade out and cast your fly. Stay at a Bureau of Land Management campground along the shore, or at private riverside cabins such as those found at Colorado Cabin Adventures 3 miles from Grand Lake. For a more remote experience, stay at Cottonwood Cove, tucked along the banks of the Rio Grande just downstream from the picturesque mining town of Creede.
“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.
Regardless of whether or not you have seen cliff dwellings before, you will be blown away by Mesa Verde and the amount of access to the actual ruins that the park allows visitors. The park's centerpiece, Cliff Palace is one of the most impressive dwellings in the entire Southwest, with a dramatic setting and incredibly preserved ruins. Ranger-led tours, which run regularly during the summer high season, allow you to climb ladders right up into the heart of the dwelling. If you aren't up for that level of activity, you can get a full view of the site from a nearby overlook.
The rugged and elevated landscape and disused mining roads provide a challenging playground for mountain biking and off-road vehicles, while fishermen can head to Molas Lake to cast a line. You can go hiking in the San Juan National Forest, take a four wheel drive along the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway, or savor a scenic ride on the Durango & Silverton Rail Road. Things to Do in Silverton
A popular high-altitude town with a bustling downtown scene and a diverse array of activities to choose from, Boulder is a fun place for everyone. It has many great restaurant offerings, in addition to outdoor sports, and is home to the University of Colorado at Boulder. It also has a thriving nightlife, as well as numerous art galleries, shopping, breweries and so much more.
Our last (but definitely not least!) romantic hotel in Colorado is the Leroux Creek Inn & Vineyards. This secluded B&B is surrounded by vineyards and the valleys and mesas of the Grand Mesa located on 54 acres. Sip their wine while gazing from the Leroux Creek Inn’s flower-bedecked patio onto their vineyards. Near the small town of Hotchkiss, the acreage also includes a creek, dry arroyos, grass pastures, sagebrush, and trees.
The city of Vail was built to accommodate the Vail Ski Resort, which is the largest single-mountain ski resort in the country. With 193 marked skiing trails, Vail is one of the nation’s most popular ski resorts as well. The Tyrolean-style village is nearly as well visited during the summer. Nearby streams and lakes stocked with fish make Vail an angler’s dream, and opportunities for river rafting abound. Horseback riding, mountain biking, golf and hiking are other popular warm-weather activities.
Alta Lakes is a pristine and secluded wilderness setting situated 30 minutes outside the charming mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. The Observatory is nestled underneath the 13,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains – it is one of only a few homes in the United States at 11,000+ feet! The backcountry cabin with charming rugged details serves as the perfect romantic mountain getaway for couples.
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.
The Western Slope has plenty of charms, including being a dinosaur mecca with plenty of hands-on science, and is the heart of Colorado’s agricultural region. At the Museum of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey, visitors can get up close and personal with dinosaur skeletons, a working paleontology lab and realistic robotic dinosaurs. Dedicated to “putting science in the hands of kids,” the Western Colorado Math and Science Center features interactive exhibits in biology, physics, earth and space science, and electronics. From June through October, orchards are laden with some of the sweetest harvests around: cherries, grapes, apples, plums, pears, apricots and peaches. Take an orchard tour or check out the myriad of roadside stands selling fresh produce, jams and ciders. For great biking or strolling, the Colorado Riverfront Trail winds for more than 18 miles through the city of Grand Junction’s picnic grounds, botanical garden, protected wetlands and fishing pier. Buy one/get one free passes are available for six major attractions from the Grand Junction Visitors Center. This “Map to Adventure” includes Dinosaur Journey, Museum of the West, Cross Orchards, the John McConnell Math & Science Center, The Art Center and the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.
Manor Vail Lodge - ideal for both winter and summer romantic getaways in Vail. The spacious condo-style studio & 1 bedroom suites are roomy (700+ sq ft) and have private balconies with creek or Mountain views, cozy fireplace, full kitchens and Queen or King beds. Outside are 2 pools, hot tubs, fitness and spa facilities, local free shuttle (short walk) and Golden Peak Chair 6 & Gondola 1 (5 minute walk away). 2017 ERV Rating* for Couples - Romantic Lodging in Vail, CO: 91% - Excellent. (595 E. Vail Valley Dr, Vail, CO 800-950-8245)
In the shadow of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, the quirky town of Hooper sits atop a natural artesian hot spring, with water flowing year-round into the family-friendly Sand Dunes Pool. On the same property, The Greenhouse is an all-indoor, all-adult oasis with three small soaking tubs and a 10-by-75-foot zero-entry pool. The Greenhouse also has a 10-person sauna, indoor gardens and an onsite bar to help you stay even toastier.
Only a short drive from lively Steamboat Springs, the Aspen View Lodge is tucked away on the edge of the Rabbit Ears Pass recreational area and Routt National Forest. Surrounded by mature aspens, the lodge fits in perfectly with its huge rough-hewn timbers and a wall of glass. The lodge can accommodate 35 guests in 12 contemporary, comfortable bedrooms with all the necessary amenities.
Take a 7.5 mile hike on the Yampa River Core Trail along this picturesque river, and then jump into one of the hot pools at the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Tread of Pioneers Museum tells the story of Steamboat Springs past and is located in a beautiful Queen Anne-style Victorian house. Take a ride with the Steamboat Scenic Gondola up the slopes of Mount Werner for some spectacular views of the area.
You can climb and slide on the dunes or test your boarding skills cruising down the sand. On hot days, children and even adults enjoy splashing around in the Medano Creek that runs along the base of the dunes. Hiking trails run through the forest on the edge of the dunes. The four-wheel drive Medano Pass Primitive Road opens up some unique terrain, and car camping sites are located along the roadside. Regular camping is available at the Pinon Flats campground, which offers both tent and RV campsites.
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to herds of elk and bighorn sheep, but it also has a population of mountain lions and black bears. Although attacks are very rare, the National Park Service recommends visitors hike in groups since these animals are less likely to grow aggressive when faced with multiple people. Campers should also stow all food in food lockers if available or in airtight, bear-resistant containers. Ticks also pose a risk, and since these can be carriers for disease, it's important to do nightly tick checks after a day on the trails.
“If my internship changes and I’m not able to do what I expected to do, that’s not a huge deal in comparison to others’ problems. My concern is for the more established park rangers,” said Burkey, who hails from Ohio. “I don’t have a family and kids to provide for. My future coworkers, my supervisor, they do have a family, bills and a mortgage. And they’re the ones not getting paid.”
My mind calm, the knitting absorbed any excess energy and left my senses free to absorb the stunning surroundings. Feeling no need to move, I watched the silhouettes of fish moving upstream, hummingbirds zip over my head, and a northern harrier cruise over the grassland, looking for prey. Months later, I can imagine every detail of that spot on the bank anytime I close my eyes.
If you and your valentine enjoy winter adventures, a mountain escape is perfect for a weekend away! Opt for your favorite resort or venture somewhere new to enjoy outdoor winter activities during the day, like snowshoeing, skiing and skating, and relax at night with drinks and hot tubbing. Make the weekend extra special with a horse-drawn carriage ride to dinner. Find a Colorado cabin perfect for any getaway here .
Colorado Springs stands out from its mountainous counterparts because it's not a ski destination. But what the city lacks in slopes it more than makes up for in incredible hiking opportunities. Mix that in with a good helping of small-town charm and a diverse array of attractions (including the U.S. Olympic Training Center) and Colorado Springs has all the makings of a great vacation. Read More »
A home base for travelers visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is less than a 2-hour drive from Denver. The park offers 355 miles of hiking trails paired with stunning vistas and landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to picturesque lakes and valleys, where those who crave adventure will find a myriad of outdoor adventures. Estes Park itself is a great area to explore, as visitors can meander the Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park or hop on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to the top of a small peak. Estes Park boasts a variety of shopping and dining experiences, while movie enthusiasts will want to stop by the world famous Stanley Hotel that was the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
Known for its prominence in the movie ‘The Shining,’ the historic Stanley Hotel is the centerpiece of Estes Park. But for a more secluded, romantic stay, choose an intimate place like the Dunraven Inn, where a friendly and casual ambiance puts a soul at rest. If you’re looking for a place in the woods with fabulous mountain views and a warmly bubbling jetted tub that’s just a short walk to town, choose a Prospect cabin. Just outside the door of your vacation rental and along the scenic drives, you’ll catch wildlife frolicking in the fresh air.
The park may be accessed through Estes Park or via the western entrance at Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road, also known as U.S. Route 34, connects the eastern and western sides of the park.[91] The park has a total of five visitor centers. The Alpine Visitor Center is located in the tundra environment along Trail Ridge Road, while Beaver Meadows and Fall River are both near Estes Park, with Kawuneeche in the Grand Lake area, and the Moraine Park Discovery Center near the Beaver Meadows entrance and visitor center.[9]
Loveland, dubbed as the ‘Sweetheart City’ and known nationwide for its Valentine’s Day Love Stamp Program, is near the college town of Fort Collins in northern Colorado. Rent a charmingly restored 1903 Victorian cottage for your love nest, or snuggle together in a neighborhood home just minutes from hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park. A visit to the Sweetheart City Winery is a great opportunity to sample some local wines while checking out original oil paintings inspired by a trip to Tuscany. Voted by locals as one of the most romantic places in Loveland, South Shore Parkway is certain to aid in a stolen kiss or two. Sample small plates and incredible desserts at Door 222 Food and Drink, a downtown gem not to be missed.
The ski resort town of Vail is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter but it's also a pleasant place to enjoy at any time of year. When it comes to skiing, this is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado, with seemingly endless runs for all levels of skiers. The town at the base of the ski hill is postcard cute, with chalet-style restaurants, shops, and hotels that make you feel like you are in the heart of the Alps. This is a high-end resort with luxury hotels, fine dining, and designer stores.
An excellent vacation destination for visitors who are ready to hit the slopes, winter enthusiasts flock to Telluride every year for its 1,700 skiable acres that cater to both experts and novices alike. Visitors flock to Town Park on the southeast edge of town for its abundance of activities available, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fishing ponds and campgrounds that are popular for the city’s annual festivals and events. Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls offer a variety of scenic hiking trails, while the Telluride Historical Museum and Historic Sheridan Opera House are two cultural attractions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Experience: Located in an 1882 converted saloon, the Sopris House is an upscale lodge full of character. It's operated by the aforementioned Eleven Experiences, a company that's amazing at curating travel adventures. Spend the day skiing greens, blues, and blacks. For skiers who love pristine powder and feel up for a challenge, you're in for a treat. Due to elevation, Crested Butte is known for its cat skiing (a term for superb, untouched-powder skiing) since it gets about 500 inches of snow each season, which is way above the average resort.
The Pierre Shale formation was deposited during the Paleogene and Cretaceous periods about 70 million years ago. The region was covered by a deep sea—the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway—which deposited massive amounts of shale on the seabed. Both the thick stratum of shale and embedded marine life fossils—including ammonites and skeletons of fish and such marine reptiles as mosasaurs, plesiosaurs, and extinct species of sea turtles, along with rare dinosaur and bird remains—were created during this time period. The area now known as Colorado was eventually transformed from being at the bottom of an ocean to dry land again, giving yield to another fossiliferous rock layer known as the Denver Formation.[58]
Surrounded by over 100,000 acres of the Pike National Forest, the Ranch at Emerald Valley is an unmatched, all-inclusive retreat that combines the rustic charm of a wilderness enclave with The Broadmoor’s incomparable luxury and service. Honeymooners can indulge in one of 10 beautifully appointed cabins, featuring gas fireplaces, rich furnishings, and modern amenities. Couples can spend their days fly fishing in pristine mountain lakes, hiking and biking along scenic trails or exploring the mountains on horseback. Afterward, unwind by soaking in an outdoor hot tub and sipping fine wine on a panoramic terrace while enjoying the beauty of a Rocky Mountain sunset. All meals and ranch activities are included as part of the stay, making it an ideal setting for intimate getaways where every detail is thoughtfully handled.
The Experience: Super close to Manitou Springs, you'll find another town called Colorado Springs, which is also in the Pikes Peak region. While you're there, you have to see the park known as the Garden of the Gods. As its title implies, it's pretty otherworldly. With incredible, oddly shaped sandstone rock formations, you'll want to spend all day here. You should also pay a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge, an insanely high, dramatic bridge between the canyons. Then head to the upscale resort Broadmoor.
Only a few miles from downtown Denver, Littleton is a historic suburb of Denver with its own charm and history. Its turn-of-the-century houses are witnesses of the rich history while cozy restaurants and bars are inviting and popular. The Main Street has a lineup of independently owned galleries and shops. The Littleton Museum tells the story of the town’s past with its 19th century farm. Town Hall Arts Center presents community-run theater and music events. Littleton has more than 59 parks and two light rail stations with access to Downtown Denver. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Rockies are only half hour away. South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center offer hiking trails and fishing lakes. Pirates Cove Water Park has lap pools, a 35-foot slide, and a tubing river.
Unplugging from the world can be great for the soul and body alike, giving you a chance to recharge and relax in peace and quiet. A rustic cabin rental is the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and routine, and to escape the urban, concrete jungle that faces you each day. With rustic rentals from California to New York, and from Texas to Ontario, Glamping Hub has you covered for all your vacation needs! There are options to fit every type of traveler (and every type of budget, too!), so don't wait—be inspired by these rustic cabins below and start adventuring today!
Dial (970) 586-1222 for a recorded message on the status of Trail Ridge Road. You may not know that our mountain makes its own weather, so it is not uncommon to have snow in July or August at the top of Trail Ridge Road. Such weather will only last for a few hours to a day, but if you are planning to cross over Trail Ridge Road, weather may hamper your travel. You also may find the road closed due to weather in early June and September/October.
Precambrian metamorphic rock formed the core of the North American continent during the Precambrian eon 4.5–1 billion years ago. During the Paleozoic era, western North America was submerged beneath a shallow sea, with a seabed composed of limestone and dolomite deposits many kilometers thick.[54] Pikes Peak granite formed during the late Precambrian eon, continuing well into the Paleozoic era, when mass quantities of molten rock flowed, amalgamated, and formed the continents about 1 billion–300 million years ago. Concurrently, in the period from 500–300 million years ago, the region began to sink while lime and mud sediments were deposited in the vacated space. Eroded granite produced sand particles that formed strata—layers of sediment—in the sinking basin.[55]
The complex interactions of elevation, slope, exposure and regional-scale air masses determine the climate within the park,[48][49] which is noted for its extreme weather patterns.[49] A "collision of air masses" from several directions produces some of the key weather events in the region. When cold arctic air from the north meets warm moist air from the Gulf of Mexico at the Front Range, "intense, very wet snowfalls with total snow depth measured in the feet" accumulate in the park.[48]
Colorado Springs offers multiple locally-owned Bed and Breakfasts that are close to attractions, shopping and restaurants. These B&B’s are the picture-perfect place for you and your partner to unwind. Many of the Bed & Breakfasts also feature a romantic weekend room which will include a private bathroom with a jetted tub and delicious hot breakfast.
The outdoor adventurer remains busy throughout the year in Rocky Mountain National Park. Open 365 days a year, there are activities and sports throughout the summer/fall and winter/spring seasons. Whether looking for a new route to an adrenaline rush, or simply enjoying a favorite pastime, Rocky Mountain National Park's unique and varied landscapes offer something fun.
Many of Arkansas’s cabins are located near areas that are popular for outdoor fun, including float and fishing streams, lakes, hiking and biking trails, national forests and state parks. However, you’ll also find cabins just beyond the bustle of the city, where you’ll also be close to dining options and exciting things to do. Blue Heron Campground & Resort offers rustic cabins right on the bank of the White River in the North Central region of Arkansas, making it a premier trout fishing spot. Or stay in a luxurious log cabin nestled in the Ozarks at Lake Forest Cabins Resort in Eureka Springs.
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]
Georgia peach, coffee addict, and Bananagrams champ (in no particular order), Olivia is a travel writer and designer based in Central America. She has a particular affinity for road trips to warm Southern cities and down the California coast, with frequent pit stops for local fare at roadside stands. Follow her on Instagram @olivia.ashra for lots of nature pics and keep up with her travels at therecouldbeblackberries.com.
Vail is one of the world’s most popular ski resort towns, but in the warmer months of the year, it draws visitors who come to mountain bike, hike, golf and ride whitewater rapids. Throughout the season, there are an abundance of music and dance festivals, including the Bravo! Vail Valley Music Festival which features orchestras like the New York Philharmonic that performs at the outdoor Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, as well as the Vail International Dance Festival and the Vail Jazz Festival. Just a few of the other highlights include botanical tours through the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, rock climbing excursions in Vail Valley and the wealth of shops, bars and eateries in the village of Vail itself.
