Golf Course 2

Summer vacation time is here. Many families are considering a Colorado vacation. Colorado is considered a major destination for campers, hikers, mountain bikers, fishermen, and river rafters during the summer months. There is so much to see and so much to experience in this state that vacationers flock here to partake in all the outdoor activities and scenery that bring travelers back year after year.

Centrally located in the United States, Colorado is a land of diverse environments and vacation experiences. From the rolling eastern plains and grasslands to the majestic Colorado Rocky Mountains with their mountain meadows and roaring rivers and on to the canyons and mesas of the western slope of Colorado, visitors to the

state can find just about anything they are wanting to do during their summer travels.

The Northern Rockies are a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Colorado’s Northern Rockies attract a host of outdoor adventure-seeking vacationers. Campers will find well maintained campgrounds as anchor points for their daytime adventures with hiking through the high, wildflower dotted meadows, fishing, and white water rafting. There are historic sites to see and festivals to participate in.

Here, you’ll find the world famous Rocky Mountain National Park. This park is known as the “Gateway to the Rocky Mountains” and is well deserving of the title. Wildlife are seen routinely in the park. Nearby Estes Park is a tourist’s haven with many

events that occur throughout the summer months.

In the western part of Colorado’s Northern Rocky Mountains you’ll find Steamboat. Noted for its winter skiing, during the summer this is the land of dude ranches and rodeos. The winter crowd subsides into an old time, relaxing cowboy lifestyle in the summer. Here, you can truly experience what it used to be in the by gone days of Colorado when cowboys were king.

Located in the middle of Colorado, the Central Rockies region boasts a number of summertime attractions and activities. This region of Colorado is known the world over for unparalleled scenic beauty. The Colorado Rocky Mountains afford numerous opportunities for camping, hiking, biking, fishing and a host

of other outdoor activities. What a great place for your Colorado vacation.

All those famous ski resorts along interstate 70 take on a new light during the summer months. Breckenridge hosts a number of summer festivals and Vail becomes a golf mecca for those that want to golf the courses that presidents travel to. Historic Aspen blooms in wildflowers and the old Victorian mining town comes alive with travelers wanting to view the scenic landscape and fish the surrounding rivers. Camping makes the area affordable and brings visitors close to the natural beauty of the land.

The wine country of the western slope affords travelers a break from the mountains and allows them to taste some premium wines

that will surprise even the connoisseurs. Mountain bikers head to the Colorado Monument to the west of Grand Junction to enjoy biking the trails through the mesas and their Moab-like conditions.

The Western Slope is also where you’ll find the Grand Mesa. This wilderness area will surprise and delight you with its quiet surroundings and the array of wildlife and fishing spots. And, don’t forget Glenwood Springs and its famous hot springs and the Colorado River to raft in.

Colorado Springs in the southern Eastern Slope region is famous for its proximity to Pike’s Peak. Named by the explorer, Zebulon Pike, it’s one of the most visited mountains in the state. Nearby is also found the Royal

Gorge, The Garden of the Gods, and the old Cripple Creek mining area. For a bit of the old west, this is one spot you can’t pass up. As with other areas in the state, fishing is famous here along the Arkansas River. Many take a Colorado vacation just to fish this river.

In the southwest, you’ll find the famous Anassazi Indian ruins of Mesa Verde and others. The canyons and mesas of the four corners region are alive with the native past. Trading posts feature the art and crafts of these native people and draw visitors throughout the summer. This is one of the most scenic regions of the state.

Just to the north

are the old mining towns of Silverton and Telluride. Nearby is the little Switzerland area of Ouray. These are some of the most historic and scenic areas of Colorado. Throughout this area you will find historic railroads to ride. These are major Colorado travel destinations for railroad enthusiasts.

If a Colorado vacation is in your summer plans, you’ll not be disappointed. There are so many areas to visit and so much to do while in the state that you’ll probably want to concentrate on only a portion of Colorado during your visit. Savor what you see and do while here. Use your time on your Colorado travels this year not only for fun, but

to plan for your vacations to Colorado in the years to come. Whether camping or staying in one of the great Bed and Breakfasts, you’ll find your stay here a meaningful event for your family that will bring you all closer to the land and closer together.

If you think that a Colorado vacation is for you this summer, Jim Bruce provides you with all the activities that you can plan for. Find out more about the Colorado travel experience by visiting: Colorado Vacation and Travel