If you visit Colorado in the winter, chances are you are going to enjoy the slopes,. The resorts in this neck of the woods are world famous and the names slide off the tongue. Vail, Aspen/Snowmass, Telluride, Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain and Beaver Creek are just a few of those places. If, like me, you enjoy the seasons, love a snow scene, but you don’t ski – what then?  Well, I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Northern Colorado to find out and I started at the mile high city of Denver where I have been many times but always in the summer months. There is no doubting where you have landed as you come out of DIA in the winter. Chances are the ground will be covered in snow, the sky will be blue, the temperature will be low and the view of the distant rocky mountains one to revere. The walk from the terminal to the metro train is but a few yards but in that time, you immediately get a sense of what is to come – cold, fresh, exhilaration. I stayed at the brand-new Rally Hotel that overlooks McGregor Square with its giant TV screens showing sport from around the world. Rooms, service and the all-important Wi-Fi are all marked with the highest of grades. The hotel was walking distance from the rail station and adjacent to virtually all the downtown areas including all three of the major sports franchises – Nuggets for Basketball, Broncos for American Football (slightly longer walk) and Avalanche for Ice Hockey. Just around the corner is Coors Field which is home to the Colorado Rockies Baseball team but this activity doesn’t begin until late March/early April. I was fortunate to get a ticket for a Nuggets game. It’s a different experience altogether from European sport. Tickets are available especially if you book in advance. Festivals and events figure highly in the Denver winter schedule and a few days before I arrived in early January, the National Western Stock Show, which features rodeos, livestock shows, and exhibitions took place. Think traditional Western movies, cattle, drovers and stockmen, all in a modern city downtown area. Colorado is definitely more cowboy than one would first imagine. I did however catch the Blossoms of Light Festival right in the centre of the city. It seems that almost anywhere in the US the Christmas Light season is one that basically starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues right until the end of January.  When you have invested as much as the light fairies in Denver have why not? The illuminations are spectacular and if you have lost the spirit of festive time this will go some way to getting it back. If he hadn’t gone back to the North Pole, you would fully expect St Nicholas to be in attendance. Denver is home to several world-class museums, including the Denver Art Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Visitors can also explore the city's historic neighbourhoods, such as LoDo (Lower Downtown), Capitol Hill and the more modern area of RINO (River North) where all the cool cats hang out. For an overview of the city, its attractions, its neighbourhoods, its history and its culture I would highly recommend an E-Tuk tour. The guides are on the ball, informative and amusing. In winter dress warm and make full use of the blankets on offer to cover your legs as it can get chilly. For your Colorado winter extravaganza Denver is the ideal starting place.

  Kent Anderson of Kirk Mountain Adventures in Estes Park talks to Graham McKenzie about the Rocky Mountain National Park in Winter.  

 

Colorado is a destination filled with vast natural spaces, outdoor recreation and breathtaking landscapes but it’s also a destination for unique experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. 

 

As we head into the New Year, it’s time to start thinking about bucket list trips and for inspiration, below are some of Colorado’s most unique festivals. 

  SkiJoring & Crystal Carnival, Leadville (3-5 March)   Why not try something different this new year? Experience a fearless skier navigating through an obstacle course connected by a tow rope to a horse and rider galloping at top speed. The once in a lifetime viewing takes place in the middle of snowy Leadville with heaps of winter activities going on in conjunction, including a seasonal carnival, paintballing, a winter race extravaganza with mountain biking and skiing, dancing and much more.   2023 Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival (3 June)   Experience the authentic, local flavours of Colorado with Manitou Springs Colorado Wine Festival next summer. Highlighting the versatility of the state’s wine-making industry, the flavoursome festival sees the very best of over 30 local wineries. Sip wine in the sun, sample food and indulge in the mountain scenery surrounding Manitou’s idyllic downtown.   75th anniversary of Whitewater festival, FIBArk (15-18 June)   For adrenaline-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, FIBArk (First in Boating on the Arkansas) is a must. Marking its 75th anniversary in 2023, FIBArk is the nation’s oldest Whitewater festival and Salida’s signature event. A tradition since 1949, the exciting event draws kayakers, stand-up paddlers and rafters to compete and play in the mighty Arkansas River. While Whitewater is the draw, the city of Salida also showcases a variety of local colours with live music and costumed bike competitors, as well as a parade and races on foot.   Hot Air Balloon Festival (5-7 August)   With so much natural beauty, Colorado is a destination that should be seen from the skies, and everyone who takes part in Craig’s Hot Air Balloon Festival gets that luxury. With a colourful ascension scheduled each morning, hot air balloons dip and soar over lakes with magical mountainous views as the backdrop. Saturday boasts a full day of entertainment and activities in Loudy-Simpson Park, including a classic car show, a cardboard boat regatta and bouncy castles. Music can be found playing all day long.   Telluride Jazz Festival (12 - 14 August)   Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado host the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three-day and night music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest pristine natural landscape aesthetics with boundless creativity, accompanied by a once-in-a lifetime soundtrack, provided by acclaimed artists. The towering mountain peaks and glowing aspen trees that dot the hillsides provide the perfect amphitheatre for music to resonate through the mountain canyon. Providing a sample of Colorado’s renowned craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.

Colorado skiing is always a top pick for snowsports enthusiasts. Avid skiers flock to the destination for a winter to remember, with 26 ski resorts. As the 2022/23 ski season begins, we look to the best ski experiences this winter.   Resorts   Keystone Resort A true winter wonderland, Keystone Resort boasts more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across three peaks. Kicking of the Colorado ski season, activities include night skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides and more. With the Kids Ski Free program, children 12 and under can ski and ride for free every day all season long. Not only this, but the popular Outpost Restaurant has also received a 6,000 square feet expansion.   Ski in spring at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area Among one of the first to open this season, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area will operate seven days a week and as the longest ski and ride season, it is expected to run until June. The resort will provide skiing and riding from mid-mountain to the base whilst the Black Mountain Express Lift will serve High Noon, an intermediate run. Newness includes a second high speed lift and the Kids Club Arapahoe group ski program returns.   Luxury at Aspen Snowmass Gearing up for another ski season, Aspen Snowmass hosts World Cup racing on Aspen Mountain. The $23 million renovation of Buttermilk sees a reworked base area complete with a new 9,000 sq.ft electric skier services building, a new Mountain Lodge eatery, and an expanded bar and outdoor patio.   Discover a love for skiing in Loveland Just 53 miles west of Denver, Loveland boasts 1,800 acres of terrain, and free snowcat skiing along the Continental Divide. With an extensive list of dining options and busy events calendar, Loveland is the perfect holiday destination this winter.   Snowy celebrations in Steamboat In January 2023, Steamboat will celebrate its 60-year anniversary. The popular resort is known for its western heritage and is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation. Winter 2022/23 will see the opening of the lower leg of the new Wild Blue Gondola (the longest gondola in North America) and base area improvements including a new ice-skating rink and food and drink hall.   Events   Telluride Gay Ski Week (25 February 25 - 4 March 4 2023) Taking place next February, the LGBTQ+ winter celebration in partnership with Telluride AIDS Benefit features an extensive list of events, including performers, comedians, fashion pop-ups, glitzy parties and more. Home to more than just skiing, the slopes will host on-mountain festivities with highlights including a (skiing)Drag Race Contest.   For more information, visit: colorado.com

"It's all about the recovery", says Tim. Learn about how they are adjusting their strategy and what kind of international visitors they are targeting (i.e. UK) for their vast inventory of offerings. And, the latest ways they are enhancing their sustainability strategy.

Whether it's witnessing the Denver Broncos in the NFL or seeing a basketball game at the iconic Ball Arena in Downtown Denver, sports fans are spoiled for choice in the centennial state.  With the upcoming Denver Broncos vs Jacksonville Jaguars NFL game taking place at London's very own Wembley Stadium (30 October), we've handpicked some of the best sporting activities Colorado has to offer. American Football  American football is a religion in Colorado, and with a team like the Denver Broncos it's easy to see why. Winning a total of three Super Bowls, Broncos are a primary tenant at the impressive Empower Field at Mile High. On game days, the city can be found sporting the team's trademark orange, blue and white colours whilst creating an amazing atmosphere in support of the talented team. The season runs from September to January, visitors are recommended to book tickets in advance. Hockey  For fans of hockey, September to June is a great time to visit Colorado and see its professional hockey team in action. National Hockey League team Colorado Avalanche plays in the Ball Arena, Denver with over 40 home games each season, so travellers will have every opportunity to experience an exciting game. Basketball Established in 1967, the Denver Nuggets are Colorado's NBA team. It plays from October through April, with almost 100 games home and away. Home games are held at the Ball Arena in Downtown Denver which they share with Colorado Avalanche Hockey (NHL) and the Colorado Mammoth Lacrosse (NLL), both of which are owned Stan Kroenke.   Ski and Snowboarding Up and down the state, skiing and snowboarding is a way of life for many locals. Colorado is a source of inspiration for even the most avid of skiers - whether it's upscale Aspen or Vail. The ski season usually runs October to April offering visitors the chance to combine city and ski. Golf  With award-winning courses designed by the biggest names in the game scattered around the state, Golf is a sport that is taken seriously in Colorado. Catering to any level, nowhere else provides as much scenic variety. From beautiful mountain views to original links courses, the state's elevation and terrain make for challenging golf. Travellers can even make the most of both golf and skiing in the San Juan Mountains at Telluride Ski and Golf Resort which offer views of towering peaks and natural greenery. Or make the most of a stay at the iconic The Broadmoor with a game on one of its three golf courses. Places to visit  Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver A free museum honouring sports legends from the centennial state, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame sees the state's finest athletes, coaches and sports leaders selected and included in the hall of fame. From world-famous to lesser known athletes in sports ranging from football to track and field to fencing, the exhibition highlights the very best. Fans can also tour the famed Emperor Field at Mile High field with tours lasting 75 minutes. For more information visit: www.colorado.com.

  Summer may have drawn to a close but autumn offers one of the best times to visit Colorado. Boasting fun activities for all the family, from arts and culture to food festivals and skiing, below are the must visits this season.   Festivals & Events   Pueblo’s Chile & Frijoles Festival, Pueblo (23-25 September)   Foodies should head south of Denver this autumn where they can celebrate Pueblo’s harvest of its most-loved crop, the Pueblo green chili, at the Chile & Frijoles Festival. A true feast, the festival will include cooking demonstrations, musical performances, frijole-spitting and jalapeño-eating contests. Visitors can also take home fresh green chiles so they can cook up a storm at home.   Breckenridge Oktoberfest, Breckenridge (23-25 September)   Returning to its original celebration for the first time since the pandemic, Oktoberfest is coming back bigger and better than ever. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best Bavarian attire and enjoy a stein or three. Breckenridge Oktoberfest will have a full-blown street party with live music, food vendors and many cheers.   Elk Fest, Estes Park (1-2 October)   Each October in Estes Park, bull elk gather to show off for the females during the start of rutting (breeding) season. At Elk Fest, visitors can learn about the animals behaviour whilst observing them in their natural habitat. Onlookers can expect live music, performances, and can even participate in a bugling contest. For those wanting to learn the ins and outs of the beautiful beasts, The YMCA of The Rockies is offering an Elk Ecology Class where participants can enjoy hands-on activities to learn about their biology, herding dynamics and habitat requirements for survival and seasonal behaviour changes.   Tarantula Fest, La Junta (8 October)   Every autumn, herds of tarantulas scurry across the open landscape in La Junta and southeast Colorado. Whilst this has traditionally been seen as migration, it’s in fact an annual mating ritual performed by male tarantulas who roam across 443,000 acres on the Comanche National Grassland. Once temperatures start to cool, the mating season begins. In celebration, the first annual Tarantula Fest will be held in La Junta and include guided tarantula tours, an educational pavilion and much more.   Denver Arts Week (4-12 November)   With hundreds of events around the Mile High City, Denver Arts Week will show off one of the world’s most vibrant arts scenes. Explore vibrant art districts, outdoor sculpture displays, performing arts shows, literary events and art sales. One of the week’s main highlights is Saturday Night at the Museums on 5th November, when many of the city’s top cultural institutions will be open for free from 5-10pm, a great opportunity for culture vultures to get their art fix.   Ski News   Season opening dates   Colorado’s popular ski destinations have announced dates for the upcoming season, starting with Keystone’s kick off in October. On 11th November, both Breckenridge and Vail will follow before Winter Park opens on 16th November. Beaver Creek, Steamboat and Crested Butte will open on 23rd November, with Aspen Snowmass to follow on 24th November.   Keystone Resort   A true winter wonderland, Keystone Resort boasts more than 3,000 acres of skiable terrain across three peaks a stone's throw away from Denver. Kicking of the Colorado ski season this October, activities include night skiing, snow tubing, ice skating, sleigh rides and more. With the Kids Ski Free programme, children 12 and under can ski and ride for free every day all season long when just two or more nights of accommodation is booked. Not only this, but the popular Outpost Restaurant has also received a 6,000 square feet expansion, adding 300 more guest seats indoors and 75 outside.   Steamboat   In January 2023, Steamboat in Colorado will celebrate its 60 year anniversary. The popular resort is known for its western heritage and is currently undergoing a $200 million renovation which will see modernisation on the mountain and in the resort’s base area. Winter 22/23 will see the opening of the lower leg of the new Wild Blue Gondola (the longest gondola in North America and the fastest 10 person gondola in the country) and base area improvements including a new ice skating rink and food and drink hall.   Aspen Snowmass   Gearing up for another ski season, Aspen Snowmass plans to come back with a bang with exciting events including the return of World Cup racing on Aspen Mountain and new major developments including a revamped Buttermilk base area. A $23 million renovation, Buttermilk will see a reworked base area complete with a new 9,000 sq.ft electric skier services building, a new Mountain Lodge eatery, and an expanded bar and outdoor patio named The Backyard.   Hotel Openings & Refurbishments   A-Frame Club, Winter Park - opening autumn   The much-anticipated A-Frame Club, a new hotel in Winter Park, is set to open its doors this autumn in time for the 22/23 winter season. Comprising 31 cabins, the design is inspired by 1970s American ski culture paired with modern amenities, including an Onsen-style bath, cosy fireplace and outside deck. Beyond A-Frame Club, visitors to Winter Park can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and more. Exact opening date TBA.   The Western Hotel, Ouray - reopening autumn   Originally built in 1891, The Western Hotel has undergone an extensive renovation to enhance its amenities whilst paying homage to its history and authentic design. In addition to 16 beautifully designed guest rooms, the property will feature a saloon bar and restaurant, general store and spa comprising hot and cold plunge pools and treatment rooms. Exact opening date TBA.

Colorado prides itself on farm-to-table cuisine, with many of its restaurants serving up tasty dishes using the freshest, local produce. Food, drink and community are at the heart of Coloradan culture and they are always eager to show travelers what great food means to them. Take an epicurean adventure through the tastes and flavors of Colorado this summer.   Rocky Mountain Food Tours, Colorado Springs  Rocky Mountain Food Tours in Colorado Springs invites foodies to sample authentic flavors and discover why the city is a gastronomy hotspot. There are three tours to choose from, the most popular of which is The Original Colorado Springs Tour, where guests get to enjoy dishes from five different restaurants and learn about the region’s rich history. Travelers get a behind-the-scenes look into the popular culinary scene downtown.   Beer and Bike Tours, Fort Collins Cruise from one craft brewery to another on two wheels with the Fort Collins Brew Cruise. Beginning at the Troubadour Malt House, the tour lasts around four hours and visits three different local breweries, with the itinerary tailored to each group. Riders will journey e through the picturesque streets of Fort Collins, learning about the city’s history, cycling culture and craft brewing industry. Fort Collins is renowned for its craft beer; the city is home to more than 20 craft breweries including one of the largest brewers in the US, New Belgium Brewing Co.   Delicious Denver Food Tours, Denver Offering an introduction to Denver's dynamic food scene, Delicious Denver Food Tours are perfect for those who love both gastronomy and city life. Explore the Mile Hile City’s foodie scene with a knowledgeable guide, who will offer a glimpse into the award-winning local restaurants. Taste delicious dishes such as Neapolitan pizza and Colorado green chile on the Downtown Denver Food Tour or Mexican street tacos and banana nutella empanadas on the RiNo Arts District Food Tour. Each provides an authentic Denver experience, mixing both high culture and street food, as well as showcasing history, street art, and things to do in the surrounding areas.   Festivals  Vail Wine Classic, Vail (11-13 August)  The Vail mountains are calling wine enthusiasts this August at the Vail Wine Classic. Across three days, winemakers are on hand to meet and greet wine lovers, whilst guests can attend educational seminars, enjoy paired dinners, and sample wines from around the world. The two Grand Tasting events are highlights and feature an impressive selection of local and international wines, alongside premium beer and craft cocktails   Palisade Peach Festival, Palisade (11-13 August) Life’s a peach at Palisade’s annual Peach Festival. Taking place 11-13 August, guests experience Palisade peaches at their finest during the 53rd annual celebration. The peach party is a chance for farmers, families and businesses to share their famous fruits with the rest of the world. Guests can expect the crowning of the 2022 Peach Queen and Court, live music and dancing, drink vendors and food trucks. There are also family-friendly games and the famous BBQ throwdown and peach eating contests.   Taste of Colorado, Denver (3-5 September) Across Labor Day weekend (3-5 September), one of Colorado’s most popular festivals takes place in Denver’s Civic Center Park to bid farewell to summer. Taste of Colorado hosts thousands of guests with distinctive Colorado dishes created by talented local chefs. Tour the state’s menus with samples from over 50 restaurants, dance to live music, and shop artisan crafts, homewares and jewellery from 50 market traders. .   For more information: www.colorado.com

  Tours    Rocky Mountain Food Tours, Colorado Springs    Rocky Mountain Food Tours in Colorado Springs invites travellers to taste authentic flavours and discover why the city is a gastronomy hotspot. There are three tours to choose from, the most popular of which is The Original Colorado Springs Tour, where guests get to enjoy dishes from five different restaurants and learn about the region’s rich history. Travellers will get a behind-the-scenes look into the popular culinary scene downtown, whilst seeing it from a locals perspective. Prices start from £53 per person.    Beer and Bike Tours, Fort Collins   Cruise from one craft brewery to another on two wheels with the Fort Collins Brew Cruise. Beginning at the Troubadour Malt House, the tour lasts around four hours and visits three different local breweries, with the itinerary tailored to each group Riders will journey e through the picturesque streets of Fort Collins, learning about the city’s history, cycling culture and craft brewing industry along the way. Fort Collins is renowned for its craft beer; the city is home to more than 20 craft breweries including one of the largest brewers in the US, New Belgium Brewing Co. Prices start from £67 per person.    Delicious Denver Food Tours, Denver   Offering travellers an introduction to Denver's dynamic food scene, Delicious Denver Food Tours are perfect for those who love both gastronomy and city life. Explore the Mile Hile City’s foodie scene with a knowledgeable guide, who will offer a glimpse into the award-winning local restaurants. Taste delicious dishes such as Neapolitan pizza and Colorado green chile on the Downtown Denver Food Tour or Mexican street tacos and banana nutella empanadas on the RiNo Arts District Food Tour. Each expedition ensures to provide an overarching Denver experience, mixing both high culture and street food, as well as teach travellers about history, street art, and things to do in the surrounding areas. Prices start from £58 per person.    Festivals    Vail Wine Classic, Vail (11-13 August)    The Vail mountains are calling wine enthusiasts this August at the Vail Wine Classic. Across three days, winemakers are on hand to meet and greet wine lovers, whilst guests can attend educational seminars, enjoy paired dinners, and sample wines from around the world. The two Grand Tasting events are highlights of the festival and feature an impressive selection of local and international wines, alongside premium beer and craft cocktails. Live music and small bites ensure this outdoor experience has an atmosphere to be remembered. Tickets start from £99 per person.    Palisade Peach Festival, Palisade (11-13 August)   Lifes a peach at Palisade’s annual Peach Festival. Taking place 11-13 August, guests can experience Palisade peaches at their finest during its 53rd annual celebration. The peach party is a chance for farmers, families and businesses to share their famous fruits with the rest of the world. Guests can expect the crowning of the 2022 Peach Queen and Court, live music and dancing, drink vendors and food trucks, as well as family-friendly games and the famous BBQ throwdown and peach eating contests. A family pass for the full weekend costs £21.   Taste of Colorado, Denver (3-5 September)   Across Labor Day weekend (3-5 September), one of Colorado’s most popular festivals takes place in Denver’s Civic Center Park to bid a farewell to summer. Taste of Colorado hosts thousands of guests to savour distinctive Colorado dishes created by talented local chefs. Tour the state’s menus with samples from over 50 restaurants, dance to live music spanning different genres across six stages, and shop artisan crafts, homeware and jewellery from 50 market traders. Entry is free.

During this episode of VYTS's Expert Panel join TravelMole’s Graham McKenzie as we talk about the wide-open spaces of beautiful Colorado. Most are familiar with the world-famous Rocky Mountains, and the Colorado River – unbeatable for experiences in hiking, camping, skiing, and white-water rafting. Learn more about some of the pearls of the tourism industry, like Durango, and Fort Collins. From high mountainous adventures to flatland wilderness exploration, and even sand dunes and scenic highway - get a Rocky Mountain high at Rocky Mountain National Park – which is only an hour drive from popular Fort Collins, Colorado. Special guest speakers include Liz Bertel (from the Colorado Tourism Office), Percy Stevens from Durango, and a special friend of mine, Kate Schneider, from Fort Collins, Colorado. [embed]https://youtu.be/z3SRdsF7DkM[/embed]

Summer is officially here and it’s time to get back outdoors. From Jazz festivals in majestic canyons and ziplining, explorers can count on Colorado for adventure in scenic settings.   Outdoor recreation Soaring Tree Top Adventures opens for its 18th season The largest and safest zip line canopy tour course has returned for its 18th season. Soaring Tree Top Adventures is once again allowing guests to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the tree canopy of the breathtaking Durango Mountains. It spans 27 zip lines, which are accessible for all ages. With no road access to the remote area, guests travel via the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad.   The Highway to the Sky reopens Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, otherwise known as the Highway to the Sky, is now officially open for the summer. Encompassing 48 miles of winding roads through the Rocky Mountains, the drive curves above the trees and reaches heights of 12,183 feet. There are many viewpoints along the trail which offer breathtaking scenery. Travellers must book a timed permit in advance to access the park.   Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park introduces new attraction this summer (date TBC) Coming this summer, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is unveiling its newest attraction, Defiance. The one-of-a-kind roller coaster is a 56 second rocky mountain adventure like no other. Defiance defies odds with a 110-feet record breaking fall drop. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located above Glenwood Springs and is known as America’s only mountain-top theme park.   Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park reopens this July (1 July) After a redevelopment, tours will resume at the historical Cliff Palace from 1 July. The archaeological wonder is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park and is crafted of wooden beams, sandstone and mortar. With over 700 years of history and preservation, it has over 150 individual rooms and more than 20 kivas (spaces for religious rituals). It is said the Palace once had a population of 100 people.   Royal Gorge Bridge & Park With magical mountain views and a wealth of history, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must for every thrill-seeker's bucket list. Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, guests can fly 1,200 feet above the canyon on the Cloudscraper Zip Line.   Festivals & events  Bravo! Vail Music Festival returns for its 35th season Returning for its 35th season, Bravo! Vail Music Festival will take over Vail Valley with the world’s greatest orchestras. Performances will be seen from the talented Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic as well as more than 60 concerts during the six-week classical music festival.   Denver PrideFest Across a two day celebration, Denver PrideFest encourages love from all walks of life. The weekend begins with a Pride dedicated 5K where participants can walk, run, or sashay their way to the finish line. The celebration continues at Civic Center Park, which includes over 250 exhibitors, 30 food and beverage stalls and live performances. On the final day the streets are filled with colourful floats and music.   Meow Wolf relocates VORTEX festival to Denver for 2022 VORTEX, an outdoor immersive music festival from Meow Wolf, will take place in Denver for the first time this summer. Originally started in Taos, New Mexico, VORTEX will take place 5-7 August in a yet to be announced Denver location, and will see well-known EDM artists, including Duke Dumont, take to the stage.   Telluride Jazz Festival Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado hosts the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three day music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest natural landscapes with boundless creativity by acclaimed artists. For more information, visit www.colorado.com 

  Summer is officially here so it’s time to get back outdoors. From Jazz festivals in majestic canyons to ziplining at record heights, sophisticated explorers can count on Colorado for unforgettable experiences in perfect, scenic settings.   Outdoor recreation   Soaring Tree Top Adventures opens for its 18th season   The largest and safest zip line canopy tour course has returned for its 18th season. Soaring Tree Top Adventures is once again gracing the skies and allowing guests to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure in the tree canopy of the breathtaking Durango Mountains. An all-day ecological adventure tour that spans across 27 zip lines, which are accessible for all ages, the unique adventure can be found in the heart of the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. With no road access to the remote area, guests travel via the historic Durango & Silverton Railroad in the Soaring First Class train cars.   The Highway to the Sky reopens for the summer season    Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, otherwise known as the Highway to the Sky, is now officially open for the summer. Encompassing 48 miles of winding roads through the Rocky Mountains, the drive curves above the trees and reaches heights of 12,183 feet. There are many viewpoints along the trail which offer breathtaking scenery such as the Rainbow Curve, which is a hot spot for rainbows and found 10,829 feet above sea level, and the Forest Canyon Overlook, which stands at 11,716 feet. Travellers must book a timed permit in advance to access the park from 5am-6pm to 9am-3pm depending on their entry route.   Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park introduces new attraction this summer (date TBC)   Coming this summer, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is unveiling its newest attraction, Defiance. The one-of-a-kind roller coaster has thrills at its core and is a 56 second rocky mountain adventure like no other. Defiance defies odds with a 110-foot record breaking fall drop. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located above Glenwood Springs and is known as America’s only mountain-top theme park.   Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park reopens this July (1 July)   After a redevelopment, tours will resume at the historical Cliff Palace from 1 July. The archaeological wonder is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde National Park and is crafted of wooden beams, sandstone and mortar. With over 700 years of history and preservation, the establishment has over 150 individual rooms and more than 20 kivas (spaces for religious rituals). It is said the Palace once had a population of 100 people. It’s a must visit for history lovers who enjoy the outdoors.   Royal Gorge Bridge & Park   With magical mountain views, heart-pumping thrills and a wealth of history, Royal Gorge Bridge & Park is a must for every thrill-seeker's bucket list. Home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges and the majestic Royal Gorge which stands 956 feet above the Arkansas River, guests can fly 1,200 feet above the canyon on the Cloudscraper Zip Line, glide across in an aerial gondola, and explore the historical roots at the Plaza Theater.   Festivals & events    Juneteenth Music Festival, Denver (17-19 June)   This historic and iconic festival returns to Denver’s Five Points neighbourhood for another exciting year of live performances, art stalls, and authentic food and drink. Attendees of Juneteenth Music Festival can also witness the interactive and educational programming at the acclaimed African American cultural institutions and landmarks in the area.   Bravo! Vail Music Festival returns for its 35th season (23 June - 4 August)   Returning for its 35th season, Bravo! Vail Music Festival will take over Vail Valley with the world’s greatest orchestras. Performances will be seen from the talented Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic as well as more than 60 concerts during the six-week classical music festival.   Denver PrideFest (25-26 June)   Across a two day celebration, Denver PrideFest encourages love from all walks of life. The weekend begins with a Pride dedicated 5K where participants can walk, run, or sashay their way to the finish line. The celebration continues at Civic Center Park, which includes over 250 exhibitors, 30 food and beverage stalls and live performances to set the tone. On the final day the streets are filled with colourful floats and music in an honorary pride parade.   Meow Wolf relocates VORTEX festival to Denver for 2022 (5-7 August)   VORTEX, an outdoor immersive music festival from Meow Wolf, will take place in Denver for the first time this summer. Originally started in Taos, New Mexico, VORTEX will take place 5-7 August in a yet to be announced Denver location, and will see well-known EDM artists, including Duke Dumont, take to the stage. There will also be signature art installations and delicious food and drink offerings.   Telluride Jazz Festival (12-14 August)   Nestled at the base of a majestic canyon, and surrounded by waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado hosts the Telluride Jazz Festival, a three day and night music event centred around jazz. The annual event combines the finest natural landscapes with boundless creativity, accompanied by a once-in-a lifetime soundtrack, provided by acclaimed artists. Providing a sample of the state's craftsmanship, amenities include food vendors, craft brews and cocktails.   Getting there    British Airways flies direct from London to Denver every day from £576 return in the summer. United Airlines runs a double daily flight from London Heathrow to Denver International Airport.