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: 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.
If you and your partner are looking to get off the grid after months of wedding planning, then head to these cabins located on the banks of Bear Creek. Walk or relax near the creek and share the view with wildlife who live on the land. Have complimentary breakfast brought to you as you lounge in a comfy chair along the water, or spend some time in the hot tub right on the creek to unwind. For dinner, enjoy pizza from the brick oven on the patio and socialize with other couples.
A comfortable reading and DVD library serves as the perfect place to relax with a book and a glass of wine, and there is free high-speed Internet throughout the property. The Wild Horse Inn is surrounded by incredible natural landscapes that offer an array of activities to partake in, from hiking, mountain biking, and climbing to boating, rafting and fishing, and various snow sports in the winter. The inn is located 1 hour and 30 minutes from Denver.
Estes Park is always a wonderful escape for anyone looking to get out of Denver for a day or two. There is a lot to do and see here, with plenty of wonderful restaurants, entertainment and shopping. Plus, off-season the rates are very affordable, and you’ll find the town less crowded and easier to explore. Stay at the Fall River Cabins, just two miles east of Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll find the cozy, country-style wood cabins to be very romantic, with spa hot tubs and fireplaces in each unit. Everything has that rustic, woodsy feel, which adds to the mountain escape that you will enjoy all weekend long.
Rocky Mountain National Park is an American national park located approximately 76 mi (122 km) northwest of Denver International Airport[4] in north-central Colorado, within the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The park is situated between the towns of Estes Park to the east and Grand Lake to the west. The eastern and westerns slopes of the Continental Divide run directly through the center of the park with the headwaters of the Colorado River located in the park's northwestern region.[5] The main features of the park include mountains, alpine lakes and a wide variety of wildlife within various climates and environments, from wooded forests to mountain tundra.
A gorgeous mountain town that is not as well-known as its counterparts, Salida offers a variety of historic attractions to fill up a weekend itinerary. Take the Monarch Scenic Tram to soak in stunning Rocky Mountain views, go for a dip in the Salida Hot Springs or explore the area’s local history and culture at the nearby Salida Museum. When the weather warms up, grab a kayak or tube and head to the Arkansas River, and active travelers can utilize one of the many scenic mountain bike trails to explore the region further. A certified Colorado Creative District, visitors can also browse the area’s abundance of impressive art studios and galleries.
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.
An alpine village peppered with an array of modern resorts, Beaver Creek is the perfect weekend getaway destination. A laid-back ambiance of unhurried travelers, here visitors can get away from it all with the area’s world-class skiing and resort amenities. With gorgeous Rocky Mountain views, Beaver Creek is located in the Vail Valley and offers plenty of activities to fill a weekend itinerary. Many people come to try their hand at the 1,815 acres of skiable slopes, catering to both novice and experts alike. The area has plenty of other things to do, however, as visitors can take in a show at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, or indulge in anything from golf courses to pampering spas, shops and restaurants, with the city even home to a large outdoor ice rink in its city center.
Good morning, I am Judy Hall my family and I just stayed at Brynwood June 8th – 14th. We stayed in the Bunkhouse. We had a great time. Your place is absolutely wonderful. The grounds are beautiful. I will definitely recommend Brynwood to others. All of the employees were so friendly and kind. Took care of all of our needs. I wish I was still there!
A small mining camp not so long ago, Boulder is a modern, sophisticated town at the base of the Flatirons, popular among extreme sports folks and lovers of magnificent nature of all ages. Stroll through the charming downtown with the popular Pearl Street Mall. Discover Boulder’s past at the Boulder History Museum located in the beautiful historic Harbeck-Bergheim House. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art not only has a range of permanent and temporary exhibits, but also popular educational programs.
Located just 45 minutes west of Denver, historic Georgetown annually attracts hundreds of visitors who come to experience the history and pioneering spirit of this 1875 mining town. Absorb the atmosphere at museums like the Hamill House Museum, the Georgetown Heritage Center and the Hotel de Paris. Learn all about silver mining as you take a ride to Silver Plume on the historic Georgetown Loop Railway - you can tour the Lebanon Silver Mine en-route.
^ Montana State University states in their profile of Rocky Mountain National Park that there has been an increase of 2.5 °F (1.4 °C) in the average park temperature over "the past century" (charts show the period from about 1895-2010).[48] The National Park Service site states that the increase has been 3.4 °F (1.9 °C) over "the last century" (chart shows the period from about 1905-2010).[52]
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.
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]
An excellent vacation destination for visitors who are ready to hit the slopes, winter enthusiasts flock to Telluride every year for its 1,700 skiable acres that cater to both experts and novices alike. Visitors flock to Town Park on the southeast edge of town for its abundance of activities available, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fishing ponds and campgrounds that are popular for the city’s annual festivals and events. Bear Creek Falls and Bridal Veil Falls offer a variety of scenic hiking trails, while the Telluride Historical Museum and Historic Sheridan Opera House are two cultural attractions that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Garden of the Gods, a registered National Natural Landmark, is a unique landscape of jagged stone towers and fins jutting up 300 feet from the earth, and giant balanced boulders and rock piles dotting the landscape, with distant mountains completing the scene. Fifteen miles of trails, most of which are short and easy, allow you to get up close to the dramatic rock formations and wander through the surreal scenery. The park is a popular area for rock climbing, but other activities in the park include road biking in designated biking lanes, mountain biking, horseback riding, and Jeep and Segway tours.
Categories: IUCN Category IIRocky Mountain National ParkRocky MountainsHistory of the Rocky MountainsArchaeological sites in ColoradoBiosphere reserves of the United StatesCivilian Conservation Corps in ColoradoNational parks in ColoradoNational parks of the Rocky MountainsProtected areas established in 1915Protected areas of Boulder County, ColoradoProtected areas of Grand County, ColoradoProtected areas of Larimer County, ColoradoProtected areas on the Colorado River1915 establishments in Colorado
Become immersed in Rocky’s pristine landscape on some of the park’s 355 miles of hiking trails. Choose from flat lakeside walks to steeper, more challenging mountain climbs. The easy .6-mile Bear Lake trail is a popular hike featuring an interpretive nature trail hugging a subalpine lake at the end of Bear Lake Road. For a stunning waterfall hike, make your way to Alberta Falls or Ouzel Falls.
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.
From 9,000 ft (2,700 m) to 11,000 ft (3,400 m),[72] the montane forests give way to subalpine forests.[69] Forests of fir and Engelmann spruce cover the mountainsides in subalpine areas. Trees grow straight and tall in the lower subalpine forests, but become shorter and more deformed the nearer they are to the tree line.[72] At the tree line, seedlings may germinate on the lee side of rocks and grow only as high as the rock provides wind protection, with any further growth being more horizontal than vertical. The low growth of dense trees is called krummholz, which may become well-established and live for several hundred to a thousand years old.[72]
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.
Remnants of Breckenridge's history as a mining hub give the town an aesthetic that is simply darling. Couple that with the Rocky Mountains that serve as the town's backdrop and you've got a ski destination for the books. When the powder melts, the verdant vegetation that floods the trails make Breck (as locals call it) magical. What's more, the beer scene is an attraction in its own right. Read More »
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.
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]
^ Jump up to: a b "Landscape Climate Change Vulnerability Project; Using NASA Resources to Inform Climate and Land Use Adaptation; Ecological Forecasting, Vulnerability Assessment, and Evaluation of Management Options Across Two US DOI Landscape Conservation Cooperatives" (PDF). montana.edu. Montana State University. August 2011. pp. 2, 5. Retrieved February 5, 2017.
A small mining camp not so long ago, Boulder is a modern, sophisticated town at the base of the Flatirons, popular among extreme sports folks and lovers of magnificent nature of all ages. Stroll through the charming downtown with the popular Pearl Street Mall. Discover Boulder’s past at the Boulder History Museum located in the beautiful historic Harbeck-Bergheim House. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art not only has a range of permanent and temporary exhibits, but also popular educational programs.
There is a fitness area, complimentary wireless internet access in the lobby, 24-hour room service, a full-time concierge, twice-daily maid service and overnight valet parking. Choose from 241 guest rooms and suites, some furnished in Victorian style, while others reflect Art-Deco decor. There are five restaurants, ranging from fine dining to casual fare. Room rates start at $ 152 per night on weekends.
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.
One of the country’s most beautiful natural area’s to explore in the United States, the Rocky Mountain National Park is an ideal vacation destination for those who crave outdoor adventures and awe-inspiring vistas of mountains, lakes and valleys. With 355 miles of hiking trails, ranging from flat lakeside strolls to steep mountain climbs, there are corners of this park that appeal to everyone. Take a scenic drive and spot diverse wildlife, such as Elk, Mule Deer and Bighorn Sheep, or go hunting for one of the 30 postcard-worthy waterfalls views. While there is no lodge inside the park, visitors can find campgrounds to pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars.
Good morning, I am Judy Hall my family and I just stayed at Brynwood June 8th – 14th. We stayed in the Bunkhouse. We had a great time. Your place is absolutely wonderful. The grounds are beautiful. I will definitely recommend Brynwood to others. All of the employees were so friendly and kind. Took care of all of our needs. I wish I was still there!
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.
Colorado's biggest city is also its cultural hub. While you can go just about anywhere in Colorado to find outdoor adventures galore, in Denver you get the best of both worlds. The city is filled with top-notch museums, lively sports venues, prime shopping streets and an unmatched brewery scene. Meanwhile, just outside city limits, travelers have easy access to the Rockies as well as the photogenic Mount Evans Scenic Byway. Read More »
Enjoy LUXURY mountain cabins at our resort with outstanding VALUE. "A Home Away from Home Getaway." 1, 2, and 3-bdrm condos available with fully applianced kitchens, living room fireplaces & private decks overlooking Fall River. Private hot tubs & spa suites are also available. Located only 1 mi. to RMNP, 3 mi. to Downtown. FREE: Stocked river fishing, Wi-Fi, local calls, movies, games, indoor & outdoor activities. Estes Park Condos Details 
For dinner, award-winning Trecento Quindici simply can't be beat. Food is mouthwatering and service is impressive; you can even expect a "crumber" to keep the crumbs from building up on the white tablecloths. The food here is exquisite. It's contemporary, handmade Italian (can you say "Lady and the Tramp?"). Dine in tall, dramatic chairs and feel like royalty.
Whether you are looking for a cozy one bedroom cabin for a romantic getaway or up to 6 bedroom cabins for a family vacation, our experienced staff will work with you to find the perfect North Georgia cabin rental based on your preferences...and your budget. As one of the largest North Georgia Vacation Rental companies, we have something for everybody from large, luxury cabins to cozy, budget friendly cabins. All of our North Georgia rental cabins are fully furnished and ready for you to start enjoying yourself the minute you arrive. We have vacation rental cabins all over the North Georgia mountains in communities such as Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Cherry Log, Morganton, and Mineral Bluff. For outdoor enthusiasts, our cabins are located near white water rafting , river tubing, trout fishing, horseback riding , and even hiking on trails such as the Appalachian Trail. If you are considering the North Georgia Mountains as a backdrop for your wedding, then we have the perfect venue for you. Visit historic downtown Blue Ridge or Ellijay for eclectic shopping, galleries and a wide variety of dining experiences. Mountain Laurel Cabin Rentals is actively accepting new rental properties in Gilmer and Fannin Counties, as well as in the lower Tennessee area!
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.
When taking in the amazing views at Rocky Mountain National Park, don’t forget to look down! Summer is a great time to see wildflowers at the park, which is home to hundreds of different flower species. Wander through colorful mountain meadows and alpine wildflower hotspots like this beautiful rainbow bouquet at Upper Ouzel Creek. Crystal Brindle, National Park Service
Central Colorado - Pikes Peak RegionNestled within majestic Rocky Mountain scenery, Cripple Creek offers fun and adventures for the entire family. Try your luck in one of our exciting casinos, check out our fascinating museums, or explore our many history-rich activities such as a ride on the CC&V Narrow Gauge Railroad or a 1,000 foot descent underground into the Mollie Kathleen Mine.
Use filters to look for an accommodation matching your needs among all of the rentals in Estes Park. Estes Park is the ideal spot to look for a rental if you can't imagine a vacation without internet or you want to tune out with some TV time, as the most common features are "internet" and "TVs." Not as many vacation homes in Estes Park are available if you are looking for a pet-friendly rental or if you want a rental with a jacuzzi as "Jacuzzis" and "Pets Allowed" are not often available in Estes Park.
At the Ruby of Crested Butte, your pooch will be treated like an honored guest. With six luxurious rooms all featuring private baths, a hot tub to warm up your bones when you come back from the skiing, a gourmet breakfast with famous hot cinnamon rolls, and a comfy bed for your dog, the Ruby will quickly become your base for the adventures in and around Crested Butte.
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.
At one time, Niwot was an important hunting and fishing area for American Indians. A railroad extension followed the arrival of Gold Rush miners, and many of the original buildings are part of Old Town in the National Historic District. Located 9 miles from Niwot, the Boulder Reservoir is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, and there are extensive trails to hike or bike throughout the area. Book your stay at the tranquil Niwot Inn and Spa, or choose a rural escape, like a fully restored 1890s farmhouse where a creekside bike path connects you to the cottonwood-shaded Pearl Street in Boulder. Enjoy a romantic evening at Colterra Food & Wine or the popular Sugarbeet in nearby Longmont.
Considered the base camp for the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is less than a 2-hour drive from Denver. Located near the east entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a quiet area surrounded by protected land. Here you’ll find pristine wilderness with a myriad of both indoor and outdoor activities, from scenic hikes and bike trails to wine tasting and spa treatments. Take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway to the top of a small peak and soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and downtown area, take a walk along the Riverwalk in Downtown Estes Park or take the kids to the Estes Park Ride-A-Kart & Cascade Creek Mini-Golf.
