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]
Dinosaur National Monument, in northwest Colorado, combines dramatic scenery with natural and cultural history to create one of Colorado's most interesting sites. Dinosaur remains embedded in exposed rock walls reveal evidence of the giants that once roamed these areas. Petroglyphs offer insight into the cultures and people that lived here long ago, and surrounding it all are cliff walls and the Green and Yampa Rivers snaking through the otherwise dry landscape.
A gorgeous mountain town that is not as well-known as its counterparts, Salida offers a variety of historic attractions to fill up a weekend itinerary. Take the Monarch Scenic Tram to soak in stunning Rocky Mountain views, go for a dip in the Salida Hot Springs or explore the area’s local history and culture at the nearby Salida Museum. When the weather warms up, grab a kayak or tube and head to the Arkansas River, and active travelers can utilize one of the many scenic mountain bike trails to explore the region further. A certified Colorado Creative District, visitors can also browse the area’s abundance of impressive art studios and galleries. 
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to many species of animals, including nearly 70 mammals and almost 300 species of birds. This diversity is due to the park's varying topography, which creates a variety of habitats. However, some species have been extirpated from the park, including the gray wolf, the wolverine, the grizzly bear, and the American bison.
Depending on when you choose to stay in an Estes Park vacation rental, you may be able to catch family-friendly events like the annual Teddy Bear Picnic or Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival. If you aren't able to make it to those events, don't worry: you can always pick up some local history at the Lula W. Dorsey Museum or Stanley Steam Car Museum. Visit the local shops and galleries like the Wild Spirits Gallery or Alpenglow Images & Accents to see some local photography, woodworking, jewelry, and other crafts or pick up a souvenir or two for friends and family back home.
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 St. Regis Aspen Resort offers five star service, access to ski lifts, shops and restaurants. Relax next to the indoor and outdoor pools, visit the spa and fitness center. If you are planning a winter vacation, ski in the Aspen Highlands Ski Area, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Each ski resort offers a ski school and skiing for all ability levels. During the summer, the town offers numerous vacation activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including fly fishing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding. The hotel provides two to four hour backcountry hiking excursions led by experienced guides where guests can admire wildflowers and trees.
Putting my Rocky Mountain inspired rectangles away until February, I eventually knitted up the remaining pieces and ironed the whole thing out before I framed the simple square and placed it on my beige wall. Perhaps I needed the chill of winter to remind me of the brisk breeze of that famous mountain range, maybe I briefly tired of sweater and cardigan projects, captivated instead by the simplicity of knit-purl in straight lines.
Summer nights are long in Colorado, and after dinner Brian and I still had time for a shoreline walk around the Barker Reservoir, rimmed by mountains and fed by a cool and clear river. I took photos of the baby Canada Geese near shore, a speck of black in the middle of the water that turned out to be a cormorant, a hummingbird settled against a tree branch, while Brian cast a line. But I really didn’t want to move.
That was not my intention. We planned a trip from Florida to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for one of my freelance writing projects, and originally scheduled a day in Denver (at 5,280 feet in elevation) to acclimate. Frontier Airlines had a different idea. I heard alternatively that our plane had a mechanical issue, that weather in the Midwest grounded the flight, and that the crew went on strike. Regardless, the airline cancelled our original flight.
Become immersed in Rocky’s pristine landscape on some of the park’s 355 miles of hiking trails. Choose from flat lakeside walks to steeper, more challenging mountain climbs. The easy .6-mile Bear Lake trail is a popular hike featuring an interpretive nature trail hugging a subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. For a stunning waterfall hike, make your way to Alberta Falls or Ouzel Falls.
Nicknamed the “Mile High City,” Denver is a haven for outdoor-lovers year-round, making it one of the best weekend getaways in Colorado for any type of travelers. Bring your camera along to capture views of urban and natural scenery alike—Larimer Square and the 16th Street Mall are two essential sightseeing destinations for first-timers, and Mount Elbert is always looming large in the background. The real Denver attraction, though, is the culture, which you can discover on a walk through the city’s distinct neighborhoods, on a Denver sightseeing tour, or a bike and brewery tour (it doesn’t get more Denver than that).
There are four ecosystems, or zones, in Rocky Mountain National Park: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. The riparian zone occurs throughout all of the three other zones. Each individual ecosystem is composed of organisms interacting with one other and with their surrounding environment. Living organisms (biotic), along with the dead organic matter they produce, and the abiotic (non-living) environment that impacts those living organisms (water, weather, rocks, and landscape) are all members of an ecosystem.[66]
The historic Brown Palace, located in downtown Denver first opened its doors in 1892. Since then, the hotel has accommodated celebrities, presidents and other dignitaries. If you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing on your trip, this unique property is conveniently located within walking distance of the pedestrian 16th Street Mall, the State Capitol, the Denver Center for Performing Arts and and Coors Field Baseball Park. The hotel is built around a central atrium; when in the lobby, you can enjoy soaring ceilings and when going to your room, you'll have a view of the classically furnished lobby below on your city vacation.
Colorado has no shortage of amazing restaurants to inspire warm feelings. You might opt for the latest offering from a local celebrity chef, such as Alex Seidel, of Fruition and Mercantile in Denver, who was voted one of Food and Wine’s best new chefs in 2010; or Jennifer Jasinski of Euclid Hall Bar & Kitchen, who impressed judges in season 5 of "Top Chef Masters" and also won the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2013. Or, you might choose a destination restaurant like Ragnar’s in Steamboat Springs, where getting there is half the fun — guests can arrive only via skis, snowboards or snowshoes.
