The weather in RMNP is extreme—and unpredictable. Ranging from snowstorms in the winter to hot, clear days in the summer, Rocky Mountain’s got it all. Summer is quick—just July and August—but beautiful, as temperature ranges from 40s at night and up to the 80s during the day. The rest of the year, expect snow at most elevations, and definitely up on Trail Ridge Road.
The highest you can hike is Pikes Peak at 14,115 feet, the highest in the Rockies. With so much great climbing opportunities, Colorado Springs is a great place to learn to rock climb. Front Range Climbing Company and First Ascent Mountain School offer classes for any skill level. Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site offers a glimpse into the past with the 1860 log cabin and the 1880 farm house. Western Museum of Mining & Industry tells the story of the mining in the area and Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers a home to more than 950 animals, 30 of them endangered.
Located in Southwestern Colorado, the Gunnison National Park is best known for the narrow gorge called the Black Canyon. With a depth that reaches 2,700 feet (820 meters), the canyon was carved by thousands of years of erosion by the Gunnison River. Scenic overlooks along the 6-mile (10 km) South Rim Road offer views of the canyon. The Cedar Point Nature Trail off South Rim is an easy-to-navigate hiking trail that includes signs about the area’s plants. It leads to a great view of the 2,250 foot (7,380) high Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in the state.
Snow-fed rivers tumble over granite boulders in the Rocky Mountains, creating an ideal environment for fly-fishing and whitewater rafting. The state's most famous river -- the Colorado -- flows from headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park, with alternating stretches of heart-pounding hydraulics and quiet areas where you can wade out and cast your fly. Stay at a Bureau of Land Management campground along the shore, or at private riverside cabins such as those found at Colorado Cabin Adventures 3 miles from Grand Lake. For a more remote experience, stay at Cottonwood Cove, tucked along the banks of the Rio Grande just downstream from the picturesque mining town of Creede.
The nearest airport is Denver International Airport[91] and the closest train station is the Denver Union Station. Estes Park may be reached by rental car, shuttle or RTD bus.[91][98] During peak tourist season, there is free shuttle service within the park and the town of Estes Park provides shuttle service to Estes Park Visitor Center, surrounding campgrounds, and the Rocky Mountain National Park's shuttles.[91]
Enos Mills, the main figure behind the creation of Rocky Mountain National Park, enjoyed walking to Lily Lake from his nearby cabin. Wildflowers are common in the spring and early summer. In the winter, the trail around the lake is often suitable for walking in boots, or as a short snowshoe or ski. Other lakes in the Wild Basin include Chasm Lake, Snowbank Lake, Lion Lakes 1 and 2, Thunder Lake, Ouzel Lake, Finch Lake, Bluebird Lake, Pear Lake, and Sandbeach Lake. Many of the lakes have backcountry campsites. Waterfalls include Ouzel Falls, Trio Falls, Copeland Falls, and Calypso Cascades.[47]
Estes Park is home to the headquarters of the Rocky Mountain National Park, and for many visitors, it’s the first stop en route to a Rocky Mountain vacation. Find yourself passing through to pick up maps and check trail conditions, or stay for a weekend getaway that offers unbeatable access to the Rockies, meaning you can hike all day and dine and unwind at night. The lively town has plenty of entertainment like the downtown Riverwalk, Aspen and Evergreen Gallery, and the historic Stanley Hotel.
Colorado is the perfect destination for an extra-special weekend getaway, especially since it’s home to numerous exciting cities and nature spots. Admire panoramic views of the sweeping, majestic Rocky Mountains, and plan an afternoon hike and picnic. Book a stay at a gorgeous Colorado vacation rental near a historic national park to conveniently enjoy the great outdoors. Here are eight of the most romantic weekend getaway locations in Colorado.
Stay in 1 of our 5 renovated riverfront cabins for a romantic atmosphere away from daily routine. With a private hot tub overlooking Fall River & a jetted spa tub for 2 in the living area, fireplace, full kitchen & gas grill on the deck, you can rest & reconnect. Nestled among tall Ponderosa pines just 1 mi. west of downtown, with easy access to RMNP. Fall River Cabins Details
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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.
During the winter most of Trail Ridge Road is closed due to heavy snow, limiting motorized access to the edges of the park.[68] Winter activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing which are possible from either the Estes Park or Grand Lake entrances. On the east side near Estes Park, skiing and snowshoeing trails are available off Bear Lake Road, such as the Bear Lake, Bierstadt Lake, and Sprague Lake trails and at Hidden Valley. Slopes for sledding are also available at Hidden Valley. The west side of the park near Grand Lake also has viable snowshoeing trails.[68][88] Backcountry skiing and snowboarding can be enjoyed after climbing up one of the higher slopes, especially late in the snow season after avalanche danger has subsided[89], and technical climbing remains also a possibility, although typically differing in style from the summer months[90].
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.
A nature lover’s paradise, Colorado is filled to the brim with beautiful landscapes, offering travelers over 300 days of sunshine to come and explore its diverse areas. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to picturesque prairies and cosmopolitan cities, Colorado is surrounded by vibrant outdoor attractions, diverse wildlife and scenic byways just begging to be explored. Whether you hit the slopes at a luxury ski resort, hike the trails at a National Park or take a scenic drive through the countryside, Colorado has so many great things to see and do throughout the year. Perfect for families, couples and solo travelers who are looking for an outdoor adventure, read on to discover the best places to vacation in Colorado.
The Leland House and Rochester Hotel are family-owned historic hotels with an authentic Western theme. The 14 rooms at the Rochester Hotel are themed after Westerns that were filmed in the Durango area. Each of the 12 accommodations in the Leland House is named after a historic Durangoan and is decorated with that person’s memorabilia, biographies and photos. All rooms have Wi-Fi, cable, Aveda products, complimentary gourmet breakfast and free Cruiser bike rentals. Grab a drink at the Rochester Bar which serves the hotel’s signature Rochester wine.
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.
Now part of the Estes Park Condos family, Black Canyon Inn offers privately owned condos and a stunning log cabin — all located off of the beaten path but still within Estes Park. Max occupancy options range from two guests in the secluded Columbine Cabin all the way up to ten guests in other lodges. See all of them here and enjoy jaw-dropping photos and views before you arrive!
Guest rooms at both lodge buildings are tastefully decorated and fully equipped with the necessary amenities for absolute comfort, including private bathrooms with showers and soaking tubs, stone fireplaces, and flat-screen televisions. The inn is situated within walking distance of the town’s restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as other entertainment and events that happen on a regular basis. The Minturn Inn is located two hours from Denver.
A cozy and warm studio accommodation is perfect for a romantic getaway. Waking up to the serenity of the nature and the beautiful views of the mountains provides a peaceful getaway from busy everyday life. The studio is conveniently located near historic downtown Breckenridge, making it perfect for local explorations. Have a romantic shopping trip followed by dinner in the downtown as there are many shops and restaurants to choose from. If you two happen to be ski lovers, you can enjoy skiing in the mountains, but if you don’t ski, just enjoy the snow.
Michigan's apples, cherries, blueberries, and peaches are second-to-none, so make sure to sample those. Another specialty is the coney dog — a hot dog served with mustard, chili, and freshly-cut onions. Also sample the pasties found in the Upper Peninsula, made from potato, onion, meat, and rutabaga. Foodies adore the Cudighi sausage-patty hoagie topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. With all those Great Lakes, can freshwater fish preparations be far behind? Hot favorites include whitefish and lake perch served with salad and mash potato.
The Trail Ridge Road, which itself reaches an altitude of more than 12,000 feet, is the main driving route through the park and offers easy access to this incredible terrain. You can sightsee from the comfort of your car or stop off along the way for a hike or easy walk. The park has an extensive system of hiking trails that range from paths of less than a half-mile to full-day and multi-day hikes. If you're lucky, you may see elk, bighorn sheep, deer, and other critters.
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 Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, the High Desert Opera, the Mesa State College Theatre and the Avalon Theatre provide a great selection of entertainment. Nature lovers can explore the diverse landscape along many miles of hiking and biking trails, try an off-road adventure, climb the marvelous red rock formations, or take to the rivers for some rafting, kayaking and paddling. Leave plenty of time to taste your way around the 22 wineries and tasting rooms. Things to Do in Grand Junction
Pagosa Springs is a picturesque, off-the-beaten-path destination surrounded by the San Juan National Forest. It’s an ideal spot for a Colorado weekend trip, with beautiful hiking paths, numerous hot springs, and stunning spots like Chimney Rock National Monument and Treasure Falls. Or going off-roading for another fun way to make the most of this charming town’s personality and views.
Explore the nearby great outdoors at the Horsetooth Mountain Open Space or get your adrenaline pumping by rafting on Cache La Poudre River with the Mountain Whitewater Descents Company. Visit Global Village Museum of Arts and Cultures to learn about folk art from all over the world. Take the kids to the Farm at Lee Martinez Park to learn about the farm life and play with baby farm animals.
