New Castle

New Castle Colorado

With its slogan “Authentically Colorado,” little New Castle sits in the Colorado River Valley fewer than 20 miles west of Glenwood Springs. Not quite in the mountains and not quite in the high desert, New Castle enjoys a bit of both worlds at an elevation of 5,550 feet above sea level.

Ideal Weather in New Castle

Unlike its alpine cousin towns, New Castle boasts four distinct seasons – and unlike its further-west desert cousins, Blazing Summer isn’t necessarily one of them. July highs seldom get over the mid-70s, and wintertime lows are not often colder than the 20s.

Culturaly Diverse

What it lacks in size, the town more than makes up for in charm. Artists, artisans, photographers and crafters have discovered their flow of creativity in the mild climates, and music is a big part of the social life with local bands and blossoming musicians providing entertainment.

Dining is not a universe unto itself with but a dozen eateries, but the choices are enough to satisfy just about any culinary need: steaks, gourmet, pizza, deli, fast and good, diner-style, authentic Mexican, Asian and bar food. It’s all good.

Shopping opportunities are found on Main Street and at he New Castle Plaza. And as for outdoor activities, because of New Castle’s proximity to the rivers and open spaces, canyons and badlands of the high desert as well as the skiing resort areas of the mountains, there’s no shortage of things to do regardless of season. Choices include but are not limited to: biking, boating, cross-country skiing, camping, alpine skiing, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, snowboarding, hunting, golfing, and snowboarding.

Keystone

Vacation in Keystone, Colorado

At Keystone, you’ll find everything that makes a perfect Colorado vacation all in one place. Whether you’re hungry for the adventure, or you just want to enjoy some R&R and soak in all the mountain scenery, or relax at the spa. Learn more about the Keystone Ski Resort.

Idaho Springs

Things to Do in Idaho Springs, Colorado

Long considered the birthplace of the Rocky Mountain Gold Rush, Idaho Springs has attained considerable popularity has an outdoor enthusiasts’ mecca in its own right and a good lodging choice with easy access to six nearby ski resorts.

Its history is well preserved, with numerous restored 19th century mines providing tours and a Main Street that has retained much of its authentic Gold Rush architecture and charm.

In addition to treasures held dear by miners and settlers of a bygone era, Idaho Springs also continues to showcase a resource that brought the area’s early Native American inhabitants to the region: natural hot springs valued for their restorative powers, and Indian Hot Springs is a locals’ and visitors’ favorite.

Scenery is also a huge draw: The highest paved road on the continent goes south out of town and reaches the top of Mountain Evans, one of the state’s 53 Fourteeners – peaks that reach more than 14,000 feet above sea level. Nearby Golden Gate State Park provides views of the Continental Divide, and the drive to Central City and Black Hawk is also scenic.

For outdoor recreation, Idaho Springs provides either direct access or is a great staging area for biking, with the Oh My God Road to Central City challenging and exhilarating. There’s also fishing, golfing, hiking of course, horseback riding, ATVing, climbing and canyoneering, skiing and boarding, whitewater river rafting and ziplining. Woo hoo!

Georgetown

Visit Georgetown, Colorado

An easy 45-minute drive up Interstate 70 from Denver lands you smack dab in the middle of beautiful downtown Georgetown, one of Colorado’s definitive “small but mighty” attractions in the state’s many historic gold mining towns.

First established in 1859 during the Gold Rush, this mining town is tucked into a valley corridor some might call “breezy.” The elevation is 8,530 breathtaking feet above sea level.

A Historical Journey

As you stroll through Georgetown downtown’s National Historic Register District, you’ll be privy to several attractions, including the Hotel de Paris Museum, once a luxurious hotel, the restored Hamill House, an elegant reminder of Victorian times, the Firefighting Museum and the Energy Museum. Make sure to soak up some of this great history while you’re in town. Once the third-largest town in Colorado, Georgetown is now home to slightly more than 1,000 residents. Still, services are fantastic: outdoor activities include hiking, mountain biking, four-wheeling, fishing and horseback riding, and you can also tour the Lebanon Silver Mine.

Georgetown Stunning Scenic Train Ride

Check out the Georgetown Loop Scenic Narrow Gauge Railroad as well. The line connects Georgetown with nearby (and uphill) Silver Plume, gaining 640 feet in elevation during the two miles up. You’ll also cross four trestles as you travel through the steep-sided, narrow Clear Creek Canyon.

And while I-70 provides a quick route to Summit County and its four ski areas and an incredible array of outdoor activities and events. Guanella Pass (a seasonal road closes in late November, and opens on Memorial Day) is the perfect opportunity to put your car into “mosey” gear and do some serious sightseeing. You won’t regret a moment!

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, Colorado

Where is Basalt

Basalt is located in the middle of the Roaring Fork Valley, at the confluence of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers. This jewel of a town offers an incredible array of outdoor activities for all seasons, plus a variety of local parks to keep kids of all ages engaged. Learn more about Basalt at the local Chamber of Commerce.

On the Water

Nearby Ruedi Reservoir provides the perfect setting for summertime watersports and fishing, and the rivers’ Gold Medal waters are nirvana for anglers of all abilities.

All Kinds of Activities for All Types

Camping, hiking, hunting, rafting, golfing, four-wheeling, horseback riding – if it’s out of doors and fun, Basalt is where you’ll find it.

Basalt Culture, Art, Concerts, Shopping, and more…

Visitors can also expect a healthy dose of culture, with numerous galleries showcasing Western, Southwestern, contemporary, and primitive art, photography, and artisan wares. Live theater and the town’s renowned summer concert series are also part of the scene.

Shopping options are plentiful, and there is no shortage of dining choices. And lodging is both affordable and plentiful.

Nearby Aspen and Snowmass

Remember that you are within minutes of Aspen and Snowmass (drive times vary according to season, of course).

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.

Hiking

Hiking in Colorado

If you’re in Colorado – anywhere in Colorado – hiking awaits you right outside the door. Of course the Rocky Mountains present endless options, from lazy trails to bushwhacking climbs up a cliffside. BLM offices have maps for wilderness areas all around the state, and visitors’ centers can provide you with information on trail difficulty, time the hike might involve, what you should take with you (Water, sunscreen, bug repellent), what to watch for in the way of wildlife and weather, and how to dress. Consider downloading a hiking app; however, beware that cell service is limited at best in National Parks and Wilderness areas. Taking an appropriate map is always the no-fail fallback.

Hike Like a Local

Perhaps you’re new to hiking or even if you have been a hiking enthusiast for years; it’s a good idea to brush up on trail etiquette. With more and more people out on the trails it’s especially important to be respectful of each other and of nature. Many ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ are common sense such as ‘don’t litter’ and ‘stay on the trail’. However, there are aspects that are not so obvious especially to the newcomer such as, ‘don’t pick the wildflowers’ and ‘dogs must be on a leash’. It’s a good idea to brush up on trail etiquette and know the local rules and regulations before heading out.

Colorado Hiking Destinations for Every Type of Hiker

For those who want a hike to satisfy a curiosity such as a historical destination, something off the beaten path, a place that you can take a quick mountain swim or perhaps you’re looking for a suggestion for your next backpacking trip. We have some recommendations for this discerning group of outdoor enthusiasts.

Colorado Wildflower Hikes

Hiking in Colorado during wildflower season is a true sensual experience. As you may know, spring in the mountains comes later than normal and works its way up in elevation as summer progresses. Typically, mountain wildflowers are at their peak during mid-June through July. Although the season does extend all the way through September in higher elevations. If experiencing wildflowers is your pursuit we have some ideas for you to consider.

Hikes Perfect for Families

Hiking is a really wonderful activity for the whole family. As an innate form of travel, hiking provides that quality-time needed to create memories and bond in the great outdoors. With so many hiking trails available in Colorado, finding those perfect family hikes can be a challenge. Check out our selection of family hikes. You might also try asking at a local sporting goods store, the local visitors’ center or the like.

Rocky Mountain National Park Favorite Hikes

Rocky Mountain National Park is a real Colorado gem for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers in particular. Visiting this area is a must do. Stay for a while and check off this list of RMNP favorite hikes. You will not be disappointed.

Hiking Near Denver

Denver, a major hub, draws all sorts of people from all around the world. For whatever reason you find yourself in Denver, consider yourself lucky, as the Colorado experience is right around the corner. Check out our recommendations, perfect for those with just a lunch hour of time or an afternoon. Perhaps you need to spin your wheels or get the dog out. Denver is just as amazing as the rest of Colorado, as it offers outdoor experiences to suit all types.

Hike a Colorado 13er

Although it’s impressive and popular to bag a Colorado 14er. The actual experience is losing quality due to the crowding on the trail these days. This is why we suggest turning your focus to those slightly less famed 13er peaks. Be ready for achieving solitude and wilderness glory that is becoming harder to find on the more popular treks.

Hiking, Biking & Four-Wheeling at Royal Gorge

The Royal Gorge region, a notable attraction in southeast Colorado, dishes out Colorado extremes for all types. If you’re in the Colorado Springs area, take some time to visit the Royal Gorge. The arid climate and extensive canyon-lands accommodates mountain bikers, hikers, and 4-wheel travel enthusiasts, year-round.

Ouray Hiking Adventures

Ouray Colorado, with its dramatic mountain setting, has become a popular hiking destination. Enthusiastic locals in the area have created a trail group to help support trail etiquette and provide information about their wonderful trails. Learn more about hiking in Ouray Co.

5 Fantastic Colorado Winter Hikes

Although hiking is most commonly thought of as a summer time activity. There are hikes that appeal to people in the off-season too. If you find yourself having a hard time hanging up the hiking shoes for the winter. Try these winter hiking trails.

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.

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.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10