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Things to do / Travel Guide
Colorado Rockies Vacation Spots
The majestic peaks of the Colorado Rockies work several shifts. In the winter, they are the most popular ski destinations in the U.S. In other seasons, sports and recreation take over in the world-class alpine setting. The towns are built around all-season recreation and are all scenic and fun to visit.
Colorado Getaways
There's no better place for a Colorado getaway than to head to the stately mountains that loom overhead. Among the vacationers of the world, there are beach-lovers, city-lovers, and nature lovers; the nature lovers will feel right at home and find their peace in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Picture this: A log cabin B&B with your own fireplace. Skiing by day. Hot chocolate under the stars at night. Horseback riding. Fine dining. Peace. Quiet. Solitude. Activity. And then more peace, quiet, and solitude. Creating this sort of vacation is not difficult in Colorado; rather, it's the most natural thing in the world.
Vail and Aspen Vacation Spots
Vail and Aspen are the Tweedledee and Tweedledum on the Colorado Rockies…though a lot more hip and attractive. Most Americans have heard of these two premier ski resort towns, but unlike other small Rocky Mountain resorts, so have most Europeans. In fact, you'll find almost as many Europeans on the "Colorado Alps" as you will American tourists. You'll probably also see your fair share of glitz and glamour, as it's at these resorts that the rich and famous vacation alongside the family of four on winter break.
Why all the commotion? Both Vail and Aspen provide world-class ski slopes (appropriate for any and all levels) in a selection of ski resorts that never go out of fashion. Looking to name drop? This area is host to Snowmass Ski Resort, Buttermilk Ski Resort, Vail Ski Resort, Copper Mountain Ski Resort, Loveland Ski Resort, Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Mountain Ski Resort, and Ski Cooper Mountain Resort, just to name a few.
Vail and Aspen aren't only popular when the caps are snowy, though. People flock to these resort towns year-round for non-winter activities too. In Vail people go fishing in the sparkling rivers and lakes; in Aspen there's white water rafting. Of course both places offer superb hiking, walking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. Staying in a quaint cabin with a cup of coffee and a big, fat novel, or heading over for a treatment at a day spa, are also quite popular activities.
Both towns also host popular music festivals: In Vail there's the Bravo! Vail Valley Music festival late June through early August and the Vail International Dance Festival. And in Aspen you can attend the Aspen Music Festival and School, a nine-week summer festival, and the Jazz Aspen at Snowmass, occurring both in late June and over Labor Day weekend.
Colorado Rockies Tourist Attractions
While the ski resorts may be the most advertised and the most talked about, they're by far not the only tourist attractions in the Colorado Rockies. This mountain region is rich with other activities and attractions: Museums, historic sites, shopping malls, botanical gardens, zoos, and even amusement parks dot this area, making it a prime vacation spot for families, couples, or singles who are looking for a well-rounded, varied vacation spot.
Some of the popular non-nature tourist attractions include the Colorado Ski Museum and the Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame (okay, so this one is nature/sports related), National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, Aspen Art Museum, St. Elmo's Ghost Town, Vicksburg Ghost Town, Ashcroft Ghost Town (do you see a theme here?), the Durango and Silverton narrow Gauge Railroad, the Colorado Cellars Winery, and of course, scenic drives through the colorful mountainside. The latter is particularly beautiful in the fall.
Before you leave the Rockies, head down to the towns of Ouray (known as the Switzerland of the U.S.), Silverton (a former mining town), and Durango (a resort town close to the New Mexico border). These three areas will give you a less-crowded look at life in the Colorado Rockies, and will provide year-round activities for the whole family!
Colorado Rockies Road Trip Getaway Planner
In the winter, pick the ski area that suits your taste. You can do without the car then, and rely on Denver airport shuttles. In the summer, you should give yourself at least one week to do a comprehensive driving trip. Get a good map of the Colorado Rockies and start your Denver to Aspen road trip.
Tourist Attractions and Highlights in Vail, Aspen, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, CO Rockies
Tourist-Attractions-Highlights
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