Bear Lake is a high-elevation lake in a spruce and fir forest at the base of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.[44] Bierstadt Lake sits atop a lateral moraine named Bierstadt Moraine, and drains into Mill Creek. There are several trails that lead to Bierstadt Lake through groves of aspens and lodgepole pines.[45] North of Bierstadt Moraine is Hollowell Park, a large and marshy meadow along Mill Creek. The Hollowell Park trail runs along Steep Mountain's south side. Ranches, lumber and sawmill enterprises operated in Hollowell Park into the early 1900s.[45]
Known as a world-class ski destination, Aspen is beautiful year around and offers activities and attractions for all ages. Skiers can challenge their skills on the magnificent steeps, slopes and glades of Aspen Mountain or Ajax, on rugged Aspen Highlands or enormous Snowmass. Take a 14 minute ride with the Silver Queen Gondola to the top of Ajax Mountain for the spectacular views of the mountain peaks, the city below and tall evergreens all around you. There are bluegrass concerts on Sundays.
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]
The Mile High City offers something for everyone. Home to seven professional sports teams and a thriving arts and cultural scene, it’s easy to make lasting memories on any given weekend. Stay downtown, in the Lower Highlands (LoHi) neighborhood or River North Art District (RiNo) district to be walking distance to shows, the best restaurants, breweries and night life. Explore even more to do in Denver here .
^ 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.
Old-fashioned hospitality is the specialty at Sylvan Dale in Loveland. During August and September, the guest ranch offers great grown-up getaways complete with home-style meals and a personal horse for your stay, plus options for overnight trail rides, trap shooting and more. Guests lend a hand with ranch chores, but come nighttime, you can kick back by the campfire to toast s’mores and mingle with fellow guests who might just feel like family by the end of your stay. Find more dude ranches in Colorado >>
You won’t believe the powdery slopes, 14,000-foot peaks, and stunning scenery of Telluride until you see the town for yourself. This Colorado destination screams weekend getaway—there are dozens of hikes and even more things to do. For example, you could give paragliding a chance, or bring the whole group along for a food tour featuring Telluride’s best bites.
Reminiscent of the grand mountain lodges built at the turn of the 20th century, the Wild Horse Inn is handcrafted from 400-year old logs and moss covered rock, and it boasts grandiose windows that look out over the valley. This beautifully rustic inn is the perfect winter escape with luxurious log cabin rooms, crackling fireplaces, en-suite bathrooms with showers and jetted tubs, and private balconies or decks. Guests are treated to a full gourmet breakfast each morning and can enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies all day.
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.
