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Colorado Travel Planning Guides : Colorado Summer Vacation Planner

Summer Vacation Planner

Colorado Summer Vacation Planner

SUMMER is one of the best things about living in and visiting Colorado. Maybe the amazing sunshine that warms Colorado an average of 300 days every year, or just the right amount of humidity in the air that makes being outside an all-day affair, the stunning sunsets over the Rock Mountains, or the abundance of outdoor activities in the mountains, on the trail or in the water - or just the simple peace and quiet you'll find that will calm your soul and help you to forget about any worry in the world...

Full of history, Colorado will offer you historical districts, Native American ruins, cowboys and museums that will take you back to another place in time. Colorado is the perfect place to relax and sight-see, enjoy the beautiful scenery or discover more outdoor activities than you have ever imagined!

We invite you to visit Colorado's cities, towns and mountain communities on an unforgettable journey across this beautiful state. Chat with the locals and enjoy our genuine Western character and postcard perfect blue skies... This is sure to be a vacation to remember! Welcome!

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Colorado
Communities

SPONSOR LISTINGS

Colorado Adventure Center
800.958.6737
www.Coloradoadventurecenter.com
4 great adventures at 1 great price. Raft, zipline, bike, highropes course. FREE LUNCH with Raft and Zip Packages. Lodging can accommodate all comfort levels, from Luxury Suites to Resort Cabins,

Frias Properties of Aspen
970.920.2010; 888.898.3120
We offer luxury condos and homes as well as a 28 room bed and breakfast style hotel on the mall in downtown Aspen.

Aspen Square
617 E. Cooper
800.862.7736; 970.925.1000
The condominium Hotel in the heart of Aspen.

Gunnison Crested
Butte Tourism
800-455-1342
Pure Fun... Simple Life.

Crested Butte Lodging
866.380.6888
Quality rated hotel and condominium vacation rentals in beautiful locations just steps from summer activities.

Be Scene on Our
Side of the Divide
877.825.7514
Delta County provides year-round recreation with golf, mountain biking, boating, scenic drives, art shows, Wine Tours, Farm Tours, Council Tree Pow Wow, North Fork Bluegrass Festival, and more.

Fort Collins Convention
and Visitors Bureau
(800) 274-3678
In Fort Collins you'll find award winning schools, a globally-focused university, thriving arts scene, eclectic shops and restaurants, hundreds of miles of walking and biking paths, and a plethora of outdoor activities.

Grand Lodge on Peak 7
866-664-9782
www.grandlodgeonpeak7.com
On Peak 7 of the Breckenridge Ski Area a new resort has been taking shape around the idea that the best things in life should be laid neatly out before you. From the spectacular skiing right out your back door to all the other mountain activities that Colorado provides.

Keystone Resort
888.232.9199
Unlimited Summer!. Free activities, two mountain championship golf courses, two top-rated restaurants, wide range of accommodations, horseback riding, dinner wagon rides, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, activities for children.

Montrose
Explore the Black Canyon or soak up local art and
culture. The possibilities
are as vast as the scenery.
800-873-0244
visitmontrose.com

Pueblo Chamber
719.542.1704
302 N. Sante Fe Ave
Surf! Bike Golf! Ride! Do Pueblo!

Royal Gorge Bridge
888.333.5597
Colorado's Natural Wonder with exciting rides and great views.
View brochure!

Ridgway/Ouray Lodge & Suites
970.626.5444
Indoor pool, spa and sauna, complimentary continental breakfast, exercise room.

Rifle Chamber
800-842-2085
www.riflechamber.com
Rifle's downtown features antique shops, fine dining, and historic museums. The area surrounding Rifle is rich with wildlife and gold medal streams that provide some of the best elk hunting and fly fishing in Colorado

Summit Stage
(970) 668-0999
Connecting Breckenridge with neighboring resorts of Keystone and Copper Mountain as well as the towns of Silverthorne, Frisco and Dillon and runs continually from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM all year.

Timberline Condominiums
800.922.4001
A Deluxe Condominium Property at Snowmass. Slopeside, free airport shuttle, wireless internet, fitness center with steam room and shower, outdoor pool.

The Town of Snowmass
970.922.2297

Town of Frisco
970-668-5547
Stroll along our line-up of shops, restaurants, galleries, and museums that guide you to the Marina on Lake Dillon.

Winter Park
Fraser Valley Chamber
800.903.7275
This is our open space. Come get yours. World class views, national parks, mountain biking, music fests, rafting, skiing, hiking, climbing.

Lake City Colorado
(800) 569-1874
Hinsdale County and its historic town of Lake City are gems awaiting your discovery in Colorado's beautiful and rugged San Juan Mountains.

St Moritz Lodge
334 W. Hyman Ave., Aspen
(800) 817-2069
(970) 925-3220
Aspen's Economy Lodge, Easy Access to Shuttles, Continental Breakfast, Free Internet.

YMCA of The Rockies
(800) 777-9622
YMCA of the Rockies has two year-round conference and family vacation centers,
both located in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Estes Park Center is minutes
from Rocky Mountain National Park and Snow Mountain Ranch is just a short distance from Winter Park.

Denver Interntl Airport
8500 Peña Blvd.
303-342-2000
www.flydenver.com
Denver International Airport (DIA), has been rated the best-run airport in North America and consistently ranks as one of the most efficient airports in the United States. Located 24 miles northeast of downtown Denver, DIA served 50.1 million passengers in 2009 and handles an average of 1,600 flights per day.

Daven Haven Lodge and Backstreet Steakhouse
970-627-8144
www.davenhavenlodge.com
Part of Grand Lake since the 1930's. Located within walking distance to down town and the lake, our cabins are set back off the beaten track in a quiet area of the village.

Leadville / Twin Lakes
PO Box 861, Leadville
888.LEADVILLE
Real Fun, Real People, Real Colorado.

Ouray Chamber
Resort Association
(800) 228-1876
Ouray is home to hundreds of miles of historic Jeep roads, sulfur-free hot springs with stunning views and the world-famous Ouray Ice Park.

Pueblo Chamber
302 N. Sante Fe Ave.
(719) 542-1704
Experience the Flavor! Affordable Colorado Golfing Year-Round!

Mountain Resorts
800.686.8075
Choose from 20 resort properties surrounding the Steamboat Ski Area from affordable to indulgent.

Winter Park
Fraser Valley Chamber
800.903.7275
This is our open space. Come get yours. World class views, national parks, mountain biking, music fests, rafting, skiing, hiking, climbing.

Best Western
University Inn
914 South College Ave.
Fort Collins
888.484.BWUI; 970.484.1984
Within walking distance of Historic Old Town. All new indoor pool with hot tub, exercise room and meeting room. Complimentary Deluxe Continental Breakfast.

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The Evergreens
on Fall River
888.686.3393
Luxury Riverfront Cabins.

Wildwood Inn - Estes Park
866-586-7030
Up-scale accommodations bordering national park with private non-adjoining decks. Large vacation homes, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bath suites and romantic studios, many with private hot tubs.

Durango Downtown Inn
866-306-5438
durangodowntowninn.com
Conveniently located, our hotel offers guests easy access to area shopping, various dining outlets and unique art galleries. The world famous Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is within walking distance located just 5 short blocks from the hotel.

Appenzell Inn -
A Suite Resort
800-475-1125
A Swiss inspired inn. New air conditioned suites, studios. Romantic "Suite Heart Loft". In room spas, fireplaces, kitchenettes, indoor heated pool and cozy pub. For non-smokers exclusively.

Estes Park Condos
800.349.1003
Homes, Condos and Suites.

Snowmass Hospitality
(970) 923-0850
A renaissance is bringing a new luxury vacation experience to Snowmass Village, the premier multi-season, family-orientated Rocky Mountain destination resort in the Colorado mountains.

Aspen Winds
on Fall River
800.972.6010
Luxury Riverfront Suites, Gas Fireplaces, Gorgeous Views. From this setting, you can experience all the luxury, excitement and activity the area has to offer, or succumb to the lure of just relaxing in a perfectly picturesque setting on the riverfront.

Columbine Inn
800-726-9049 - Estes Park
Small friendly, affordable, honestly clean, close to restaurants and all activities in the Estes Park Area.

Christie Lodge
800-551-4326
www.christielodge.com
Experience the comfort of the Christie Lodge nestled in the heart of the Vail Valley minutes from Beaver Creek and Vail ski areas. We offer you one and three bedroom condo-suites.

Clarion Inn
Grand Junction
970-243-6790
755 Horizon Drive
Conveniently located off Interstate 70, the Clarion Inn® hotel is one half-mile from Grand Junction Regional Airport. Popular attractions like Two Rivers Convention Center, the Dinosaur Journey Museum, Mesa State College and Colorado National Monument.

Historic Delaware Hotel
700 Harrison Ave.; Leadville
719-486-1418 800-748-2004
On the National Register of Historic Places; period-decorated rooms, cable TV, Grand Lobby for entertaining and meeting new friends. Join us for reunions, weddings, corporate getaways and Murder Mysteries!

Leadville Colorado
& Southern Railroad 866.386.3936
Live history while experiencing the serenity and beauty of the Rocky Mountains in full bloom.

Echo Canyon
River Expeditions
866-341-7875
Colorado's largest outfitter! Half & full day white water rafting, restaurant and campground.

Durango and Silverton
Narrow Gauge Railroad
479 Main Ave., Durango
866.394.4198

A Raft Masters Adventure
800.568.7238
www.RaftMasters.com
More than 20 years' experience providing quality outings for all group sizes. Bases near Denver and Colorado Springs provide easy access for trips from either location. Free wetsuits!

Lift One
970-925-1670 or 800-543-8001
Deluxe one and two bedroom condos in downtown Aspen.

New Sheridan Hotel
(800) 200-1891
Opened in 1891 just four years after Telluride was founded, the New Sheridan Hotel has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. Come see our new renovations this summer!

The Crestwood
(800) 356-5949
Offering condominium comfort, breathtaking scenery and unmatched hospitality. Outdoor heated pool, two hot tubs, a sauna and an exercise facility. Two on site meeting rooms.

Vail's Mountain Haus
at the Covered Bridge
(800) 237-0922
Located in the Heart of Vail Village, Vail's Moutain Haus offers luxury condominium and hotel accommodations only steps from World-class skiing, dining and shopping.

Summit Cove
Vacation Rentals
23110 US Hwy 6, Unit 6, Keystone
(877) 250-7750
Summit Cove provides exclusive vacation rental lodging in Keystone Resort.

Ramada Limited
990 Lakepoint Dr., Frisco
(970) 668-8783
(888) 671-6311
Ramada Limited in Frisco offers a convenient location on the shores of Lake Dillon. The perfect place to bike, hike, ski, sail or just relax in Colorado's Summit Country playground.

Machin's Cottages
in the Pines

(970) 586-4276
In a Beautiful and Secluded location within Rocky Mountain National Park.

Streamside On Fall River
(970) 586-6464
(800) 321-3303
Streamside's secluded village of 20 cabin suites and condos are sprinkled over 17 manicured acres. Challenge yourself to the summit of Old Man Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of the Estes Park valley or hike the trails of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Christiania Lodge
800-530-3999
Lounge, balconies, queen & king beds, package plans, cable TV, sauna, outdoor pool, golf nearby, parking, heart of Vail Village.

Rochester Hotel
& Leland House
800.664.1920
Built in 1892, The Rochester Hotel is an authentically restored late-Victorian hotel with the charm and luxury of the Old West

The Charter at
Beaver Creek
800.525.6660
Value and Style in Beaver Creek! Located in the Beaver Creek Village featuring hotel rooms and 1-5 bedroom condominiums, pools, hot tubs, spa & restaurant. Walk to shops, restaurants & mountain activities.

In this Guide

Event Calendars- Planning that perfect Colorado vacation? Be sure to check out the Event Calendars so you don't miss a thing.

Deals and Discounts- Find deals and discounts in the area you are visiting for lodging, activities, and more.

Colorado Tourism News- Find all your Colorado tourism news and headlines in one place.

Groups- The businesses that you'll find in this section are all experienced in dealing with groups of all sizes.

Pet Friendly- Check out these business and activities that welcome your four legged companion.

Activities- Whether you're adventurous or laid-back, Colorado has the perfect activities for you.

Rafting- Rivers in Colorado cater to everyone, offering adventures from mild to wild.

Camping- By tent, cabin or RV, there is no better way to experience the Colorado outdoors.

Golfing- Planning on spending your day on the green? Colorado has hundreds of golf courses to chose from, all with a breathtaking view.

Transportation- Whether by car, by air of by train, getting here has never been more easy.

Stay The Trail- Bringing your Off Highway Vehicle? Stay The Trail provides useful resources such as maps and travel tips.

(return to top)

The Colorado communities in this guide are color coded by region.
Click on the map for a larger image.

Summer Activities and Ideas
Attractions/Fun Parks ATV Tours and Rentals Bar D Chuckwagon Bike Tours and Rentals Breweries Camping Chuck Wagon Dinners & Shows Colorado Gator Farm Casino's Climbing Walls Colorado Concert Calendar Dining &Nightlife Fort Collins Brewery Tour Glenwood Caverns Festivals and Fairs Fort Collins Brewery Tour Fishing Guides Fitness/Weights	Go Karts Golf Groups Helicopter Tours Hiking and Hiking Guides Horseback Riding Hot Air Ballooning Hot Springs IndoorRunning Jeeps tours and rentals Jet Ski Marinas Map of Colorado Resorts Mine Tours Mountain Biking and Tours Museums National Parks Nuggets Basketball Racket Ball	Rafting Railroads Rentals Resort Events Rock climbing Rocky Mountain National Park Royal Gorge Bridge and Park Scenic drives Spa and Massage Shopping Swimming Tennis Theater Winerys Zip line Zoos

Other pages to help you with your Colorado Summer Vacation
Colorado Maps Order Colorado Vacation Guides Daily Deals Deals and Discounts Coupons City Weather, Maps & Events Colorado Tourism News & Headlines	Farmer's Markets Rodeos Fairs and Festivals Guide Colorado Concert Calendar Events This Week Events by Area

Online Summer Colorado Guides
Estes Park Guide Durango/Silverton Railroad Guide Leadville/Twin Lake Guide Summit County Guide Royal Gorge Guide	Vail Guide Rafting, Colorado Style Camping, Colorado Style Gofling, Colorado Style

Stay the Trail
www.staythetrail.org

Finding the trailhead and a decent map is often the hardest part of riding or wheeling. See links to our trail guide and all of the Colorado motor vehicle use maps (MVUMs) as well as contact information for Colorado state parks, the Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.

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We recently received this question...

We are planning on riding motorbikes through Colorado late July or early August on our way to Sturgis in South Dakota. We will be entering your state from the southwest having just been to Monument Valley. Can you recommend a route through - we would like to go to Silverton, Telluride, Ouray, Leadville, Aspen, and probably exit through Estes Park or Fort Collins. We don't have to be on the interstate, we quite like smaller roads if there are lots to see. We have about 3-4 days here, it all looks beautiful, mostly interested in scenery and the historic towns etc. Thanks RAE

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See Highway map of Colorado

Hi Rae. Thanks for your question. You've picked a great time to drive through Colorado. The challenge is going to be experiencing it all in 3 to 4 days. I'll focus on the places you've highlighted but you're going to be driving close to and through some spots that I don't think you'll want to miss. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the first full week of August. The weather in the Colorado mountains should be good. You may get a rain shower but they go away quickly and things dry up pretty fast too. So bring your rain suit and be prepared to pull over at certain times. Lower elevation places may be warmer. Click on links below to learn more about highlighted areas.

From Monument Valley enter Colorado on highway 160 and go to Cortez. Head east on 160 to Mancos. From Cortez to Mancos You have the opportunity to check out Mesa Verde National Park. The park is the largest archeological preserve in North America. There are fascinating Indian Cliff Dwellings that date back to 600 AD. There are lodges to stay in around the park. You leave the park the same way you came in (State highway 10) and head to Durango. Durango is also a cool town with lots going on but their main attraction is the Durango Silverton Railroad. There's also the Soaring Tree Top Adventures which is a pretty neat course of ziplines that you can only reach by taking the Durango Silverton Railroad.

You can take a day to ride train from Durango to Silverton and back, but since you're driving and time is a concern, you'll probably want head north on highway 550 to the small historical town of Silverton. In 1883, Silverton boasted having a population of 2,000 people with 400 buildings-two banks, five laundries, 32 saloons and several hotels. An invisible line ran down Greene Street keeping the respectable side of town divided from the bawdry red light district-the Infamous Blair Street.

Continue north on hwy 550 and at Colorado road 361, you'll turn left to go to Telluride.

It's the only road in and out of Telluride. The gondola runs during the summer so take a ride up the mountain and check out the views.

Double back to hwy 550, and continue heading north on the most scenic road in America, the San Juan Skway, towards Ouray (hwy550). Ouray is known as the Switzerland of America. It's a quaint town with a big hot springs pool, a great museum, lots of spectacular views, four wheeling trails and lots more.

Head north to Montrose. Montrose is a bigger town with an airport and it's where most people from Ouray and Telluride go to shop. In Montrose, you'll want to head east on highway 50 and you should take a stop at the Blue Mesa Reservoir and Black Canyon National Park. The views are Impressive.

You'll continue heading east on highway 50 and will come to Gunnison. Gunnison is more of a western cowboy type city and only 45 minutes to the north on highway 135 is Crested Butte. Primarily known as a ski town, Crested Butte is the official wild flower capitol of Colorado and an out of the way mountain town. The lifts are open for rides in the summer and there's lots of fun stuff to do.

Double back on on highway 135 to highway 50 and head east to Monarch Pass. This is an awesome drive and you'll want to take a quick stop at the top. Be ready for a lower temps though.

Continue east on highway 50 towards Salida. Definitely drive through Salida and check out the downtown. There's a great vibe and art culture.

Get back on highway 50 and head west to hwy 285 (Poncha Springs). Head north on 285 and ride beside the Arkansas River towards Buena Vista.

The Arkansas River is the most rafted river in Colorado. If you're up for an adventure, you should consider taking a half day trip through Brown's Canyon. Along the highway are numerous rafting companies that will take you for a ride, but our recommendations for on this section of the river are:

River Runners • Performance Tours
Bill Dvorak • Buffalo Joe's • AVA's Colorado Rafting
American Adventure Expeditions

In Johnson Village (just south of Buena Vista) the road turns into highway 24 and you want to stay on that. Buena Vista is home to Cottonwood hot springs which may be worth a stop after your long drive.
Check out BV's downtown and head to north on hwy 285 to hwy 82 (Independence Pass) where you'll turn west.

On hwy 82 you'll go through Twin Lakes. Twin Lakes is home to twin glacial lakes, the ghost town of Interlaken and spectacular hikes and views. After Twin Lakes you'll continue driving west on hwy 82 to the top of Independence Pass. Independence Pass is closed during the winter due to heavy snow fall. But in the summer it is open and you must stop at the top. The views are breath taking. Heading down to the other side of Independence Pass you'll come to Aspen. There's always good music and culture in Aspen and the Gondola is open for rides to the top of the mountain.

At this point, you can choose to take the quick route and head back over to highway 82 (Independence Pass) to highway 24 and north to Leadville or take the long route and head north on 82 to Glenwood Springs, home of Glenwood Caverns and the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs. From Glenwood Springs you'd take I70 east to highway 24 (Minturn) or highway 91 (Copper Mountain) and head south to Leadville. The drive from Aspen to Leadville over Independence Pass is about an hour and a half. The drive from Aspen to Glenwood Springs to Leadville is about 3 hours.

Leadville is a good choice for a stop. Every year, on the first weekend of August, Leadville hosts the festival Boom Days. Leadville is known as the Museum Capitol of Colorado and the history is fascinating. There's also the Leadville Southern Railroad that will take you on a great scenic ride.

At this point there's no doubt, you need to scoot along, so exit Leadville north on highway 91 and head to I70 where you'll go east. At the Dillon/Silverthorne exit (#205), you'll head north on highway 9 to Kremmling. From Kremmling. From there, you'll head west on highway 40 where you'll run into Hot Sulphur Springs. The setting of this place, the individual springs pools and price make it must stop.

Get back on highway 40 and head east towards Granby/Grand Lake. Before you get into Granby, you'll come to highway 34. Turn left on Highway 34 and head toward Grand Lake. The Town of Grand Lake is an awesome setting. It's an easy stop for lunch and a jaunt through the shops. Get back on highway 34 and head towards Estes Park. You'll drive through Rocky Mountain National Park which is a wonderful drive and well worth the time.

When you're finished in Estes Park take 34 to Loveland and in Loveland take Hwy 25 north to Fort Collins. It's definitely worth taking the brewery tour in Fort Collins and a visit to their downtown, the Budweiser brewery and the Poudre canyon is worth the time. Continue taking highway 25 north to I80 in Wyoming which will take you to Sturgis.

Thanks,
Jeff - Coloradoinfo

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