"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 

  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.

  With sustainability a key travel trend this year,  it’s never been more important for globetrotters to be mindful of their holidays and the impact they have on the world. Home to towering mountains, glistening lakes, beautiful forests and four national parks, Colorado welcomes travellers to discover its diverse landscape through eco-conscious experiences.   Dark Sky Reserves    Home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, Colorado prides itself on diminishing sky pollution in as many areas as possible. Aiming to provide vast starry nights and a nocturnal environment for scientific, natural and public enjoyment, the preserves welcome a rare experience that not many destinations obtain. Recently, Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour added new experiences in destinations including Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita and Norwood.   Bike through boroughs    Whether walking or biking, travellers are encouraged to experience the 5280 Trail in downtown Denver this summer. The 5.280-mile-long trail will showcase the uniqueness of each neighbourhood. Travellers can explore the local culture, iconic landmarks, architecture and history as well as the Mile High City’s plentiful green spaces.   Rewilding Expeditions, Estes Park   Aimed at restoring and protecting the natural habitats and wilderness areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rewilding Expeditions experience in Estes Park offers multi-day guided backpacking, packrafting and camping opportunities that support and educate visitors on rewilding and conservation efforts. Guests can trade the sound of traffic with the songs of birds in an expedition of true solitude, whilst having the opportunity to deepen their connections to the wild and diminish the ecological impact of ecotourism.   Drink responsibly at Marble Distilling Co   Located in Carbondale, Marble Distilling Co has partnered with Siemens to become the number one sustainable, zero-waste distillery. With the motto ‘drink sustainably’ at the core of its business, Marble Distilling captures 100% of its processed water and reuses energy harvested in the distilling process to heat the facility. Annually, they save more than 18 million litres of water and capture enough reusable energy to heat 20 homes locally. Travellers can grab a drink at the bar or stay in one of five luxury rooms at The Distillery Inn.

by Graham McKenzie It’s not often that you get to tick off not one, not two, but three bucket list items in one trip. That is exactly what happened to me last year when I travelled from Moab in the heart of Utah to Denver, via Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Visiting the country on the back of a special exemption from the US Government, I arrived in the middle of the Utah desert at Canyonlands Airport and then had a 20-minute drive to downtown Moab which has a very chilled, almost hippyish vibe. I liked it but unfortunately had no time to delve into it other than walk up and down the main drag for 15 minutes. What was about to come was my first tick off the list. A trip on a luxury train with meals, drinks, and views. I was about to board the Rocky Mountaineer on their newest service – Rockies to the Red Rocks. The fact that I was doing it the other way around was irrelevant as the excitement grew. On board I get into my seat and am immediately asked “what would you like to drink”? “Gin and tonic please” I reply as the train departs. Happy days as my iced cocktail turned up with some warm roasted nuts, the menu for the evening meal, a few details of our route and what to expect at our overnight stop. Back goes the leather reclining chair, on come the shades and I’m heading for chill out city. Surely this wasn’t the first time I had done this. I was born for it! The first couple of hours coming out of Moab you cover arid desert, sandstone escarpment and the edge of Arches National Park. Fantastic landscape but also relaxing. Relaxing enough to sneak off to the lounge car and replenish a drink or two, chat with fellow travellers and start to appreciate what all the fuss is about of luxury train travel. Next up was dinner. There is no doubt that there is something very sophisticated about travelling through some of the most picturesque landscapes known to man whilst enjoying a first-class meal, and beverages coupled with first-class service. What’s not to like? The next bucket list item was about to be fulfilled as we pulled into Glenwood Springs, the overnight stop, situated midway between Aspen and Vail, Colorado. Your luggage is magically transported to your accommodation and with luck you will be staying in the historic Hotel Colorado, sometimes referred to as the Western White House due to the number of Presidents that frequently visited. Wherever you stay all you need to do is check in and then you are free to explore. My itinerary was already set with a trip to Iron Mountain Springs and my first ever plunge into a naturally heated spring pool. I was met at the station by an acquaintance who had told me to pack my swimming gear. Within fifteen minutes I was soaking in water around the 98f mark on a crisp mountain night under clear starry skies with a glass of wine and zen like state. At Iron Mountain they have a choice of 17 pools with a range of temperatures up to 108f. Not being a person who wants to get into really hot water I chose the coolest of the options. This facility comes on my ‘highly recommended’ list, with prices starting at around $32 for a couple of hours but make sure you pre-book your time slot which is essential. As the name would suggest Glenwood Springs is famed for its range of geothermal hot springs and, coupled with other world class spa amenities, is ideal for a wellness break. After a good night’s sleep its back onto the train for breakfast. A wide choice is available and once again the service and quality were excellent but this time my meal was interrupted as I jumped out of my seat with camera off to one of the observation windows to tick off that third bucket list item. The train manager alerted us to the fact that on the left-hand side of the train the driver had spotted a female black bear with a cub and sure enough there she was by the river with her offspring. I could not have been more delighted. The pictures were poor, but I had seen them, and my bucket had one less item in it. The remainder of the trip takes you through truly breath-taking topography as the train follows the Colorado River all the way to the mile high city of Denver. The clear blue skies, the wildlife, the history, the food, the genial hospitality, and the constantly changing scenery all lead to a fantastic memory making experience. “Trains are wonderful.... To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.” Agatha Christie.

  It’s no secret that train travel has been on the rise for some time. It’s sustainable, offers breathtaking views of destinations, and provides a different way of seeing the world. Colorado is well known for its scenic rail routes which date back centuries. In celebration of Rocky Mountaineer’s new Rockies to the Red Rocks route beginning on16 April, which takes passengers from Denver to Moab, Utah, via Glenwood Springs, take a look at four more Colorado rail routes that are guaranteed to impress.    California Zephyr  Said to be one of the most beautiful train trips in North America, the California Zephyr is a daily Amtrak train which starts and ends in Chicago or San Francisco, with six stops in Colorado between Fort Morgan, Denver, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction. The high speed tour offers comfort and convenience, whilst coursing through the plains of Denver and soaring across the Rockies. Three course dinners are included.   Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad  Best known for its appearance in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), the Toltec is a National Historic Landmark on wheels. Steaming 64 miles over the Rocky Mountains and elevated cliffs, experience the confined Toltec Gorge, over 10,000 feet of Cumbres Pass, and endless views of evergreen forests, not to mention the 100-mile views in every direction. Starting and ending in Antonito or Chama New Mexico, travellers have a choice to sit in the Victorian elegance of the Parlor Car, the newly restored Deluxe Car or the budget friendly Coach Car which all come with a delicious buffet lunch. The C&T runs several special trains throughout the year including moonlight dinner runs and a kids express, the Cinder Bear Express. The season begins in May and runs until October.   Georgetown Loop Railroad  Connecting the mining towns of Georgetown and Silver Plume, the Georgetown Loop Railroad train runs for two miles through steep, narrow canyons and is famous for its historic narrow gauge roads. The engineering marvel extended over the Devil’s Gate Bridge and winds through a scenic Rocky Mountain pathway. The railroad’s 1800s builders constructed tracks that corkscrewed up more than 600 ft in elevation on four bridges. Passengers can choose to opt into a tour of the historic Lebanon Silver Mine in conjunction with their ride.   Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad  This coal fired, steam powered locomotive offers a safe haven for backpackers, day hikers and fishermen as they can get on and off the train mid-route to access the San Juan National Forest and Weminuche Wilderness. Beginning and ending in either Durango or Silverton, the railway runs 200 feet above the Animas River and features views of majestic peaks as it passes through the western wilderness and charming canyons of the Animas Gorge and San Juan National Forest.

As the US continues to emerge from the pandemic and travelers look to return to travel, environmental concerns are top of mind for travelers now. The Colorado Tourism Office, along with destinations across the state, has already laid the groundwork for low impact travel experiences. Colorado already is home to two US cities powered 100% by renewable energy, meaning travelers to both Aspen and Glenwood Springs can enjoy a vacation with little carbon impact. Denver is consistently ranked among the most sustainable cities in the country, and Breckenridge has joined Vail as two of only three certified sustainable mountain resort destinations in the world. Five Roaring Fork Valley tourism organizations have come together to launch a tourism alliance (the first of its kind in Colorado) that will focus on activities and programs that promote responsponsible travel. As travelers explore The Centennial State this summer, the Colorado Tourism Office is making it easier to visit responsibly and to Do Colorado Right. This educational campaign offers travelers insights on how to enjoy the state by traveling at off-peak times, exploring lesser-known spots and traveling like a local. As an added bonus, many of these insider's tips will help visitors take a responsible approach to travel by embracing the state’s Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles.  This includes Trash the Trash, Keep Wildlife Wild and Be Careful with Fire. This year, the CTO is especially pleased to partner with Cortez, Colo. resident Phil Henderson, a leader in outdoor adventure education. Henderson led an all African American ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2018 and will serve as a spokesperson for Colorado encouraging backcountry safety in the state. Below is a sampling of low emissions travel options to give back from across Colorado. Find more information about all of these responsible travel offerings and more on www.Colorado.com. Explore Low Emissions Travel Offerings:

• Buses and Shuttles: With service launched in March 2021, United Airlines is making it easier for customers to travel to Breckenridge and Fort Collins with convenient year-round ground transportation service from its hub at Denver International Airport. Boulder offers free Park to Park Shuttles on summer weekends connecting Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park, Chautauqua, Eldorado Canyon State Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Book a Groome Transportation shared-ride shuttle to Denver International Airport (DIA), which uses cleaner burning propane-powered vehicles. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) introduced eight battery powered electric buses last year to a fleet offering free rides from a collection of stops between Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Eagle and Rifle.
• Aviation:  Atlantic Aviation, launched a new carbon offset initiative in December 2021 in which every gallon of jet fuel for commercial and private aviation at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) will be offset to be carbon neutral through verified carbon credits purchased by Atlantic Aviation. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest solar-powered airport in the country with power-saving and recycling facilities along with the world’s largest and greenest parking lot.
• Trains: Colorado has numerous scenic and historic railroads and train travel offerings. Rocky Mountaineer, the luxury train operator, will run its first full season in the Southwest United States in 2022. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a two-day rail journey between Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in spring 2021 after a multi-year hiatus for reconstruction. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, the railway is one of Colorado Springs’ top attractions and since 1891, has taken thousands of people to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
• Cycling and E-Bikes: This summer, visitors can bike or walk through downtown Denver to experience a route the locals call the 5280 Trail. The 5280 Trail is an envisioned 5.280-mile recreational biking and walking route connecting fun Denver neighborhoods. Locally owned since 1978, Recycled Cycles in Fort Collins is “Colorado’s largest Earth-friendly bicycle store.” Aurora, Colorado, is home to Pedego Southlands – a fully-equipped rental service for electric bikes. Enjoy a cruise around Steamboat Springs on an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes and find e-bike mountain bike rentals at Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare or Ski Haus. Aspen Skiing Company opened a Maroon Bells Basecamp visitor center at the base of Aspen Highlands that offers e-bikes for rent as an alternative to taking the bus to the Maroon Bells. Even beginner cyclists can ride the Top of the Rockies scenic byway by renting e-bikes at E-Bike Leadville, which makes riding in the highest town in Colorado more accessible.
• EV Vehicles and Charging: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has set the state on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2040 and is positioning Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy, building out a network of fast-charging stations to power electric vehicles.  An eighth Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway was certified as a Colorado Electric Byway in December 2021, and the state is committed to electrifying all 26 of its byways over the next several years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has embarked on a partnership with Rivian to install public charging stations in every state park. The Town of Breckenridge recently installed more than 60 public electric vehicle charging ports with the completion of the South Gondola parking structure. The City of Aspen owns and operates a total of 65 charging stations and 8 public charging stations.
• ‘Colo-Road Trips’: The “Colo-Road Trips” microsite on Colorado.com is a searchable, online collection of hundreds of multi-day itineraries aimed at inspiring travel in less-visited destinations and seasons. It’s a great way for travelers to find their way to lesser-known, fun Colorado destinations. Search by favorite activity, city or time of the year. Each multi-day trip idea includes great places to stay and eat and fun things to do, along with a ‘Sustainability Activity’ and ‘Insider Tips,’ giving visitors the lowdown on traveling like a local.

  As the U.S. continues to emerge from the pandemic and people look to return to travel in a big way, environmental considerations are also top of mind for travelers now more than ever. The Colorado Tourism Office, along with destinations across the state, has already laid the groundwork for authentic and low-impact travel experiences. The state continues to activate thoughtful new offerings and initiatives to stay ahead of the curve and protect its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich and diverse history and culture.   Colorado already is home to two U.S. cities powered 100 percent by renewable energy, meaning travelers to both Aspen and Glenwood Springs can enjoy a vacation with little carbon impact. Denver is consistently ranked among the most sustainable cities in the country, Breckenridge has joined Vail as two of only three certified sustainable mountain resort destinations in the world and five Roaring Fork Valley tourism organizations have come together to launch a valley-wide tourism alliance (the first of its kind in Colorado) that will focus on activities and programs that promote responsible travel.   As travelers explore The Centennial State this summer, the Colorado Tourism Office is making it easy for travelers to visit responsibly and to Do Colorado Right. The state’s award-winning and educational campaign offers travelers insights on how to enjoy the state by traveling at off-peak times, exploring lesser-known treasures and traveling like a local. As an added bonus, many of these insider's tips will help visitors take a responsible approach to travel by embracing the state’s Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles including Trash the Trash, Keep Wildlife Wild and Be Careful with Fire. This year, the CTO is especially pleased to partner with Cortez resident Phil Henderson, a leader in outdoor adventure education. Henderson led an all African American ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2018 and will serve as a spokesperson for Colorado encouraging backcountry safety in the state.   Below is a sampling of low-emissions travel options, ways to support local food and drink systems, low-impact outdoor recreation experiences, places to sleep sustainably and voluntourism opportunities to give back from across Colorado. Find more information about all of these responsible travel offerings and more on www.Colorado.com.  

Explore Low Emissions Travel Offerings:

 

• Buses and Shuttles: With service launched in March 2021, United Airlines is making it easier for customers to travel to Breckenridge and Fort Collins with convenient year-round ground transportation service from its hub at Denver International Airport. Boulder offers free Park to Park Shuttles on summer weekends connecting Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park, Chautauqua, Eldorado Canyon State Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Book a Groome Transportation shared-ride shuttle to Denver International Airport (DIA), which uses cleaner burning propane-powered vehicles. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) introduced eight battery powered electric buses last year to a fleet offering free rides from a collection of stops between Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Eagle and Rifle.
• Aviation: Atlantic Aviation, launched a new Carbon Offset Initiative in December 2021 in which every gallon of jet fuel for commercial and private aviation at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) will be offset to be carbon neutral through verified carbon credits purchased by Atlantic Aviation. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest solar-powered airport in the country with power-saving and recycling facilities along with the world’s largest and greenest parking lot.
• Trains: Colorado has numerous scenic and historic railroads and train travel offerings. Rocky Mountaineer, the luxury train operator, will run its first full season in the Southwest United States in 2022. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a two-day rail journey between Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in spring 2021 after a multi-year hiatus for reconstruction. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, the Railway is one of Colorado Springs’ top attractions and since 1891, has taken thousands of people to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
• Cycling and E-Bikes: This summer, visitors can bike or walk through downtown Denver to experience a route the locals call the 5280 Trail. The 5280 Trail is an envisioned 5.280-mile recreational biking and walking route connecting fun Denver neighborhoods. Locally owned since 1978, Recycled Cycles in Fort Collins is “Colorado’s largest Earth-friendly bicycle store.” Aurora is home to Pedego Southlands — a fully-equipped rental service for electric bikes. Enjoy a cruise around Steamboat Springs on an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes and find e-bike mountain bike rentals at Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare or Ski Haus. Aspen Skiing Company opened a Maroon Bells Basecamp visitor center at the base of Aspen Highlands that offers e-bikes for rent as an alternative to taking the bus to the Maroon Bells. Even beginner cyclists can ride the Top of the Rockies scenic byway by renting e-bikes at E-Bike Leadville, which makes riding in the highest town in Colorado more accessible. Explore other e-bike rentals in towns across Colorado as an alternative to driving your gas-powered vehicle to a trailhead parking lot.
• EV Vehicles and Charging: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has set the state on a path to 100 percent renewable energy by 2040 and is positioning Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy, building out a network of fast-charging stations to power electric vehicles and paving the way for even more low-impact travel opportunities in the future. An eighth Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway was certified as a Colorado Electric Byway in December 2021, and the state is committed to electrifying all 26 of its byways over the next several years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has embarked on a partnership with Rivian to install public charging stations in every state park. The Town of Breckenridge recently installed more than 60 public electric vehicle charging ports with the completion of the South Gondola parking structure. The City of Aspen owns and operates a total of 65 charging stations and 8 public charging stations.
• Colo-Road Trips: The Colo-Road Trips microsite on Colorado.com is a searchable, online collection of hundreds of multi-day itineraries aimed at inspiring travel in less-visited destinations and seasons. It’s a great way for travelers to find their way to lesser-known, fun and inspiring Colorado destinations driving traveler dispersion across the state and helping to limit crowding on public lands. Search by favorite activity, city or time of the year. Each multi-day trip idea includes great places to stay and eat and fun things to do, along with a “Sustainability Activity” and “Insider Tips,” giving visitors the down-low on traveling like a local.

 

Support Local Food and Drink Systems:

 

• Food Trails: The Liquid Arts Passport provides consumers with discounted tastings and offers from breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries across the state. The Palisade Fruit & Wine Byway showcases the orchards, lavender gardens, vineyards, wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands in Colorado’s Mountains and Mesas region. The Boulder County Farm Trail showcases ways that visitors can pick berries, tour farms, pet the animals, buy produce from farm stands, tour a goat dairy and bike to a farm for lunch or dinner. The Roaring Fork & Farm Map is a printed pocket guide to Carbondale’s agritourism offerings that include guest ranches, public gardens and farms, visitor attractions and experiences, along with restaurants and retailers that were identified as specifically supporting the local food movement through menu items or connections with local farmers.
• Farmers Markets: Arkansas Valley farmers work hard on their farms all season to grow a wide variety of produce including sweet corn, watermelons, cantaloupe and much more, all of which is sold at a variety of area farm markets. Boulder County Farmers Markets (BCFM) 2022 farmers market season will kick off on April 2 when its Boulder and Longmont locations will open with a bounty of fresh produce, fruit, meats, packaged goods, plants and more. The Grand Junction "Market on Main" Farmer's Market is slated to return Thursdays from June 23–Sept. 8. Live music and local produce make this weekly event a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Discover the source of locally grown food at ACES at Rock Bottom Ranch, a 113-acre wildlife preserve and educational ranch in Basalt. In the summer, the ranch’s produce, meat, and eggs are available at the Basalt Sunday Market, or enjoy a farm-to-table dinner.
• Toast to Sustainability: Marble Distilling Co. in Carbondale has partnered with global innovator Siemens to become the most sustainable, zero-waste distillery (and you can sleep at their Distillery Inn). The Colorado Farm Brewery in Alamosa is one of the only breweries to produce 100 percent of its ingredients on the farm where the beer is made. Peach Street Distillers in Palisade utilizes local fruits and grains raised by devoted area growers and often upcycles local fruits that some foolishly deem “too ripe” for market. Tour Ska Brewing’s 100-percent wind-powered facility in Durango, and then stick around for a pint — from the pine-meets-citrus Modus Hoperandi IPA to the ultra-crisp Mexican Logger.

 

Take in a Low-Impact Experience:

 

• Amache Site Named as America’s Newest National Historic Site, Granada: President Biden signed the Amache National Historic Site Act in spring 2022, designating the Amache site in Granada, Colorado, as part of the National Park System. This designation, the first in the National Park System during this Administration, will permanently protect the site for future generations and will help tell the history of Japanese American incarceration during World War II.
• Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center, near Colorado Springs: The new Pikes Peak Summit Complex (altitude: 14,115 feet)  is the most sustainable high-altitude structure in the country, if not the world. The 38,000-square-foot Pikes Peak Summit Complex includes a newly designed and reconstructed Summit Visitor Center, elevating the experience for visitors who summit Pikes Peak via car, bicycle, foot or rail. The project strives to become the first Living Building Challenge-certified project in Colorado (a two year certification process) and aims to achieve net-zero energy, net-zero waste and net-zero water consumption.
• Rewilding Expeditions, Estes Park: Rewilding Expeditions offers multi-day guided packrafting, backpacking and camping experiences that direct, support and educate visitors on rewilding and conservation efforts aimed at restoring and protecting natural processes and wilderness areas in Rocky Mountain National Park.
• Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL), Gothic: Located in the tiny town of Gothic outside of Crested Butte, RMBL provides logistical support for field scientists and students, including access to living quarters, research laboratories and protected research sites. RMBL focuses on the importance of preserving and providing access to historical data about the local ecosystems. As scientists address ever more sophisticated questions about a dynamic world, RMBL is a vital resource for discovering nature’s fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes. RMBL offers a variety of opportunities for the public to interact and learn including lecture series, volunteer programs, youth camps and more.
• Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Estes Park: Founded in 1931, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy (formerly the Rocky Mountain Nature Association) is a nonprofit organization supporting Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors can get hands-on field opportunities or educational programs on topics such as wildflowers, mammals, chords, cultural history, outdoor skills and more.
• Stargazing: Colorado is home to eight International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, many of which were newly designated in the last year. Colorado’s self-guided stargazing tour added three new locations to its roster in preparation for the 2022 summer travel season. In addition to the original seven locations, Colorado Stargazing now includes Gunnison, Ridgway and Nucla, Naturita and Norwood. All of these locations are home to an International Dark Sky Designated Place or are designated themself. Just one mile west of La Veta is the Southern Colorado Astronomical Park, a crossroads of ancient and modern astronomy, including a stone calendar and two observatory structures. Smokey Jack Observatory in Westcliffe is excited to offer new public celestial viewing events for its community and guests this summer.
• The Springs Resort, Pagosa Springs: The Springs Resort is home to the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring, known as the Mother Spring. In 1982, Pagosa Springs constructed a geothermal system to harness the Mother Spring’s warm waters which provides heat for local businesses and keeps the sidewalks clear of snow — the water is even used in the brewing process at local Riff Raff Brewing Company.
• Walking Mountains Science Center, Avon: Walking Mountains Science Center provides locals and visitors from Pre-K to gray with opportunities to explore nature, gain scientific understanding, and learn about the many wonders of the mountain environment through natural science and sustainability programs. Walking Mountains envisions a future where everyone understands the science of nature and is inspired to take action as an environmental steward.

 

Sleep Sustainably:

 

• Aspen Meadows Resort, Aspen: Aspen Meadows Resort is the first hotel in Aspen to utilize electric shuttle vehicles for guest transportation, including trips to and from the Aspen airport. The move is part of an ongoing strategy to be the most sustainable resort in Aspen. In addition to the two, new 14 passenger shuttles, the resort has also installed five new electric charging stations with the capacity for six vehicles. The resort has already replaced all plastic water bottles with reusable options, removed single-use plastic from rooms and Plato’s, the onsite restaurant, has been growing a number of herbs and produce for their kitchen.
• Badger Creek Ranch, Canon City: Badger Creek Ranch raises grass-fed, grass-finished beef and lamb and pasture-raised pork and poultry. They also offer seasonal guest lodging and teach horsemanship. The ranch believes that sustainable agriculture means being responsible stewards of the land and are part of a coalition of ranchers and public agencies working to regenerate the Badger Creek Headwaters watershed that flows into the Arkansas River. They are focused on undoing the damage from the poor land use practices of the past by taking steps to reduce soil erosion and restore ecological vigor and diversity to this brittle grassland environment. Carefully managed grazing practices, symbiotic with rangeland health, play a central role.
• Breckenridge Grand Vacations, Breckenridge: Breckenridge Grand Vacations (BGV), which owns and operates several lodging properties in the Breckenridge area, recently ​announced the signing of a 4.9 megawatt community solar subscription with Pivot Energy. The contract is one of the largest community solar subscriptions in the history of the hospitality sector and a vital component of BGV’s sustainability initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
• CampV, Naturita: CampV offers several ways for visitors to volunteer and give back to the area. CampV is excited to announce a Heritage Apple Tree Planting Day with the nonprofit Apple Core Project on April 8. Learn about the history of these heritage apples and proper planting techniques. Guests can volunteer throughout the year to help water and care for the preservation of these trees. CampV will continue community trail building every Saturday until the new V connector trail is done. Join the local non-profit WETA as they build these trails and build awareness of the work being done to further the local trails. CampV will also continue to offer customized gardening voluntourism opportunities throughout the spring and summer. Guests can connect with nature on the property through bird and wildlife watching  and stargazing (Naturita was just designated an International Dark Sky Community).
• C Lazy U Ranch, Granby: Colorado’s premier luxury guest ranch, C Lazy U, serves as each guest’s private national park with 8,500 acres of adventure. Working in tandem with The Nature Conservancy to ensure lasting protection of the Great American West and its wild nature, C Lazy U Ranch has placed an additional 1,221 acres under permanent easement as of 2020. Actively advocating for environmental friendliness, the ranch sources all of its water from nearby Mount Baldy’s natural springs. Guests are also given a reusable water bottle upon check-in to encourage drinking of the freshwater and eliminate plastic waste. Another sustainable initiative at the ranch is reclaiming beetle kill lumber found onsite to renovate wood floors in guest cabins and build beautiful wood accent pieces.
• Dunes Experiences, Alamosa: Founded by a group of explorers, Dunes Experiences will launch this year at their 320-acre private ranch property near the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve near Alamosa. The stylish and modern clubhouse is set up to host events and retreats for private groups of any size starting this summer, and they can curate all activities and visitor experiences in the area. This full service eco-property will scale up their accommodations in 2023 with the "Desert House," a sustainably built and architecturally designed abode specifically for private groups.
• Monarch Casino, Black Hawk: As part of the Monarch Casino Resort and Spa’s $390 million luxury expansion, the property is creating a monarch butterfly habitat across the property in partnership with the Butterfly Pavilion. Monarch Casino Resort Spa is proud to continue its industry-leading sustainability efforts with the installation of EV charging stations, state-of-the-art Vivreau water systems and eliminating nearly all single-use plastics.
• OPUS Hut, Silverton: Outside of Silverton, hike or snowshoe to the OPUS Hut, a full-service backcountry lodge with solar-powered lighting, indoor composting toilets, in-floor solar-thermal heating, and healthy, natural food served up daily.
• The Pad Hotel and Hostel, Silverthorne: The Pad is a brand new boutique hotel/hostel in Silverthorne that is on track to becoming Colorado’s first B Corp-certified lodging property. Constructed with up-cycled shipping containers and a commitment to the triple bottom line of people, planet and profit. The Pad’s team incorporated sustainable building techniques, committed to composting, selected a restaurant partner who serves Colorado-grown and -raised food and sources eco-friendly sustainable products as part of their decision to use their business as a force for good.
• SCP Hotel, Colorado Springs: Standing for Soul, Community, Planet, SCP Hotel was born out of a vision to help make the world a better place by serving those who value personal wellness, social good and the environment. SCP merges earth-friendly and socially responsible practices with modern, clean lodging accommodations and nutritious ‘vegan-forward’ food choices. They also give trees back to the forests through their "One Tree: One Forest" program. As of Sept. 30, 2021, SCP’s positive impact includes 234.15 MWh solar energy produced, 362,573 pounds of Co2 emissions saved, 144,114 single-use show amenities saved, 108,978 plastic bottles eliminated and 7.9K pounds of food waste saved from landfills.
• Weston Pass Hut, Leadville: Those seeking a unique off-grid overnight experience can sleep sustainably at the Weston Pass hut, set at 11,950’. This remote escape is built with locally harvested and milled beams and an earth-covered, naturally insulated tundra roof. Hikes from this high perch look out to the tops of the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges, including Colorado’s two highest peaks, showcasing Mother Earth’s splendor.
• Zapata Ranch, Mosca: Zapata Ranch is owned by The Nature Conservancy and managed by Ranchlands in a partnership model that emphasizes environmental conservation practices. Located on the eastern edge of the San Luis Valley, the ranch borders the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. Home to a conservation herd of bison that run in a single 50,000 acre pasture, the ranch also runs a herd of Angus mother cows. Additionally, the ranch has a 17-bedroom lodge that welcomes guests from around the world to learn about ranching’s role in preserving and protecting these natural landscapes.

 

Give Back to Colorado with Voluntourism Activities and by Supporting Local Nonprofits:

 

• City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks: Group travelers can bring friends, colleagues or family members to one-day volunteer projects hosted by the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. Spend the day constructing or maintaining a nearby trail for Boulder locals and visitors alike to enjoy.
• Colorado Trails Foundation: The Colorado Trail stretches 500 miles from Denver to Durango. It's a pathway for hikers who want to travel the majority of the state on foot, passing over mountains, around lakes and through a number of Colorado communities. Colorado Trail Foundation volunteers are continually working to maintain its varied terrain. The foundation's volunteer crews make improvements to the trail, and visitors to Colorado are welcome to take part in the weeklong trips.
• Colorado Fourteeners Initiative: Colorado is endowed with 58 mountains whose peaks rise at least 14,000 feet above sea level — more than any other state in the continental U.S. The Colorado Fourteeners Initiative is a nonprofit, volunteer-dependent organization that helps restore and maintain the trails and fragile plant life. Volunteer vacations range from three-day trail builds while camping near the work site to wildflower-seed collection, where the seeds from native flowers will be used to repopulate barren trails.
• Colorado Mountain Bicycle Association (COMBA): COMBA is dedicated to building new singletrack trails and helping land managers maintain current trails. COMBA started out as the Trail Conservation Services in 1991 maintaining trails, and to this day building and maintaining trails is one of their main goals.
• Friends of Breckenridge Trails: The Friends of Breckenridge Trails offers a way to provide a helping hand in the upkeep of fragile habitats, open spaces, and trail systems unique to Breckenridge. Through vital volunteer efforts offered throughout the summer, open spaces, trails, historic sites, and ecologically sensitive areas are maintained and restored, thereby creating fun opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities to make memories and give back.
• Friends of Twin Lakes, Inc.: Friends of Twin Lakes is a nonprofit organization focused on preserving the area’s many historically significant aspects and working with the Forest Service and local governments to build and maintain trails in southern Lake County. Visitors can volunteer to serve on a variety of projects and also donate.
• HistoriCorps: HistoriCorps works with volunteers to save at-risk places like settlers' log cabins nestled between cliffs and canyons, century-old fire lookout towers still standing watch on state's highest peaks, or the remnants of delicate mining infrastructure in alpine meadows. For summer 2022, HistoriCorps will be leading a group of volunteers as they restore the historic Devil’s Head Lookout Tower.
• Steamboat’s Taking Care of 2A Trails: Resident riders and trail-focused guests to Steamboat Springs continue to benefit from new trails created using public funding from Initiative 2A. Steamboat Springs’ officials recently introduced new “donation stations” — refurbished parking meters with credit card readers — at 11 popular local trailheads, as well as a portable station on wheels for local events. The stations give visitors and locals a simple way to support the maintenance of local trails.
• Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC): Since 1984, VOC has been motivating and enabling people to become active stewards of Colorado’s natural resources. VOC works with conservation and land agencies and relies on thousands of people annually to provide a volunteer workforce for outdoor stewardship projects.
• Wildlands Restoration Volunteers: From land to water, Wildlands Restoration Volunteers offers a wide range of projects. Whether visitors are into clearing and maintaining trails, picking up litter from waterways or building rock structures to maintain natural habitats, there’s something for everyone.
• YMCA of the Rockies Voluntourism Offerings: The YMCA of the Rockies in both Estes Park and Grandby, have a handful of voluntourism opportunities where volunteers get ample time to enjoy Colorado’s outdoors in exchange for volunteer hours. For as little as 28 volunteer service hours per week (season dependent), volunteers receive free lodging, meals and access to the beautiful facilities. A majority of the opportunities are a four-week commitment.