Pull over for prime wildlife watching. More than 3,000 elk and 800 bighorn sheep live in Rocky Mountain National Park, and this U-shaped valley is a regular gathering spot for bugling elk.
Wind down with cocktails and dinner at the elegant 103-year-old, white-pillared landmark. Guided ghost tours reveal how Stephen King was inspired to write The Shining while staying in room 217.
Red-stone cliffs flank the 6.5-mile lake, a favorite spot for hikers, bikers and rock-climbers. Or for an adventure, hop in a raft and ride the Class III and IV rapids down the Cache la Poudre.
Follow your soak with a gondola ride to the top of Mount Werner for brunch or lunch with a splendid view. Sunday brunch has been called one of the top on-mountain dining experiences in North America.
As an alternative to cycling, hikers should visit Hanging Lake, a mysterious, emerald-hued natural wonder located high in the bluffs.
The always-free museum presents a cutting-edge and thought-provoking lineup of contemporary art exhibitions each year.
This manufacturer of award-winning, locally made spirits, is a great place to unwind and taste some truly original spirits — vodkas, brandies, grappas, bourbon, gin and more.
Drive the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive through the red-rock canyon, take part in a ranger-led program that explores everything from geology to wildlife or hop on your road bike.
See an exhibit of all of the stamps used in the Loveland Valentine Re-Mailing Program, as well as other local artworks.
Pencil in time for a soothing soak in the therapeutic mineral pools. The resort offers his and hers geo-thermal cave baths, private outdoor Jacuzzi baths, a mineral-water swimming pool and a day spa.
Swing down to former gold camp, which lives on through Miner Street’s well-preserved buildings. Bring your appetite to the original Beau Jo’s for deep-dish Colorado-style pizza.
Drive the highest paved highway in North America, which starts in Idaho Springs and climbs 7,000 feet in just 28 miles, peaking at 14,264 feet with top-of-world views (summery only).
Board the railroad for a narrow-gauge train ride to nearby Silver Plume and back. The trip affords open-air views of the Clear Creek Valley and a walking tour that takes you into an 1870s mine tunnel.
An outdoor recreation paradise nestled near the foothills a short drive southwest, the park’s centerpiece is the enormous Chatfield Reservoir, where water-skiers, boaters and anglers can be found.
Every inch of abstract expressionist Kirkland’s former studio is filled with fascinating art, furnishings and objects, including works by rarely seen other 20th-century Colorado artists.
Opened in 2011 and dedicated to the legacy of one of the most important painters of the 20th century, the museum is one of only five one-artist museums in the nation.
