For an amazing view in the summertime, take the cable tramway up to the top of Prospect Mountain. Pack a picnic and prepare to capture some great photos. Although it can be a bit chilly in the lakes during the cooler months, that doesn't mean you shouldn't bring your swimsuits here---the Estes Park Aquatic Center has a heated pool so you can comfortably swim year-round.
Cassie Abel, 28, of Denton, Texas, pulls her daughter Brynlee, 6, in a sled on a road that would normally be open to cars in Rocky Mountain National Park on Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019. Abel's father-in-law, Shane Abel, 63, left, said he's frustrated a government shutdown nearly 2,000 miles away was hindering the family vacation. (Photo: Trevor Hughes, Trevor Hughes-USA TODAY NETWORK)
True love deserves nothing but the best. Have a romantic getaway at the Broadmoor, where you will experience world-class service and be pampered like royalty! Located not far from the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the hotel provides only the best for its guests. To start the day, you can have a swim in one of its three swimming pools. Then, have breakfast in one of the 18 dining sites in the hotel. There are plenty of activities for you to spend the rest of the day, such as golfing, getting a spa treatment, and playing tennis.
Getting to Ouray is a spectacular adventure in itself, especially if you take the Million Dollar Highway that follows a 25-mile stretch of US 550 from Silverton to get here. The road’s endless twists and turns, many at the edge of sheer cliffs, brings some of the most jaw-dropping vistas in the world. As you turn each corner, the views of the soaring, jagged peaks of the San Juan Mountains seem to keep getting better – providing a pretty big clue as to why Ouray is often called the “Switzerland of America.” It’s an ideal spot for soaking in natural hot springs, gazing at countless waterfalls, and even exploring old mines. For an in-depth knowledge of the town’s gold and silver history, head to Bachelor-Syracuse Mine where you’ll find out what it was like to be a miner back in the day. There are also lots of interesting shops on the main street, historic walking tours and even a ghost tour if you’re brave enough.
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)
Outdoor adventurers, skiers, nature lovers and history buffs a return to Colorado year after year for memorable vacations surrounded by spectacular scenery. Colorado is famous for its first class ski resorts such as Aspen, Telluride and Crested Butte and elegant cities packed with cultural attractions, including Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Estes Park. You can get back to nature in the beautiful state parks where you can admire everything from towering sand dunes and waterfalls to gushing white water rapids and historic scenic railways. Here are the best places to visit in Colorado.
The Rockies are unbelievable. We explored the Niwot Ridge tundra plateau, speckled with wildflowers of every shape and color, looked down on the layered blue mountain ranges below, while snow-tipped peaks gazed at us from still-greater heights. I felt the elevation only in the difficulty breathing I experienced when walking from Point A to Point B - but we walked for more than three miles. Otherwise, it was the height itself that pulsed through my veins, truly on top of the world.
Although there are a limited number of dining establishments inside Rocky Mountain National Park, nearby Estes Park offers 70-some restaurants, which serve up a range of cuisines. You'll find a handful of fine dining establishments, including the traveler-favorite Twin Owls Steakhouse, but most of its restaurants are casual yet tasty spots. To refuel after a long day on park trails, travelers should head to Elkhorn Avenue in Estes Park for just about any kind of cuisine. For instance, Antonio's Real New York Pizza & Deli is a great spot to dine in or takeout, Nepal's Café is a prime place to fill up on Indian-Nepalese dishes, while Peppers Mexican Grill is beloved for its buffalo nachos.
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.
The ski resort town of Vail is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in winter but it's also a pleasant place to enjoy at any time of year. When it comes to skiing, this is one of the top ski resorts in Colorado, with seemingly endless runs for all levels of skiers. The town at the base of the ski hill is postcard cute, with chalet-style restaurants, shops, and hotels that make you feel like you are in the heart of the Alps. This is a high-end resort with luxury hotels, fine dining, and designer stores.
Since it’s just the two of you, a tiny house would be a great choice for the most romantic vacation. The small house known as “Dreamy Romance Parisian Honeymoon Cottage” in Colorado is the perfect option for lovebirds. In addition to the comfortable bed and beautiful decor, there is a small, beautiful, private garden where you can have a glass of wine with your partner and watch the changing colors of the gorgeous sunset.
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.
The historic Brown Palace, located in downtown Denver first opened its doors in 1892. Since then, the hotel has accommodated celebrities, presidents and other dignitaries. If you are planning to do a lot of sightseeing on your trip, this unique property is conveniently located within walking distance of the pedestrian 16th Street Mall, the State Capitol, the Denver Center for Performing Arts and and Coors Field Baseball Park. The hotel is built around a central atrium; when in the lobby, you can enjoy soaring ceilings and when going to your room, you'll have a view of the classically furnished lobby below on your city vacation.
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.
Nestling in the heart of a former volcanic caldera in the San Juan Mountains, the little Colorado town of Creede will blow you away with its amazing natural splendor and small-town atmosphere. You can learn about Creede’s mining history at the Creede Historical Museum and the Underground Mining Museum and enjoy the annual summer Creede Repertory Festival.
19th-century ghost town, and hosts its own fabulous mineral hot springs. The five-star property enjoys a backdrop of aspens and the dramatic San Juan Mountain Range, situated about 30 miles southwest of Telluride. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the chaos of the modern world and connect with the one you love. Nearby you can go heli-skiing, rock climbing or hike miles and miles of scenic trails. It hosts a ring of historic log cabins that now serve as luxurious retreats as well as other historic buildings that house a lavish spa, a well-stocked library and a saloon with wagon-wheel chandeliers.
Split down the middle by the vast Rocky Mountains and jam-packed with national parks and wilderness areas, Colorado is an ideal travel destination for outdoor pursuits in every season. From skiing and whitewater rafting to hiking, biking and camping, outdoor activities are a way of life in the Centennial State. The state’s fun-loving culture attracts visitors looking for a laidback vacation too. After all, Colorado produces more beer than any other state and is one of only two states in the Union that has legalized marijuana for recreational use. Rich in historical and cultural attractions as well as in natural beauty, the best places to visit in Colorado have something special to offer every visitor.
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
“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.”
What makes a stay in an Estes Park cabin such an unforgettable experience is the stunning landscape in which the cabins are built. Not only do you have amazing views, but the cabins are incorporated in such a way that you can experience the nature right outside your front door. Estes Park offers all kinds of outdoor activities, from geocaching to rock climbing and whitewater rafting.
An alluring destination to explore throughout the year, Durango offers a wealth of activities for every season. From white water rafting to horseback riding, fishing and snowboarding, outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven at Durango. Popular for its Durango train ride day trip, the famous line runs from the old mining areas in Durango and Silverton, where visitors can soak in breathtaking views of the mountain vistas against its black steam-powered engines. Explore the archaeological sites in Mesa Verde National Park, visit Henry Strater Theatre, the oldest running theatre in Colorado, and explore the downtown area to discover an array of lovely shops, galleries and eateries.
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.
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.
