Explore FlipKey's cabin rentals in Estes Park, CO, and find a home-from-home right next to Rocky Mountain National Park. One of America's most-visited national parks, it is home to miles of trails plus wildlife including bears and elk. Don't be surprised if you find the latter casually sauntering through the backyard of your vacation rental! The town of Estes – population 6,300 – is as unique as it is picturesque. Stroll around the downtown area where you can find shops selling everything from Southwestern arts to handcrafted gifts, as well as an eclectic mix of local restaurants.
Smith Fork Ranch is a traditional homestead within the Rocky Mountains and rolling meadows of Colorado featuring old-fashioned Western hospitality and sophisticated wine and cuisine. The cozy mountain lodges envelop guests in homely comfort with plush furnishings, wood burning fireplaces, original artwork, slate tiled bathrooms, handmade soaps and organic lotions, feather beds with fine linens, and hot tubs. The undulating landscape is teeming with wildlife and offers superb hiking, while activities on the ranch will keep honeymooners busy the entire stay.
Breckenridge is one of the top names in Colorado getaways, but you have to see the quaint downtown surrounded by towering peaks to truly understand what makes this destination so great. Known for its premiere skiing and beautiful hiking—picture rocky trails and alpine lakes—it’s a Colorado weekend getaway that makes you want to get outside and explore. For those who are interested in cozying up while on vacation, a spa package or winery visit could do the trick.
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
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 ....
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.
Durango - very popular for romantic getaways in Colorado during the summer, and for good reason. The gorgeously restored Main Ave combines Victorian-era Hotels and Wild-West Saloons, giving the city a remarkable atmosphere. There's plenty of scenic drives nearby, and the steam-engine narrow gauge rail journey up to Silverton is a wonderful daytrip.
With many peaks and granite rock formations, there are lots of rock climbing opportunities. Some favorite climbs include the aptly-named Lumpy Ridge and Longs Peak. Whether you prefer bouldering, mountaineering, rock climbing, or ice climbing, the park has something for climbers of all levels. In the winter, opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding draw all levels of explorers. If you're in the western part of the park, visit Grand Lake. This breathtaking lake is the state's largest natural body of water, promising scenic views and plenty of outdoor fun.
Region 4 is the heart of the park with easy road and trail access, great views, and lake hikes including the most popular trails.[35] Flattop Mountain is a tundra hike and the easiest hike to the Continental Divide in the park. Crossing over Flattop Mountain, the hike to Hallett Peak passes through three climate zones, traversing the ridge that supports Tyndall Glacier and finally ascending to the summit of Hallett Peak.[44]
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.
Lulu City, Dutchtown, and Gaskill in the Never Summer Mountains were established in the 1870s when prospectors came in search of gold and silver.[19] The boom ended by 1883 with miners deserting their claims.[20] The railroad reached Lyons, Colorado in 1881 and the Big Thompson Canyon Road—a section of U.S. Route 34 from Loveland to Estes Park—was completed in 1904.[21] The 1920s saw a boom in building lodges and roads in the park, culminating with the construction of Trail Ridge Road to Fall River Pass between 1929 and 1932, then to Grand Lake by 1938.[22]
The rooms here are Euro-sexy, with dark, thick, exposed beams and spacious, mirror-lined bathrooms. The spa is one of the best in Vail Valley, with a beautiful indoor-outdoor pool, fresh spa water and tea easily accessible and multiple hot tubs, both inside and out. Sit in the bubbling, warm water with a cup of tea while snowflakes drift around you.
Trail Ridge Road will not open until at least Memorial Weekend but there are many amazing areas open year round in the park. Heavenly Valley is the one place in the park where sledding is allowed but you must bring your own tube or sled. Cross-country skiing is incredible with so many trails to choose from and snow shoeing is a great way to explore new areas. Stop at one of the visitor centers as you enter the park to find out what areas are open and it is always best to call ahead for weather and road conditions. Check forecasts before you go at weather.gov and insert "Trail Ridge, CO" for the location. For information about Rocky Mountain National Park call 970-586-1206 daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time).
This three-story, immaculately furnished lodge can sleep up to 30 people and is located mere minutes from the entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. It can be divided into two different suites for smaller groups. Overlooking the tranquil Trout Pond, the lodge has everything you need for a perfect family reunion, wedding, retreat or any large gathering.
The capital of Colorado, Denver is a sprawling metropolis that is home to the Denver Art Museum, landmark 19th-century buildings, and the mansion of Titanic survivor Molly Brown. It is also a jumping off point for various ski resorts in the mountains, offering a great variety of activities that range from spending time outdoors amidst nature to exploring the downtown urban scene.
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]
The Experience: If Aspen isn't quite your mountain town scene, head to Vail instead. It's equally as idyllic (it was modeled after European mountain resorts), pedestrian-friendly, and lovely, but the town itself is more of a square in a village with a small collection of boutiques and restaurants for visitors. Ride up and down the gondolas for mountain views in every direction and ski the unique back bowls. It's also closer to Denver, making it easier to get to and, therefore, a little more crowded during peak seasons.
For the ultimate mountain getaway, stay in one of our updated vintage 1, 2, or 3 bedroom cabins! Just 1 mile from the entrance to RMNP on the quiet side of town. Walk to a Park trailhead, fish for stocked trout in front of your cabin, soak in the hot tub, relax around the campfire. Experience the Estes of yesteryear! Idlewilde by the River Details
The Western Slope has plenty of charms, including being a dinosaur mecca with plenty of hands-on science, and is the heart of Colorado’s agricultural region. At the Museum of Western Colorado’s Dinosaur Journey, visitors can get up close and personal with dinosaur skeletons, a working paleontology lab and realistic robotic dinosaurs. Dedicated to “putting science in the hands of kids,” the Western Colorado Math and Science Center features interactive exhibits in biology, physics, earth and space science, and electronics. From June through October, orchards are laden with some of the sweetest harvests around: cherries, grapes, apples, plums, pears, apricots and peaches. Take an orchard tour or check out the myriad of roadside stands selling fresh produce, jams and ciders. For great biking or strolling, the Colorado Riverfront Trail winds for more than 18 miles through the city of Grand Junction’s picnic grounds, botanical garden, protected wetlands and fishing pier. Buy one/get one free passes are available for six major attractions from the Grand Junction Visitors Center. This “Map to Adventure” includes Dinosaur Journey, Museum of the West, Cross Orchards, the John McConnell Math & Science Center, The Art Center and the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens.
The Experience: Super close to Manitou Springs, you'll find another town called Colorado Springs, which is also in the Pikes Peak region. While you're there, you have to see the park known as the Garden of the Gods. As its title implies, it's pretty otherworldly. With incredible, oddly shaped sandstone rock formations, you'll want to spend all day here. You should also pay a visit to the Royal Gorge Bridge, an insanely high, dramatic bridge between the canyons. Then head to the upscale resort Broadmoor.
No trip to Estes Park would be complete without a leisurely drive along the Trail Ridge Road at Rocky Mountain National Park, with its winding scenic views of craggy peaks. Park your vehicle and take a hike through one of the many pine-scented trails bordered by forests and tundra. Keep an eye out for elk and other wildlife as you go! Roosevelt National Forest is another wilderness area worth exploring, Meanwhile, you can enjoy the breathtaking views over the valley on the Estes Park Aerial Tramway, which connects the town to the summit of Prospect Mountain. Down Estes Park has lots of options for one-off shopping and dining, whether you feel like chowing down on a handmade pizza or a juicy elk burger. Afterward, quench your thirst with a pint of Colorado craft beer at one of Estes' local breweries.
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.
Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles encompass and protect spectacular mountain environments. Enjoy Trail Ridge Road – which crests at over 12,000 feet including many overlooks to experience the subalpine and alpine worlds – along with over 300 miles of hiking trails, wildflowers, wildlife, starry nights, and fun times. In a world of superlatives, Rocky is on top!
Another one of the state’s most popular skiing and snowboarding destinations, Steamboat Springs may be a winter wonderland during the chillier months of the year, but the summer brings an endless landscape of green dotted with brilliant wildflowers. This is when this Wild West town really comes alive, with visitors enjoying fly fishing, inner tube rides and rafting trips on the Yampa River, endless scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, and natural hot springs that are ideal for soothing sore muscles afterward. If you can be here around late June/early July, you can attend the legendary annual Hot Air Balloon Rodeo and Art in the Park festival which boasts an extensive display of colorful hot air balloons along with some 50 artist vendors, live entertainment, food and drink vendors, and an interactive children’s art area.
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Colorado's scenic terrain draws millions of travelers looking to get swept up in its natural splendor. With a bevy of cities and towns, each with its own unique outdoor offerings, cultural attractions and general Colorado charm, it may be difficult to choose the best place for your next vacation. U.S. News took into account a number of factors, including the variety of attractions as well as the opinions of experts and travelers, to determine the Best Places to Visit in Colorado. Got a favorite? Cast your vote to help determine next year's list.
Fishing was a popular pastime for early visitors to the park, and it remains so today, with anglers catching several types of trout, including brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat. Note: A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. For current Colorado fishing license fees visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website.
I am convinced Chautauqua is Colorado’s best-kept secret and I’m amazed how few locals know about its charms. Located at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder, this National Historic Landmark has rental cottages that are surrounded on three sides with open space that includes 48 miles of hiking trails and thousands of acres of natural lands begging to be explored. On weekends in June, Theatre-Hikes Colorado will take audience members on a moderate hike amidst the scenic backdrop of Boulder Open Space while scenes from “Snow White” are performed along the way. On June 29, don’t miss the Colorado Music Festival’s Young People’s Concert, which is a is a narrated work about a cartoon score being performed at a symphony concert (tickets are $8). The historic Chautauqua Dining Hall (a tradition since 1898) has recently undergone a huge overhaul and the wraparound porch offers some of the best patio dining in Colorado. If you visit on a Saturday, be sure to also visit the Boulder’s Farmer’s Market (the largest in Colorado). Not to be forgotten are Pearl Street Mall’s restaurants, shops, people-watching and Pop Jet Fountain–they never fail to entertain.
Fishing was a popular pastime for early visitors to the park, and it remains so today, with anglers catching several types of trout, including brown, brook, rainbow and cutthroat. Note: A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park. For current Colorado fishing license fees visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website.
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]
Loveland is called so for a reason. Romantic getaways in Colorado are blessed with vast views of Big Thompson Canyon and its inhabitants – sheep, deer, and the odd eagle. Don't miss out on Loveland Brewery, which is a bastion of Colorado's brew culture. Meanwhile, Telluride is overlooked by sky piercing peaks and retains a sense of seclusion from the outside world, making it ideal for weekend getaways in Colorado for couples. Mountain Village presents visitors with a horde of glittering attractions, while a charming "free box" is still used to exchange items.
Keystone is the ultimate year-round outdoor playground. Families will discover a wealth of things to do to keep the kids, and themselves happy, with everything from a Kidtopia Play Park, Keystone Science School Day Camps and the summer snow tubing hill to stand up paddle boarding and boating on the lake, miniature golf, GPS Geo-Cache Adventures and dinner wagon rides. Then there are the festivals, like the Model Boat Regata, the Snake River Festival, and Cirque D’Wheels. If you stay at Keystone Resort, the Kidtopia Children’s Theatre hosted in the Quaking Aspen Amphitheatre is free every Friday.
It’s always “do not disturb” mode at this quaint adults-only hideaway in Crested Butte that’s strictly 16-plus. Just a few blocks from historic Elk Avenue, Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast has six plush rooms, an onsite day spa and an outdoor hot tub. In the winter, a free shuttle whisks you to Mt. Crested Butte for some of Colorado’s best skiing; when you’re ready for après, retire back to the house for complimentary craft beer on tap and a Ghirardelli hot chocolate bar you won’t have to share with the kids. Happy hour, indeed. Find more B&Bs in Colorado >>
Located near the towns of Cortez and Mancos, Mesa Verde is reached by a long road that leads high up above the surrounding landscape. The drive from the highway up to the site takes about 45 minutes. Near the highway is one of the visitor centers, where you can get information on the park and road conditions before driving up. You can book a ranger-led tour of Cliff Palace when you arrive so you know what time to show up for the one-hour tour.
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 
The Olives Aspen restaurant, run by Chef Todd English, serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a local flare. The Lobby Lounge features beautiful views, and offers a light menu with cocktails, aperitifs, wines, and beers. Doubles from $725 per night. The hotel is located 10 minutes from the Airport. You can contact the hotel to arrange transportation. Doubles from $725 per night. The hotel is located 10 minutes from the Airport.
Built in 1866, the historic Dove Inn is a quiet, private bed and breakfast a block from Golden's Main Street that provides an ideal getaway for both business and leisure travelers. The inn offers a choice of luxurious guest rooms to suit every taste from historical accommodations overlooking the inn’s beautiful gardens to luxury rooms for the discerning traveler to multi-purpose rooms for larger families and group travelers.
In winter you can try cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails and after an energetic day out there is nothing better than a soak in one of the natural thermal springs. You can visit the Buena Vista Heritage Museum or go on a Ghost Town adventure, visit several working art studios and galleries, or quench your thirst at a local brewery. Things to Do in Buena Vista
The Golden Triangle Museum District boasts eight of the city’s museums and the Denver Performing Arts Complex can provide ample entertainment. Outdoor activities include biking along the historic Greenway Trail, having fun at one of the several extreme sports parks, playing a round of golf, strolling through lovely parks and gardens, or visiting the Denver Zoo. Things to Do in Denver
Snuggled in a peaceful valley not far from Glenwood Springs, Colorado, Four Mile Creek Bed and Breakfast is located along the picturesque Four Mile Creek just 8.4 miles from the Glenwood Hot Springs Pool. It is surrounded by an expanse of green, natural space perfect for pleasant strolls. There are also plenty of comfortable outdoor sitting areas. A hot breakfast is offered in the morning in the main dining room. In the valley just a short drive away is Sunlight Mountain Resort Ski Area with great skiing in the winter and excellent hiking after the snow melts.
Colorado’s only Relais & Chateaux dude ranch offers a seemingly endless list of things to do, but creature comforts abound, too — from the elegant Western accommodations nestled in aspen groves to the haute mountain cuisine that has been hailed by Bon Appétit and Gourmet. In addition to adult weeks offered August through October, Home Ranch in Clark also hosts yoga and horseback-riding retreats, perfect for girlfriend getaways.
A lot of people are down on the Flacco trade and I get it....but think of it this way. If it were one year ago and the Broncos announced a trade of Demaryus Thomas for Joe Flacco, how would Bronconation feel about that? Because that's basically what this is. We are trading the 4th round pick we got from Houston in the Thomas deal for Flacco. Thomas for Flacco.The Little Guy
Brush up on your Lindy Hop and head to this one-of-a-kind ball that celebrates all things 1940s each June. A hangar at the Boulder Municipal Airport is transformed into a dance hall befitting the USO, with 1940s cars, celebrity impersonators, swing dance lessons, live music and an authentic-attire contest that’ll make you feel like an extra in “Casablanca.”
The climate change study projects further temperature increases, with greater warming in the summer and higher extreme temperatures by 2050. Due to the increased temperature, there is a projected moderate increase in the rate of water evaporation. Reduced snowfall—perhaps 15% to 30% less than current amounts—and the elimination of surface hail, along with the higher likelihood of intense precipitation events are predicted by 2050. Droughts may be more likely due to increased temperatures, increased evaporation rates, and potential changes in precipitation.[53]
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.
Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut during mating season. And those brave enough to venture into the cold during the winter are treated to snowscapes unlike any other, as the park is open year-round.
Located in Lions Gate Drive in Winter Park, Winter Park Chateau is a boutique Victorian-style bed and breakfast ideally placed, as it allows visitors to easily explore the surrounding area. The Chateau offers well appointed, comfortable accommodation in the form of eight guest rooms, which feature king, queen, or double beds, designer décor, private bathrooms, and amenities such as flat-screen televisions and wireless Internet. Some of the rooms have fireplaces, jetted spa baths and private balconies with stunning views.
Update on Jan. 14, 2019: A Rocky Mountain National Park spokesman said Monday the park began using recreation fees to temporarily pay about 10 percent of furloughed workers to clean up the park. They’ve been plowing roads, cleaning restrooms and collecting trash since Saturday. Other staff, such as law enforcement rangers, continue to work without pay during the shutdown. The park is expected to reopen to vehicle traffic on Tuesday, said Kyle Patterson, a Park spokesman who is on furlough.
You have never seen a Y like this! We offer over 200 family cabins ranging from 2-4 bdrms, which can hold up to 10 people. Be close to the main campus & activities or far from it all, in secluded woods. Our cabins are fully furnished and include eating & cooking utensils, plus linens & towels. Many free activities are available - we offer more activities onsite than any other area property! YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park Center Details
Trail Ridge Road will not open until at least Memorial Weekend but there are many amazing areas open year round in the park. Heavenly Valley is the one place in the park where sledding is allowed but you must bring your own tube or sled. Cross-country skiing is incredible with so many trails to choose from and snow shoeing is a great way to explore new areas. Stop at one of the visitor centers as you enter the park to find out what areas are open and it is always best to call ahead for weather and road conditions. Check forecasts before you go at weather.gov and insert "Trail Ridge, CO" for the location. For information about Rocky Mountain National Park call 970-586-1206 daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time).
