Great Vacations in Colorado

Colorado is a beautiful state to visit and has many usual and unusual vacations spots for you and your family. You'll be sure to find many things to do in Colorado and it's even easy on your pocketbook.

Steamboat Springs:

Steamboat Springs is right in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and offers many enjoyable outdoor and indoor activities for you and your family. From kayaking to theatrical performances there is something for everyone. For those of you who worship the outdoors there is kayaking, fly fishing, golf, mountain biking, and so much more. Are you the culinary type or the cultural type? Attend a musical or theatrical performance or visit a genuine working ranch. There are many events designed specifically for kids, as well. Steamboat Springs is a wonderful year round adventure destination where you will always find something entertaining and interesting to do for everyone in the family.

Mesa Verde National Park:

Mesa Verde National Park is an amazing experience and the Four Corners region will leave you breathless. In one day you can drive through huge sandstone monoliths, red rock, or hike in an isolated canyon of which was the home of the Anasazi Indians. Mesa Verde is one of the largest archaeological preserves that protects the Anasazi ruins. There are over 15,000 archaeological sites in this region alone.

There are literally hundreds of caves high up in the rocky walls that are some of the largest and most preserved Indian Cliff dwellings in the world. Paved roads lead to many of the ruins that have been excavated and restored throughout the park. Make sure to go to Ruins Road where two six mile loops have breathless views of nearly forty cliff dwellings from the canyon rim. Rangers take you on guided walks through the ruins.

In a valley that is among mountains and sagebrush is the southwestern Colorado region where the Cortez Cultural Center lies that offers American Indian dance and many cultural programs in the performance plaza.

Make sure to bring your most comfortable shoes and sun hat as you step back in time to the backcountry in Mesa Verde National Park.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad:

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is that is known around the world. This train has played a major role in many movies over the years; it is train that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid rode in the film many years ago.

At the height of the gold rush, this railroad handled millions of dollars worth of gold and silver.

The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is powered by a steam locomotive that pulls its train through the beautiful San Juan National Forest. The locomotives are coal fired and steam operated, and are of 1923-1925 vintage, maintained as the originals were.

The ride will take you through 46 breathtaking miles starting at Durango and terminating at the old mining town of Silverton, which is a national historic landmark.

This is a wonderful trip for a family or for singles, and remains an inspiring part of American history.

Colorado Dude Ranches:

Looking for a unique, "working" vacation spot? How about heading to one of Colorado's dude ranches where you can experience the cowboy way of life. This is an escape from the daily stress of life as well as an adventure for you whole family to enjoy. You can truly experience the Wild West.

You can choose your kind of dude ranch from ones that resemble a luxurious resort to working cattle outfits. No matter which you pick you will be in the good hands of the staff of the dude ranches, each exuding the gentleman cowboy mentality.

There's horseback riding and cattle roundups for those of you who wish to truly experience the feel of the old west. Meals are served from covered chuck wagons and are cooked over an open fire just like the old days. You can hike, enjoy camp outs, fishing, biking, four wheeling, and swimming all safely overseen by your cowboy guides. Some ranches even offer tennis and golf for those of you who don't want to veer too far from city life.

You definitely won't be bored at these vacation spots. There are dude ranches all over Colorado for you to choose from. To find the dude ranch best for you visit the Colorado Dude Ranch Association at their web site.

White Water Rafting in Colorado:

Are you looking for an adventure in the pristine waters of Colorado? Then white water rafting is for you. As the snow melts on the warmer days, many visit Colorado for the real life roller coaster ride of white water river rafting. You don't have to be experienced to enjoy this fun vacation. From beginner to expert there are many places to experience white water rafting.

Just 30 minutes outside of Denver you will find Clear Creek, a narrow and steep whitewater adventure for the more experienced rafter. Here you will encounter a 1,300 drop in vertical feet over 30 major rapids.

Northwest of Fort Collins is the Poudre River, a wonderful place to begin whitewater rafting and get your bearings on this popular sport.

The Arkansas River offers rafting options from beginner to advanced expert. The advanced rapids are known as the "Gauntlet" and begin in the town of Granite as it quickly drops you to the Granite Gorge. There is over a hundred miles of whitewater rafting along the Arkansas River for all levels of rafters, and these are just a few of the many whitewater spots available in Colorado.

The roar of the river and the breathtaking views are alone worth the trip for the adventure seeker.

But when you consider this kind of vacation make sure that you do it properly by hiring a licensed rafting guide and obtaining the proper gear you may need. You'll want to prepare for any kind of whether and make sure you choose the river that best reflects your own skill level.

As you can see, Colorado has much to offer with its many scenic natural habitats and landscapes. This is truly the place to go for some nature-calling fun.

Sources:

http://www.coloradoadventure.net

http://gorp.away.com

http://www.coloradotravelexperience.com/