Whether you travel internationally or within the states, we all explore to find our favorite spots.
One of my favorite states is Colorado. What’s not to love? Colorado is a wonderful, laid back, restful, beautiful, fun, majestic place.
I would have to say April to October is my favorite. If I were an avid snow skier I could live in Colorado, but since I am not and am not a lover of cold temperatures, I can say it is one of my top 5 favorite places in the spring, summer and fall.
There are so many fun and endless outdoor activities in Colorado: biking, climbing, hiking, exploring Jeep trails, water sports: canoeing/kayaking/paddle boarding, rafting, tubing, (just to name a few), fishing, and the list goes on and on and on.
Biking around Lake Dillon
It is an athletic adventurer’s paradise. I don’t think I could ever get bored in Colorado.
Kayaking in Salida, CO
Last time I was in Colorado I was able to visit many places. I spent time in Keystone, Dillon, Breckenridge, Vail, Canon City, Salida, Cripple Creek, Durango, Estes Park, Aspen, and many other fun spots in Colorado. If looking for fun things to do in the surrounding areas, keep reading. I personally like to explore each town’s downtown in my down time after a day of bicycling or kayaking. I like to check out a bar or bistro and the nightlife.
I spent a week riding from Keystone to Pagosa Springs, Durango, Ouray, Telluride, Gunnison and back to Keystone. There is an unlimited amount of things to do and see. Each town has fun shops, bars and restaurants and the photo opportunities are endless.
Wine and Jazz Festival – Keystone, CO
Friday Funday – Band playing on top of Dercum Mountain at Keystone.
Beautiful scenic overlook of Dillon Lake
In Pagosa Springs, I would recommend going to The Springs. You can soak in over 20 mineral hot springs overlooking the beautiful San Juan River.
The Springs Resort offers many soaking tubs to choose from. Varying temperatures, ranging from 86-117 degrees, to ensure you will find the right comfort level for you. You can make a day of it. Soak in the many different pools or you can raft down and around the San Juan River. Their downtown is very quaint as well. They have nice shopping, restaurants and bars right along the river. It is a fun place to stay. I’d say a major highlight is floating/tubing down the San Juan. It is a lot of fun.
Pagosa Springs. A view of The Springs right on The San Juan River.
Durango is an awesome college town that has so much to offer. It is so close to so many wonderful places: 4 corners and Monument Valley, just to name a couple. I would recommend going to both of those places and walking around downtown Durango. There are a lot of great shops, restaurants and art galleries. There are so many good restaurants to choose from, my local favorites are Ken and Sue’s for a truly wonderful dining experience and for a more casual fun spot I like Steamworks Brewing Company.
Take a day ride to Silverton, Ouray and Telluride. The drive is amazing, and each town has a lot to offer: sight seeing, shopping, bars and restaurants and just taking in the great scenery and views. Great places to take lots of pictures.
The Silverton Train dropping off and picking up passengers. Always a fun time.
How about going to Estes Park. Where do I begin. Going along the winding roads through Rocky Mountain National Park is breathtaking. You can stop and enjoy the views, take lots of pictures and take in the majestic sights every so often. It is a magical place. You’ll be sure to see wildlife at every visit.
I love this picture of an artist capturing his take on the wonders around him at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Artist getting some inspiration at Rocky Mountain National Park
Once you get to the town of Estes Park there is also a lot to do and see. They have a great downtown of shopping, galleries, restaurants and more.
Make sure you visit The Stanley Hotel. It is famously known for being the inspiration for the movie The Shining. It’s been said to be haunted. But the hotel itself, the grounds and its surroundings are beautiful. The views are picturesque and it is a popular spot for a destination wedding.
The Famous Stanley Hotel
A Beautiful Spot on the grounds of The Stanley Hotel
Look at this view. A Day To Remember.
The town of Estes Park has a cool downtown with lots of shops, restaurants and galleries as well. Make sure you check it out.
