Located 17 miles from the Winter Park ski resort and 16 miles from Vail, Frisco is the perfect small-town getaway. You can relive life as a miner in the Old West at Frisco’s historic park and museum or take a mountain bike ride that takes you over 55 miles of paved pathways. Strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis for a turn around the Frisco Nordic Center. During the summer, paddle or motor out to the Sentinel Island from the Frisco Bay Marina. Rent a cozy condo at Mountainside, or consider renting a lovely house on the Blue River. Warm up the evening with delicious farm-to-table fusion fare Italian-style at Bagalis Frisco.

At 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park isn't the country's largest national park, nor is it the most-frequented with about 4 million annual visitors (compared to Great Smoky Mountains National Park's more than 11 million visitors). But there is something definitively magical about RMNP, which rises 12,183 feet into the Colorado sky. The main attraction is hiking its 350-some miles of trails that wind through pine and spruce forests, glittering alpine lakes, swaths of wildflowers and if you're lucky, some elk or bighorn sheep. And maybe it's the thinner atmosphere that goes to visitors' heads, but even the most jaded report feelings of awe and wonder after a day or two of breathing in that refreshing mountain air. 

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 »
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 are four ecosystems, or zones, in Rocky Mountain National Park: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. The riparian zone occurs throughout all of the three other zones. Each individual ecosystem is composed of organisms interacting with one other and with their surrounding environment. Living organisms (biotic), along with the dead organic matter they produce, and the abiotic (non-living) environment that impacts those living organisms (water, weather, rocks, and landscape) are all members of an ecosystem.[66]
Northern New MexicoRed River, New Mexico! A place where fresh powder winters meet refreshing summer days. Red River offers something for everyone with its convenient scenic location in the heart of Northern New Mexico’s Enchanted Circle. Red River is the place that awakens us each day by the soothing sound of a rushing river and then again each evening as the sun sets over main street. The mountain town of Red River is New Mexico True.

Isle Royale National Park is situated on an island on Lake Superior near the Canadian border. This beautiful island spans 432 square miles and was shaped into its present form by Ice Age glaciers. Today it is home to a wide range of wildlife including herring gulls, wolves, otters, foxes, falcons, and ospreys. When you want to explore unspoiled wilderness this park is the perfect destination.
Boasting a rich history, cozy accommodations, delicious cuisine, and spectacular mountain views, the Baldpate Inn is a traditional mountain getaway that has been enchanting visitors for nearly 100 years. Built in 1917, the inn is located seven miles south of Estes Park next to the Rocky Mountain National Park and offers a variety of things to see and do. Well-appointed guest rooms are decorated with country mountain flair. You’ll find niceties such as handmade quilts and calico dust ruffles, and rooms also feature en-suite bathrooms and spectacular views.
The Stanley Hotel is a luxurious hotel in the heart of Estes Park in Colorado that combines a particular style and sophistication with rich colonial charm. Featuring deluxe resort lodging, an exclusive day spa and wellness center, and an array of adventures and activities for the whole family, this hotel is the ideal place for a year-round mountain vacation. Guests can choose from deluxe rooms and suites at the main hotel or accommodations next door at the newly remodeled 40-room boutique hotel called The Lodge.

Hotel-Scoop.com is a travel resource site with detailed accommodation reviews of lodging worth talking about, from professional globetrotting travel writers. Check in each weekday to see a new review of an interesting hotel, resort, bed and breakfast, or inn - with occasional hotel chatter about hospitality industry trends.. - All Rights Reserved. 
Buena Vista is an historic mining and railroad town that resoundingly lives up to its Spanish name meaning “good views” – you are surrounded by towering mountain peaks that provide a wonderful year-round playground for adventure seekers. The area boasts some of the best river rafting adventures in the country and you can also go hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and zip-lining.

• Drive from Denver to Estes Park into Rocky Mountain National Park.  • On the drive to the park you will pass historic towns and beautiful landscapes from Denver through Boulder, with the option to stop in Lyons for coffee etc. • The hike has beautiful scenery, alpine lakes and diverse trails. The trail is framed with pine and aspen trees, with views of snow capped mountain ranges all around.  • Immerse yourself in the mountains away from it all. • Have a tasty picnic lunch surrounded by serene nature.  • See Colorado’s famous continental divide – rivers and streams west of the divide flow to the Pacific Ocean and east of the divide to the Gulf of Mexico. • This is a approx 4 mile trail (round trip) with about 800 feet in elevation gain. 
The Mummy Range is a short mountain range in the north of the park. The Mummies tend to be gentler and more forested than the other peaks in the park, though some slopes are rugged and heavily glaciated, particularly around Ypsilon Mountain and Mummy Mountain. Bridal Veil Falls is a scenic point and trail accessible from the Cow Creek trailhead, at the Continental Divide Research Center.[41] West Creek Falls and Chasm Falls, near Old Fall River Road, are also in this region. The Alluvial Fan trail leads to a bridge over the river that had been the site of the Lawn Lake Flood.[42]

The Big Meadows area with its grasses and wildflowers can be reached via the Onahu, Tonahutu, or Green Mountain trail. Other scenic areas include Long Meadows and the Kawuneeche Valley (Coyote Valley) of the upper Colorado River which is a good place for birdwatching, as well as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. The valley trail loops through Kawuneeche Valley[36] which contained as many as 39 mines, though less than 20 of those have archived records and archeological remains.[37] LuLu City is the site of an abandoned silver mining town of the early 1880s located along the Colorado River Trail.[5] According to a 1985 report prepared for the NRHP, there were only three cabin ruins remaining along with remnants of six other buildings.[38]

A home base for travelers visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is less than a 2-hour drive from Denver. The park offers 355 miles of hiking trails paired with stunning vistas and landscapes, from snow-capped mountains to picturesque lakes and valleys, where those who crave adventure will find a myriad of outdoor adventures. Estes Park itself is a great area to explore, as visitors can meander the Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park or hop on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to the top of a small peak. Estes Park boasts a variety of shopping and dining experiences, while movie enthusiasts will want to stop by the world famous Stanley Hotel that was the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
Colorado’s biggest city, Denver offers an eclectic mix of attractions, from its trendy eateries to its impressive museums. A combination of a cityscape and natural surroundings, Denver is more than just a base to explore Colorado’s other outdoor treasures. Boasting a laid-back ambiance, this Mile High City is centered around an outdoorsy culture of locals that welcome visitors to sample their delicious craft beer, vibrant shopping streets and beautiful hiking paths. Spend a day at the Denver Art Museum, Denver Museum of Nature & Science or the Denver Zoo, then browse Larimer Square and catch a game at Coors Field.
Apart from elk, many other ungulates reside in the park, including bighorn sheep, moose, and mule deer. Bison were eliminated from the park in the 1800s, as were pronghorn and moose, the latter of which was restored to the area in 1978. Moose are now frequently seen in the park, especially on the park's west side.[77] The park's bighorn sheep population has recovered and is estimated at 350 animals.[78]
There are more activities, events, vacation opportunities, and fun things to do in Colorado than you can imagine.  Vacations in Colorado can mean hot air balloon rides, jeep, ATV, motorcycle or bicycle rental or tours, snowmobile, sleigh rides, dog sledding, fly fishing for rainbow, brown and brook trout, sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, boating, kayaking or canoeing (rentals, equipment, instruction, guided tours and floats), or get wet and wild whitewater rafting, tubing, skiing, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing (check out our ski areas, rentals and tours), horseback riding, hiking, bicycling, rock climbing, upland bird hunting, big game hunting for deer, elk, moose, antelope, bear, mountain lion, mountain goat, big horn and dall sheep. Come experience the beauty of our mountains and our western hospitality on your Colorado vacations.
An excellent weekend destination, Telluride is a beautiful town wedged in a picturesque glacial canyon. Located at the base of the beautiful San Juan Mountains, this former mining area has become a mecca for an array of travelers. From artists to skiers, celebrities and hippies, travelers flock to the area to explore its restored Victorian main street and nearby attractions. A delightful shopping area, visitors can peruse the local history at the Telluride Historical Museum, browse artwork at the Telluride Arts District or indulge in its many outdoor adventures. Bear Creek Falls is a great hiking destination, while visitors can also find an array of family-friendly swimming and fishing spots throughout the area.
Dial (970) 586-1222 for a recorded message on the status of Trail Ridge Road. You may not know that our mountain makes its own weather, so it is not uncommon to have snow in July or August at the top of Trail Ridge Road. Such weather will only last for a few hours to a day, but if you are planning to cross over Trail Ridge Road, weather may hamper your travel. You also may find the road closed due to weather in early June and September/October.
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.
In 1941, the area was officially named The Loveland Ski Tow Inc. By 1948, four ski tows were in use and they were logically named A, B, C,and D.  The next decade would bring big changes to the area. In 1955, the business was sold to group of stockholders who employed Pete Seibert (10th Mountain Division Member) as the general manager. Seibert would later build the Vail Ski Area in the early 1960’s.
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.
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.

Precambrian metamorphic rock formed the core of the North American continent during the Precambrian eon 4.5–1 billion years ago. During the Paleozoic era, western North America was submerged beneath a shallow sea, with a seabed composed of limestone and dolomite deposits many kilometers thick.[54] Pikes Peak granite formed during the late Precambrian eon, continuing well into the Paleozoic era, when mass quantities of molten rock flowed, amalgamated, and formed the continents about 1 billion–300 million years ago. Concurrently, in the period from 500–300 million years ago, the region began to sink while lime and mud sediments were deposited in the vacated space. Eroded granite produced sand particles that formed strata—layers of sediment—in the sinking basin.[55]


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.


Many visitors end up shopping or going to restaurants in Estes Park. Dickey said his sales are higher this week compared to a year ago. On Christmas Eve, he did twice as much business as he did on Christmas Eve 2017. Dickey, president of the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce board, said other store owners told him they had not noticed any downturns.
Ouray is one of the many historic Colorado mining towns that have re-invented themselves as outdoor playgrounds for adventure sport fanatics. The town is steeped in history, which you can explore at the Ouray County Historical Museum, the Ouray Alchemist Pharmaceutical Museum or on a tour of the Old Hundred Mine, before visiting one of the natural thermal pools that have been attracting visitors for over 100 years.

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.
In the winter, try the “Ski-In/Ski-Out” Treatment—the only one of its kind at a ski resort. In 30 minutes, professionals submerge your feet in a warm, exfoliating bath and go to work to increase circulation. They relieve the tension with a hot stone massage to get you back into action. This treatment is designed perfectly to soothe you after a day of adrenaline and activity, and vamp you back up for more.
Located at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs draws visitors who come to see the view from the mountain that inspired the writing of the song “America, the Beautiful.” Some hike to the mountain’s 14,115-foot (4,302 meter) summit while others drive or enjoy a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway. With its sculptural sandstone formations and balancing rocks, the Garden of the Gods is another popular natural attraction. This culturally rich city has many museums worth exploring too, including the Fine Arts Center, Pioneer Museum and the Rock Ledge Historic Site, an open-air museum where costumed docents depict life in Colorado Springs throughout its long history.
Another of Colorado's fourteeners, Mount Evans reaches an elevation of 14,271 feet. Almost equally impressive is the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, which extends almost to the summit. This is the highest paved road in the United States, reaching over 14,130 feet. The views from the top and on the way up, above the tree line, are outstanding, with meadows, lakes, and rolling mountains extending out into the distance. The area is so open and exposed that you have a good chance of seeing wildlife, particularly bighorn sheep.
Zach Zehr, an avid backcountry adventurer, spends a lot of time in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is open but operating with a limited staff since Dec. 22, 2018, due to the federal government shutdown. Because of the shutdown, the roads aren’t being plowed so much of the park is not open to vehicle traffic. Fat bikes, however, work just fine. Zehr, who is also the manager at the Estes Park Mountain Shop, and some friends rode their fat bikes to the Bear Lake Trailhead and did a backcountry ski trip in the park on Jan. 6, 2019. (Provided by Zach Zehr)
Buena Vista is an historic mining and railroad town that resoundingly lives up to its Spanish name meaning “good views” – you are surrounded by towering mountain peaks that provide a wonderful year-round playground for adventure seekers. The area boasts some of the best river rafting adventures in the country and you can also go hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing and zip-lining.
Nestled just one mile from the south entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park and two miles from downtown Estes Park, Rockmount Cottages is a 20 cabin resort covering 15 acres of wilderness. On the grounds, you’ll have access to a half mile of the Big Thompson River available for fishing and riverside picnics. To fit the lodge lifestyle, each cabin is constructed of knotty pine and most include cozy, stone fireplaces as well as furnished kitchens, a 40-inch flatscreen and DirecTV, wireless internet, and outdoor charcoal grills and picnic areas.

Rocky Mountain National Park was selected to participate in a climate change study, along with two other National Park Service areas in the Rocky Mountain region and three in the Appalachian Mountain region.[50] The study began in 2011, orchestrated by members of the academic scientific community in cooperation with the National Park Service and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).[50] The stated objective: "develop and apply decision support tools that use NASA and other data and models to assess vulnerability of ecosystems and species to climate and land use change and evaluate management options."[51]
Home to the Steamboat ski resort, Steamboat Springs is a city in Colorado’s Yampa Valley. One of the main attractions here are the geothermal hot springs, which people come to experience for its healing properties. The Old Town Hot Springs also has water slides and swimming pools, while the ski resort has six peaks including Mount Werner for the serious snowboarding and skiing enthusiast.
The park was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations in 1976 to protect its natural resources.[67][68] The park's biodiversity includes afforestation and reforestation, ecology, inland bodies of water, and mammals, while its ecosystems are managed for nature conservation, environmental education and public recreation purposes.[67] The areas of research and monitoring include ungulate ecology and management, high-altitude revegetation, global change, acid precipitation effects, and aquatic ecology and management.[67]

Special events, concerts, and intimate celebrations are held at the Rochester Secret Garden. Each morning, a gourmet breakfast is served with menu items such as French toast with raspberries or fresh basil and feta scramble. The hotel is located in Durango, Colorado, a small town surrounded by mountains on the Animas River. Hotel guests are moments away from whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, skiing and snowboarding. Studios start from $129, rooms from $169 per night.
Brian eventually caught one small trout in the Moraine creek - success! - and many more in the other rivers that flowed through the park, both that afternoon and the next day. We gazed at fellow monoliths from the top of tundra trails, and spooked a red fox along a riverway. All the time, my small knitting project lay safe and secure in my pack, ready to emerge anytime we sat for more than a few moments.
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.

At 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park isn't the country's largest national park, nor is it the most-frequented with about 4 million annual visitors (compared to Great Smoky Mountains National Park's more than 11 million visitors). But there is something definitively magical about RMNP, which rises 12,183 feet into the Colorado sky. The main attraction is hiking its 350-some miles of trails that wind through pine and spruce forests, glittering alpine lakes, swaths of wildflowers and if you're lucky, some elk or bighorn sheep. And maybe it's the thinner atmosphere that goes to visitors' heads, but even the most jaded report feelings of awe and wonder after a day or two of breathing in that refreshing mountain air. 
Visiting several national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park, is easy or make the most of the abundant outdoor activities, which include hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, golf and horseback riding. There are several fascinating museums and over 15 galleries to visit on the First Friday Gallery Walk. Round off the day with a Local Table foodie tour or take in a Canyon Concert Ballet or the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra. Things to Do in Fort Collins
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.
All this and more just moments from your dream mountain town home.  Or, venture further into Rocky Mountain National Park and nearby high mountain ranges to find scenic drives and trailheads — with wild flower fields, lush basins and snowcapped massifs, world famous hiking, backpacking and mountaineering, pristine trails up bubbling brooks and cascading waterfalls, through chaos canyons to stair-stepping alpine lakes, frozen tarns, imposing glaciers, tantalizing 13’ners and 14,000′ sawtooth ridges — an adventure-filled vacation you’ll always remember.  
A small city that packs a lot of punch for its size, Vail is one of the most beloved ski destinations in the country, where its not uncommon to spot a celebrity or two. Nestled between the Gore Mountain Range and Sawatch Mountain Range, this narrow alley is home to the largest single-mountain resort in the United States. While most visitors come to Vail for its famous 5,289 acres of ski slopes, in the summer visitors can also explore the Eagles Nest Wilderness Area and Holy Cross Wilderness area to hike the area’s rugged mountainside trails.
Breckenridge CO Romantic Vacation Rental Condos, Villas & Cabins - check out some of the best deals in romantic Breckenridge CO lodging. Rates start as low as $69/night, and you can choose from locations in downtown Breckenridge or ski in/ski out slope side accommodation. Suites are roomy and many offer amenities like wireless internet, satellite TV, fireplace and even jetted tubs.   
Breckenridge is justifiably famous as one of the best ski resorts in the country, but spending a little time seeking out the off-piste charms of the town can be extremely rewarding. You can explore the thriving arts and culture scene or learn some Breckenridge history on a tour with a local expert – popular choices include the Historic Tour, the Haunted Tour and the Gold Mining Tour. In summer you can go hiking, biking, fishing, paddling and rafting, while in winter everyone heads to the slopes to enjoy world-class winter sport activities and ride the highest ski lift in the country. Things to Do in Breckenridge
^  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.
Vail doesn't always fit with everyone's budget, particularly if you want to spend a night during the high season. In the vicinity are a number of small towns and villages that are less well known but more affordable and also worth a visit. Although not a ski resort, Frisco is a charming mountain town and one of the best places to visit in the area. This is a nice base if you are exploring the I-70 Corridor around Vail and Beaver Creek. The town has all kinds of quirky cafés, shops, and restaurants, and a true mountain vibe. Just up the way from here is the small town and ski resort of Breckenridge, at an altitude of 9,600 feet.
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.
Experience the high country the old fashioned way — atop a horse. This is a wonderful way for older children to see more alpine country than possible on foot. There are two stables located within the park: Glacier Creek Stables and Moraine Park Stables. Approximately 260 miles of trails are open to horse use, which makes up more than 70 percent of the total trail network in the park.
Offering visitors a glimpse into Colorado’s rich history, Georgetown is a charming Victorian mining town nestled just west of Denver. Once the third-largest city in the state, Georgetown was built in 1884 to service the silver mines. Visitors can take a ride on the famous Georgetown Loop Railroad to Silver Plume and back, or visit the well-preserved Hotel de Paris to browse artifacts from the era. Learn how the wealthy locals used to live at the Hamill House Museum or simply browse the charming streets lined with Victorian-era homes and shops. Those who want to explore the area by car should drive along the Guanella Pass, a long stretch of road with picturesque views, before taking rest in one of the area’s many Victorian bed and breakfast inns.
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.
Overlooking the scenic Beaver Creek Mountain, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek is a luxury Colorado resort and spa where guests can experience the vacation of their dreams. From breathtaking mountain views to championship golf courses to exquisite cuisine, Hyatt’s Beaver Creek ski resort offers the perfect year-round Vail Valley mountain escape with premium amenities, such as ski in and ski out access, a year-round heated outdoor pool, and an outdoor fire pit for roasting s’mores.
Greeley is conveniently located just 50 miles from Denver in one of the top agricultural areas of America, which is great news for foodies. You can visit various breweries, buy farm-fresh produce at the farmers’ market and dine farm-to-fork style at many restaurants in the bustling Greeley Creative District, which includes several historic buildings that now house galleries, museums and entertainment venues.
Wait ... I'm hearing very, very tiny violins 🎶 ...just one of the companies make as much as $30 million each quarter, mostly in royalty payments ... Just a very, very rich family getting extremely richer every 3 months for doing absolutely nothing except for collecting payments from others - hopefully somewhere down the chain, someone is actually doing some real work ....

Ouray is one of the many historic Colorado mining towns that have re-invented themselves as outdoor playgrounds for adventure sport fanatics. The town is steeped in history, which you can explore at the Ouray County Historical Museum, the Ouray Alchemist Pharmaceutical Museum or on a tour of the Old Hundred Mine, before visiting one of the natural thermal pools that have been attracting visitors for over 100 years.
“If my internship changes and I’m not able to do what I expected to do, that’s not a huge deal in comparison to others’ problems. My concern is for the more established park rangers,” said Burkey, who hails from Ohio. “I don’t have a family and kids to provide for. My future coworkers, my supervisor, they do have a family, bills and a mortgage. And they’re the ones not getting paid.”

Imagine taking a trip on a train with your partner, very Old World romantic, isn’t it? The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad offers several options for guests who are looking for romantic getaways. The railroad runs between Chama, New Mexico and Antonito, Colorado. There are several trips available for you to choose including a full-day trip, a half-day trip, a sunset trip, and galloping goose #5. The sunset trip is probably the most romantic option of all. Depending on the route you choose, the fare starts from 95.75 USD.
Summer is the busy season in Rocky Mountain National Park, with the most popular activities being hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, and bouldering. Winter in the park holds its own unique beauty and attractions. Many of the roads are open year-round, although closures may occur due to weather conditions. People often come here at this time of year to snowshoe or cross-country ski, and ranger-led tours are offered in both of these sports.
Sonnenalp Hotel is often named as Vail’s top hotel, in a place that’s already home to countless exceptional properties. A Bavarian-style lodge, it offers Old World Alpine traditions merged with the spirit of the west. All rooms offer views of either Gore Creek or Vail Village and boast impressive amenities like goose down comforters and handmade furniture, a fireplace, marble bathrooms with heated floors and an oversize tub. The impressive breakfast buffet is a great way to fuel up for activities, which includes spa services, a private 18-hole golf course, hotel ski guides, and more.
Thanks to a wide variety of things to do and places to see, Boulder is arguably one of the best weekend getaways in Colorado—if not the whole Western United States! This college town (home to University of Colorado Boulder) has it all: hike the Flatirons or Chautauqua Park in the morning, tour the Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory and Leanin’ Tree gallery in the afternoon, and then head to Pearl Street for shopping, drinking, and dining at night—and get around on the Boulder Creek Path in between. A Boulder bike tour helps you fit in even more sightseeing, perfect for a quick itinerary.
A romantic weekend at the Castle Marne Bed and Breakfast on Capitol Hill in Denver will transport you to more elegant and romantic times with its nine magnificent rooms accented by antique Victorian furniture, fine décor, canopy beds, and fluttering curtains. Of course, they all have modern bathrooms with whirlpool or claw foot bathtubs and other contemporary amenities you simply cannot do without.
Nestled below Colorado's radiant mountaintops is beautiful Lazy R Cottages in Estes Park. Just one mile from Rocky Mountain National Park, we offer one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins perfect for romantic escapes and family vacations. Our cabins have kitchens or kitchenettes, fireplaces, decks with mountain views, and some with personal hot tubs … perfect for relaxing after a day enjoying Estes Park and the National Park. Dog-friendly units available ($15 per dog/per night). Free Wi-Fi. View more about our Estes Park cabins.
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