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.
There is a fitness area, complimentary wireless internet access in the lobby, 24-hour room service, a full-time concierge, twice-daily maid service and overnight valet parking. Choose from 241 guest rooms and suites, some furnished in Victorian style, while others reflect Art-Deco decor. There are five restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual fare. Room rates start at $ 152 per night on weekends.
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 »
The Rocky Mountain National Park Act was signed by President Woodrow Wilson on January 26, 1915, establishing the park boundaries and protecting the area for future generations.[2] The Civilian Conservation Corps built the main automobile route, Trail Ridge Road, in the 1930s.[2] In 1976, UNESCO designated the park as one of the first World Biosphere Reserves.[6] In 2017, more than 4.4 million recreational visitors entered the park.[7] The park is one of the most visited in the National Park System, ranking as the third most visited national park in 2015.[8]
Morrison is not a very far drive from Denver, but you’ll still feel like you’ve escaped for a special weekend away for two. This bed and breakfast is a beautiful spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day, an anniversary or any special occasion. You’ll love the amazingly breathtaking views from the hot tub suites, with stunning panoramas of the Colorado evergreens covered in snow. Plus, Arrowhead Manor is just a short drive to The Fort restaurant for an incredibly romantic meal. There are also many other fun things to enjoy during your escape for the weekend, as you’ll be close enough to enjoy any of the entertainment options in Denver, or even catch a show at Red Rocks, depending on the season.
Idyllically pinned between the crags and currents of Little Prospect Mountain and Big Thompson River, This Mountain Life makes for a serene setting to call basecamp. Open your windows to clean crisp air, bluebird skies and sights and sounds of a winding snow-fed alpine river. Watch wildlife from Mountain Chickadees to Colorado Chipmunks and Wapiti Elk. Sleep like a log. Step out your haven in Historic Downtown to easily access top Estes Park shops, attractions and venues — from river walks to fishing spots, sweet shops to best restaurants, from care-free strolls to heart-pounding treks.
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.
Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark comprised of 1,300 acres of magnificent views and stunning red sandstone formations. TripAdvisor® users voted Garden of the Gods the #1 park in the U.S. and #2 park in the world. Make sure to snap some selfies of you and your partner smooching under Kissing Camels and holding up Balanced Rock.
The best time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park is from June to September when the snow is (mostly) melted and the hiking trails and attractions are accessible. Still, these four months are also the most popular times to visit, so if you'd rather experience RMNP in relative isolation and while wearing snowshoes or cross-country skis, visit between the months of October and May. Whether snow or sunshine, the park is open to the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, though some parts may be inaccessible.
One of the best properties situated in Manitou Springs is Cliff House at Pikes Peak, which is perfect for your romantic getaway. Why do we call it perfect? Other than the superb facilities, such as a fitness center and great restaurants, the hotel’s location near the beautiful downtown Manitou Springs is ideal for fun. In around a 5 minute walk, you and your partner can explore the city all day together.
Prices are based on round trip travel and hotel stay per traveller. These are the best fares found by travellers who searched TripAdvisor in the past recent weeks. However, specific package prices and availability for your selected dates from your departure city change rapidly as they are subject to availability from our partners and cannot be guaranteed.
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.
Central Colorado - Pikes Peak RegionNestled within majestic Rocky Mountain scenery, Cripple Creek offers fun and adventures for the entire family. Try your luck in one of our exciting casinos, check out our fascinating museums, or explore our many history-rich activities such as a ride on the CC&V Narrow Gauge Railroad or a 1,000 foot descent underground into the Mollie Kathleen Mine.
Easily accessible from Estes Park is Rocky Mountain National Park, which boasts over 100 mountain peaks that tower over 11,000 feet above the ground. In this gorgeous park, you will find over 300 hiking trails as well as paths to traverse by car or on horseback. Exploring the park will also bring you into close contact with a variety of wildlife, from striped chipmunks to large elk.
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.
