The river crashes down a churning channel of froth and foam, pummeling boulders and slamming cliffs. A rubber raft aims straight for the turbulence. Entering in the mayhem, the boat bucks and buckles like a Brahma bull. Water flies, waves crash and paddle-wielding passengers scream in delight. This is what they paid for – a … Read more On the Arkansas: Colorado White-Knuckle Adventure
In the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the Alpine Loop Scenic and Historic Byway traverses sweeping tundra landscapes and crests two alpine passes. Tiny, fragile flowers hug sheer slopes tinged with cinnamon and saffron hues. On lower elevations, creeks gurgle through forested canyons. The 63-mile backcountry route connects Lake City with Silverton and Ouray. … Read more Scenic Byway: Alpine Loop
If you’re headed to the Four Corners area of Colorado, chances are you’ll pass through Montrose. If so, take time to stop and appreciate this hospitable town with a few choice diversions. It’s the closest town to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of the nation’s newest national parks and worth a day of … Read more Montrose: Colorado’s Gateway to the Southwest
Not everyone can afford to go to the Olympic Games. But fans still can get an Olympic thrill or two by visiting the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. You might even run into someone famous — or about to be famous. Check out the faces as these young athletes walk by. Do it … Read more Olympic Training Center: Going for the Gold in Colorado Springs
Far southwestern Colorado is synonymous with archeology, cliff houses and Native American history. But visitors don’t need to follow packed tours and camera-toting masses to experience the area’s wealth of Ancestral Puebloan culture. Just west of Dolores, the Anasazi Heritage Center makes a great preface for a trip through the region. The center features special … Read more Exploring The Anasazi Heritage Center
A ghost hunter’s fantasy, Central City harbors bodiless souls around every corner and in many of its historic buildings. The town, founded in 1859 during the Gold Rush, has had its share of fires, floods, disease epidemics and harsh winters, resulting in plenty of untimely deaths. Tragic mining accidents and the inevitable violence of a … Read more A Spirited Bunch: Central City’s Ghosts
Attracting nearly 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 225,260 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado State Parks is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting … Read more Colorado State Parks
At 5 in the morning, the Colorado mountain resort of Beaver Creek is eerily still. Windows remain dark, shops are still closed and only starry reflections dance on the skating rink ice. Even Starbucks is padlocked shut, much to the disappointment of those gathered at the Hiking Center. Four vacationing souls have cut short their … Read more Rocky Mountain High: Climbing Colorado’s Fourteeners
“Not to see Elitch’s is not to see Denver.” That sign on the giant Ferris wheel greets guests as they enter the Elitch Gardens theme park in downtown Denver, which, in 2010, is marking its 120-year anniversary. The slogan may have been more relevant when Elitch Gardens was in its heyday in north Denver, located … Read more Elitch Gardens: Holding a Lofty Place in Denver History
Lions and tigers and bears – plus wolves, bobcats, coyotes and other large carnivores – call the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado, home. The sanctuary, 30 miles northeast of Denver, provides 320 acres of grassland habitat and shelters to more than 200 animals rescued from horrible living conditions around the world. Visitors can see … Read more The Wild Animal Sanctuary: Keeping Creatures Safe in Keenesburg
Colorful Colorado just seems to be built for family camping because it’s packed with magnificent scenery, fascinating history and superb outdoor adventure. Of all the great places where our family has camped in the U.S. and Canada, we rank Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado as our all-time favorite. For several days at Morefield … Read more Colorado Camping: Mesa Verde National Park a Favorite
Atop Aspen Mountain, we clip into short fat skis. Just over 3 feet long, these twin-tipped “skiboards” would look trendy on a teen, but that’s not us. We’re a group of gray-heads for whom the term “hip” is usually followed by the word “replacement.” For two of the next four days, we old dogs will … Read more Bumps for Boomers: On Aspen Mountain
Enjoy art, inspiration and free admission at the Leanin’ Tree Museum & Sculpture Garden of Western Art, considered by many to be the best western and wildlife art museum in Colorado. The museum sits nestled like a jewel before views of Long’s Peak and the Flatiron mountains of Boulder. Located 15 minutes from downtown Boulder … Read more Leanin’ Tree Museum & Sculpture Garden
With its small-town charm, Golden, Colorado, celebrates the quintessential Christmas with festive events during December. From lighting the town to providing a convivial shopping atmosphere, the Olde Golden Christmas offers a variety of opportunities to join in the holiday cheer. One of the highlights is the annual Candlelight Walk along Washington Avenue (Nov. 30 at … Read more Olde Golden Christmas: Holiday Traditions and Fun
Nestled in the heart of Loveland, Colorado is one of the most unique sculpture parks in the nation. Benson Sculpture Garden is currently home to 132 remarkable sculptures, each with its own story and its own creator. According to the director for the park, “It is open to the public throughout the year, and annually … Read more Lying in the Heart of Loveland