Location: Silverton

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Matterhorn Inn Ouray

Matterhorn Inn

The Matterhorn Inn in Ouray, Colorado

The Matterhorn Inn in Ouray, Colorado, is a well-regarded lodging option that combines comfort, convenience, and scenic beauty, making it an excellent choice for travelers visiting the area.

Prime Location

Situated at 201 6th Avenue, the Matterhorn Inn boasts a central location in Ouray, placing guests within walking distance of key attractions such as the Ouray Alchemist Museum, Wright Opera House, and the Ouray Hot Springs Pool. This proximity allows for easy exploration of the town's historic sites, shops, and dining establishments.

Matterhorn Inn Ouray back

Comfortable Accommodations

The inn offers 25 air-conditioned rooms, each individually decorated and furnished to provide a cozy mountain retreat. Rooms feature pillow-top mattresses, hypoallergenic bedding, flat-screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee/tea makers. Bathrooms are equipped with shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hairdryers.

Scenic Views

Guests can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding San Juan Mountains from the inn's outdoor areas. The property's location offers a serene backdrop, enhancing the overall experience of staying in this picturesque mountain town .

Matterhorn Inn Amenities and Services

The Matterhorn Inn provides a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay:

  • Complimentary continental breakfast served daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM .
  • Free Wi-Fi available throughout the property.
  • Outdoor hot tub for relaxation after a day of exploring.
  • Free self-parking on-site.
  • Daily housekeeping services.
  • Express check-out for added convenience.

Accessibility to Outdoor Activities

The inn's location serves as an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. Guests have easy access to hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for cave exploration, mountain climbing, and off-road tours in the nearby areas.

Matterhorn Inn is a Welcoming Environment

The Matterhorn Inn is known for its friendly, family-run atmosphere. Guests have praised the warm hospitality and personalized service provided by the staff, which contributes to a welcoming and comfortable environment.

In summary, the Matterhorn Inn's combination of comfortable accommodations, convenient location, scenic views, and attentive service makes it a great place to stay while visiting Ouray, Colorado.

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Colorado Winter Activities

Winter in Colorado

Winter in Colorado

When you think of winter in Colorado, you probably imagine grand ski slopes, big halfpipes, and fabulous ski towns. Well, that’s all true and something any real connoisseur should experience; however, Colorado has much more going on than just skiing and riding.

Winter in Colorado’s Resort Towns

Colorado’s resort towns are winter wonderlands and add to the winter vacation experience. Join in on the slopeside apres ski scene; it’s a fun social opportunity with your friends and a chance to meet new ones. Base areas also access ski lodges, shopping, dining, transportation, and more. If you’re with a group, event centers are available to host whatever you have in mind. A big day on the slopes will make you tired and sore. Plenty of spas are just around the corner and offer various services.

Vacationing in a Colorado resort town is a fun experience for everyone. Resort towns have become experts at facilitating the tourist crowd. Downtown areas are full of boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, pubs, cafes, event venues, and more. Wandering around a Colorado resort town is a must-do for any visitor.

Winter in Colorado’s Resort Towns

Winter in Colorado Aspen

Skiing and Riding in Colorado

Some of the Best

Winter in Colorado produces some of the best skiing and riding in the world. In fact, there are 25 world-class ski resorts and many smaller ones. Colorado's ski areas span the state, covering more than 40,000 acres of terrain beginning at the sky-scraping Continental Divide and unfolding north, south, east, and west deep into the Centennial State's majestic mountain ranges. Colorado's ski slopes and terrain parks have been expertly designed to cater to beginners through expert-level skiers and riders. Resorts will have ski and ride schools to help bring along any level of athlete. Clinics and special programs are also available. You will find that handicapped people are catered to, as well as the new and growing uphill crowd. If you have a young family, childcare services and ski/ride programs for kids are available to help make the family experience most enjoyable.

Ski and Ride Gear

Don't worry about the gear if you’re new to the sport. There are so many sports shops that you might even accidentally walk into one. If you’re unsure which shop will best accommodate your group, start by asking the concierge or the booking agent who helped set up your trip. In addition to getting set up with the best gear, you’re looking for services such as convenient ski storage or slopeside access to your gear, transportation to the slopes, and help with your gear if necessary. If you have brought your own gear, find a ski shop or a slopeside locker service so you don’t have to carry all that cumbersome gear around. Shops are great to partner with as they can get your gear tuned and ready to go.

winter in colorado skiing

Nordic Centers, Cross-Country Skiing

Ski Touring Centers (snowshoeing)

If cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is your passion, or there are people in your group who want to check this out, Colorado’s resorts are the place to be. Not far from the alpine resort, you will find a ski touring center. These low-key, friendly centers welcome newbies and offer lessons and gear rental. They usually have a cafe and a ski shop. It’s a nice change of pace, and tickets are a fraction of what you’ll pay at the Alpine resort.

Winter in Colorado Cross Country Skiing

Destination Resorts in the Winter

Guest Ranches - Destination Resorts

Tucked away in more remote locations are Colorado resorts that are commonly referred to as Guest Ranches. Winter in Colorado transitions activities at these ranches, and they take on new reasons to visit. Below are a few standouts.

Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort and Spa is a perfect example of this type of destination. Located in northern Colorado. This destination ranch has 120km of groomed trails, with a complete pro-shop, lessons, gear, snowshoes, and dogs are welcome. The lodge is exquisite, complete with dining facilities and a spa.

Grand Lake Nordic Center is also located in northern Colorado. This destination resort has 35km of groomed Nordic trails, a tubing hill, an on-site restaurant, and a summer golf course, and it is dog-friendly. They don’t provide lodging, but there’s plenty of that nearby.

Vista Verde Guest Ranch, just north of Steamboat Springs in Clark, Colorado, is a luxury destination resort and spa with year-round attractions. During winter in Colorado they offer:

  • 15km of groomed cross-country trails for both classic and skate skiing.
  • Guided snowshoeing.
  • A snowtubing hill.
  • Backcountry ski tours with guides and equipment available.
  • Fat biking or winter mountain biking.
  • Horseback riding goes year-round as they have an incredible indoor facility.
  • Hop on board a sleigh ride before an exquisite dinner.
  • Explore the National Forest via snowmobile tours.

These are just a few examples of resort destinations that truly remove you from the hustle of daily life. There are more throughout Colorado, you will just have to poke around to find the destination resort that meets your needs.

Colorado’s Hot Springs in the Winter

Iron Mountain Hot Springs

Winter at Colorado's Natural Hot Springs

Natural Hot Spring Resorts Open Year-round

Most of Colorado’s natural hot spring resorts are open year-round. The natural spring water is always hot, and experiencing its benefits is often more soothing in the winter than summer. These resorts vary in their accommodations, but many offer onsite lodging, dining, and spa services.

The popular Glenwood Springs Hot Springs and Spa between Aspen and Vail is an icon of relaxation and rejuvenation. The resort is home to the world's largest hot springs pool, a full-service athletic club, a gift shop, a grill, and a 107-room lodge. They offer specials such as the wellness package, ski swim stay, the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park package, and more. The Shoshone Chutes adventure river ride keeps kids of all ages engaged. This is a perfect destination resort for the whole family.

Iron Mountain Hot Springs, also located in Glenwood Springs, overlooks the Colorado River. This resort emphasizes smaller (total of 16) geothermal pools, ranging in temperature, and a single freshwater pool to cool off in. The resort includes a bathhouse and two Cafés. There is no lodging onsite, but there are plenty of choices nearby. The emphasis is on the adult experience at this resort.

Indian Hot Springs, located in Idaho Springs just off of I-70, is the closest natural hot spring to Denver. Consider making an overnight stay at this resort and spa. They have rooms and cabins with kitchens. There is no onsite dining, but there are lots to choose from nearby. They do offer spa services to complement your relaxing stay.

Explore Colorado's natural hot springs via our Hot Springs Guide. There are many to choose from, and each one is unique in what they offer.

Other Popular Winter in Colorado Activities

  • Snowmobile and winter buggy tours. These tours are a popular way to really “get out there” and explore the winterscape.
  • A winter scenic train ride. This is another spectacular way to experience Colorado’s more remote mountain vistas and learn about days gone by.
  • Sleigh rides. Authentic horse-drawn sleigh rides are found throughout Colorado. A dinner experience accompanies most.
  • Ice fishing. Lakes are all over Colorado, and ice fishing is a great way to enjoy them in the winter. Local shops will set you up with all the gear and guides can be hired too.
  • Tubing and sledding hills. Colorado has some exceptional sledding/tubing hills worth a visit for some big fun.
  • Winter Events. Events are ongoing in Colorado, and winter has a whole set of highlights.

winter in Colorado snow tubing

Winter in Colorado Getting Around

With convenient non-stop flights to Denver and some of the regional airports in Colorado, getting to your favorite resort is easy. Once landed, ground transportation will take you to your destination doorstep. Going to Winter Park? Take the “Winter Train” via DIA’s A-Line Train that connects in Union Station, and go straight to Winter Park!

Summit County Transportation

If you’re basing your winter in Colorado vacation from the Summit County area which means you could be staying in any of the following resort towns:

  • Silverthorne
  • Frisco
  • Dillon
  • Breckenridge
  • Copper Mnt

The FREE Summit Stage bus can get you around the entire Summit County area. That means you can easily access four world-class ski and ride resorts (Breck, Keystone, A-Basin, Copper Mnt). Download the app and stay up to date with the time and place of this bus line.

Alpenglo Adventure Tours is another fantastic transportation service in the Summit County area. This company specializes in door-to-door tour service for scenic trains, brews booze and bud tours, and the Zephyr train.

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Colorado Summer

Colorado Summer Vacation Plan

Colorado Summer Vacation Plan, the best season

This is a great place to start your Colorado summer vacation plan. A summer vacation in Colorado is the best time of year to visit this glorious state. The Mountain West is the most geographically diverse region in the United States, and with that comes natural wonders to be explored. A Colorado summer road trip starts with finding destinations that meet your expectations, planning scenic routes through the mountains, and locating all those fun family activities along the way. Use our FREE itinerary tool to organize your summer vacation plan.

Colorado National and State Parks

Colorado has 42 state parks, 4 National Parks, 11 national forests, and 42 wilderness areas, each showcasing different parts of our great state, from the eastern plains to the highest peaks. That adds up to 43.3% of Colorado classified as public land, and what amazing land it is! These parks and forests are popular attractions during the Colorado summer, and fortunately, they are spread out across the state. You can easily visit one or more during your scenic road trip. State Parks offer various amenities for camping and feature attractions such as a gorgeous mountain lake, hiking trails, and much more. Learn more about National and State Parks.

Colorado summer vacation plan Alpine Events

Colorado Summer Culture, Festivals, Local Events

As you travel through the state, you will encounter many cultural events and festivals (events calendar).

  • Music and festivals are ongoing in Colorado, especially in the mountain resort communities. Red Rocks Amphitheater is always a fantastic place to watch a show.
  • Consider a brewery tour such as the Coors Factory Brewery Tour in Golden or the Breckenridge Brewery Tour. Winery tours are also popular.
  • Catch a game at the Coors Field, home of the Rockies, in Denver.
  • Many mountain communities have regular art walks or exhibits going on.
  • The Colorado Pro Rodeo Tour is a popular cultural event with scheduled rodeos throughout the state.
  • Stop at a nearby Farmers Market. Beyond all those mountains lie very fertile valleys. Colorado produces many fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, and artisan crafts. Palisade peaches are a favorite.
  • If you enjoy participating in local athletic events, search your favorite mountain community for whatever type of race or event you would like to participate in. You will surely find something (mountain biking, running, golf tournaments…, etc.).

colorado summer vacation plan things to do with kids

Family Fun Colorado Vacation Plan – things to do with kids

If family fun is what you’re after, Colorado is the place to be. You might say that family entertainment is the state’s specialty. Mountain resort towns (ski resorts) go year-round these days, featuring gondola and chairlift access mountain biking and hiking trails. You will also find mountainside adventure parks at resorts, adding to the fun with various kids’ activities such as bungee trampolines, put-put golf, adventure park-type challenge courses, mountain slides, and more. Nearby mountain communities have even more fun things to do with kids, such as guided tours, state parks, and dedicated adventure parks.

Whitewater Rafting, Lakes, Water Parks, Adventure Parks and more

Getting wet during the Colorado summer season is widespread and easily attainable. With abundant mountain lakes, whitewater rivers, and water parks across the state, you can easily add this to your summer vacation plan. The popularity of adventure parks has created variations that include adventure packages, which combine water fun with other types of adventure.

  • Whitewater rafting is a super fun family adventure. You can easily find rafting companies that provide trips to match the group size and ability level.
  • Try ziplining across Colorado’s stunning landscape. Many zipline companies now offer adventure packages.
  • Water parks are another great summer way to cool down. Check out Elitch Gardens and Water World, both in Denver, which are super fun.
  • Stop at the Frisco Adventure Park, located in Frisco next to Lake Dillon. It is a family-friendly center with lots of family activities.
  • Visit one of Colorado’s many lakes. The larger lakes have marinas with boat rentals, allowing activities like water skiing and jet skiing, sailing, SUPs, fishing, and more.
  • Take a guided horseback ride. Horseback riding is found near mountain resorts or popular destinations like Estes Park.
  • Schedule a group off-road tour, a great way to build memories and see the fantastic sights.
  • Visit a state park. Parks are found throughout the state. These unique parks feature family entertainment such as beaches, picnic sites, boat rentals, fishing, hiking & biking trails, and more.

Colorado Summer Vacation plan Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience

Dinosaurs and Historical Vacation Plan Stops

Colorado Summer Dinosaur Sites

Colorado is rich in history and has many interesting historical sites worth visiting along your family’s summer road trip. If you’re planning to visit the Royal Gorge Region, add a stop at one of these exciting dinosaur fossil preserves or museums:

  • The Royal Gorge Regional History Museum, see fossils, dinosaur bones, and a complete Stegosaurus replica skeleton.
  • Garden Park Fossil Area – a 3,600-acre area rich with fossils.
  • Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site – see tracks left by prehistoric creatures.
  • Include Skyline Drive as part of your summer road trip – view fossils and more tracks.

Dinosaur National Monument in NW Colorado is a unique geographical place with dinosaur remains from 100 million years ago. This area is rich in fossils and early pioneer history.

Historical Colorado Road Trip

Many of Colorado’s mountain towns developed during the Gold Rush era, coinciding with the cattle companies’ open-range days. These two significant Western development events are seen in the Colorado we know today. Check out the local mountain town museums to learn more about how early settlers lived and made a living.

Denver Museums

Dever has 51 unique museums, ranging from children-focused to more traditional centers, such as the Museum of Nature & Science, Black American West Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver.

Colorado Summer Vacation plan georgetown loop train

Sightseeing a Perfect Family and Friends Activity

When you arrive in Colorado, sightseeing begins, as the mountain landscapes will instantly captivate you. However, getting deep into roads less traveled or passing through dramatic landscapes can be done in various ways. Sightseeing tours are a wonderful way to share memories with family and friends. If getting an eye full is what you’re after, here are some recommended sightseeing options:

  • Take a scenic train ride. Not only will you pass through dramatic mountain landscapes, but you will also learn about Colorado’s mining era. These trains are perfect activities for kids as they often feature hands-on mine exploration, storytelling, and special holiday trains.
  • Sign up for an off-road tour. Guided jeep tours will travel on original mining roads (maintained) through rugged terrain and pass by dramatic vistas—a fun family and friends activity.
  • While in one of Colorado’s resort towns, you can buy a ticket for a gondola ride or a chairlift ride and get a bird’s-eye view of the forest and surrounding landscapes. You can also hike or bike at the top and stop in for lunch.
  • Include a scenic byway in your Colorado summer road trip. Stop at historical sites, check out ghost towns, and camp along the way.

Summer Vacation Plan “Must DO” Rest and Relaxation

A Colorado summer vacation can be a chance to rest and rejuvenate your soul. Health and wellness retreats and experiences are growing in popularity. Visiting one or several of Colorado’s natural hot springs is a favorite place to recharge. The soothing, hot mineral waters will revitalize your being. Many of these natural springs have been developed into full-service spas that combine experiences such as massage, meditation, and spa services.  On-site lodging is often available.

Colorado Summer Vacation plan Hot Springs

Some of Colorado’s favorite places to explore and enjoy your summer vacation are places that have big attractions such as:

  • Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is a favorite national park with various camping options, extensive hiking trails, and educational experiences.
  • Estes Park is a beautiful mountain town beside RMNP, the gateway to Trail Ridge Road, Grand Lake, and Lake Granby.
  • The Royal Gorge Region has attractions like the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Royal Gorge whitewater rafting, and the Royal Gorge Scenic Train.
  • Mesa Verda National Park in southwest Colorado offers a spectacular look into the Ancestral Pueblo people. Visitors can call, walk, drive, or take a tour through the park.

A Colorado Summer Vacation Plan and more

There are many more amazing places and things to do on your Colorado Summer Vacation, and hopefully, you will make discoveries along your journey. Your summer vacation plan starts with finding destinations and activities that interest you and then crafting your summer road trip route to facilitate these visits. If finding kids’ activities is a primary focus, please check out this article about kids’ activities in Colorado. Please use the free itinerary tool, as it is indispensable for organizing your trip.

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All Aboard!

All Aboard!

All Aboard – it’s that time

Welcome to the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad! We’re glad you’ve chosen to visit. Whether you are new to experiencing this legendary railroad or have been a returning guest for years, we look forward to offering you the best in year-round historic train adventures presented today as they were in 1882! We invite you to hop aboard and relive the “Golden Age” on our railroad, which was voted “#1 Best Scenic Train in North America “ by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice 2021 & 2022, “Best Historic Railroad of the West” 2021-23 by TrueWest Magazine Readers, and “Best Train Experience in the West” in 2016 by Sunset Magazine. Order a FREE All-Aboard Guide.

About D&SNGRR

Our family has dedicated decades to preserving the history surrounding this national treasure, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This railroad is designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and an American Society of Civil Engineering Landmark.

When is the best time to visit the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad? Any time of the year!

During the winter, we offer exclusive round-trip train adventures deep into the heart of the San Juan National Forest to Cascade Canyon as well as the premier holiday family event train, THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train ride.

If you’re visiting in the springtime, your train excursion may feature incredible waterfalls during the spring thaw season as you journey to Cascade Canyon.

All Aborad

All Aboard in the Summer

Summer is high season at the D&S with daily full day Durango to Silverton excursions May through October departing from Durango. We also offer daily 5-hour excursions on the Cascade Canyon Express seven days a week during the high season. These rail journeys also depart from the Durango Depot and travel to Cascade Canyon and are a perfect highlight reel of spectacular Rocky Mountain vistas for those with limited time.

Autumn offers you a unique way to experience peak leaf season from the comfort of the D&S train. Connect with family and friends as you explore the Rocky Mountains by historic railway. Sit back and allow yourself to be transported through a riot of blazing fall colors featuring the spectacular golden glow of aspens.

However you choose to relax and connect on the D&S train, and whatever adventure awaits you, we hope you have an inspiring journey where you create wonderful life-long memories!

Hardrock Hundred Endurance Run

The Hardrock Hundred Mile Endurance Run is an ultramarathon of 100.5 miles in length, plus 33,050 feet of climb and 33,050 feet of descent for a total elevation change of 66,100 feet, at an average elevation of over 11,000 feet. The run is held on a loop course on 4WD roads, dirt trails, and cross country in Southern Colorado’s San Juan Range, USA.

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Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

Iron Horse Bicycle Classic

One of Colorado’s oldest cycling traditions: a plethora of biking activities held over Memorial Day Weekend each year, including a road race to Silverton!

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St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums

St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums – Aspen, Colorado

Tucked into Aspen’s picturesque West End, the St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums stands as one of the town’s most welcoming and distinctive lodging options. With its alpine chalet architecture, approachable rates, and close proximity to downtown Aspen and the ski shuttle, it offers a refreshing alternative to the high-end resorts that dominate the area. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and variety of accommodations, the lodge has become a favorite for travelers seeking comfort, character, and value in the heart of the Rockies.

The St. Moritz

St. Moritz - A Lodge with History and Heart

The St. Moritz is more than just a place to stay—it is part of Aspen’s living history. Built in the late 1950s and purchased in 1970 by local owner Michael Behrendt, the property has been lovingly maintained and expanded over the decades. Unlike many corporate hotels, it remains one of the last independently operated lodges in Aspen, preserving a sense of authenticity and continuity that resonates with guests. Styled as a “Swiss chalet with an American twist,” it embodies a casual, old-world charm that blends seamlessly with Aspen’s mountain spirit.

Prime Location

Situated at 334 W. Hyman Avenue, the lodge is just five blocks from downtown Aspen and two blocks from the free ski shuttle. Guests can easily walk to the town’s shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions while also enjoying quick access to ski lifts and hiking trails. This balance of convenience and tranquility makes St. Moritz an ideal base for exploring throughout the year.

St. Moritz Aspen

Flexible Accommodations

One of the lodge’s most appealing features is its wide range of room types designed to suit different budgets and group sizes. Options include standard lodge rooms with double and twin beds, upgraded rooms with kitchenettes, and spacious two-bedroom condominiums featuring full kitchens and multiple bathrooms. For those traveling on a tighter budget, St. Moritz also offers hostel-style rooms with shared baths—a rare find in Aspen. This variety ensures that solo travelers, couples, families, and groups can all find a space that suits their needs.

Comforts and Amenities

Although the St. Moritz emphasizes value, it offers many thoughtful touches that make a stay truly memorable. Guests enjoy a complimentary, enhanced continental breakfast each morning, complete with fresh-baked goods, cereals, fruit, and coffee. After a day of adventure, the year-round heated outdoor pool, whirlpool, and steam room invite relaxation. In summer, afternoons feature lemonade, cookies, and wine; in winter, guests gather for cozy happy hours with spiced cider, white wine, popcorn, and cookies. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and attentive daily housekeeping services round out the experience.

The atmosphere is friendly and unpretentious, with communal spaces designed to encourage connection. Many guests return year after year, citing the welcoming staff and sense of community that sets St. Moritz apart from more impersonal hotel chains.

St. Moritz porch

St. Moritz - A Unique Place in Aspen’s Lodging Scene

Aspen is famous for its luxury hotels and sky-high room rates, but St. Moritz holds a special place in the town’s lodging landscape. It offers travelers the chance to enjoy Aspen’s natural beauty, cultural life, and world-class skiing without breaking the bank. More importantly, it delivers an experience rooted in authenticity and personal warmth.

For visitors who want more than just a bed and a price tag—for those who appreciate character, history, and genuine hospitality—the St. Moritz Lodge & Condominiums is a perfect fit. Whether you’re planning a solo ski trip, a family getaway, or a summer adventure in the Rockies, the lodge provides the balance of comfort, location, and value that turns a visit to Aspen into something truly memorable.

joel@stmoritzlodge.com

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Snowy Colorado Mountains

Colorado Destinations

Unique Colorado Destination

The culturally rich city of Denver and the quiet mountain escape of Aspen are all attractive Colorado destinations. Colorado has a vacation destination for everyone. Are the high mountain peaks calling your name? Get to know Colorado and plan your trip to check off everything on your bucket list. Rafting, skiing, hiking, art shows, concerts, mountain biking, cycling, dining, fishing, mountain retreats, exploring nature, and much more. Coloradoinfo.com has divided Colorado into 3 regions. Each of these regions represents unique characteristics and proximity.

Colorado's cities and towns are as diverse and beautiful as its landscape.

View our interactive regional map of Colorado to take a closer look and find the locations you want to visit.
Check out our Activity Guides to find fun and interesting things to do in Colorado.

Colorado destinations - Gunnison National Forest

The Central Mountains

The heart of the Rocky Mountains spans the state north to south, and is home to the highest elevated cities and towns in the country, which feature over two dozen ski resorts. This region is Colorado’s gem for world-famous ski areas, mountain lifestyle, and activities.

The Rockies Playground, recently named by the Colorado Tourism Office, is the most central region of the Rocky Mountains and includes some of Colorado's most famous resort towns. Due to their close proximity and popularity as ski resorts, the name was chosen to appeal to potential tourists. This region's towns include Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Winter Park, Glenwood Springs, Dillon and Leadville. However, significant resort towns lie north and south of the playground region, including Steamboat Springs in north-central Colorado. Resort towns in south-central Colorado include: Crested Butte, Monarch, Del Norte, Powderhorn and Wolf Creek. The Central Mountains region captures almost all of the mountain towns north to south, aside from Telluride and Durango.

The Central Mountains region includes several spectacular national forests.national forest in Colorado

All of which include amazing mountain scenery, wildlife, trail systems, nearby camping and towns. From north to south:

The Front Range & Plains

A way of referring to how the plains of Colorado meet the eastern slope of the continental divide.

If you want to watch a Broadway show or enjoy a museum exhibit, you will have the most options in the Front Range. The urban cities of Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs are well known for their performing arts, museums, and cultural festivals.

Don't Miss Front Range Colorado Destination

The Front Range region includes notable attractions such as Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Pikes Peak, a whole family mountain attraction, lies just west of Colorado Springs. Featuring a scenic train, rafting, horseback riding and much more.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an amazing music venue in the foothills west of Denver.

Colorado's Western Slope

The Western Slope is a much more remote experience. Grand Junction is the largest city in the area and is often referred to as a city with a small-town feel. This high plains region is rich in agriculture, canyonlands, and warmer weather. The town of Palisade has both wineries and legendary peaches due to its extended growing season and access to water flowing out of the mountains to the east.

For those looking for a more remote experience should check out Gateway to the south of the Grand Valley. The wide open lands surrounding Gateway are a high desert wonderland with only a trickle of the traffic that comes through Grand Junction.

Northwest Colorado, or The Great West

Features of this area are the national parks such as Dinosaur National Park, the remote Brown’s Park, and the wild horses of the Sand Wash Basin. This area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts offering a variety of camping, RV parks, off-road vehicles, horseback riding, rafting, cycling and exploring in general. While the mountains are melting down, northwest Colorado is in full bloom.

Southwest Colorado, or The Mountain Mesas

Another very diverse region of Colorado with a mix of Colorado destinations and ski resort towns such as Telluride, and Durango. Complemented by Montrose, a very agricultural community but also rich with adventure. In the very southwest corner of Colorado is Cortez. Surrounded by big attractions such as  Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley . Cortez is also the gateway to the Four Corners and the Canyonlands of Utah.

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Silverton

Experience Silverton, Colorado

The Warmer Days 

The most frequent question Silvertonians field each summer is, “So, when does your town close?”.  It’s true that the bulk of our tourist traffic flows in the summer. The scenic train is in full swing bringing thousands of visitors up that majestic canyon. And Silverton’s 4th of July Festival is not to be rivaled with its exquisite fireworks display, Rhubarb Festival, and brass band concert in the park. The Hardrock 100 running race and the Iron Horse Classic bicycle race brings thousands of athletes for each event, and August’s Hardrock Holidays honor the mining tradition that built the town.

But what is little understood by our summer guests is that Silverton doesn’t close. It simply changes pace. As the frenzy of June through August passes, the mountains quiet while everyone and everything takes a breath.

September chill tells the Aspens it’s time for their show, and hills of brilliant green turn yellow, gold, and fire red. There is no better place in the San Juans to test your photography skills during our high mountain fall. Trails are quieter, and that peaceful walk in nature that you might have missed earlier can easily be enjoyed in later seasons.

Winter in Silverton

Winter, brings its own brand of recreation and fun. Take those snowshoes and head up into the woods or along the river. In the crystalline silence, you may see a fox, hare, or even a lynx padding through the snow. Cross-country skiers access groomed trails right from town. Kendall Mountain Recreation Center offers a family-friendly ski hill, and if you have the skill and nerve, nothing beats Silverton Ski Mountain for the ultimate extreme ski experience.

February brings a heckuva good time every President’s Day weekend when Silverton Skijoring hits Blair Street. Imagine the cultural cross-over of epic ski-racing and the finest horse and rider teams in the southwest matching skills to bring a purse race to this tiny community. While hundreds of spectators ring cowbells and cheer their favorite teams, horse and riders race along the course pulling a low-flying skier over jumps and through gates. It’s a popular two-day event, so if you plan to come, it’s best to book your hotel room early.

And no winter outing would be complete without a warm beverage at day’s end, available at any of Silverton’s restaurants or bars, many of which remain open in winter.
Our “off” seasons are November and April, so call ahead for the availability of services during those months.
Silverton Colorado

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