The main things to do here are to simply gaze out over the canyon and appreciate the environment or wander along the walking paths and short hiking trails on the rim. These are generally flat and easy trails. If you're adventurous, you can hike into the canyon, but trails are not maintained or marked, conditions are difficult, and you are basically on your own and responsible for the costs of rescue, should the need arise. Three campgrounds are located in the park; the North and South Rim campgrounds are open to tents and RVs but the East Portal is only open to tents.
A city that conjures up images of a magical winter wonderland, Aspen boasts beautiful surroundings, where visitors can soak up panoramic views of the Colorado Rockies against the area’s abundance of mountain chalets and popular ski areas. A mecca for winter sports enthusiasts, visitors can also find a wealth of high-end boutiques, interesting museums and excellent hiking trails. Whether you choose to climb to the summit, spot diverse wildlife or simply soak in your surroundings, the Maroon Bell peaks is a must on any itinerary. After a day of adventure at Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands or Buttermilk, relax at the world-famous and therapeutic Glenwood Springs.
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.
“We were on par for a good year but after the closure, we pretty much stopped. We didn’t hit our targets,” said Zach Zehr, manager at the Estes Park Mountain Shop who’s now pushing backcountry ski adventures. “People either cut their trips short or they were pure cancellations because they heard it was closed. Or they didn’t recreate as they thought they would. They shifted gears and did something else. They didn’t buy hats and gloves because they weren’t going to use them.”
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.
The Fern Lake trail passes Arch Rock formations, The Pool, and the cascading water of Fern Falls. Two backcountry campsites are located near the lake, and two more are closer to the trailhead. Odessa Lake has two approaches: one is along the Flattop trail from Bear Lake while the other is from the Fern Lake trailhead, along which are Fern Creek, The Pool, Fern Falls, and Fern Lake itself. One backcountry campsite is available.[44] Other lakes are Jewel Lake, Mills Lake, Black Lake, Blue Lake, Lake of Glass, and Spruce Lake.[44]
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.
After your fireside meal, retreat to one of the private, wooden hot tubs tucked in the middle of the woods. A hand-held stroll along the forest path to a bubbling tub overlooking the city's lights will set the perfect mood. Take it to the next level and request a night's stay in the old firehouse on the tip-top of the mountain. There's no better view — maybe anywhere in the state.
Though the Airbnb cabin can accommodate up to 6 people, you can rent it just for the two of you. This vacation rental is located within walking distance to the historic town of Cripple Creek, Colorado. Surrounded by pine and aspen trees, this cabin makes a perfect option for couples who want a romantic getaway. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, allowing you to spend quality time together. There is a quite large kitchen for you and partner to prepare romantic dinners. At night, look up to the sky to see the beautiful starry night while holding each other’s hands!
Once you have checked into your cozy lodging accommodations, slip into plush monogrammed robes and relax by the fire or in your private outdoor hot tub with a glass of the resorts signature Infinite Monkey Thereom Cab Franc or Chardonnay wine. Then head over to Chipeta Resort’s full-service Spa and immerse yourself in a wide variety of pampering treatment options, the Cedar Circular Sauna, Steam Room and two outdoor thermal pools.
Although Aspen is best known as a winter sports destination, this lovely little town in the heart of the White River National Forest is a brilliant year-round destination for active adventurers, festival lovers and arts aficionados. Besides downhill skiing, you can try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating and dog sledding, before rounding off your day with Après-Ski cocktails, local craft beers or a delicious meal.
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.
At about 68 million years ago, the Front Range began to rise again due to the Laramide orogeny in the west.[58][59] During the Cenozoic era, block uplift formed the present Rocky Mountains. The geologic composition of Rocky Mountain National Park was also affected by deformation and erosion during that era. The uplift disrupted the older drainage patterns and created the present drainage patterns.[60]
This 5-bedroom residence features a stunning family room with a massive gas fireplace and a professional chef’s kitchen with dining area and breakfast nook. No expense was spared on the multi-zone sound system and other electronics throughout the home. Guests can settle into the cozy library/TV room or be blown away by the mineshaft themed cinema with a state-of-the-art digital projector and 11.1-point channel sound and hundreds of first-run movies and TV – all complimentary!
Guest rooms at both lodge buildings are tastefully decorated and fully equipped with the necessary amenities for absolute comfort, including private bathrooms with showers and soaking tubs, stone fireplaces, and flat-screen televisions. The inn is situated within walking distance of the town’s restaurants, bars, and clubs, as well as other entertainment and events that happen on a regular basis. The Minturn Inn is located two hours from Denver.
Visitors come from far reaches to travel America’s highest continuous paved highway. Not for the queasy and open only between Memorial Day — pending the towering walls of winter snow have melted — and Labor Day, two-lane Trail Ridge Road takes explorers across the Continental Divide, past weathered tundra overlooking sweeping valleys and into the clouds at 12,183 feet. The ribbon of a road covers the 46-mile stretch between Estes Park on the park’s east side and the marine town of Grand Lake at the park’s western entrance. There Peak to Peak Highway is another byway near the park, starting in Estes and going through Nederland, Black Hawk and Central City.
Your first stop should be the Quarry Visitors Center from where you can access the main attraction at the park, the Quarry Exhibit Hall, built over the Carnegie Dinosaur Quarry. A huge wall of windows allows in natural light, making it feel more like an excavation site than a museum. Fossils are in various states, from still encased in the stone wall to fully assembled skeletons.
While kids of all ages are welcome at this Ouray resort, you’ll will find multiple kid-free corners available around the clock. The adults-only indoor sanctuary is open 24 hours and filled with spa-like stonework, including a spring-fed tub built from river rocks. Outside, a 102-degree soaking tub implements adult time from 10pm to 8am, enough to make any couple starry-eyed under the night sky.
The park may be accessed through Estes Park or via the western entrance at Grand Lake. Trail Ridge Road, also known as U.S. Route 34, connects the eastern and western sides of the park.[91] The park has a total of five visitor centers. The Alpine Visitor Center is located in the tundra environment along Trail Ridge Road, while Beaver Meadows and Fall River are both near Estes Park, with Kawuneeche in the Grand Lake area, and the Moraine Park Discovery Center near the Beaver Meadows entrance and visitor center.[9]
Just a few miles from the town of Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. The soaring mountain peaks, alpine lakes and meadows, forests, and abundant wildlife showcase nature at its best. The park has more than 100 peaks over 10,000 feet, including Longs Peak, the highest in the park, at 14,259 feet.
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.
