Enjoying Colorado

With its fascinating history, gorgeous landscapes, striking mountains, popular ski slopes, shopping areas, and children's activities, Colorado is a popular tourist destination.

Colorado has a number of airports that handle a high number of tourists every year.

Alamosa/San Luis Regional Airport

Aspen/Pitkin County Airport

Colorado Springs Airport

Cortez Municipal Airport

Denver International Airport

Durango/La Plata County Airport

Eagle County Regional Airport (Vail)

Fort Collins-Loveland

Gunnison County Regional Airport (Crested Butte)

Montrose Regional Airport

Pueblo Memorial Airport

Walker Field (Grand Junction)

Yampa Valley Regional Airport (Craig)Adventurous tourists can rent bikes and ride through much of Colorado. There are many state parks that offer campsites for little to no cost.
There are many popular regions or cities where tourists enjoy spending their vacation. Each city or area offers unique sights and sounds. If you can, try to hit a couple areas and enjoy the contrast between each.

Aspen
Situated in the northwestern region of Colorado, Aspen is a trendy tourist destination that draws in skiers during the winter. During the summer months, tourists flock to the area's hot springs, mountain trails, and splendid shopping.

If skiing is your ultimate goal, Aspen Mountain is the area for expert skiers. The slopes are steep and require skill. Buttermilk Mountain is suitable for skiers of all skill levels. The scenic Buttermilk Mountains are considered one of the prettier areas for skiing. Aspen Highlands is popular with the locals. There are steep trails, but also many trails for beginners.

Nature lovers will enjoy Grizzly Lake Trail. Grizzly Lake is accessible via a three-mile hiking trail and access is free. Cathedral Lake Trail is better for beginners who need easy hiking trails; all trails are free of charge. If you don't mind spending a few dollars, Maroon Bells is one of Colorado's biggest nature parks. There are hundreds of trails that lead up 14,000 foot mountain peaks.

Other area highlights include Independence Ghost Town, the town's population fled after a storm destroyed the roads. The Aspen Art Museum thrills art lovers of all ages. Additionally, a huge number of boutiques and shopping centers please those looking for treasures to bring home.

Hotels in Aspen range greatly in price. Aspen is a popular are for Hollywood's elite. St. Regis Resort in Aspen books up quickly and rooms often cost $1,000 per night or more. At $400 a night, The Little Nell is more affordable and still receives excellent reviews. Less expensive hotels average $150 to $200 per night, but most are rated no higher than two-stars.

Boulder
Home of the University of Colorado, Boulder is nearby the Rocky Mountain National Park and offers many activities for singles, couples, and families. There are many decent, affordable hotels that offer rooms.

Boulder Marriott's prices start at $200 a night. At $80 per night, the Best Western Golden Bluff is perfect for families. Couples looking for a romantic getaway will love St. Julien Hotel and Spa. Rooms at St. Julien start at $250 per night.

When in Boulder, the Pearl Street Mall is perfect for all ages. The mall covers four blocks and all streets included in the mall's area are for pedestrians only. There are many stores, children's play areas, boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and more.

Tea drinkers will want to tour Celestial Seasonings. Tours of the tea factory are free and held daily. Follow this tour with a visit to the Dushanbe Teahouse. The teahouse sets up memorable tea parties if requested in advance.

A number of area museums provide tourists with educational activities. The Fiske Planetarium teaches all about astronomy. The University of Colorado offers the Museum of Natural History at no cost though donations are accepted. The Boulder Museum of History is located in a French mansion. Inside are many period furnishings and clothing displays. The Museum of Contemporary Art is a favorite of both tourists and locals. An outdoor theater brings in a crowd in the summer months.

Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is the second largest city in Colorado and it is the largest city in the south central region. Situated at the foot of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is known for amazing scenery and activities that suit any need.

No trip to Colorado Springs is complete without taking the train up Pikes Peak. The train costs a maximum of $32 (2007 prices) for adults and $18 for children over two. Children under the age of two are free, but must be on the parent's lap for the entire ride.

Hikers will enjoy the Garden of the Gods. The park is filled with natural wonders, nature trails, and even an old-fashioned trading post. Also in the area are the Seven Falls. A huge waterfall cascades down a drop of 181 feet. Rocks break up the waterfall breaking it into seven unique sections.

The Ghost Town Museum brings tourists back to the days of old. Be sure to bring your camera as your tour the ghost town and its neighboring museum. Children will enjoy a trip to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Set in natural surroundings, the animals range from Kamodo dragons to elephants.

The Silverwood Hotel gets good reviews. With prices starting at $80 a night, they are a great choice. The Broadmoor is a favorite with many, but the higher price of $350 a night makes it better for couples versus families.

Denver
Less than 200 years ago, Denver became a bustling city thanks to the gold rush. Today, you can take in a baseball game at Mile High Stadium or do some shopping.

The Denver City Park teems with activity. The Denver Zoo, Colorado Museum of Natural History, and IMAX theater are all found within the park. You can stroll through the various gardens in between activities.

Do not miss Ocean Journey. This newer attraction travels through the aquatic life found in the Colorado River and the Indonesian River. Children also love the Children's Museum of Denver where all of the exhibits are hands on. As an educational side trip, contact your local senator or congressman before heading to Denver. Your local politician can arrange a private tour of the mint for your family.

Other highlights include the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Art Museum. End your evening with a stroll through the Botanical Gardens.
At $300 a night, the JW Marriott Denver is a favorite with couples. Couples also find the similarly priced Hyatt Regency to be a gem. Families enjoy the Hampton Inn and Suites that offers rooms for as low as $115 per night. At $135 per night, The Timbers is ranked one of the best hotels for singles.

Pueblo
As the largest city in the southeastern section of Colorado, Pueblo is a charming city for those who want to experience old-world charm with modern conveniences. Children love coming to Pueblo. The Pueblo Zoo is a key attraction with the younger crowd. It is not a large zoo, but there is an excellent sampling of animals to be seen.

Anyone with a fascination with historical homes will want to visit the Rosewood Museum. The museum is set in an 18^th century manor that houses over twenty rooms and period furnishings.

Hotels in Pueblo are far more inexpensive than in other areas. The highly rated Pueblo Marriott offers rooms for as low as $125 per night. The Best western Eagleridge starts at a meager $80 per night.