Flyfishing – AugustKids029 Whether you are a beginning or experienced fly-fisherman the streams, ponds and rivers surrounding Keystone have something for every angler. Summit Fly Fishing offers casting and fishing clinics as well as guided trips on the Snake River.
River Rafting – Two world-class adventure rivers, The Arkansas River and The Colorado River, are right out Keystone’s backdoor. The area boasts extreme whitewater to casual float trips and everything in between.
Golfing – Two remarkable golf courses featuring 36 incredible championship holes will amaze even the most refined golfers as they tee off into the light Rocky Mountain air. Open Memorial Day through September, the courses put a new meaning to “golfing on the edge”. For the family, Keystone also has a miniature golf course in River Run.
Mountain Biking – Take advantage of the mountain’s lift service to experience world-class downhill mountain biking terrain, complete with views of the Continental Divide and Lake Dillon. Members of your group that don’t wish to go down on two wheels can take the lift back down to safety. Or mountain bikers can try out any of over 100 miles of cross country biking and hiking trails that wind through the Keystone area. Bikes, helmets, and safety equipment rentals are available at the Adventure Center in Lakeside Village. The center also offers paddle boating, kayak and canoe rentals, and fish feeding activities. Printable bike trail maps can be found on Keystone Resort’s website.
Festivals – Summer in Keystone is the time to catch art shows, jazz festivals, a fiddle contest, Celtic festival, culinary galas and more! The 15th Annual Bluegrass and Beer Festival will be held this year August 6th – 7th. Enjoy mountain music, sample Colorado’s microbrews, and let the kids burn off energy in a free family Kidzone. Also in August, the 7th Annual Blues Festival and Art Show will be held. An art show and competition complete with tasty dishes and an array of brews and wines will be accompanied by live guitarists. Keystone also offers free weekly family events like storytelling, stargazing, craft nights, and gold-panning. Call for more information: 800-354-4FUN (4386).
Unique Adventures – In addition to the summer mountain activities mentioned above, Keystone has a few unique activities like a bungee trampoline, barn dances, beaver patrol, mine tours, and llama lunch hikes on Keystone Mountain.
Lodging – Whatever your reason for visiting Keystone in the summer, let the experts at Summit County Mountain Retreats provide accommodations for your Keystone Resort rental. Featuring homes and condos on the mountain or in town, Karen and William Fuller are happy to help you choose a vacation rental to make this your most memorable Colorado summer vacation!

Come see why many locals deem summer their favorite time of year!

Now that the snow has thawed, Colorado locals are hanging up their skis and dusting off their summer gear to enjoy the beauty, adventure, and fun that the state has to offer during the summer months.  A favorite activity of both locals and visitors alike, is taking a step back into Colorado’s wild past.  Visiting historic landmarks and vacationing at dude ranches are two of the most popular ways to do this.  Colorado has a rich and colorful history, take a step into any mountain town, and you’ll see the signs of an era long gone.  Bars owned by men like Doc Holliday that still have bullets lodged in the cieling, historic homes, abandoned mines are abundant throughout the mountain region.

Another fun way to get a taste of old Colorado is to take part in one of the state’s dude ranch vacations.  The state is home to over 30 guest ranches, varying in size and number of amenities.  Some of our favorites even feature spa services to enjoy after a long day on the trail!  (Okay, maybe not completely authentic, but ranching is hard work!)  Most ranches provide amazing accommodations, three meals a day, and a variety of ranching activities to enjoy.  These trips are an excellent way to get the whole family engaged in the vacation experience, with something for everyone.  You can participate in ranch activities at your leisure, so you still have time to take in the amazing scenery or go play in the river for an afternoon or two.

What are you waiting for?  Toss your work clothes aside, turn off your cell phone, and come and enjoy a piece of the rockies -you’ll never want to leave!

Images courtesy The Home Ranch, Clark Colorado

I remember reading Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire in high school and imagining the Great Southwest to be a vast land of rock and caves where the ancient Anasazi Indians made their lives as cliff dwellers going in and out of our world through their time machines known as kivas. 

Ten years ago I, personally, made the move from out east to Colorado and have since thoroughly enjoyed exploring Colorado’s southwest corner and Utah’s canyonland areas where Mr. Abby spent some time learning and writing about that rugged and ancient terrain.

Just outside of Dolores, Colorado you will find The Anasazi Heritage Center where guests can see, touch and learn about the Four Corners “prehistory” era.  There are roughly 3 million records and artifacts that make up the Center’s attractions.

The Anasazi Heritage Center also represents the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.  Here you will find a pre-Puebloan culture that dates back to at least 10,000 years.  Evidence of their villages still remains for visitors to see.  The Canyons of the Ancients is a vast land protected by the BLM and is open for exploration but one must be very careful and respect these ancestral ruins.  Leave no trace as they say and “they” (Bureau of Land Management) mean it.

Mesa Verde country consists of just about every type of terrain so that all kinds of recreation can exist.  Everything that can be done outdoors, even skiing, can be done in Mesa Verde country.  To me, the best way to experience and explore this country is on foot and since we are talking about the desert that means lots of sun and heat in the summer.  Use common sense and hike during the morning or dusk hours and not during the middle of the day when the sun is at its’ highest.  One can find camping in designated areas to really get the feel of day turning into night.

So, if you ever find yourself traveling from Denver going west and if you have a couple of days to spare consider the Mesa Verde Country in southwest Colorado.  Experience a beautiful and ancient land which is home of the modern day Pueblo People, descendants of the Ancient Anasazi Indians.       

Mesa Verde Overlook by Mulsanne

Mesa Verde Kiva by norrisbaby

Mesa Verde by neuroticcamel

These days everybody knows the term “green” means having a conscious mind to recycle, reuse and clean up our environment.  We as residents of this earth need to do our part to ensure a lasting relationship between us and Mother Nature.  I tend to look at businesses around me to see if they are doing their part since a lot of waste comes from today’s commercialism.

When I think of Boulder, Colorado, I think of technology, quality of life and an amazing effort to becoming and maintaining a “green” and eco-friendly lifestyle.  As a Coloradoan, I definitely have found myself adopting a regimented recycle program to do my part for my family and everyone around me.  I would like to expose some of the green efforts currently going on in Boulder.

City of Boulder Green Points Program

 This program outlines and enforces issues on home energy, construction waste recycling, deconstruction plans and new construction for additions and remodels.  Boulder building codes are now strictly following green standards and sustainable development practices.        

For recycling construction waste, new construction sites must donate, reuse or recycle 50% of all the waste material generated.  Being energy efficient in reducing the amount of energy used and carbon emissions is the city’s green goal.  By simply using energy efficient light bulbs, one can reduce about 75% of the energy normally used up in incandescent bulbs and the efficient light bulbs last generally 10 times longer with a $30 plus savings in electricity costs over time.

Boulder Recycling Program

Waste management companies are providing more simple ways to commingle your recyclables from your trash.  Just knowing some tiny details about what is accepted and what is not adds up when you are talking about just under 100,000 people living inside the city limits.  2008 was called “The Year of Zero Waste” and I’m sure that mantra will continue for years to come until zero waste is achieved.

Boulder Local Businesses

I see a little bit of green consciousness going on around me with the local businesses and that’s uplifting.  Hotels are one type of business that being green can be very beneficial.  A hotel can become a green hotel in a multitude of ways.  The Hotel Boulderado, a downtown Boulder, CO  hotel does this by recycling, donating, reusing and eliminating waste.  This can all be done with little effort.  Old linens are used for rags and items that cannot be reused are donated to homeless shelters and local charities.  Leftover banquet food is donated to the Boulder Community Food Share Program.  Habitat for Humanity and regional Indian Reservations also benefit from donations.  Using environmentally friendly products such as biodegradable solvents and non toxic cleaners make a positive impact as a whole.  Saving energy and water can be done by simply setting thermostats at a median temperature and using low water toilets use less water as a result.

Let’s encourage each other as well as local businesses to embrace green standards and practices this new year.  If you make an honest effort, a positive impact can result for all to see and experience all around the world.

Flat Irons in Boulder, Colorado by jebb

Recycling Sign by akeg

Downtown Boulder by Brian and Shannon

Hotel Boulderado by davidburn

Bazillions of people zoom by this spot as they pass through Glenwood Canyon on Interstate 70 across the Colorado Mountains and most never think about stopping here. Those who find a couple of hours to spare in their journey and have the energy to take a steep, but short hike up Dead Horse Creek, are rewarded with one of those surprisingly scenic gems that hide in the forest-Hanging Lake.

It’s only a little over a mile to this small, crystal clear emerald lake fed by a restful waterfall. It’s a tough mile, though, starting off with rock stairs, climbing relentlessly, crossing across the creek and requiring a rock scramble close to the top. However, every time you feel yourself about to turn back, just ask someone coming down the trail if it was worth it. The answer is always a resounding yes.

Tips:

• Because of the narrowness of the canyon in this spot, you must enter coming from the west. For those coming from the east, the turnaround is at Grizzly Creek.
• If you have any leg power left after reaching the lake, take the very short add-on hike to spouting rock.
• Take your camera, plenty of water and a snack with you.
• The snow is slow to melt in this deep canyon.

• Dogs are not allowed.

For a few weeks after the Spring rains, when the nights are still cool and the days are welcomingly warm, but not yet hot, you can see the high desert come alive with color. Although my timing isn’t always right, when it is, the display is spectacular. Not in the enormous fields of sunflowers way you see in the midwest, but in a cactus blooming out of a rock or bright blooms growing on what looks like sticks in the sand way.

If you’re a nature lover, but have never been to the desert in the Spring, start planning a trip now. You’ll be amazed at what is hidden there.

One of the most popular short day hikes for Aspen area locals is a trip to the Grottos. Head up Independence Pass east of town on Highway 82 and look for a Forest Service sign on the right side of the road. Leave your car or bike in the small parking area and start exploring.

I’m not going to give away any of our secrets about this place, but if you spend a little time there, you’ll easily discover for yourself the quiet rocks to sun yourself on, the ice caves deep in the crevices and the shallow parts of the Roaring Fork River where you can cool off from the summer heat.

The one thing no one misses are the cascading falls of the river, which invite you to scramble around on the rounded rocks. Be careful, though. The rocks are definitely slippery when wet, the ice cold pools have treacherous currents and it seems like some unsuspecting person dies here every year or so.

The Bells, as the locals call them, of course, are most spectacular in autumn when the aspens turn gold and a skiff of snow highlights their cliffs and ridges. During the Fall color weekend in Colorado, photographers come from all across the globe to get THE definitive picture. Lucky for the rest of us that nearly any photo we take of these famous mountains is spectacular.

Take a short drive from town to Aspen Highlands on Maroon Creek Road. Then, catch a public bus for $10 which will take you up to Maroon Lake, where you can hike, fish, take pictures or simply stand in awe of the natural elements that surround you. Even the most out of shape city people can enjoy this jaunt, so put this one on your bucket list!

The great thing about Vail, Colorado is the accessibility.  Located right off of I-70 in the center of the Rocky Mountains is Vail, just a couple of hours west of Denver.  With I-70 being the “bloodline” connecting Denver to Grand Junction and beyond into Utah, motorists from the front range have to go by Vail.  Lucky for them since Vail is a ski destination.

The skiable terrain of Vail Mountain is HUGE and one should spend at least a week on the slopes to explore its’ expanse.  I, personally, have skied Vail several times and find that I could keep going and going and going without skiing the same run twice.  With the addition of Blue Sky Basin a few years back, Vail Mountain definitely becomes a playground for the die-hard skier and snowboarder.

Before I moved out to Colorado, I visited Vail one time and that’s all it took to make an incredible impression on me.  Just two years later I found myself driving to Colorado with dreams of powder skiing in the winter and hiking, biking and fishing in the summer.Tourists coming to Vail to play have many options for lodging.  Over the years, the town of Vail has been built up with hotels, lodges and private home and luxury condo rentals. One can find lodging right at the base of the ski area all the way to the ridge across the valley.  Vail sits in a steep valley so renting a vacation home high up on the ridge will afford a nice view of the Gore Mountain range or one can be down in the town close to all of the action and night life.

Durango is rimmed by glorious mountains and boasts its own world-class ski hill, Durango Mountain Resort, also know as Purgatory. It offers everything from never-ever lessons to off piste snowcat skiing and snowboarding in a family friendly atmosphere.

Durango is also blessed with a large high country lake. Nearby Vallecito Lake is popular year ’round for fishing, boating, hiking, horseback riding and hunting. At 8,000 feet, it’s a cool retreat during the dog days of summer. Camping and cabins are available for those who’d like to spend some time there.

The Animas River runs right through town and offers waters mild enough for inner tubing and canoeing or wild enough to challenge the best kayakers. Numerous local rafting outfitters offer half day and full day trips and the Whitewater Park hosts events throughout the season who those who prefer watching.

Mountain biking rules in Durango. Just close your eyes and imagine rolling through meadows lush with wildflowers and surrounded by the snowcapped peaks of the San Juan range. There are nearly 2,000 miles of single track in the area and it truly doesn’t get any better than this.

Ajax is Aspen! Board the gondola from the center of town and you are whisked to the Sundeck,  where you can see for miles and miles across fabulous snow-covered peaks. The slopes can be tough for less advanced snow sliders, since there side hills, double fall lines and more bumps than many of us can handled. But do it once, anyway, just so you can say you did. If you’re an advanced skier, you’ll be in heaven and wonder why all mountains don’t give you the challenges you crave.

Aspen Highlands is the favorite of the old timers and downvalley locals.  The incredible bowls are extreme and require a hike, which keeps the wanna-bees away.  The trees are most definitely steep and deep and the intermediate trails have plenty of character and personality to keep you interested.

Snowmass is a behemoth,  with something for everyone, so it’s a great place for a group with diverse skiing abilities. Most families and intermediate skiers will remember this as their favorite mountain, but experts should get a taste of Snowmass, too. There are plenty of challenges in the trees and cliffs.

Buttermilk is where the X Games are held. It has an insane, several mile long terrain park and you can watch the huckers form the base. It also has, without a doubt, best terrain for learning to ski and snowboard. Buttermilk will make you feel like a ski god, so don’t pass it by.

See live Aspen web cams for all four mountains.

Read about Aspen Ski Packages.

However, some of the more famous resorts, like Aspen, have the opposite reputation. It is considered glamorous and glitzy and the prices reflect it. It’s at the end of the road and can be difficult to get to, as well. But Aspen does offer some of the absolutely best skiing in the entire world and everyone who skis owes it to themselves to splurge on a ski vacation in Aspen at least once.

The trick is to find an Aspen ski package that rolls a flight, lodging and lift tickets into an affordable deal. However, the leg of the trip from Denver International into the Pitkin County Airport is rarely discounted. So think about finding a cheap flight to Denver and taking a van shuttle for a very scenic drive across the Continental Divide to the Roaring Fork Valley.

Read more about the four Aspen ski mountains here.

There’s the skiing, of course, on Denver’s favorite slopes at the Winter Park Ski Area. Or cross country or snowshoeing or sledding. Ah, did I hear sledding? Not that tame pastime you remember, but motor sledding – snowmobiling! Yeeeeehaw!

Winter Park and snowmobiling were made for each other. Even if you’re not sure you’ll like it, take a quick 1 hour guided tour and find out. It’s long enough to get a feel for it and not too long to suffer if you hate it.

Another option is a 2 hour tour to the Continental Divide. Absolutely awesome views at 12,000 feet, as well as untracked powderfields just for you.

Sometimes we forget about all the really cool things there are to do right in our own home towns. Some of the best travel adventures I have are when I’m turning out of town visitors on to my turf, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

My town sits at the confluence of the the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers right along Interstate 70 at the western end of Glenwood Canyon. Without a doubt our most famous tourist attraction in the Glenwood Hot Springs, the largest natural hot springs pool in the entire world.

As a season pass holder and downtown resident, I appreciate being able to walk to the pool and enjoy it any time I’m sore from snowboarding or snow shoveling, need to get some exercise swimming laps, or just want to soak in the soothing waters and chat with friends. However, I often forget how lucky we are to have this renowned family attraction right here in town.

On any given day, you may meet people from down the valley, over the mountains and across the oceans. Tourists from all over the state, country and the world make our hot springs a stop in their travels. And I can indulge in it every day if I want to!

Is there something in your little corner of the world that people come from all over to see or do? If so,  take your family or friends out to enjoy it today!

Grand Junction is part farming town, part college town, part retiree haven and part headquarters for the gas industry. Every segment of it’s population thinks it suits their needs well. It’s the largest city within thousands of square miles and serves as the air travel, shopping and medical capital of the entire area.

For most west-bound tourists, this is where they get their car repaired, stock up on ice and supplies and get one last shopping mall fix or fine restaurant meal before heading out into the harsh desert. Among outdoor enthusiasts, it’s considered a jumping off point for adventures in southern Utah and southwestern Colorado, but you don’t really have to travel far from Grand Junction before you can enjoy some of the best outdoor recreation activities of their kind.

The first stop is a mere 7 miles west at Fruita, where even the most die-hard mountain biker will meet his or her match on the rocky Book Cliff Trails designed just for them in the desert northeast of town. The Fruita Fat Tire Festival attracts enthusiasts every Spring to celebrate in tribal fashion. Nearby Highline State Park is a good option for camping nearby.

Just a few miles further along Interstate 70, you’ll find Loma. This is the trailhead for the legendary Kokopelli Trail, which winds above the Colorado River canyons for 140 miles into Moab Utah.

Rafting through the desert canyons west of Grand Junction is an one of the must-dos for American river-runners. Those seeking a scenic float can spend 2-3 days lazing through Ruby and Horsethief Canyons, while paddlers seeking an adreline rush head straight for the challenging rapids of Westwater Canyon on the Utah side of the border.

These are just a few of the world class outside activities available nearby when you make Grand Junction your headquarters for exploring the landscape of western Colorado.

Okay, listen up. I’m only going to whisper this secret to you once, “Ruby Canyon and Horsethief Canyon”. This incredible float, just west of Grand Junction, Colorado is a rafting experience extrordinaire.

For 26 miles, the Colorado river slices through a dreamlike southwestern landscape of towering canyons and ageless black rock formations. Except during extreme spring run-off, the pace is lazy, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and play in the water.

No whitewater experience is necessary, but once you cast off, you’re committed to making the entire run. So, travel is self-contained and you must be prepared to deal with any problems that might arise along the way. By the time you drag yourself off the river 1-3 days later at Westwater Utah, you’ll already be planning your next trip.

If whitewater makes you wary, this is a great way to enjoy river running without suffering from adrenaline poisoning. See the BLM website for details and check with outfitters in Grand Junction or Fruita for help planning your adventure and getting set up with equipment and shuttles.

Step back in time a bit and consider taking the train to your next ski vacation. RMA Tours is offering great deals from Minneapolis or Chicago to ski destinations in Colorado and Montana – other departure cities are available, just give them a call or visit their website for details.

Enjoy a change of pace with RMA Tours’ Throw Momma on the Train mid-Season Amtrak ski train vacation special to Whitefish, Montana, home of Big Mountain Ski Resort. Starting at $669 per person (based on double occupancy) you will receive round trip coach rail fare to Whitefish, MT from Minneapolis or Chicago, transfers; 5 nights lodging, a 4 day lift ticket taxes ARE included in this price. Rates are good through March 25, 2007.

If you’ve always dreamed of taking a train trip but haven’t known how to approach booking one, let RMA Tours help you. Call them at 800-841-9800 or contact your travel agent.

It’ll be hard not to eat yourself into a coma, with eateries throughout the Mile High City offering multi-course dinners at the mile high price of $52.80 for two or $26.40 for one. (A mile is 5,280 feet – get it?)

This year, 140 restaurants of all kinds are particpating in the city-wide culinary celebration. You can see the list of participating Denver restaurants online, view them by neighborhood and even peruse the menus each offers for their feast.

Colorado is a premier whitewater rafting destination. The tumbling waters of the Arkansas, Poudre, San Juan, Eagle, Blue, Crystal, Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers are all stuff campfire stories are made of. But it’s not all whitewater.

There are many stretches of riffling river throughout the state to enjoy, as well. Day trips, overnights and multi-day runs ideal for ordinary river rats who want to pilot their own craft and immerse themselves in the great outdoors for relaxation instead of an adreline rush.

Nothing beats drifting through sky-high canyons with a cold drink, an old dog and a good friend. My favorite trip is one close to home. A 2-3 hour float I can take on a moment’s notice and shoehorn in between work and sundown on hot summer afternoons.

Grizzly to Two Rivers, aka Grizz, is the town run for Glenwood Springs – a 6 mile section of the Colorado River that winds through lower Glenwood Canyon. The put in is at the Grizzly Creek Recreation Area and the take out at Two Rivers Park. Both ends offer water, restrooms, parking and launches.

The river can be pretty scary for water wimps during the run-off, but if you don’t mind getting splashed, the icy wave trains are a thrill. By mid-June, it’s mostly riffles that can be negotiated in a PFD and an inner tube. Beaches and swimming holes abound and natural hot springs seep into the river as you approach Glenwood Springs.

Grizzly draws everyone with something that floats on scorching summer weekends, it’s heavily used by the many commercial rafting companies from Aspen to Vail, and it’s sandwiched between a busy Interstate highway and a railroad track. But don’t let any of that deter you. As soon as you hit the water, your attitude will ease, your stress will soften and you’ll feel like one of the lucky ones. Raft on!

See Colorado River Rafting in Grand Junction, too.

This national network of ezines is geared to specific geographic areas. I find our local edition, which covers the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado, gives interesting, accurate, up-to-date information about things to do with children in our area.

If you ‘re visiting Aspen, Glenwood Springs or any place in between, be sure to take advantage of the “local knowledge” they offer at Mountain Parent

When planning a family vacation getaway, the choices can be overwhelming. What should you do? Where should you go? To make life easier, these questions should be answered before you start planning. Let’s take a few minutes and help you answer these questions before you get started with the planning.

What Should You Do?
How does skiing fresh powder of Vail’s Blue Sky Basin, or relaxing in the white sand of Hawaii’s beaches and hitting a hole in one at one of Hilton Head’s many golf courses sound to you? Ski, beach and golf vacations are great choices for families. Keep in mind, no matter what type of vacation you choose – there are many Vail Resort Lodging and Hilton Head Island Golf packages to choose from.