Colorado Vacations

This beautiful state is a great place to vacation.  In fact, many people come here on vacation and then never leave. 

Most vacationers come here to ski.   The most expensive areas are Aspen and Vail, with Beaver Creek and Snowmass close seconds.  These resorts tend to attract the most out-of-state skiers, while other areas such as Breckenridge, Winter Park and Keystone are closer to Denver, a little lower key and popular with locals.  They also aren't as pricey (which isn't to say that they are cheap).   The ski season in Colorado usually starts around Thanksgiving, although some resorts open before then, and runs through April, depending on snowfall. 

 

And, of course, nothing beats a Colorado winter in the high country.  It snows one day and the sun comes out the next, leaving the world white, clean and sparkling.  And all is good.

But Colorado offers more than just skiing.  Denver is a world-class city with museums, fine dining and wonderful hotels.  Estes Park and Boulder are not far from Denver and provide a quick, fun getaway.  Quirky Boulder is home to the University of Colorado and is a liberal oasis in a gorgeous setting.   Estes is a tourist town in a beautiful location at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.  Both are a fun place to spend a couple of days, soaking up the atmosphere, people watching and enjoying the scenery.

A vacation in any of the touristy mountain towns, combining biking and rafting or whatever your outdoor activities may be, with fine dining and people-watching during the summer is a great way to spend a week.  Vail becomes a mosaic of color with flowers throughout the town.   In Breckenridge, a quaint public square borders the stream that meanders through town and provides a great place to hang-out and watch the tourists.  Glenwood Springs, on the way to Aspen, is home to world-famous hot springs and boasts a huge public pool.   And in the fall, the high country is ablaze with golden Aspen trees against a sky so blue it will take your breath away.  You'll find jeep tours, horseback tours and train rides that will take you on mountain treks you won't soon forget.

Colorado Springs is full of touristy things to do.  Easterners came here for their health during the 18th and 19th centuries and a tourist industry sprang up at the same time.   Many of the attractions are over-hyped and overpriced, but Cave of the Winds is fun (if you enjoy cave exploring) and the train ride to the top of Pikes Peak is worth a try (if you don't mind heights).  The world-famous Broadmoor Hotel is here, as is the Air Force Academy and very funky Manitou Springs, where you'll find even more touristy things to do.

 

Colorado Journeys