Cars creep along a ledge chiseled from a steep cliff. A creek tumbles through a granite gorge 200 feet below. While drivers rivet their eyes on the narrow road, passengers crane their necks to marvel at the view. For many travelers, this white-knuckle, eye-popping drive on The Shelf is the highlight of the Gold Belt … Read more Scenic Byway: Gold Belt Tour
High in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Colorado River is a mere ribbon of water as it starts flowing westward, gathering momentum, breadth and depth on the descent. The Colorado River Headwaters Scenic and Historic Byway accompanies this treasured water source for about 80 miles of its 1,450-mile journey to the Gulf of California. As … Read more Colorado River Headwaters
Long before tourists arrived, a lone Englishwoman explored the vastness of what is now Rocky Mountain National Park. Isabella Bird’s sojourn here came in the fall and early winter of 1873, not long after the mountain man and before the first pioneers built ranches here. She recorded her impressions in a book, A Lady’s Life … Read more Rocky Mountain National Park
Keystone’s reputation as an outstanding skiing and mountain biking region often overshadows other fun things to do in Summit County, but whether you visit during winter or summer, you’ll find plenty of recreation options besides these two popular activities. If you’re looking for a family-friendly entertainment option, exploring nearby ghost towns can be a fascinating … Read more Keystone Ghost Towns
Denver’s foothills offer families a variety of great areas to hike with kids. For those who want to have an outdoor adventure without traveling far from home, check out these local day hikes. Apex Park, part of Jefferson County Open Space, is a local’s favorite for running, hiking, mountain biking and walking the dog. Gorgeous … Read more Seven Great Denver-Area Day Hikes
Castlewood Canyon State Park is a little-known spot that is sure to please any wildlife and nature enthusiast. This Douglas County state park, located south of Parker off Colorado Highway 83, is home to not only some of Colorado’s most magnificent plants and wildlife, but provides families with recreational opportunities. Among activities to be enjoyed … Read more Castlewood Canyon State Park: Enjoy Nature
Leadville, at nearly 2 miles above sea level, is one of Colorado’s loftiest living mineral towns. The community of 2,800 sits at an elevation of more than 10,000 feet and lies near the headwaters of the Arkansas River. Opulent Aspen rises 29 Learjet miles to the west. Trendy Breckenridge sits even closer toward the northeast. … Read more Lofty, Laid-Back Leadville
With the abundance of mountains and variety of terrain that Colorado offers, there are places close to home that shouldn’t be overlooked when planning your next family expedition. If you’re seeking intricate geological features, trickling streams or great views above the city, consider the numerous trails and parks Jefferson County Open Space offers in the … Read more Jefferson County Open Spaces: Trails for the Whole Family
One of Colorado’s more attractive scenes is St. Mary’s Glacier, located in Clear Creek County, less than an hour’s drive west of Denver. It’s close enough for a day trip, yet far enough away to lose yourself in the quiet mountain serenity. Technically, St. Mary’s Glacier isn’t a glacier because the mass of ice and … Read more St. Mary’s Glacier: A Hiking Adventure
Since Boulder County’s Picture Rock Trail was completed in 2008, mountain bikers, hikers and horseback riders have been able to guide their way through woods and meadows, encountering spectacular mountain views along the 5.2-mile multi-use trail between Lefthand Canyon and Lyons. The trail twists and turns in a southerly direction, while climbing through the high … Read more Discovering the Beauty of Picture Rock Trail
A massive sandstone wall soars skyward from the grassy terrain. As it extends up a slope to the bald, gray Spanish Peaks, its pink, ochre and rust tones shimmer under the afternoon sun. Like spokes on a wheel, the Dakota Wall and more than 400 other rock formations radiate from the towering sentinels. Throughout human … Read more Scenic Byway: Highway of Legends
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains attract hikers year-round with towering peaks, rushing whitewater and vibrant wildflowers. And with so many parks along the Front Range, Denver residents don’t need a congested drive on Interstate 70 to feel miles deep in Colorado’s natural beauty. South Table Mountain Cable cars once carried visitors up South Table Mountain’s hillside, and … Read more 5 Hikes Near Denver: See Colorado’s Beauty From the Top
If you love nature and plan to visit Hayden, Colorado, then consider planning a day trip to Yampa River State Park. Here, visitors can explore a 134-mile stretch of the Yampa River, interacting with the flora and fauna that call this particular riverbed home. The park is located off US Highway 40 near Craig and … Read more Yampa River State Park: Camping And Boating At It’s Finest
McCullough Gulch is a short ten minute drive along route 9 south from downtown Breckenridge. This moderate hike can be done with kids, but make sure to stop along the way to take in the views and catch your breath. Bring a lunch because once you reach the top you won’t want to rush back … Read more McCullough Gulch
[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”2″ display=”basic_thumbnail” thumbnail_crop=”0″ images_per_page=”50″]The Sawmill Trail is just a few steps from downtown Breckenridge at the bottom of the Snowflake lift. An easy hike that is kid friendly and takes about an hour round trip.