Talk to anybody about visiting Northern Colorado in the winter and they will assume you are going to wax your skis and start slaloming downhill. Is the area worth visiting if you do not ski? Well, our Graham McKenzie visited in January of this year and found plenty of reasons to vacation in the region including scenic beauty, amazing cloud formations, amazing activities, snow shoeing and horse riding in the Rockies, multiple festivals, fabulous food. including world famous cinnamon rolls, and of course, local beer   Why visit Colorado in Winter; Part 1 Snowy landscapes and The Shining: Colorado in the winter Horsing around in Loveland – a Colorado winter The good life in Fort Collins, Colorado        

By Graham McKenzie Winter in Colorado is just like a box of iced chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. The route from Estes Park to Loveland along the Big Thompson River drive (I-34) is a case in point. During the summer I am sure it is the prettiest of roads with lots of vantage points, stopping places, parks and charming coffee shops. In the depths of winter, it takes on a completely different character. With the steep valley escarpments covered in weeks of snowfall and frost you feel is if you are driving down an enormous bobsleigh run. Whilst the journey should only take about half an hour be prepared to extend your time of arrival as the temptation to stop every five minutes to take pictures is too difficult to resist. The enchanting nature of winter draws you in. I was, however, off to the warm welcome in Loveland, the epicentre of global romance which comes to a crescendo every February 14^th. The weeks leading up to this celebration are full of local festivals and happenings. One of the most popular is the Loveland Winter Wonder lights, which features thousands of twinkling lights, a giant Christmas tree, and festive events throughout an extended season from mid-November till the end of the year. The town however is not short of pretty lights, art, music, ice sculptures and food in a celebration of Love as Valentines Day arrives. For my first activity I did what most people do and went axe throwing.  Channelling my inner Grizzly Adams I took to it like a duck to the chopping board. My normal pinpoint accuracy on throwing things deserted me and I am afraid I took a few chunks out of the target surrounds but its fantastic fun and has the added benefit of an arm and shoulder work out. It was now time to chill, and I was about to become a true cowboy at the Sylvan Dale Ranch. Located a few minutes away from downtown, the working ranch offers accommodation in small self-contained cabins. These are no ordinary cabins though as they are exactly what you would imagine a little house on the prairie to look like. Separate bedroom, bathroom, front room with real fire (set for immediate use), sepia photographs adorn the walls along with other objet d’art of a bygone age. I was staying in the Annie Oakley suite, and I loved it. It was a bit chilly to enjoy the deck, but one could easily imagine sitting on it, cowboy booted feet up on the rail, enjoying a cup of coffee, tipping my hat, watching the sun go down and dreaming of a day of riding. Early next morning I was sitting astride my trusty steed Leo as a small group of us set off on a two-hour trek through the snow along narrow tracks and up to the ridge near Alexander Mountain.  This is only the second time I have ever been on a horse and the journey seemed to pass very quickly. The tranquillity, the nature, the conversation and the feeling, misdirected, that I had some control over where Leo went was quite frankly marvellous. It got even better when we reached the summit of the ridge, lit a fire and enjoyed cooking burgers in the open air. Does food taste better when cooked al fresco? You bet it does. A couple of hours after lunch we were back in the stables, and I was patting my horse farewell.  I was taking to the life of a cowboy like Leo took to his oats. Next up on a cowboy’s agenda was skeet shooting or, in English, clay pigeons. My renowned sharpshooter accuracy was restored after the axe shenanigans as one by one my competitors fell by the wayside. Shooting a moving clay from fifty yards while your fingers are like ice is an interesting challenge but one that I was up for as after the sixth round, victory was mine. Not quite a shootout at the OK Corral but a Skeet at Sylvan maintained my John Wayne persona for just a few more hours. The sun was dropping along with the temperature and it was time for John and Annie Oakley to be reunited with a roaring log fire, a fantastic meal provided by the chuckwagon (the very talented ranch chefs) and more dreams of the wild west. Loveland has a lot offer a cowboy or cowgirl whatever the season but in Winter it becomes that extra bit special. The sparkly lights stand out more and the warmth of a log fire is extra welcome. The outdoors is constantly surprising, the food is especially tasty and of course you have the knowledge that you are in the land of love.  

By Graham McKenzie Just ninety minutes from downtown Denver lies the town of Estes Park. Recognised as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park it has long held the reputation for a centre of activity, wildlife watching and stunning views. For somebody, like me, who loves adventure, snow, frosted trees, frozen lakes and the anticipation that something quite different is round the corner, it is a winter wonderland. First things first though; the drive from Denver to Estes Park is one that starts and ends with the constant reminder of how magnificent the Rocky Mountains are. They are at their spectacular best in the winter. When the sky is a deep blue, and the sun is high the terrain before you is magnetic in its quality. It’s the mainland equivalent of being at the seaside. Here watching the views roll in one after another is as hypnotic as watching waves cascade. Estes Park is a relatively small town and in the colder months not especially busy. Its easy to park, easy to get restaurant reservations and easy to find a good hotel. I stayed at the Taharaa Mountain Lodge which was friendly and comfortable but also has one of the towns leading restaurants, Twin Owls, on site. Taharaa is an Ute Native American word that means ‘Beautiful View’ and from my room, that had a small balcony overlooking the valleys that merge in Estes Park, it was an appropriate naming. My room also had fast Wi-Fi, coffee making facilities, every channel you could ever want, a very comfy bed plus a fireplace with real flames. If you don’t feel cosy in the Taharaa you have no chance. For the nephologists amongst you Colorado is a dream destination. The winds that are taken high over the Rocky Mountains create some of the most spectacular skies one could see, and lenticular clouds are quite common. The big-ticket item for me however was snow shoeing in the Rocky Mountains. This is not something I had done before and approaching the mountain staging post I was expecting to slip into a pair of comfy modified tennis racquets. This was not the case as modern snowshoes are oblong pieces of plastic with grips on the bottom and straps for your snow boots. Once I was fully equipped, off we went to the trail to begin the ascent. The temperature at this stage was around the -15c level but the trail was fairly clear with compacted snow. After about a mile I realised that the reason for lack of breath was the altitude as we were about two miles above sea level but the counter to this were the unbelievable views across the valleys. After and hour ascending we called it a day, but the descent was definitely a walk on the wild side as we went decidedly off piste. Bounding, if that’s the right term, through huge snow drifts, sliding on backsides, spotting wildlife, traversing frozen lakes and stopping to wonder at the beauty of it all.  The images will remain with me on what was a day never to be forgotten. Once back in the comfort of my hotel I had one last task to complete and that was to re-enact one of the most iconic and frightening horror movies of all time. Estes Park is home to the Stanley Hotel the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel The Shining.  Most evenings you can pay a small fee and take a tour of the hotel, find out about its history, which in itself is compelling, and how Stephen King came to stay there, get very drunk and have a nightmare which gave him the inspiration for this dark tale. All in all, Estes Park is an ideal destination if you like the thrill of winter in all its guises but don’t happen to ski.

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.

"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.

  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