Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavourful cuisine, and 28 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 12 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.
Snowmass
Photo credit: Jeremy Swanson
Australians have long had a love-affair with Colorado in winter with skiers and snowboarders returning annually in droves to their favourite mountain resorts. But Colorado is open for business all year round and now with representation in Australia, we’d like to show you a couple of the too-many-to-list reasons to visit Colorado in the other seasons as well:
Four National Parks, 4 Different Experiences
Colorado’s four National parks offer an incredible diversity of landscape and opportunities for adventure year-round.
- Rocky Mountains National Park is snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes and wildflowers in summer.
- Mesa Verde National Park is dedicated to its ancient cliff dwellers- a fascinating look into the past
- Great Sand Dunes National Park swaps peaks for massive dunes and the fun activities they offer.
- Black Canyon’s dramatic walls plummet steeply into the gorge carved by the Gunnison River
Mountain life is addictive and you’ll experience the special allure of the pure air and majestic surroundings. Look out for the bighorn sheep, the State mammal, or perhaps spot some of the 959 other species of wildlife.
Clockwise from top left: Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park
Outdoor and Active
Outdoor activities are us! Hike or mountain biking the many trails, ride horses or motorbikes along our many scenic byways, try whitewater rafting or the famous fly-fishing in the headwaters of our seven major rivers; whatever you choose, Colorado provides the spectacular natural backdrop for your next soft, or extreme, adventure. Summer or winter or seasons in between – your ultimate outdoor playground awaits.
Take a road or historic train trip
Explore any of 26 scenic byways on a bucket list road trip for the majestic scenery, discover historic sites and 1500 ghost towns throughout the State that hark back to the gold rush days of the 1800s.
Or take an historic rail journey – the only way to see some of Colorado’s wildest places and make it even more special with a photo tour, dinner trek or a mystery excursion you’ll never forget.
Autumn on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Photo credit: Yvonne Lashmett
Visit Denver the Mile High City
Denver, the gateway to the Rockies and the American West, is a vibrant outdoor city brimming with music, art, culture, fine dining and unique shopping options. Explore the Mile High City’s farm-to-table cuisine, local breweries serving craft beer and unique live music venues like the famous Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Visit the Denver Art Museum with its famous American Indian art and Western art collections and see the giant blue bear public art sculpture. Over 300 days of sunshine and easy to get around, Denver combines historic Victorian brick buildings in Larimer Square and LoDo (Lower Downtown) with the bold architecture of today, all within a laid-back, walkable city centre. Shop at Cherry Creek or delight in the celebrated talents and wares of local artists, artisans and western boutiques such as Rockmount Ranch Wear. Check out the character and fun of the different neighbourhoods and the Denver Beer Trail to truly live like a local. www.VisitDenver.com
Photo credit: Visit Denver
Featured Accommodation: The Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs
Once a dairy farm and a casino, now The Broadmoor is a legendary luxe destination resort celebrated for its European style and western hospitality. Whether you are into horse riding, golf, fly-fishing ziplining or seriously self-indulgent relaxation at the spa, this resort has activities for all ages, in every season. www.broadmoor.com
But What’s New or News in Colorado This Summer? Just for starters, here’s a glimpse:
- Opening of the new Limelight Hotel, Snowmass
- Check out the summer music scene in Glenwood Springs, Colorado’s most famous hot springs town and 5 Free Kid-friendly activities in Glenwood Springs
- Craft Beer and spirits craze is alive and well in Breckenridge, check out Breckenridge Distillery, Broken Compass Brewing and Continental Divide Winery along with ten new culinary offerings in the last year alone.
- A free hiker bus on the weekends, all summer long for people and their dogs headed to the premier hiking area in Boulder
- New Ikon Pass to include 5 Colorado Ski areas
- Denver sets new tourism records in 2017
Clockwise from top:
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park in Glenwood Springs
Hiking in Boulder
Breckenridge photo credit: Jeff Andrew
Upcoming Events
Colorado offers a huge variety of events throughout the year and one of the best times to go is when its destinations are bustling with festival excitement: here’s a few suggestions but for more, go to www.colorado.com
- Denver’s Great American Beer Festival July 31– 1 August
- Breckenridge International Festival of Art 10-19 August(left) credit: Liam Doran, courtesy Breckenridge Creative Arts
- Wild West Air Fest Steamboat Springs 1 September
- Cowboy Poetry Gathering Durango 4-7 October
More Colorado Fast Facts
- 30 hot springs
- 8 historic railroads
- 41 State parks
- 9,656 Km of rivers
- 112 meters Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride
Getting there
Virgin Australia & Qantas offer direct flights to the U.S. and American, United & Delta Airlines have connections into Denver International Airport, the gateway to Colorado and the region. A new train service will connect you from DIA to downtown Denver in minutes.
Want to book?
What: A fly/drive trip to Colorado
Where: Fly into Denver International Airport (D.I.A.)
When: Summer from June to October; Winter from December to April
Find out more and get a copy of the 2018 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com
All images unless otherwise specified are courtesy of Colorado Tourism Office
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