Cucumber Gulch Wildlife Preserve You’d be forgiven for assuming that between the cozy mountain town and the snow-packed slopes, there isn’t much else in Breck. But you’d be wrong. Between the town and the mountains — more precisely, between the Gold Rush Parking Lot and Peak 8 — is one of the country’s most matchless … Read more
The main draw to people who plan to visit Estes Park, Colorado, is the vast number of outdoor activities and attractions the area provides. As the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, it has numerous areas where you can spend hours enjoying the beauty of Colorado’s mountain range. As you are planning for your Colorado … Read more
For nearly a century, travelers have admired the Peak to Peak Highway’s forested slopes, snow-dusted mountains and sweeping vistas. In 1918, the state named the route its first scenic byway. When the Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways program was created in 1989, the highway was selected as one of the five initial designated routes. The … Read more
Mount Evans Scenic Byway Is Just 2 Hours From Denver Chilling winds whistle as byway travelers leave the comfort of their cars to scale the final 130 vertical feet to the summit of Mount Evans. The trail zigs and zags upward. Although the distance is only a quarter-mile, muscles burn and lungs crave oxygen. Within … Read more
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
Visitors to Manitou Springs once immersed themselves in the ‘60s hippie culture while indulging in old-fashioned entertainment. You can still do that, but the new Manitou, 4 miles west of Colorado Springs, Colorado, is more “hippie chic” than “hippie chick.” You still can buy tacky souvenirs, hemp clothing and patchouli incense, eat saltwater taffy and … Read more
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
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
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
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