Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. In a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top!
Cushion plants have long taproots that extend deep into the rocky soil. Their diminutive size, like clumps of moss, limits the effect of harsh winds. Many flowering plants of the tundra have dense hairs on stems and leaves to provide wind protection or red-colored pigments capable of converting the sun's light rays into heat. Some plants take two or more years to form flower buds, which survive the winter below the surface and then open and produce fruit with seeds in the few weeks of summer. Grasses and sedges are common where tundra soil is well-developed.[73]
Every summer, Aspen gets taken over by classic music lovers during the renowned Aspen Music Festival and School with more than 300 concerts. Learn about Aspen from Dean Weiler during one of his popular Aspen Walking Tours and pay respect to John Denver at the John Denver Sanctuary you will pass by while hiking the picturesque Rio Grande Trail. Next read: best Aspen restaurants.
Located just a few miles to the northwest of Denver, Boulder is a college town nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Boulder’s inhabitants are best known for their healthy lifestyles, and outdoor activities are plentiful in and around the city. Boulder Creek cuts straight through the town and is lined with walking and biking trails. The four-block pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall features outdoor performers in all but the most inclement weather. A drive up Baseline Road on Flagstaff Mountains rewards visitors with spectacular views, and there are picnic areas and hiking trails to enjoy at the summit as well.
Nestled along the Fall River, Murphy’s River Lodge is located only two blocks from the historic downtown area of Estes Park. Completely remodeled lodgings include 13 rooms, rooms with private decks, a second property Murphy’s Resort and six fully-furnished vacation home rentals in Estes Park. These single family home rentals include access to River Lodge or Resort amenities including the pools and hot tubs!
While kids of all ages are welcome at this Ouray resort, you’ll will find multiple kid-free corners available around the clock. The adults-only indoor sanctuary is open 24 hours and filled with spa-like stonework, including a spring-fed tub built from river rocks. Outside, a 102-degree soaking tub implements adult time from 10pm to 8am, enough to make any couple starry-eyed under the night sky.
There are multiple scenic trails to hike and challenging cycling paths to discover as well as many more activities like zip-lining and horseback riding. You can explore the history and architecture of historic sites like Miramont Castle and Manitou Cliff Dwellings, visit the Manitou Springs Heritage Center, or enjoy some pampering at a day spa before catching a show at the Iron Springs Chateau Melodrama Theatre.
^ This article incorporates public domain material from the Library of Congress document: "Majestic view from the old, one-way, dirt Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park in the Front Range of the spectacular and high Rockies in north-central Colorado". Library of Congress - Prints & Photographs Online Catalog. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
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.
The town of Dolores may be small, but it’s well-worth spending some time in, tucked in a magnificent canyon with the picturesque Dolores River cutting along one side and rock cliffs on the other. The second largest reservoir, McPhee Reservoir, can be found here, and San Juan National Forest, just a mile from town, provides excellent opportunities for fly fishing, hiking, and biking. In addition to outdoor activities, the town boasts four parks, a brewpub and a unique mix of restaurants and shops.
There is a sense of history in the meticulously renovated 1800’s historic stagecoach stop that has been converted to a rustic and charming bed and breakfast. All rooms are wonderfully decorated with period antiques and there are a variety of essential and pampering amenities, including plush down comforters. The comfortable lounging area with exposed beams and a stone fireplace lure you in for a relaxing moment, a nap, or quiet time with a book. The lodge offers more than just a fabulous breakfast.
The house also features a hot tub on the second-floor deck, a modern entertainment living room with a large, flat screen television for movie watching and a lovely terraced back garden with a gazebo. Winter Park Chateau enjoys a prime downtown location within walking distance to many restaurants, cafés, and bars, as well as nightclubs. It is within walking distance of the ski mountain and close to four championship golf courses and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Larger groups and families on longer stays can choose to stay in private, fully-equipped condos overlooking the park, all of which feature spacious living areas, superior facilities, and a complimentary gourmet breakfast each day. Dine in style at one of four restaurants and bars that serve an array of seasonal cuisine, unwind in the exclusive Aspire Spa with an indulgent treatment or massage, and enjoy a range of fantastic outdoor activities throughout the year, including hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sleighing. Read more about Estes Park, one of the top Colorado destinations.
Teachers must help build the foundation for critical thinking and challenge students instead of assigning an overload of material to memorize for 1 test and forever be forgotten. Teachers themselves must be challenged as well to continue their education and modify their teaching based on this ever changing world. Hopefully these new bonus programs and raise in salaries provides satisfaction and it sparks more rigor for the staff in Denver schools.
For the ultimate mountain getaway, stay in one of our updated vintage 1, 2, or 3 bedroom cabins! Just 1 mile from the entrance to RMNP on the quiet side of town. Walk to a Park trailhead, fish for stocked trout in front of your cabin, soak in the hot tub, relax around the campfire. Experience the Estes of yesteryear! Idlewilde by the River Details
For ice cream and milkshakes, try Flavors of the Rockies, Hayley's or Laura's – all on Elkhorn Avenue and all recommended by recent travelers. To get your caffeine fix, check out Elkhorn Avenue's Kind Coffee and Inkwell & Brew, or Coffee on the Rocks on Moraine Avenue. And to sample a major Colorado food group, travelers can head to Lumpy Ridge Brewing Co. or Estes Park Brewery for a craft beer.
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.
If you're looking to splurge during ski season, Aspen is the place to be. This small town is conveniently tucked between four renowned ski spots that offer quality slopes for all levels of skiers. Not only that, but the town features the crème de la crème of luxury resorts that whip up an après-ski scene so appealing it'll be pretty tough to leave. Read More »
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!
Loveland Ski Area is near to the hearts and homes of generations of Colorado skiers and riders. Just 53 miles from Denver, Loveland offers uncrowded slopes, remarkable terrain, free close-in parking and a season that lasts from October through May. Loveland also averages 400″ of snow each season – more than any Front Range or Summit County resort. Loveland is a perfect place for those that simply want to ski and ride. This is Colorado. Welcome home.
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 Elk are bugling and Fall is coming. What a perfect time to come to Estes Park to see the Elk in their natural surroundings of Rocky Mtn National Park. Within the boundaries of Rocky Mountain National Park, more than 100 peaks rise above 11,000 feet in altitude, including Longs Peak at 14,259 feet. These amazing mountains cradle the Estes Valley, providing residents and guests with incredible beauty and inspiration.
Located at the eastern foot of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has multiple attractions, ranging from museums and parks to trains and a zoo. It is within close proximity to Pikes Peak, a landmark in the Pike National Forest. The Garden of the Gods park is also located in Colorado Springs and features red sandstone formations and stunning mountain views.
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.
Nicknamed the “Mile-High City” because it sits exactly a mile high in altitude above sea level, Denver is Colorado’s capital and largest city. Located just east of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is a popular winter sport destination that celebrates its mining and cowboy history. The city also boasts a lively arts and culture scene with many distinguished museums, such as the Denver Art Museum, and the Denver Performing Arts Complex, one of the nation’s largest performing art centers. 
Great Sand Dunes National Park- A few hours south from Cañon City will take you to this fascinating and inspiring park. Towering sand dunes as far as the eye can see offer hours of entertainment as you explore the rolling hills, flowing creek (visit in May or June for the best chance to see flowing water), and the visitor’s center. Kids can even earn their Junior Rangers badge! The park has a campground and is a perfect place to get away from the lights, hustle, and bustle of everyday life. That’s what your Colorado Vacation is all about, right? Additional overnight accommodations are located nearby.
Estes Park is one of the most beautiful mountain retreats in all of Colorado — and we’re not just saying that because they’re our neighbors! OutThere Colorado named the village on their list of the 10 Most Beautiful Places to Spend a Weekend in Colorado. It was chosen for its proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park and the stunning views from Estes Park Aerial Tramway.
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.
Nestling in the heart of a former volcanic caldera in the San Juan Mountains, the little Colorado town of Creede will blow you away with its amazing natural splendor and small-town atmosphere. You can learn about Creede’s mining history at the Creede Historical Museum and the Underground Mining Museum and enjoy the annual summer Creede Repertory Festival.
Situated in Southern Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is an impressive sight. Shaped by winds blowing from and against the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the piles of sand climb to more than 750 feet (230 meters), making them the tallest dunes in North America. Sand-boarding, skiing and sledding on the dunes are the park’s most popular activities, and there are medium-size slopes to slide on located near the main parking area. A longer hike to the north brings thrill seekers to a 300-foot (90 meter) slope that tumbles onto into Medano Creek.
The Snow Queen Lodge is a Victorian jewel built during Aspen's Wild West Silver Boom that was later converted to a family-run cozy bed and breakfast. It has nine charming rooms with private baths and tasteful Victorian details and a spacious loft at a different location. The lodge is located in downtown Aspen at the base of Aspen Mountain, walking distance from the gondola, world class skiing, and the free shuttles that will take you to other mountains such as Snowmass, Highlands, or Buttermilk.
The capital of Colorado, Denver is a sprawling metropolis that is home to the Denver Art Museum, landmark 19th-century buildings, and the mansion of Titanic survivor Molly Brown. It is also a jumping off point for various ski resorts in the mountains, offering a great variety of activities that range from spending time outdoors amidst nature to exploring the downtown urban scene.
Gem Lake is high among the rounded granite domes of Lumpy Ridge. Untouched by glaciation, this outcrop of 1.8 billion-year-old granite has been sculpted by wind and chemical erosion into a backbone-like ridge. Pillars, potholes, and balanced rocks are found around the midpoint of the trail, along with views of the Estes Valley and Continental Divide.[42] Potts Puddle trail is accessible from the Black Canyon trail.[42]
Straddling the Continental Divide, the Rocky Mountain National Park covers some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. There are 77 mountains in the park with elevations that range from 7,500 to over 12,000 feet (2,200 to 3,600 meters). Most of the more than 3 million people who visit the park each year spend at least one night in one of the park’s many drive-in campgrounds. More than 350 miles of hiking trails offer visitors the chance to view the park’s wildlife, which includes hundreds of elk, bighorn sheep and deer. There is also the specially built scenic Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in any of the National Park in the United States.
A comfortable reading and DVD library serves as the perfect place to relax with a book and a glass of wine, and there is free high-speed Internet throughout the property. The Wild Horse Inn is surrounded by incredible natural landscapes that offer an array of activities to partake in, from hiking, mountain biking, and climbing to boating, rafting and fishing, and various snow sports in the winter. The inn is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver.
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. 
The Alps Boulder Canyon Inn is an award-winning boutique bed and breakfast in the heart of scenic Boulder Canyon. Offering an unforgettable Boulder experience, the Inn features luxurious accommodations, excellent cuisine, and outstanding service. Surrounding by Boulder's magnificent mountain parks and just a short stroll from downtown Boulder and all its attractions, the Inn is an ideal place for both business and leisure travelers to take advantage of everything the town has to offer.
Toast your love over a five-star meal with 10-star views. Poised at the tip-top of Telluride, Allred’s is reached by a romantic gondola ride, and the dining room reveals epic views of alpenglow peaks and the valley floor thousands of feet below. Make an early reservation to snag a window table (they’re first come, first served), then clink peach-jalapeño margaritas while savoring Chef Mike Regrut’s upscale Colorado cuisine. More mountain-top dining >>
Head to Denver, Colorado where you can see shows, visit museums and sample new flavors at gourmet restaurants. The Curtis – a DoubleTree by Hilton is a boutique hotel with 336 innovative accommodations, a retro dining experience and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The Bigger Better Deal Rooms offer 350 square feet of living space and views of downtown Denver. There are three types of suites to choose from: a KISS Suite, a Rolling Stones Suite and a suite dedicated to the Spice Girls. Guests can also stay in a “Hyper Themed” room on each of the 13 themed floors, such as the Jimmy Buffett Suite and the Ghostbusters Suite.
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. In a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top!
The Fern Lake trail passes Arch Rock formations, The Pool, and the cascading water of Fern Falls. Two backcountry campsites are located near the lake, and two more are closer to the trailhead. Odessa Lake has two approaches: one is along the Flattop trail from Bear Lake while the other is from the Fern Lake trailhead, along which are Fern Creek, The Pool, Fern Falls, and Fern Lake itself. One backcountry campsite is available.[44] Other lakes are Jewel Lake, Mills Lake, Black Lake, Blue Lake, Lake of Glass, and Spruce Lake.[44]
The suites have private balconies with a sunken living room. If you want to splurge, the most luxurious suite, the Centennial Suite, has a full kitchen, living area, dining area, private balcony, separate bedroom and an oversized Jacuzzi tub. Choose from five restaurants and lounges. The Swan offers fine dining in an elegant bistro setting, while the Garden Terrace is more casual. The Pub is the place to go to watch televised sporting events and the Golf Grille is conveniently located at the golf course. Take the complimentary shuttle to the Park Meadows Retail Resort for a day of shopping, or drive to Downtown Denver, 20 minutes away. Fly to Denver International Airport which a 30-minute drive away. Weekday rates start at $99 per night.
With a year-round ski resort and a unique Gold Rush history behind it, Breckenridge is a fun place to visit in Colorado. One must-see while here is the Breckenridge National Historic District, which runs along Main Street and features colorful buildings from the 1800s that house shops, restaurants and galleries. Other fun things to do include hiking, skiing, a wildlife preserve, children’s museum, and more.
A spectacular scenic drive stretches from the old mining town of Silverton, to the town of Ouray, along what is called the Million Dollar Highway. This is a 46-kilometer two-lane highway that hugs the mountainside in places and looks out over jaw-dropping cliffs and across valleys to inspiring mountain peaks. It is one of the most spectacular mountain drives in Colorado. If you have time, you can extend this into a longer route and drive the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The Skyway is a full-day trip that you will want to do in good weather, but can be done in winter or summer.
