Vacation Rentals in Colorado

As the United States celebrated 100 years as an independent country, Colorado came in to being. It makes for both perfect and poetic sense: here, there is a sense of independence and freedom, of wildness and self-reliance that girds the most fundamental American values and makes Colorado a state that makes a statement. Sometimes, that statement is quiet and calm, other times it is rugged and adventurous. Even the Rockies that run through the state do so freely and without restraint, leaving their mark upon the land. From alpine mountains in Aspen to arid plains and deserts in the east, deep canyons of the Western Slop and and striking sand dunes in the South, Colorado shows you both sides of the mountain in one trip.

Rich in natural resources, a “mountain” culture and a plethora of national parks, Colorado’s main draw still seems to be its imposing and unforgettable mountains. Even if you’re not hiker, skier or boarder, it is difficult to go through the state without experiencing the gorgeous rivers that have been cut through the state through these grand formations. Of course, each of the cities within the state such as Boulder, Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and Aspen each have their own urban centres. The state has it’s own history of silver and gold rushes through the 1800s.

What makes Colorado so distinct? It’s that travellers can witness the natural beauty and escapes that the mountains, canyons, sand dunes and desert drives offer and yet still return to pristine and well-plannedmodern metropolis’s that form the pulse of the state as a whole. There is a great food and music tradition in Colorado and lots of influences from its southern neighbor, Mexico, has seeped into the local culture. Diversity in Colorado is as prevalent as their diverse geography. The rugged land promotes the idea of the western frontier and “grit” exemplified by classic cowboys like Paul Newman and Clint Eastwood. Like Utah, Colorado is also known for it’s numerous film festivals.

Taking the kids on a road trip around the state is sure to teach them more in one go than any classroom could in a year. Colorado presents a rare opportunity to witness various kinds of geographies and climates in just one state. There are flat plains, canyons, deserts and mountains that make up the land. If your kids love theme parks, start off with a trip to Elitch Gardens or Glenwood Caverns Adventure Parks. If it’s a tad too sunny, cool off at Denver’s History Colorado Centre, where visitors can try heading into a virtual mine shaft or leaping off a ski jump. If you’re looking for a package experience, ranch it up at Elk Mountain Ranch near Buena Vista, where, besides the hiking, fishing and rafting activities, the spot offers 3 gourmet meals a day, child care staff and the warm hospitality of genuine wranglers.

Obviously, Colorado is a major draw for people who love the great outdoors. But let’s get a little more specific here: if you’re a photographer, the wild canyons, starry nights and pristine beauty of the mountains will help you capture the kind of award-winning shots you salivate over. Yes, there are a range of spots where you can mountain climb, hike and fish. But, these hidden gems are also top-notch spots for photographers of natural wildlife. If you’re hoping to catch the classic American bison, for example, head to Rocky Mountain Arsenal, just a 15 minute drive north of Denver. Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to capture the elk in its natural habitat. The elusive mountain goat lives at Mount Evans — approach with caution and quiet. It’s a great day trip west of Denver. Meanwhile, Waterton Canyon is the watering hole of choice for Bighorn Sheep.

Winter vacation ideas may be counter-intuitive to some travellers but, as they say, when you get it, you get it. Besides the famous Aspen Mountains, there is also the chic and luxurious Vail for a ski and shopping, dining and chalet experience you won’t soon forget. Another great gem is Telluride, which has a distinct Victoria-era appeal and aesthetic around town and 2000 acres of ski and board terrain just waiting to be traversed.The best way to get around at Telluride is the gondola.

You don’t have to raft the Class 5 rapids of the river: you can choose to simply take a leisurely float trip, complete with the steak lunch and classical music. If your idea of a good time is being tossed on the water, however, the wildest rapids happen in early May, as the snow pack is beginning to melt and flowing into the river.

Museums and trails near Grand Junction are prime viewing spots for dinosaur bones and tracks unearthed and carefully preserved. To think that this land was once inhabited by these incredible and larger-than-lifecreatures is one thing — to see evidence of their presence is a whole other experience. Don’t miss the Picketwire Canyonlands on the Comanche National Grasslands, just south of La Junta for more than 1300 tracks.

There are so many spots in Colorado that are completely isolated and left to the unknown fate of the great outdoors that you could park in a national park and not meet anyone after dark for hours on end. At the Hot Springs, you can sink into the warmth and then wrap up in a caboose for the night. Talk about going native!

This national park near Cortez has a handful of unearthed archaeological sites of an ancient civilization. Take a guided tour of these more than 600 of these marvellous cliff dwellings. Or you can head to the Tribal Park HQ, 20 miles south of Cortez for a full-day tour of the Ute Mountain Tribal Park for a glimpse of indigenous cave paintings and petroglyphs speaking of a history long lost and now found.

That song, Harvest Moon was created for a setting like Red Rocks Canyon. Luckily, may event managers think so too. Pack a picnic, grab your fellow travellers and catch an evening concert at Red Rocks.

Because of the diverse geography, Colorado can experience some pretty extreme weather. The most interesting thing is that a change in climate can be felt and seen in locations just a couple of miles in distance from each other. In Colorado, the south is quite a bit colder than north and the Eastern Plains experience damaging tornadoes every once in a while.

Culture and history are strong in Colorado and they are equally revered. Some of the most beloved festivals in Colorado include the Colorado Brewers’ Festival which runs in late June and brings out more than 50 local breweries who showcase fresh and handcrafted beers in Fort Collins. In Steamboat Spring, during the month of July, you’ll be able to enjoy the Hot Air Balloon Rodeo — which is exactly what it sounds like. And, in early June, bluegrass lovers converge in Telluride for the Bluegrass Festival that brings together local acts, underground musicians and more well-known indie bands like Mumford & Sons.