Colorado Travel Guide
The best-known of the Rocky Mountain states, Colorado is
essentially an outdoor paradise and owes its recognition to the
majestic mountains that create spectacular scenery, panoramic
vistas and an abundance of recreational possibilities. For many,
nature forms the essence of Colorado.The Rocky Mountains are a year-round destination that boasts
stunning national parks and forests, scenic canyons, tranquil
lakes, flowing rivers and majestic peaks that provide opportunities
for hiking, mountain biking, fishing and horse riding. Numerous
winter resorts nestled in the mountains offer unrivalled skiing and
snowboarding amid beautiful alpine scenery. The resort of Vail is
considered to be one of the top ski destinations in the Americas
and is the most popular, while Aspen is best known for its
celebrities and glamorous après-ski scene.The state capital, Denver, is the obvious starting point for a
vacation and is the gateway to the mountains, ski resorts and
spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park to the north. Home to many
museums, parks, gardens and a lively downtown area, the city offers
the comfort and culture of bigger cities like Los Angeles or New
York, but at a more relaxed pace. Pikes Peak looms over the popular
city of Colorado Springs, famous for its breathtaking views that
was the inspiration for the lyrics of 'America the Beautiful' by
Katherine Lee Bates. Just outside the city are the fantastic red
sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods.The western part of the state comprises beautiful remote desert
canyons and the archaeological remnants of the cliff cities left by
an ancient civilisation at Mesa Verde National Park, a stark
contrast to the alpine wonders that attract most visitors to
Colorado.
Colorado Travel Guide
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Colorado Travel Guide
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Description:
Documenting the colourful history of Colorado and the stories of
those who lived here, the History Colorado Center brings to life
the history of cowboys and gunfighters, Native Americans, miners
and gold panners, explorers, buffalo hunters, wagon trains and
railroads. The museum is hugely innovative, blending technology
with fascinating artefacts: explore an enormous map of the state
with a storytelling time machine, grab a headlamp and enter a
hard-rock mine, traverse the plains in a Model T, then soar off the
world's first ski jump. Exhibits include portrayals of life in 19th
century Denver, Buffalo Soldiers and the Mesa Verde cliff.
Address:
1200 Broadway
Postcode:
80203
Telephone:
(303) 447 8679
Email:
Website:
www.historycolorado.org
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Description:
Housing one of the largest Native American art collections in
the country, the Denver Art Museum is a huge, seven-storey
structure that also features the works of American Western artists,
and art from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The growing
American Indian collection displays work from 150 tribes throughout
the country, arranged geographically and spanning almost 2,000
years. Discovery Libraries contain shelves of art objects and
prints, a costume closet that allows visitors to try on olden-day
clothing, as well as reading corners.
Address:
100 West 14th Avenue Parkway
Postcode:
Telephone:
(720) 865 5000
Email:
web-mail@denverartmuseum.org
Website:
www.denverartmuseum.org
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Description:
The most popular attraction in Colorado is the spectacular Rocky
Mountain National Park, with its snow-covered peaks, flower-flecked
meadows, alpine lakes, thundering waterfalls and wildlife. These
images of beauty have graced countless calendars and coffee-table
books and are instantly recognisable as Colorado. Because of the
high elevation of the park, of which a third is over 11,500 feet
(3,505m), there are large areas above the tree line of alpine
tundra, constant snow and flora seldom found outside the
Arctic.Although usually considered the realm of hikers, climbers,
fishermen and horse riders, it is possible to enjoy the park
without breaking a sweat thanks to one of America's most scenic
drives, the Trail Ridge Road. Crossing the Continental Divide at
over two miles (3km) above sea level, the 48-mile (77km) highway
linking Estes Park to Grand Lake is one of the highest continuous
highways in the country, affording dizzying views in all
directions. The sweeping vistas of snowy peaks and glaciers,
forests, streams and meadows where elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep
can be seen, are exceptional. The road also provides access to
several walking trails. In winter the road is closed, but
activities such as cross-country skiing, ice fishing and
snow-shoeing are popular.Most visitors come during the summer months, but the park can
get quite crowded and the roads congested; the best time to enjoy
the park is early autumn, after the crowds and before the winter
snows. The resort village of Estes Park is the eastern gateway to
the park and very popular with visitors, while the western resort
of Grand Lake is quieter with an idyllic setting on the shores of a
large lake.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(970) 586 1206, or 586 1333 (recorded
information)
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/romo
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Description:
More US money is made in Denver than anywhere else, and visitors
can take a tour of the Denver Mint to see exactly what's behind
that tiny 'D' on most US coins. The Denver Mint opened in 1863, and
originally melted gold dust and nuggets into bars for the Federal
Reserve; today it churns out billions of coins each year.
Self-guided tours through the visitors' gallery provide a birds-eye
view of the coin-minting process, with signs and displays
explaining how it works. The whole tour takes about an hour, and
reservations are required.
Address:
West Colfax Avenue and Delaware Street
Postcode:
80204
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.usmint.gov
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Description:
Colorado Springs is a growing city that was originally developed
as a vacation destination in 1871 as part of the 'health centre'
boom of Colorado, being blessed with the nearby mineral waters of
Manitou Springs, its high mountain ranges and fresh mountain air.
Today it is a popular tourist destination (its main source of
income), attracting visitors to the magnificent scenery of Pikes
Peak Country and the pleasant climate. It is a good base from which
to explore the beauty of the surrounding area and most tourists
come to marvel at the landscape of Garden of the Gods and Pikes
Peak, as well as to see the US Air Force Academy.Most of Colorado Springs' residents are retired or active
military personnel and this lends a conservative mood to the city.
Colorado Springs sits at the foot of its most famous landmark, the
14,110-foot (4,301m) Pikes Peak and a breathtaking journey on the
Pikes Peak Cog Railway takes passengers to the summit from where
incredible views over the Rocky Mountain Range, Denver and the
endless Great Plains can be enjoyed. The marvellous red sandstone
formations of the nearby Garden of the Gods have been sculpted into
pinnacles and weirdly-eroded shapes by the wind and rain over
millions of years, and the park has numerous walking trails that
allow visitors to explore the landscape away from the
tourist-travelled roads.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Visitor Centre: (719) 635 7506, or (800) 368 4748
(toll-free)
Email:
Website:
www.experiencecoloradosprings.com
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Description:
Boasting some of the world's top ski resorts, such as Vail and
Aspen to name a couple, the main attraction of the Rocky Mountains
has to be its plethora of ski resorts. Travellers looking for the
ultimate winter ski holiday are spoilt for choice when they visit
Colorado's Rockies as there are at least 20 resorts to choose from.
For amateurs and intermediates to those looking to carve their way
down pristine black runs, there's a skiing or snowboarding
opportunity for everyone. See our comprehensive listings for or a
more detailed look at the Rocky Mountains ski resorts.
Address:
Postcode:
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Email:
Website:
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Description:
Mount Evans, with an altitude of over 14,000 feet, offers
visitors truly spectacular views from its summit, as well as the
opportunity to see various forms of Rocky Mountain wildlife
(American Elk, mountain goats, marmots, big horn sheep) in their
natural habitats. Just 65 miles (about 100km) from Denver -
including an exhilarating 15 miles on 'America's highest paved
road', the Mount Evans Scenic Byway - Mount Evans is perhaps the
easiest way for visitors to Colorado to get an authentic 'Rocky
Mountain experience'. Mount Evans also offers fishing
opportunities, and hiking and bicycle trails; although it probably
remains an ideal destination for a day-trip, in a car full of your
nearest and dearest. Remember to pack a lunch for the summit, as
the views will keep you up there for hours.
Address:
Near Bailey, Colorado
Postcode:
Telephone:
Clear Creek Ranger Station: (303) 567 3000
Email:
Website:
www.mountevans.com
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Description:
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is one of those rare
attractions that is as entertaining as it is educational, and as
suitable for kids as it is fascinating for grown-ups. The museum
draws nearly 180,000 teachers and students each year, and countless
more tourists, all of whom value the unique, hands-on presentation
style of the exhibitions. Boasting an IMAX theatre, Planetarium,
and an assortment of high-tech, interactive 'discovery areas' (most
famously, the
Space Odysseyand
Prehistoric Journeysections), visitors of all ages are
sure to come away from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science
enriched, and more enthusiastic about the world's natural
treasures. The museum also houses a popular gift shop and the T-Rex
Cafe.
Address:
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Postcode:
Telephone:
(303) 370 6000
Email:
Website:
www.dmns.org
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Description:
This popular amusement park is conveniently located in downtown
Denver, offering nearly 50 rides and attractions for families in
Denver. Rides range from the thrilling ten-story Twister II roller
coaster to the stunning hand-carved carousel that dates back to
1925. The Island Kingdom Water Park offers relief from hot summer
days, with around a dozen waterslides, raft rides, and family play
areas.
Address:
2000 Elitch Circle
Postcode:
Telephone:
(303) 595-4386
Email:
Website:
www.elitchgardens.com
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Description:
A laid-back university town located roughly 25 minutes northwest
of Denver, Boulder is a sophisticated and artistic city; the large
population of students from Colorado University gives Boulder a
lively nightlife and liberal attitude. Taking full advantage of its
close proximity to the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is a city fanatical
about outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, mountain
biking, camping, and skiing, and is positioning itself as a tourist
hub for travelers on their way to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.bouldercolorado.gov
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Description:
Mesa Verde National Park provides a glimpse into the Ancestral
Pueblo culture (also called the Anasazi), who inhabited the area
for over 700 years from the year 600 to 1300. The park contains
thousands of archaeological sites, including hundreds of cliff
dwellings. Travellers can start at the Far View Visitors' Center,
located 15 miles (24km) from the entrance, and join a ranger-guided
tour of popular sites like Cliff Palace, Balcony house, Spruce Tree
House, and Long House. Many sites are only accessible on the tours,
and may be difficult for those who aren't physically fit.
Address:
US Route 160, nine miles (14 km) east of Cortez.
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/meve
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Description:
One of the best places to see prehistoric dinosaur fossils in
the US, Dinosaur National Monument is home to the Carnegie Dinosaur
Quarry, a famous archaeological site that still displays thousands
of fossils for the public to see, along with exhibits on life
during the late Jurassic period. The park was also home to outlaws
and homesteaders in the 1800s, and there are a few historic sites
including the Rial Chew Ranch Complex and Denis Julien
Inscription.
Address:
Moffat County, near Vernal
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.nps.gov/dino
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