Carbondale

Explore Carbondale, Colorado

Is Carbondale a big little town or a little big town? We’re not sure, but one thing we do know is that it’s a beautiful setting for outdoor activities and a wonderful peek into the state’s rich history.

Sitting at the base of Mt. Sopris at the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork Rivers, Carbondale is just 12 miles from Glenwood Springs and 30 miles from Aspen. The sun shines on average 295 days each year, and in addition to abundant vitamin D, this sweet little place also blesses its visitors with access to soothing geothermal pools at nearby Avalanche Ranch.

Fly fishing is a favorite pastime in the Roaring Fork Valley, and when you’re not wetting a line, you can venture off on a bike or hike along the Rio Grande Bike and multi-use trail.

Summertime is rodeo time in Carbondale, with rip-snortin’ thrills every Thursday night, and on the somewhat more refined side of activities, concerts and films are presented during June and July.

Golf? But of course! Scenic drives? Spectacular! Dining? Divine!

In short, historic big/little (or little/big) Carbondale is a not-to-be-missed gem.

Basalt

Find Adventure in Basalt

Basalt is nestled in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, at the confluence of the Fryingpan and Roaring Fork Rivers. This charming town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Learn more at the Basalt Chamber of Commerce.

Basalt is a friendly, small mountain town that boasts a diverse collection of neighborhoods, each with its unique personality and places to explore. There are two main areas of town – Historic Downtown and Willits.

Historic Downtown is an eclectic mix of shopping, restaurants, historical attractions, local businesses, and beautiful, colorful Victorian buildings that date back to the railroad era of the 1880s. The two main streets are Midland Avenue and Two Rivers Road. Both the Basalt/Old Snowmass and Emma Trail bike paths connect the two ends of downtown back to the Rio Grande Trail.

For a more modern vibe, consider Willits, which boasts a blend of residences, shops, and businesses. The main hub of activity is Willits Town Center — a mixed-use residential and commercial area featuring locally owned restaurants, a brewery, unique retailers, outdoor recreation stores, offices, a hotel, and a performing arts center.

Basalt is an Outdoor Paradise

Explore the White River National Forest

Hiking, camping, and biking are just a few of the outdoor activities available. Explore the White River National Forest and nearby Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area for breathtaking scenery. Basalt also serves as the gateway to Ruedi Reservoir, a summer destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. Basalt has year round adventure in all directions. Enjoy the local hiking trails or take on the local cycling and running challenge and work up an appetite.

Gold Medal Water

The Gold Medal waters of the Roaring Fork and Fryingpan Rivers are world-renowned for fly fishing, with the ability to wade or float down the river. Basalt has a special place in the heart of the Roaring Fork valley and the river makes the town a must visit place for anyone who loves the water.

Access to Aspen/Snowmass Resort

Experience the magic of winter with skiing and snowboarding at the four mountains of Aspen Snowmass, just a short drive or bus ride away. Not into going downhill? The area offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and – surprisingly – fly fishing, thanks to the constant flow of the Fryinpan River.

Two Wheels and GO!

Basalt and the surrounding area is unusual in that it has a wide variety of rides for road cyclists and mountain bikers alike, with rides intertwining between Downtown and Willits, from Basalt Mountain to Prince Creek, the Fryingpan to Ruedi Reservoir, and Missouri Heights. Ask any person sporting a bike rack in town and they will have their own go-to list of rides.

The Roaring Fork Valley holds the rare honor of being an International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Gold Level Ride Center, a designation recognizing the pinnacle of mountain biking communities – highlighting large-scale mountain bike trail systems and destinations that offer something for every rider.

Basalt is at the epicenter of the valley’s Ride Center, known for big challenging climbs and long rewarding descents. There are over 300 miles of high-quality singletrack to explore within the Ride Center boundary (defined by a 30-minute drive time radius), with an additional 100+ more miles of trails existing just beyond the official zone. The single-track trails are complemented by the hundreds of miles of high alpine double-track roads and paved paths on the valley floors.

Winter in Basalt

The winter months bring new opportunities for fun in the Roaring Fork valley. Winter in Basalt is an adventurous time with nearby ski areas as well as local cross country and backcountry skiing there’s plenty of ways to work up an appetite around Basalt and make the most of any winter vacation.

Basalt Arts, Culture, and Community

Immerse yourself in the local art scene with visits to galleries featuring Western, contemporary, and eclectic art. During summer months, enjoy free live concerts with the Wednesday night Basalt Summer Concert series in the Basalt River Park.
Discover unique boutiques and specialty shops offering everything from outdoor gear to handcrafted treasures and high-end clothing consignment.
Savor the flavors of Colorado with a diverse culinary scene. From casual cafes to fine dining restaurants, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Lodging in Basalt

Choose from a variety of accommodations to suit any style and budget, including hotels, homey vacation rentals, and campgrounds.

Top Events in the Roaring Fork Area

Basalt Summer Concert Series: Enjoy free live music every Wednesday evening in the summer at the Basalt River Park.
Basalt Sunday Market: Browse local vendors offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious food in Historic Downtown on Sundays in the summer.
TACAW (The Arts Campus at Willits): This vibrant venue hosts a variety of art exhibitions, performances, and workshops throughout the year.

Parachute

Parachute, Colorado

Located about halfway between Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction in western Colorado, the small town of Parachute and its sister community of unincorporated Battlement Mesa are at the confluence of the Colorado River and Parachute Creek.

Though the town is not a mecca of amenities, it does have an info center.

Things to Do in Parachute:

Fishing at Harvey Gap Reservoir and Rifle Gap Reservoir. These two reservoirs are year-round fishing waterways and produce some of Colorado’s largest bass, perch, crappie, catfish, rainbow trout, and northern pike.
Ice climbing at Rifle Mountain Park. This park features 80-foot canyon walls and is considered the best location in the country for limestone sport climbing.
Skiing and snowboarding at Powderhorn Resort.
Snowmobiling on the Grand Mesa, which has over 500 square miles of winter wonderland to explore.
Hunting and rafting are also popular in the Parachute area, and its proximity to Glenwood Springs and the famed hot springs is a draw. It’s also close to Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction.

Around Parachute, the primary lifestyle is cattle ranching, and some of the working ranches have opened themselves to visitors who want an up-close glimpse Western lifestyle.

There are two lodging choices and two dining options in town.

Montrose

Tour Montrose, Colorado

With a history that encompasses not only bits of the Wild West but also inhabitants that pre-date settlers who came from the East, Montrose is an amazing blend of ancient, old and very, very new.

At the Ute Indian Museum just south of Montrose proper, visitors are given a unique glimpse into Native life in the 1700s and 1800s. The Museum is located on the original homestead site of revered Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta. Not only does the complex include a memorial park devoted to Chief Ouray, but it also is the burial place of Chipeta. It has been lovingly restored and maintained with native plants, picnic areas, teepees and walking paths – and there is a memorial to the Spanish Conquistadors who were in the region the year the United States gained its independence – 1776.

There are other museums as well, along with a vibrant shopping area and a number of fine eateries and lodging accommodations. Much of what you’ll find in the shops is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, and the art ranges from Western and Southwestern to edgy and playful.

In fact, there’s so much to do in Montrose that Outdoor Life magazine named it to its “Top 200 Towns for Outdoorsmen” in 2010.

During the warmer weather months from spring through fall, there are three challenging 18-hole golf courses to sample, and as your very good geographical luck would have it, Montrose is an excellent gateway to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, with a seemingly unending range of things to do and see.

Rock climbing is epic, and in the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area you’ll find unparalleled rafting and unbeatable fishing in Gold Medal waters. What’s more, the San Juan Mountains are where your camping, hiking and biking memories are waiting to be made – with something great for all levels of outdoor abilities.

Got the need for off-road? Got your cure right here. BLM lands are perfect for badland enthusiasts, but you’ll find a full range of terrain, from forest trails to scree routes.

Make sure your camera batteries are full before you leave for one or all of the six designated scenic or historic byway excursions. You’ll hit elevations of 12,000 lofty feet above sea level as you cross mountain passes – with spectacular vistas all along the way.

Wintertime means more fun, with Telluride and Crested Butte ski areas within driving distance, and snowshoeing even closer in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Yep, there’s snowmobiling as well, along with Nordic and backcountry skiing. All year, all fun.

Dog Sledding

Colorado Dog Sledding

Dog sledding in Colorado is more than just a ride; it’s an immersive backcountry experience. Most tours range from 1.5 to 2 hours and cover anywhere from 6 to 12 miles of pristine wilderness.

For your ultimate Colorado summer vacation it is worth noting that while most dog sledding tours occur in winter, several operators offer "dry-land mushing" in the summer using wheeled carts!

However, for the traditional winter experience, Colorado is a world-class destination where you can trade the sounds of the city for the rhythmic panting of a dedicated husky team. For another more family friendly winter activity consider a sleigh ride and take to the trails in comfort.

What to Expect on Your Adventure

Mush Your Own Team: Unlike many other locations, many Colorado outfitters (like Grizzle-T in Steamboat and Good Times in Breckenridge) actually teach you how to drive the sled. You’ll learn the commands: "Gee" (right), "Haw" (left), and "Hike!" (start).
The Relay System: Some larger tours use a relay style where guests switch between driving the dogs, riding in the sled, and sitting in a passenger sleigh pulled by a guide’s snowmobile—ensuring everyone gets the best photos and "driver's seat" views.
Mid-Trail Breaks: Many tours include a halfway stop at a "wall tent" or cabin for hot cocoa, homemade cookies, and "dog snuggles," giving the athletes a rest and you a chance to learn each dog's personality.

Top Colorado Dog Sledding Operators by Region

Region	Featured Operator	Notable For
Breckenridge	Good Times Adventures	Located just 10 mins from downtown; 6-mile relay tours with Siberian Huskies.
Steamboat Springs	Snow Buddy Sled Dog Adventures	Focuses on "Learn to Mush" and sunset dinner excursions in Routt National Forest.
Leadville	Alpine Adventures	High-altitude tours (10,000+ ft) with stunning views of Mt. Elbert and Mt. Massive.
Vail / Wolcott	Mountain Musher	Family-operated on a private ranch; known for frequent wildlife sightings like elk and fox.
Aspen / Snowmass	Krabloonik	Historic kennel offering backcountry tours paired with gourmet wild-game dining.
Durango	Durango Dog Ranch	Expert mushing instruction in the San Juan National Forest near Purgatory Resort.

Pro-Tip: Book Early & Dress for the Iditarod

Reservations: These tours are high-demand and often sell out months in advance, especially for December and March.

Attire: Wear exactly what you’d wear for a day of skiing: waterproof layers, warm boots, and goggles (to protect your eyes from snow kicked up by the dogs' paws).

Pagosa Springs

Things to Do in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Nestled in Southwest Colorado at the base of the Continental Divide, Pagosa Springs is one of the state’s undiscovered gems. Known for its three natural hot springs facilities, “Pagosah” is the Southwestern Ute word for “healing waters”. With 300+days of sunshine, ancient archaeological areas, and pristine forests, Pagosa Springs offers plenty of opportunities to soak up the scenery and enliven your spirit.

Pagosa Springs is the town nearest to Wolf Creek Ski Area. Best known for its early season snowfall Wolf Creek is small by Colorado standards but not only does it collect early season snow but usually has the most snow in the state. Without a large base area resort to stay at most skiers and riders stay in Pagosa Springs.

Surrounded by the largest contiguous wilderness area in the country, the Weminuche Wilderness, visitors to Pagosa Springs enjoy more than 3 million acres of National Forest to hike, bike, climb, drive, run, fish, raft, float, ride or explore our endless trails.

Pagosa Springs also offers visitors a rich geological and cultural history with Chimney Rock Archeological Site, the farthest “outlier” of Chaco Canyon, offering a fascinating historical look into the ancient culture of the Ancestral Puebloan Indians and the Fred Harman and Historical Museums both giving and intriguing insight at the rich past.

Grand Junction

Visit Grand Junction, Colorado

Surrounded by some of the most fantastic – and fantastical – landscapes on the continent. The richly tinted desert landscape, the high mesas and the lush rivers combine to make the valley a magical place. You can ski in the morning on the Grand Mesa riding lifts at Powderhorn resort and ride mountain bikes in the afternoon at the Lunch Loops. The temperate climate also boasts abundant fruit tree orchards, vegetable farms and an increasingly fruitful wine industry.

Grand Junction was originally named after the Grand River which has since been re-named the Colorado River. The meeting of the Gunnison River with the Colorado gave the town it’s name while the valley is still called the Grand Valley. The rivers flow right through the middle of town providing a burst of nature and a scenic retreat from the bustling city that Grand Junction has become.

Things to do Places to See – Grand Junction

Off to the west of the city, where the desert gets serious, visitors encounter jutting spires, enormous domes and yawning, mysterious canyons of the awesome Colorado Monument, but just a short drive to the southeastern hem of the city is the much cooler, much higher pine and aspen forested wilderness of Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world.

Oh, and to the north is a moonscape of weathered rock known as the Book Cliffs due to the layered sediments that make it look like a library shelf.

You’ll find much in the way of water sports – there’s plenty of fishing both on the Mesa and the Gunnison; the Colorado is great for guided white water raft trips that can be expanded to include kayaking.

Mountain biking is unparalleled no matter which direction you go. Just across the river from downtown is the area known as the Lunch Loops which provide a number of quick riding option as well as the much larger Edge loop which can challenge any rider. To the west of town is Fruita which has excellent riding at 18 Road up against the Bookcliffs and Ruby Canyon a little further west with great singletrack at both venues. The hiking around Grand Junction is likewise an adventure waiting while you to lace your boots; horseback riding can take you through lush forests atop the Mesa or into a shadow-filled canyon. Climbing enthusiasts will enjoy nearby rock climbing, mountain climbing, bouldering, canyoneering – the challenges change with the topography.

And don’t forget you can get off the beaten path and go four-wheeling and motorcross riding through the high desert terrain as well.

The surrounding area has multiple opportunities for adventure check out West Slope travel destinations for more of what to do around the Grand Valley and for more ideas of what to do around the state check out our Summer Vacation Planner to plan out your summer vacation.

Grand Junction Business District

Downtown is a charming mix of old and new, Western and college town. There are enough restaurants to give you ample choices in cuisine and appointment; shopping is just as adventurous as you might expect in a town that continues to spread its wings culturally. It’s eclectic but, at the same time, reassuringly peaceful – a mix of culture and outdoor activity flare.

Music at Colorado Mesa University is a series of more than three dozen concerts; the Math & Science Center features more than 150 interactive exhibits geared for kids; Western Colorado Center for the Arts features exhibits and educational programs; and you can cheer on the boys of summer at a Grand Junction Rockies Minor League baseball game!

Grand Junction offers a little bit of something for everyone and with such a big wide open valley a little space for everyone too. Come for the mild climate and stay for the recreational opportunities and the convenience of a well appointed city. Grand Junction is easy to get around in and has a great variety of activities, a place where you can do a lot all in one day.

Gateway

Find Adventure in Gateway, Colorado

The breathtaking setting for unincorporated Gateway in far western Colorado is the rugged buttes and depths of John Brown and Unaweep canyons, and as its name implies, the town is a gateway from Colorado into bordering Utah.

Offering a great staging area for adventures in the La Sal Mountains and the Uncompahgre National Forest, Gateway gives access to spectacular rock formations and sweeping vistas, but the region is also replete with desert arroyos that can and do flood quickly during sudden rainstorms. Knowing the signs saves lives.

Water enthusiasts find thrills in whitewater rapids of class III and IV that sweep through the five-mile stretch of the Dolores River through Paradox Canyon, and for pure exploration exhilaration, the Unaweep/Taberguache Scenic and Historic Byway can’t be beat. The 133-mile byway takes you through the red sandstone formations of Unaweep, where prehistoric fossils are visible in the many layers of the Uncompahgre Plateau.

Gateway Canyons Resort, Discovery Channel founder John S. Hendricks, provides a wide array of outdoor activity with mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking and climbing, fishing and rafting, kayaking, off-road tours, air tours, several foot races, a large bike race and even an auto museum.

Things to Do in Dolores, Colorado | Adventure Base Camp

Things to Do in Dolores, Colorado: Your Adventure Base Camp

Outside Magazine calls the town of Dolores “adventure base camp for the whole family,” and it’s easy to see why. Tucked into a scenic valley in Southwest Colorado, Dolores is surrounded by the San Juan National Forest, McPhee Reservoir, and the Dolores River. Despite being only three blocks wide, this charming mountain town offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation, a fascinating history, and genuine small-town hospitality. Whether you’re here to fish the river, explore historic sites, or simply relax in Colorado’s high-country beauty, Dolores is a destination worth discovering.

Outdoor Adventures in Dolores, Colorado

If you’re looking for adventure, Dolores is perfectly placed for year-round activities. The nearby Dolores River is a favorite for kayaking, paddleboarding, and rafting, while the calm waters of McPhee Reservoir provide excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. Anglers will also find some of the best fly fishing in Southwest Colorado along stretches of the river that run right through town.

Hiking and biking trails are everywhere, from quick in-town strolls to longer excursions. The popular Boggy Draw Trail System, just above Dolores on the mesa, features miles of mountain biking and hiking routes through pine forests with sweeping views of the Four Corners region. When the snow falls, these same trails become prime terrain for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making Dolores a four-season adventure hub.

Dolores, Colorado History

Dolores has a fascinating past that adds depth to its modern-day appeal. Its name comes from the Spanish phrase “Rio de Nuestra Señora de las Dolores” — The River of Our Lady of Sorrows — given by priests Dominguez and Escalante in 1776 as they searched for new routes between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and California.

In 1891, the arrival of the Rio Grande Southern Railroad transformed Dolores into a key stop along the line connecting Ridgway, Telluride, and Durango. One of the quirkiest pieces of that history is the Galloping Goose, a half bus–half rail car used to deliver mail and passengers through the rugged mountains. Today, you can see the preserved Galloping Goose at the Rio Grande Southern Railroad Museum in Flanders Park, one of the most unique Dolores Colorado attractions.

Dolores River & Riverside Parks

The Dolores River is central to life here. Visitors can walk or float from Riverside Park on the east side of town all the way to Joe Rowell Park to the west, with multiple access points along the way. It’s a favorite area for fishing, picnics, and family-friendly outdoor fun. For anglers, this stretch of the river is a hidden gem for Dolores River fishing, offering peaceful runs and excellent trout waters.

Dining, Shopping & Dolores Colorado Lodging

After a day of exploring, you’ll find plenty of ways to relax in town. Dolores is home to local restaurants serving hearty meals, a popular brewery with craft beers on tap, and charming cafés perfect for breakfast or a mid-adventure refuel.

Shopping in Dolores offers a mix of boutiques, galleries, and antique shops where you can discover local art, handmade goods, and outdoor essentials. When it comes to Dolores Colorado lodging, options include riverfront cabins, cozy motels, vacation rentals, and in-town stays — making it easy to find the perfect home base for your trip.

Why Visit Dolores, Colorado?

With its mix of history, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm, Dolores truly lives up to its nickname as Colorado’s “adventure base camp.” Whether you’re mountain biking on the Boggy Draw trails, stepping into history at the Railroad Museum, casting a fly on the Dolores River, or relaxing with a local brew, this Southwest Colorado gem has something for every traveler.

If you’re planning a visit to the San Juan Mountains or nearby Four Corners region, make time for Dolores. This little town offers a big experience — one filled with natural beauty, fascinating history, and plenty of things to do for families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

Mancos

Experience Mancos, Colorado

When Louis L’Amour wrote about the West, more often than not, he was talking about the Mancos River Valley. Nestled below the Mesa Verde Mountains, this riverside town still holds much of the same western charm contained within his many, beloved novels which featured the area. Historic buildings filled with art, quaint shops and a family owned bakery line the streets of downtown where modern day travelers and locals alike navigate amongst stagecoaches, cattle drives and cowboys.

In Mancos, you’ll find farm to table restaurants, farmers markets, natural food markets, coffee roasters and home town burger joints as well as one of the oldest continuously operating bars in Colorado. Stay at a bed and breakfast, historic hotel, guest ranch or a motel in the heart of town. With hot air balloon festivals, main street parades, gallery tours and street fairs, the opportunities to become part of this friendly community present themselves at every turn.

Creativity abounds in this small town. The artisans of Mancos craft beer and rum, leather goods and jewelry as well as world renowned bronze sculpture. Hand made western hats are designed to sit atop famous, hollywood heads along with the local, working cowboys who appreciate this time honored tradition of creating quality goods. This blend of the old and new, in art and in life, makes Mancos, where the west still lives, a must experience location within the communities of Mesa Verde Country.

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