Grand County is home to expansive views, rugged peaks and open countryside. Its premier resort, Winter Park, attracts travelers from all over for it’s world class ski slopes. Mary Jane, Winter Park’s other half, has premier bumps, tree skiing and a bowl. Situated north on Highway 40, Granby Ranch is geared for family fun, with easy learning trails, as well as night skiing on Friday and Saturday.
Telluride offers the quintessential Colorado mountain town experience. Not only are its streets lined with grand Victorian buildings, but it has become a hub for adventurers, athletes, and artists of all types, nestled in an isolated box canyon, far from the chaos of modern life. While there’s no skiing this time of year, visitors can still take a ride on the gondola up the mountain to get a bird’s eye view of the town and the breathtaking surrounding landscape. There’s also the opportunity to hike to the state’s longest free-falling waterfall, Bridal Veil Falls, enjoy fantastic fishing, golfing and biking. This little town is big when it comes to festivals too, with the annual Bluegrass Festival bringing a multitude of bluegrass bands to the area to enjoy the sun and the tunes in the outdoor amphitheater.
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]
Does the AP realize they have just exposed Democrat hypocrisy? “Unauthorized border crossings are at their lowest levels in decades, Di Fi (D) .“We are currently experiencing the lowest number of (illegal) border crossings since 1971.” Gavin Newsome (D)We here can add to this Jason Crow who said “Democrats are going to push back legislatively and through the courts, to Trumps emergency declaration”. The declaration is because of drugs entering the country, human trafficking, and gangs entering the country. So, if Crow is going to “push back” Crow must support drugs entering the country, human trafficking and gangs entering the country.And who is the President with these low numbers? And those number can be lowered to zero, with the wall, or at the very least, numbers the country choose to let in and can handle.
The park is home to many predatory animals, including Canadian lynx, foxes, bobcat, cougar, black bear, and coyotes. Wolves and grizzly bears were extirpated in the early 1900s. Most of these predators kill smaller animals, but mountain lions and coyotes kill deer and occasionally elk. Bears also eat larger prey. Moose have no predators in the park. Black bears are relatively uncommon in the park, numbering only 24-35 animals. They also have fewer cubs and the bears seem skinnier than they do in most areas.[79] Canadian lynx are quite rare within the park, and they have probably spread north from the San Juan Mountains, where they were reintroduced in 1999. Cougars feed mainly on mule deer in the park, and live 10–13 years. Cougar territories can be as large as 500 square miles.[80] Coyotes hunt both alone and in pairs, but occasionally hunt in packs. They mainly feed on rodents but occasionally bring down larger animals, including deer, and especially fawns and elk calves. Scat studies in Moraine Park showed that their primary foods were deer and rodents. They form strong family bonds and are very vocal.[81]
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.
There’s plenty to do south of Denver on your Colorado vacation. Whether you’re into mountain biking, hiking, history, sight-seeing, or soaking in a hot springs pool, you can find a destination in Southern Colorado (especially near Colorado Springs) that will help you relax, recharge, and reinvigorate. Cañon City and Colorado Springs make the perfect jumping-off points for many of these beautiful, historic western locations. Before or after your rafting trip, try some of these great destinations to enhance your Colorado vacation!
No matter the season, Crested Butte is one of the best weekend getaways in Colorado. It has some of the region’s most challenging ski runs in the winter at the Nordic Center or Crested Butte Mountain Resort (plus beginner and intermediate-level options), and offers a mix of hiking and water sports in the summer. Feeling lazy? One of Crested Butte’s most popular activities is driving down Kebler Pass for stunning mountain views—no walking required. 
Alta Lakes is a pristine and secluded wilderness setting situated 30 minutes outside the charming mountain town of Telluride, Colorado. The Observatory is nestled underneath the 13,000-foot peaks of the San Juan Mountains – it is one of only a few homes in the United States at 11,000+ feet! The backcountry cabin with charming rugged details serves as the perfect romantic mountain getaway for couples.
There is a reason why this luxury resort is called Garden of the Gods: if the Gods lived in the resort, they would never want to leave because of its breathtaking beauty! This resort features a golf course and full spa. Spend a romantic day getting pampered or walking in the gardens. Later, you can treat yourselves to fine dining at Kissing Camels Grille, where you can enjoy fresh local ingredients used to prepare the superb meals.
If you needed a reason to visit Keystone this summer, here are several: Cupcakes and Canvases, Bike-In Movies, Kidtopia Kids Theatre, festivals such as Snake River Festival and Cirque D’Wheels, Model Boat Regata. If those don’t keep you busy, try Adventure Point Summer SNOW Tubing Hill, Kidtopia Play Park, Lakeside SUP, paddle boating, kayaking, GPS Geo-Cache Adventure, Keystone Science School Day Camps, miniature golf and dinner wagon rides. There are plenty of freebies, too, including a free scenic ride for kids 12 and under and if you’re staying at the resort, the Kidtopia Children’s Theatre in the Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre is free on Fridays.
Home to the Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and part of Lake Erie, Michigan is rich in natural vegetation and beauty. Families looking for an adventure should explore the Upper Peninsula region that houses famous natural attractions such as the Porcupine Mountains, Pictured Rocks, Mackinac Island, Isle Royale, Tahquamenon Falls, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Then there is the heavenly Lower Peninsula region with its placid lakes, rivers, forests, sand dunes and beaches. Canoeing, fishing, sailing, and motorboating are popular activities. You'll love returning to your Michigan cabin rental to unwind after an action-packed day exploring.
Loveland, dubbed as the ‘Sweetheart City’ and known nationwide for its Valentine’s Day Love Stamp Program, is near the college town of Fort Collins in northern Colorado. Rent a charmingly restored 1903 Victorian cottage for your love nest, or snuggle together in a neighborhood home just minutes from hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park. A visit to the Sweetheart City Winery is a great opportunity to sample some local wines while checking out original oil paintings inspired by a trip to Tuscany. Voted by locals as one of the most romantic places in Loveland, South Shore Parkway is certain to aid in a stolen kiss or two. Sample small plates and incredible desserts at Door 222 Food and Drink, a downtown gem not to be missed.
Colorado Springs offers multiple locally-owned Bed and Breakfasts that are close to attractions, shopping and restaurants. These B&B’s are the picture-perfect place for you and your partner to unwind. Many of the Bed & Breakfasts also feature a romantic weekend room which will include a private bathroom with a jetted tub and delicious hot breakfast.
If you want to get pampered while enjoying mountain air and views, you'll find five-star accommodations in luxury resorts near the state's famed ski areas. In the southwestern part of the state, Dunton Hot Springs 35 miles northeast of Dolores is a fully restored ghost town tucked along a wooded stream. You'll pay more than $1,000 per night to stay there, but the price includes meals, beverages, a spa treatment, guided hikes and unlimited use of the hot springs and mountain bikes. For nearby luxury, check out restored historic hotels such as Hotel Jerome in Aspen or the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Both date to Colorado's mining boom in the late 1800s and deliver a five-star luxury experience.
The Springs Resort - overlooks the San Juan river and is an oasis of relaxation and romance. The resort features 18 different therapeutic mineral soaking pools, full spa services and deluxe accommodations. They've got romance packages perfect for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries too. And with Wolf Creek Ski Area just a short distance away, this could be a very romantic Colorado winter vacation.
The Experience: Denver is the perfect urban adventure for anyone who likes midsize cities. It's easy to navigate and manage and doesn't feel at all claustrophobic, but offers endless cultural excursions, gourmet dining experiences, and a fun nightlife you'd expect from large cities. Make sure you visit the Denver Art Museum, check out the breweries in the RiNo neighborhood, and stay at the Crawford Hotel, which is in the old Denver Union Station. For a boutique hotel, stay at The Maven Hotel. 
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.
Beaver Mountain Loop, also used by horseback riders, passes through forests and meadows, crosses Beaver Brook and several aspen-filled drainages, and has a great view of Longs Peak.[42] Deer Mountain Trail gives a 360 degree view of eastern part of the park. The summit plateau of Deer Mountain offers expansive views of the Continental Divide. During the winter, the lower trail generally has little snow, though packed and drifted snow are to be expected on the switchbacks. Snow cover on the summit may be three to five feet deep, requiring the use of snowshoes or skis.[42]
Tucked deep in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado, this carefully restored 19th-century ghost town and natural spa is surprisingly well appointed. The rugged, old-timey building exteriors hide high-end features such as cathedral ceilings, air conditioning, and gas fireplaces. Dolores has four parks and a peaceful bike trail that takes peddlers along the tumultuous Dolores River. You can enjoy hands-on exhibits and a nature hike at the Anasazi Heritage Center, or explore an exact replica of the original narrow-gauge rail car, the Galloping Goose. Share a romantic meal with tasty cocktails at Sophia’s Bistro.
Located at the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains at the elevation of one mile, Denver is a modern, vibrant city with a rich mix of industry, art and history. Explore the city’s bustling downtown with one of the guided Bikalope Tours. Visit the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art that includes works of more than 80 internationally recognized architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright. Denver Art Museum has 68,000 art pieces from all over the world and a significant collection of American Indian Art.
By day, this forested hot spring just north of Steamboat Springs teems with families splashing in the all-natural pools. After dark, it becomes exclusively adults-only — and clothing-optional; don’t be surprised if you spy a cowboy or two taking a dip au naturel. Secluded hillside cabins and train cabooses are within sprinting distance from the pools, for those cooler Colorado nights.
Southwestern ColoradoOur small town atmosphere and endless beauty allows you to feel the true meaning of a vacation. Refresh your spirit in a place away from the crowds. Restore your sense of fun while exploring over three million acres of wilderness and national forest. Reconnect with family and friends. Come to Pagosa Springs and enjoy simplicity on a grand scale.
Take in the beautiful scenery of Colorado's Front Range, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, as you zip through the trees! Just a 30-minute drive from downtown Denver lie three of Colorado’s longest zipline tracks. 6-line Zipline: Enjoy 4 hours of fresh air, scenic views and thrills on the 6-line zipline in the Rocky Mountains. Ride on six lines that range from 850 feet (259 m) to 1,900 feet (579 m). Soar through the treetops and experience three of Colorado’s longest ziplines! There is a 10-minute uphill hike between the first and second zipline and minimal walking between the others; above-average physical condition is recommended.
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.
There is also plenty for you to explore in the surrounding areas. If you head south, you’ll reach Red Rocks Park, which is known for its red rock formations. Head east, and you’ll find yourself in Denver, where you can experience a taste of the city, complete with shopping and dining options. Head west, and you’ll be in the Rocky Mountains, with options to ski.
The sun made us lazy, and after following Brian as he made his way upstream I found a wider expanse of sand and gravel, promptly plopping down on a pair of flip flops I had brought in my backpack as a make-shift seat. After identifying the northern harrier hawk over my head, and the savannas sparrows and red-winged blackbirds perched precariously on reeds across the water, I took out my knitting project. I didn’t have to worry about losing Brian; in the valley I could see for miles in both directions.
