Archives: Listing
Royal Gorge Region
Welcome to the Royal Gorge Region
The Royal Gorge Region, is a great vacation choice among many beautiful and fun Colorado destinations. Base your adventure in Cañon City, the “Climate Capital of Colorado”! Where it is warmer, dryer and sunnier than Colorado Springs and Denver. Close and convenient, but without the crowds and traffic that can overwhelm other popular destinations.
Request a FREE visitors guide or email about the Royal Gorge Region.
Attractions
Families and visitors of all ages will find there are loads of options to enjoy the area’s amazing scenery or participate in some real Colorado fun,
- Experience the Royal Gorge via the Royal Gorge Route scenic train.
- Take a guided jeep tour.
- Check out the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. Take in the sweeping mountain vistas from America’s highest suspension bridge, or sign up for some of the other Park’s adventure experiences.
- Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine from the local, award-winning winery.
- Explore the unique geography while hiking or mountain biking.
Many visitors consider the Royal Gorge and the Arkansas River the finest natural assets. America’s top destination for whitewater rafting and anglers relish the fact that it is the country’s longest stretch of Gold Medal Trout water. The trail networks offer something for every ability level, whether on foot or a bicycle. Up for a challenge? Check out mountain bike trails or world-class rock climbing. Try the exhilarating experience of ziplining across the gorge, plus classic and extreme courses above treetops and canyons.
Downtown Cañon City
Don’t forget to visit the region’s museums, history and heritage sites. Downtown Cañon City and Florence are both hidden gems offering quaint, locally-owned shops, farmer’s markets, restaurants, breweries, and annual festivals. Learn about dinosaurs that roamed this land 150 million years ago through outstanding indoor and outdoor exhibits and interpretive trails. Check out the Royal Gorge Dinosaur experience just north of Canon City. They have all kinds of fun for the kids including interactive exhibits.
Plan more than a day to experience all the Royal Gorge Region has to offer. The recommendation is to spend at least a night, or more. Options include hotels, motels, cabins, B&B’s, full-service and forest campgrounds, or even glamping! Enjoy your visit! Cañon City looks forward to welcoming you to the attractions and activities that await in the Royal Gorge Region. Safe travels.
Fremont County Tourism Council
Vallecito
Enjoy Vallecito, Colorado
Sheltered in a secluded mountain valley 8,000 feet above sea level, Vallecito Lake is one of the largest and most beautiful bodies of water in Colorado. Vallecito, Spanish for “Little Valley”, and ancestral home to many of Colorado’s Ute Indians, became the name of the sparkling waters of the lake it surrounded. Located in the Southwestern part of the state just 18 miles from Durango, Vallecito provides a perfect base for enjoying the Four Corners area and its many wonders.
National and State Parks
National and State Parks in Colorado
Colorado’s abundance of National and State Parks is just one reason why this state is so special. There are 4 National parks and 42 State Parks. All of these parks have been preserved for various reasons; however, you can expect to find an abundance of natural beauty and wildlife. State Parks include RV and tent camping amenities, along with other features unique to each location. Although National Parks allow camping and there are some designated campgrounds, they don’t have the scale of amenities that the State Parks have.
Colorado’s National Parks
- Rocky Mountain National Park – One of the most popular National Parks in the United States (located just 65 miles from Denver).
- Mesa Verde National Park – located in southwest Colorado. Explore ancient cliff-dwelling civilizations from 600 A.D.
- Great Sand Dunes National Park – Located in the San Luis Valley, southcentral Colorado. The Old Spanish Trail skirts the southern region. Try sand sledding, skiing, and sandboarding.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison – Located on the western slope between Grand Junction and Telluride. The park is known for its amazingly narrow canyons, carved over millions of years.
Colorado State Parks
Home to over 40 State Parks. Colorado’s state parks offer some of the best outdoor recreation in all of the U.S., including Camping, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and water sports. It’s all here and much more, often just a short drive from Denver. Plan your trip with a free visitor’s guide. Take time to check out at least a few of these amazing natural wonders. Check out our State Park’s Guide to find more details about each park.
Colorado’s National Forest and Grasslands
Explore 11 National Forest and 2 National Grasslands. These large public lands span north to south, mainly located in Colorado’s central rocky mountain region. National forests provide an abundance of wildlife and recreation opportunities.
Colorado’s BLM
Colorado has 8.3 million acres of public land and more than 27 million acres of mineral estate. The BLM manages resources and recreational use on these lands.
Visiting Colorado’s National and State Park
Visiting Colorado’s National and State Parks is a must-do for locals and tourists. Visiting all National and State Parks is not feasible unless you make it a mission. If you look around, you will notice that they are in close proximity to popular towns and cities throughout Colorado. Depending on your interests, you can find State and National Parks that will satisfy your outdoorsy self.
What’s Happening Larimer County
Larimer County
In Estes Park, the calming effect of nature embraces you, and there’s always a new adventure waiting to be discovered. This beautiful mountain town, surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains, is your gateway to the number one tourist destination in Colorado – Rocky Mountain National Park.
Nestled in the high mountain valley at just above 7,500 feet in elevation, Estes Park is one of Colorado’s year-round natural splendors. This delightful mountain village welcomes visitors of all ages and activity levels with various festivals, cultural experiences, playgrounds, river walks, hiking and biking trails, and much more.
Downtown’s pedestrian-friendly streets invite you to stroll, window shop, or relax along the riverwalk with some homemade ice cream. Grassy parks, Victorian lights, and sidewalk benches add an old-fashioned feel to the array of charming shops and restaurants. More than 300 unique shops and galleries offer a selection of handcrafted art pieces, unique giftware and fine apparel.
There are restaurants galore with everything from fast food to trendy cuisine, casual and fine dining. Take in the relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and you’ll quickly see why Estes is known as a top family destination.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or love to shop and dine, you’ll find more than enough to keep you entertained. While here, we invite you to try fly fishing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, river rafting and the thrill of viewing mountain wildlife. Enjoy some of our rich historical tours, terrific golf courses, intriguing museum exhibitions, and many local art galleries. You may not be able to do it all in one trip. But, like most visitors to Estes, you’ll likely be back for more!
The Estes Park area offers organized events and a variety of activities to choose from throughout the year. Such offerings include the Estes Park Music Festival, Jazz Fest and Art Walk, Rocky Mountain Brew Fest, Rooftop Rodeo, Heritage Days, the world-famous Scottish Highlands Festival, and so much more.
Estes Park’s beautiful dry climate attracts thousands of visitors each summer. This dry climate makes hot summer days (the average high in July is 85°F) seem cool to those from other areas of the country. And our brisk evenings (which can dip below 50°F at night) are extremely comfortable. Summertime afternoon showers usually dissipate in time for the nightly display of stars. Winters are surprisingly mild, with highs in the 40s and lows in the 20s. Colorado’s 300 days of annual sunshine also softens the winter months.
Zoos
Colorado Zoos
While in our fair state, consider visiting one of our terrific Colorado zoos. Lions, tigers, and bears—oh my! Many zoos are on your way to where you’re going and close to other attractions. Explore Colorado Zoos and add a stop or a few stops to your trip plans.
Denver Zoos (Map)
An 80-acre zoological garden in City Park of Denver houses over 3,000 animal species that serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts worldwide. The garden offers education for all ages.
Nearby: The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is on the same site. The zoological garden is less than 4 miles from downtown Denver, the Downtown Aquarium, and Union Station. The Denver Botanical Gardens is short 8 minutes, 2 miles south of the zoo. Elitch Gardens (amusement and water park), Coors Field, and many more Denver attractions are nearby.
Downtown Aquarium (Denver)
The Downtown Aquarium is a public aquarium and restaurant in Denver. Considered an Ocean Journey Aquarium with over 500 species of animals.
Nearby: The Downtown Aquarium is in downtown Denver and across the river from Elitch Gardens (amusement park). Combine a visit to the aquarium with a visit to the nearby Denver Zoo and Denver Botanical Gardens.
Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster)
The Butterfly Pavilion is one of the first insect zoos, featuring exhibits, events, education, research, and more.
Nearby: The Pavilion is 15 miles south of Boulder and next to Westminster City Park. Standley Lake and open space are just 4 miles from the pavilion.
The Wild Animal Sanctuary (Keensburg, Colorado)
The WAS is a 1,214-acre animal sanctuary 30 miles northeast of Denver. It specializes in rescuing and caring for large predators that are being ill-treated or whose owners can no longer care for them.
Nearby: Horse Creek Reservoir, a popular water-skiing lake with public access.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, CO)
The CMZ is the highest zoo in the country, located at 6,714’ above sea level, and spans 140 acres. Hand feed and interact with some of the animals.
Nearby: The CMZ is less than 3 miles south of the 4-star Broadmoor Hotel. Spectacular national forests surround the western side of this entire area. Visit the scenic Broadmoor Seven Falls and hike the Seven Bridges Trail. Travel north to Manitou Springs and visit the Garden of the Gods.
Pueblo Zoos (Map)
The Pueblo Zoo is a 25-acre zoo located in Pueblo. It is home to 420 animals of more than 140 species. The zoo hosts educational programs, events, and even birthday parties. It even has a mini train and carousel, perfect for the kids.
Nearby: The zoo is between the Elm Golf Course immediately to the south and the City Park to the north. You can walk 2.3 miles from the zoo to the Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center along the Arkansas River. Consider camping at Lake Pueblo State Park, just 4+ miles to the west. There’s plenty to do at the lake.
Nature & Wildlife Discovery Center – River Campus (Pueblo)
The NWDC is a free public multi-campus discovery preserve and educational center. They aim to promote environmental stewardship and community health through nature education, wildlife rehabilitation, and outdoor recreation.
Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center (Divide, CO)
CWWC actively participates in the species survival program by providing a home for Mexican Grey Wolves and Swift Foxes. The center is located on a 35+acre facility.
Nearby: Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument is 5+ miles west, and Mueller State Park is a roundabout 7+ miles east.
Colorado Gators and Reptile Park (Mosca, CO)
At the Gators & Reptile Center, you can view hundreds of rescued reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, caimans, tortoises, and turtles. Hands-on experiences are available.
Nearby: Just around the corner from the Gators and Reptile Park is the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, which has several popular attractions: Medano Creek, sand sledding, and camping.
Worship
Worship in Colorado
When one spends time in Colorado, worship can be as intimate as taking a breath and letting it go in the great outdoors or as communal as singing with the congregation in a megachurch. It can be any denomination or faith – worship centers representing every belief are welcome in this state.
Woodland Park west of Colorado Springs is home to the Evangelical Christian Andrew Wommack Ministries; Boulder’s One Blessing Community moves from site to site; the Jewish community is strong and has multiple centers throughout Colorado. The state is also home to Islamic centers, Buddhist temples and other worldview centers.
Vehicle Rentals
Vehicle Rentals Available in Colorado
Rental cars, vans, trucks and limousines are all available in Colorado. Airport rentals are plentiful, as are off-airport outlets. You can rent by the day or long-term, and you can arrange for unlimited miles, one-way drop, car seats, luggage racks, ski racks – virtually every convenience your own car has is available in a rental.
Groups can rent vans; limo service gives you the luxury treatment.
Colorado Transportation
Colorado Transportation
That old saying “you can’t get there from here” doesn’t apply in Colorado because, thanks to Colorado transportation systems, you can get anywhere you want.
Colorado Airports
Colorado transportation includes our international hub airport in the middle of the state, Denver International Airport (DIA). Not only does this airport act as a hub for the United States, and provides international air access. It is a hub for all of Colorado’s small mountain community airports. Most likely, if you are flying into one of Colorado’s smaller towns, you will actually land in Denver and switch to one of the several commenter flights that access these communities. Additionally, many shuttle companies have multi-day shuttle services between DIA and mountain communities.
- Denver International lists 23 airlines that service 64.5 million passengers a year.
- Aspen
- Colorado Springs
- Montrose
- Eagle-Vail
- Hayden-Steamboat Springs,
- Grand Junction, Durango
- Gunnison
Plus, regional, reliever and general aviation airports are across the state.
Train and light Rain Serves Colorado
Light rail serves Denver and Golden. This mass transit provides alternative Colorado transportation for commuters along the Front Range and some mountain communities. Amtrak’s California Zephyr makes daily runs from San Francisco to Chicago and stops in Denver for passengers. The Winter Park Ski Train runs between Denver and Winter Park in the winter.
Major Highways that Cross Colorado
Colorado was once difficult to travel through, with few to no highways. Today there are the following major highways that make traveling across or through Colorado much easier. Do keep in mind that many internal highways include high mountain passes. Many of which will challenge your driving skills in the best weather. Be prepared with a well-equipped vehicle and carry safety equipment just in case.
- Interstate 70 crosses Colorado from east to west.
- Interstate 25 crosses north to south.
- U.S. 50 runs through from east to west along the state’s southern portion.
Check Colorado CDOT Mountain Pass Conditions via these webcams
Tours
Tours of Colorado
Tours of Colorado can be carefully planned out to the nanosecond if you like, or you can loosey-goosey it and see where your car/horse/bike/guide takes you. Of course, there are tour services of every bent:
- Historical tours
- Ecological tours
- Agritourism to farms and orchards
- Wildlife tours
- Geological tours and paleontological tours
- Museum tours
- Antique tours
- Gallery tours
- ATV tours
- Bike tours
- Ski tours
- Horseback tours
- Train tours
- Plane tour and helicopter tours
- Summit County Brews, Booze, and Buds tours.
Check out Self or Guided Tours of Colorado
Many of Colorado’s biggest attractions include tours. You will find many tour choices at Estes Park a popular destination for many activities such as camping, hiking, sightseeing, wildlife viewing, educational classes, and more.
- Cave tours
- Zoo tours
- Botanical garden tours
- Kids tours
- Seniors tours
- Marijuana tours
Colorado tours are almost limitless; your only limits are your imagination. Hopefully, our suggestions will get you going in the right direction.