Lumpy Ridge Trail leads to Paul Bunyan's Boot at about 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from the trailhead, then Gem Lake, and a further 2.2 mi (3.5 km) to Balanced Rock.[43] Black Canyon Trail intersects Cow Creek Trail, forming part of the Gem Lake loop which goes through the old McGregor Ranch valley, passing Lumpy Ridge rock formations, with a loop hike that goes into the McGraw Ranch valley.[42]
The weather in RMNP is extreme—and unpredictable. Ranging from snowstorms in the winter to hot, clear days in the summer, Rocky Mountain’s got it all. Summer is quick—just July and August—but beautiful, as temperature ranges from 40s at night and up to the 80s during the day. The rest of the year, expect snow at most elevations, and definitely up on Trail Ridge Road.
With stunning Colorado surroundings and easy access to a national park, a visit to an Estes Park vacation rental will capture the whole family's imagination. Sitting at 7,522 feet above sea level, this town is a favorite Colorado getaway due to its proximity to the Rocky Mountain National Park, landmarks such as the historic Stanley Hotel, and a variety of galleries and family-friendly museums that are well worth a visit. Whether you're visiting in the summer or winter, our Estes Park cabin rentals are the perfect setting for an unforgettable trip.
Brown’s Canyon National Monument – It’s one of Colorado’s newest national monuments, and also one of it’s most beautiful. A pristine, natural canyon, Brown’s Canyon offers visitors the opportunity to hike, raft, or camp in the headwaters of the Arkansas River. Towering ponderosa pine trees and monolithic boulders greet you along this amazing stretch of white water. We may be biased, but we think the best way to see it is by raft. There is also fantastic camping along the river at various locations. Browns’ Canyon is also close to the small town of Nathrop, which offers a number of hot-springs resorts that are perfect for relaxing after a day of adventuring, including Antero Hot Springs Cabins, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, and Cottonwood Hot Springs.
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.
Join us on a magnificent day tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver. See the continental divide, the most prominent hydrological division and the world’s largest mountain barrier. On this day trip from Denver, we will take you to the “top of the world” in the park, filled with spectacular vistas. Experience the great outdoors and nature by walking along beautiful trails and watching the wildlife in its natural habitat. The Rocky Mountain National Park is considered to be one of the most majestic and breathtaking sights to behold in our country. On this Sightseeing tour, you be witness to once in a lifetime wildlife sightings, soaring mountain peaks, and come to understand the true meaning of “Purple Mountain Majesties”. Winter (November - May): In this mountain tour, we will explore the quaint and peaceful Bear Lake. Stop at Estes Park (lunch stop), Gateway visitor center, Moraine Park, Stanley Hotel (photo opportunity) and moreSummer (June - October): we will explore Trail Ridge Road, stop at the Alpine Visitors Center, which features extraordinary views of alpine tundra and full river cirque. Stop at Estes Park, Many Parks curve, Rainbow curve, Stanley Hotel (photo opportunity) and more. You’ll also have the chance to take in some local history about our beautiful state, and grab a snack and souvenir. This park is full of more wildlife and breathtaking views than most people see in an entire lifetime. Note: tour may be modified due to the weather and road closures.
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. 
The boutique Hotel Monaco Denver is a luxury getaway in Denver, decorated with rich colors, custom-designed furnishings and lush materials. The hotel offers complimentary pet services and amenities such as a doggie mat, in-room bowl and a dog park map. If you decide to leave your favorite pet at home, the hotel can provide you with a complimentary goldfish upon request to keep you company during your stay. There are 189 deluxe guestrooms and suites, all with high-speed Internet access, a coffee maker with Starbucks Coffee, CD player, and a mini-bar.
A classic Colorado city just up the road from Denver, Fort Collins is a great spot for a weekend trip in Colorado. The historic college town is artsy and vibrant with plenty to do. Whether it’s bringing the kids to the Museum of Discovery, hiking and kayaking at Horsetooth Open Space, perusing Old Town shops, or biking to Fort Collins’ many craft breweries, there’s something for everyone.
The climate change study projects further temperature increases, with greater warming in the summer and higher extreme temperatures by 2050. Due to the increased temperature, there is a projected moderate increase in the rate of water evaporation. Reduced snowfall—perhaps 15% to 30% less than current amounts—and the elimination of surface hail, along with the higher likelihood of intense precipitation events are predicted by 2050. Droughts may be more likely due to increased temperatures, increased evaporation rates, and potential changes in precipitation.[53]
Quickly find vacation cabin rentals by state for vacations resorts, lake cottages, mountain cabins for rent, ocean homes rentals, lodges, dude ranches, villas, vacation listings and information, for your next family getaway. We have numerous cabins for rent in popular destinations such as Gatlinburg cabins, Pigeon Forge cabins, cabin rentals in the mountains, cabins on the lake, etc. We feature vacation cabins in Virginia, Missouri, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and more. Find cabins for rent in the Smoky Mountains, Rocky Mountains. Or search for cabins in popular ski destinations such as Park City cabin rentals or cabins in Boone or Banner Elk, NC. Frequently searched rentals:
The first week of the park shutdown brought little financial impact, said town manager Frank Lancaster, probably because most tourists had already booked their Christmas stays and couldn't cancel. Along the town's main street Wednesday, tourists peered in candy store windows, shopped for T-shirts and rented snowshoes, and there was little sign the nearby park is largely inaccessible.
Colorado’s second-largest city, Colorado Springs is nestled at the foot of the majestic Pikes Peak. Filled to the brim with scenic landscapes, escape your daily stresses for a weekend away exploring the Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods. Capture the perfect shot of the rocks framing the snow-capped splendors, or visit the area’s cultural attractions such as Pioneers Museum, American Numismatic Association Money Museum or the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The downtown area is full of impressive art galleries, in addition to a U.S. Olympic Training Center and the U.S. Air Force Academy. 
Unless you’re really into skiing or boarding, you probably haven’t considered a honeymoon in Colorado among your destinations, but you really should. While it is outstanding for those who like to glide down snowy slopes, the Rocky Mountain State offers a whole lot more for honeymooning couples. Not only is there over 300 days of sunshine a year to enjoy its dramatic mountain peaks, but it offers everything from hot springs, vineyards and countless microbreweries to a wide range of other outdoor adventures, like hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and more. It also happens to be home to many fabulous resorts that are ideal for romance, including these.
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. 
Located in in southwestern Colorado, Mesa Verde is home to the famous cliff dwellings of the ancient Anasazi people. It is one of the most significant archeological preserve of Native American culture in the US. In the 12th century, the Anasazi start building houses in shallow caves and under rock overhangs along the canyon walls. The most famous of these is Cliff Palace. The Ancient Puebloans constructed it from sandstone bricks, and mortar made from ash, clay and water. It encompassed 150 rooms and 76 open areas. Climatic change and increased population placed the communities under stress and by the late 1270s, the Ancestral Puebloan population began migrating to what is now New Mexico and Arizona.
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.
Take the world’s largest outdoor mineral hot springs pool (Glenwood Hot Springs), add an adventure park built on top of a mountain (Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park), sprinkle in the Roaring Fork Valley’s crimson rocks and emerald forests and you have a memorable family vacation just a few hours from Denver. The new Historic Fairy Caves Tour at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park has sections never opened to the public before, takes 50 minutes and has only 12 stairs (perfect for families with small children than the tour of King’s Row, which has 127 steps each way). Also, don’t miss the adventure park’s thrill rides including the Cliff Hanger Roller Coaster, bungee jumping station, zipling, giant canyon swing, alpine coaster, laser tag and much more. Glenwood Hot Springs is celebrating its 125th birthday this year, so guests get in free on their birthdays. Glenwood Canyon Resort has white water rafting on the Colorado River and for an extra thrill, soar on the zipline across the river or test your mettle on a ropes course. Grab your bikes and take the paved Rio Grande Trail, which winds along the Roaring Fork River from Glenwood to Aspen. If you visit mid-week, pack a picnic and enjoy free concerts at Two Rivers Park on Wednesday. For a night out on the town, your family will love the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue dinner variety show.
Once famous as a gold-rush outpost, the modern city of Golden has diversified by leaps and bounds and now offers visitors a great mix of outdoor, cultural and historic attractions. Go back in time to the gold mining era on a tour of Historic Downtown, where you will find several museums including the Golden History Center and the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum.
Strawberry Creek Cabin is a beautiful log retreat located in Beaver Creek’s most exclusive neighborhood. Take in the dramatic views of Beaver Creek as you cozy up in front of the fireplace in the living room or cook in the gourmet kitchen. The interior features designer decor, comfortable layout, and an amazing art collection. Enjoy the outdoor fire pit and hot tub on the private back patio overlooking the ski runs. Ski-in/ski-out access via the Settler’s Way run is just steps away.
Special events, concerts, and intimate celebrations are held at the Rochester Secret Garden. Each morning, a gourmet breakfast is served with menu items such as French toast with raspberries or fresh basil and feta scramble. The hotel is located in Durango, Colorado, a small town surrounded by mountains on the Animas River. Hotel guests are moments away from whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, skiing and snowboarding. Studios start from $129, rooms from $169 per night.
Fort Collins is just an hour north of Denver, but it offers a ton of fun outdoor things to do when you want to take advantage of the sunshine. Just minutes from downtown is Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, a 2,711-acre park with 29 miles of biking, hiking, and horseback trails just west of Horsetooth Reservoir, which happens to be an ideal spot for paddling out in a canoe or kayak. Mountain Whitewater offers whitewater rafting trips on Cache La Poudre River, which flows right through downtown, while the Farm at Lee Martinez Park is an educational zoo that has animals for feeding and cuddling up with, pony rides, hayrides, and interactive adventures. Beer lovers can tour and taste at a number of outstanding area breweries, or even take a Beer & Bike tour where you can enjoy a variety of beers after a hard day of pedaling.
Need to take a break, warm up or find that perfect place to have a picnic? All of Loveland’s on-mountain cabins are equipped with propane BBQ’s. What’s the catch? Nothing, these cabins are free to use. Loveland’s on-mountain cabins are just another reason why skiers and snowboarders love Loveland. Make sure you stop by and check one out on your next visit to Loveland.
Golden is less than an hour drive from Denver and you’ll love escaping to its stunning views and small-town feel. There are lots of amazing restaurants to check out, some fantastic theater to enjoy and a long street filled with tons of quaint shops, perfect for browsing. Book your room at the Dove Inn Bed and Breakfast and you’ll also have a romantic getaway retreat that is very affordable. You can even add in a special romance package which includes a dozen roses, a box of premium chocolates and sparkling cider for an additional $50. If you want to splurge a little, opt for the Serenity Suite, with an over-sized jet tub for two, cathedral ceilings and, of course, a delicious home-cooked breakfast.
The Gant is one of the best romantic getaways for couples who like the flexibility of staying in a luxury condominium hotel located at the base of Aspen Mountain. The resort has two heated outdoor swimming pools, three hot tubs, five tennis courts, barbecue grills and laundry facilities. Summer activities in Aspen include whitewater rafting, fly fishing, golf, horseback riding, jeep tours, hot air balloon rides, parasailing and mountain biking. In the winter, plan a ski trip, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, snowcat powder tours and ice skating.
“We were on par for a good year but after the closure, we pretty much stopped. We didn’t hit our targets,” said Zach Zehr, manager at the Estes Park Mountain Shop who’s now pushing backcountry ski adventures. “People either cut their trips short or they were pure cancellations because they heard it was closed. Or they didn’t recreate as they thought they would. They shifted gears and did something else. They didn’t buy hats and gloves because they weren’t going to use them.”
Smith Fork Ranch is a traditional homestead within the Rocky Mountains and rolling meadows of Colorado featuring old-fashioned Western hospitality and sophisticated wine and cuisine. The cozy mountain lodges envelop guests in homely comfort with plush furnishings, wood burning fireplaces, original artwork, slate tiled bathrooms, handmade soaps and organic lotions, feather beds with fine linens, and hot tubs. The undulating landscape is teeming with wildlife and offers superb hiking, while activities on the ranch will keep honeymooners busy the entire stay.
The weather in RMNP is extreme—and unpredictable. Ranging from snowstorms in the winter to hot, clear days in the summer, Rocky Mountain’s got it all. Summer is quick—just July and August—but beautiful, as temperature ranges from 40s at night and up to the 80s during the day. The rest of the year, expect snow at most elevations, and definitely up on Trail Ridge Road.
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
Above tree line, at approximately 11,000 ft (3,400 m), trees disappear and the vast alpine tundra takes over.[69] Over one third of the park resides above the tree line, an area which limits plant growth due to the cold climate and strong winds. The few plants that can survive under such extreme conditions are mostly perennials. Many alpine plants are dwarfed at high elevations, though their occasional blossoms may be full-sized.[73]
