Indholdsfortegnelse for Colorado 2021 i National Park Journal

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Beautiful Glacier Basin Campground is only open May – October, making it the perfect stop on a summer road trip. At 8,500 feet in elevation, a mix of sun and shade is welcome as early morning temperatures can be chilly, even in summer. RVs up to 35 feet in length are allowed. There are no hookups or dump station, but generators can be run in the morning and evening hours in all but a few campsites. Don’t worry about finding parking for your rig when you go explore for the day. The free park shuttle stops at the campground and will bring you to trailheads along Bear Lake Road or into Estes Park. Campground reservations are highly recommended and can be made at recreation.gov. BLACK CANYON…

1 WATCH THE SUN RISE Wake up early to get to Bear Lake and hike 1.1 miles around the lake to catch the sun casting light over Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. Arrive 30 minutes before dawn. 2 CLIMB LONGS PEAK If you’re a strong hiker who has trained extensively, head to Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain at 14,259 feet. Reaching the summit can take up to 15 hours, so start really early [many begin long before dawn with headlamps] to beat afternoon storms. 3 GO HORSEBACK RIDING Saddle up with Sombrero Ranches at the Moraine Park and Glacier Creek stables. 4 WATCH WILDLIFE Spot moose in the Kawuneeche Valley along the Colorado River and in the willows west of the Continental Divide. Note: this area will be recovering…

1 EXPERIENCE THE DUNES Explore the sand dunes by hiking for as long as you want since there are no trails. Start early during the summer to avoid scorching sand that can reach up to 150° F. Star Dune, North America’s tallest dune at 750 feet, is a five-hour round-trip hike. 2 GET WET Medano Creek is filled with water in early summer months, so splash and build sand castles near the dune fields. If the creek is dry, drive 12 miles from the visitor center to Zapata Falls trailhead. Hike .5 of a mile to wade in and see the 30-foot falls. 3 ATTEND A RANGER TALK Spend some time at a free ranger program or on a ranger-led sunset hike. Weekly activities are posted online at nps.gov/grsaor at…

1 GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK & PRESERVE WHY GO: For anyone who built magical kingdoms in sand boxes as a child, this national park is for you. Walk, sled and play in the dunes, dip your toes in Medano Creek if it’s running and climb or simply admire Star Dune, which stretches 750 feet into the sky. It’s the tallest sand dune in North America. TIP: Wear closed-toe shoes because cool morning sand can heat up to a dangerous 150 degrees on a hot day. 2 ZAPATA FALLS WHY GO: For a great 1-mile round-trip hike to a cool oasis, head to this 25-foot waterfall three miles south of the park entrance. The hike involves wading through cool water and walking on log bridges to get close to it.…

From alpine lakes and herds of elk in Rocky Mountain National Park to spectacular peaks in Grand Teton National Park and grizzlies in Yellowstone, this road trip is packed with once-in-a-lifetime sights. From Denver, head west to Estes Park, Colo., the closest town to the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park. Spend time perusing its local breweries, restaurants, shops and outdoor activities. From there, access Rocky’s hidden gems and popular routes, including the legendary Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in a U.S. national park. Cross into Wyoming, exploring Laramie, Saratoga and the Snowy Range Scenic Byway, an extraordinary, less-traveled route that takes you past gorgeous alpine peaks. Continue to Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks. Look for moose, elk, bears, wolves and bison in both parks. Jackson,…

SOAK IN HOT SPRINGS In Saratoga, choose between two different hot springs experiences. The Hobo Hot Springs are free mineral pools and open 24 hours a day. At Saratoga Hot Springs Resort, only guests can access the teepee-covered mineral pools and 70-foot mineral hot spring pool. DRIVE SCENIC BYWAYS The 73-mile Seminoe-Alcova Backcountry Byway brings you by a patchwork of prairies and high desert over the Seminoe Mountains. The south end starts in Sinclair and ends in Alcova. Or enjoy solitude on the 29-mile Snowy Range Scenic Byway through Medicine Bow National Forest. ENJOY LOCAL FOOD Hit Lollypops in Saratoga for breakfast or ice cream and to connect to WiFi. For fine dining, stop by the Aspen House Restaurant in Rawlins for blackened ribeye or vegetarian dishes. Buck’s Sports Grill…

Some of the least-crowded and most beautiful red-rock canyons, rivers and recreational opportunities await on this fantastic road trip. Start in Salt Lake City and head southeast toward Vernal, Utah, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Dinosaur National Monument. Farther west is Craig, Colo., in Moffat County where two-thirds of the monument sits and where wild horses and herds of elk beckon. Then drive to Steamboat Springs, a ski town known for its vibrant downtown. From there, it’s a gorgeous drive to Rocky Mountain National Park. Take the southern route home to visit three more spectacular national park sites: Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction, Colo., and Arches and Canyonlands national parks in Moab, Utah.…

1 EXPLORE DINOSAUR NATIONAL MONUMENT WHY GO: Two-thirds of this striking national monument is in Colorado's Moffat County, making the area a must-see. TIP: Explore the monument via a guided rafting trip on the Yampa or Green rivers. 2 STOP AT SANDWASH BASIN WHY GO: See one of the country's last remaining herds of free-roaming wild mustangs. TIP: Sand Wash Basin is 45 miles west of Craig, Colo. Drive west on Hwy. 40 past Maybell. Turn north on Hwy. 318 and drive about 15 miles. Turn right on County Road 75. 3 VISIT DEERLODGE PARK WHY GO: See hundreds of elk year-round at this area on the monument's eastern edge. There are restrooms and eight camping sites. TIP: To get there, go west from Craig on Hwy. 40 to mile…

When gold was discovered in Central City, Colo., in 1859, it transformed a pine-forested area tucked in the mountains into one of the West’s fanciest cities. Known early in its history as “the richest square mile on Earth,” it was home to an opulent opera house and one of the most luxurious hotels in the West. While Colorado’s gold rush has come and gone, Central City today is a fantastic and affordable destination. You can catch a show in its iconic opera house, stroll its beautiful historic downtown, peruse art galleries, hike on trails that follow ore tram lines and even roll the dice in its casinos housed in historic buildings. “You’re just a 45-minute drive from Union Station in Denver, but you feel like you’ve arrived at a completely…

Just 20 minutes from the park’s West Entrance, which sits in Grand Lake, Colo., lies River Run RV Resort, a new 200-acre resort with unparalleled amenities for the area. There’s paddleboarding, fishing in the headwaters of the Colorado River, swimming in a pool, soaking in hot tubs and lacing up at the mini-bowling alley. There’s also a putting green, yoga lawn, fitness center and basketball courts. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can stroll to The Summit Bar & Grill and Headwaters Tavern, perfect places to enjoy a meal, grab a drink and relax. Offering more lodging options than any other property in the area, the resort has vacation home rentals, Airstreams, Conestoga wagons and yurts. For those who prefer camping under the stars, you can pull up to…

In 1200, more people lived in present-day Montezuma County, encompassing Mesa Verde National Park, than today. A flourishing society built villages into the cliffs and on top of the mesas. And then, by 1300, all evidence of people living there disappeared. Studies show an extended drought may have played a role in pushing people out of the Mesa Verde region, in addition to societal issues like violence, politics and overcrowding. But for 100 years, archaeologists have argued over the answer to the question, “Where did they go?” In the Tewa Basin, 250 miles south of Mesa Verde, the Tewa Puebloans already knew the answer. Their oral histories told of their journey from cliff-dwellers in the Montezuma Valley to their present-day home north of Santa Fe. Archaeologists didn’t always consider oral…

On your way to or from Colorado from the Midwest, take a break from the road to stretch your legs at Pawnee National Grassland. Known for its Pawnee Buttes, two iconic hill-like features that rise 250 feet from the prairie floor, the grasslands offer the opportunity to see wildlife like coyotes, prairie dogs, and more than 300 species of birds. You can get to Pawnee Buttes via the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Byway, which is 128 miles and takes about three hours. It’s a gorgeous way to experience the prairie, as well as historic farming towns like Fort Morgan and Brush that make up Morgan County. Woven together by strong agricultural threads, this area is known for its sugar beet and dairy farms and is home to one of the state’s…

1 EXPERIENCE THE VIEWS Black Canyon is named for its sheer black cliffs that plummet 2,000 feet to the river below. Get a peek into the canyon’s depths at one of the South Rim’s 12 overlooks on Rim Drive. Our favorites? Chasm View, Painted Wall, Pulpit Rock and Sunset View. 2 TAKE A DRIVE THROUGH A TIME PORTAL Drive down into the canyon via the East Portal. This 16-percent-grade road is paved the whole way but is very steep and includes many switchbacks. Leave your RVs at the top and take your personal vehicle down into the canyon. Before you go, grab a brochure on the history of the East Portal from the visitor center to learn about the amazing engineering feat that turned Montrose into fertile farmland. 3 BOAT…

Traveling through New Mexico is like exploring a foreign country where every turn gives you a different glimpse into a magnificent blend of cultures and food. From El Paso, Texas, drive to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and White Sands National Park. Farther north, a string of charming towns near Santa Fe await you, as do the impressive ruins left behind by ancient people in Bandelier National Monument. On the way to Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, stop in Farmington to mountain bike in Lions Wilderness Park. Then head to Alamosa and Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in the stunning San Luis Valley in Colorado. After you’ve removed the sand from your shoes, head north to the historical town of Grand Lake on the western edge of Rocky Mountain…

1 PECOS NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK WHY GO: See one of the largest pueblo ruins in the Southwest, tour a legendary Hollywood destination and explore the remnants of an 18th-century Spanish mission church at this park 25 miles southeast of Santa Fe. TIP: Join a ranger for one of several fun tours, including Ancestral Sites Tour, Civil War Walking Tour and the Forked Lightning Ranch House Caravan Tour, in which you explore the property once owned by Oscar-winning Greer Garson and husband Buddy Fogelson. 2 GALISTEO BASIN PRESERVE WHY GO: Experience dry creek beds weaving through grasslands and rocky outcroppings at this nature preserve, which offers 30 miles of trails for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. TIP: There’s intermittent cell phone service here. Be sure to bring water, sunscreen and snacks…

It’s a cool autumn day in the mountains of southwestern Colorado. Beneath your feet, you feel the rumble of a 100-year-old steam engine. You hear the train’s whistle piercing through the wilderness. The golden aspens reach their branches out towards the tracks, nearly touching. If you didn’t know better, you might think you’d been transported back to 1880. The Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is the world’s longest and highest steam-powered railroad. Its 64 miles of narrow-gauge track stretch from the small town of Antonito, half an hour south of Alamosa, Colo. to Chama, N.M., nestled in the heart of the New Mexican Rockies. Board the train on either end of the line for a full day of jaw-dropping views. You’ll wind through alpine meadows full of wildflowers and trembling…

1 SANTA FE HISTORIC TRAIL WHY GO: Follow the same historic route that served as a 900-mile international trade route from Missouri to Trinidad, Colo, and on to Santa Fe, N.M. Its use dwindled when trains reached Santa Fe in 1880. The Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail travels right through downtown Trinidad on Main Street. TIP: The Santa Fe Trail, which was officially established in 1821, turns 200 in 2021. Learn about the September events scheduled to commemorate the trail's bicentennial at VisitTrinidadColorado.com. 2 TRINIDAD HISTORY MUSEUM COMPLEX WHY GO: Visit the Santa Fe Trail Museum, the 1882 Bloom Mansion and the Baca House to see commercial goods, photos and artifacts from Colorado’s earlier days, including a fringed buckskin coat Kit Carson gave to the town’s pioneer mayor.…

1 WAKE UP WITH THE WOLVES For your best chance of seeing a wolf, get up before sunrise and head to the Lamar Valley in the park’s northeastern corner. Be sure to pack binoculars or a spotting scope with you. 2 HIKE MOUNT WASHBURN It's a great 3.1-mile (one way) hike to the 10,243-foot summit of Mount Washburn. Because of road closures between Tower-Roosevelt and Chittenden Road, access the trailhead on the Canyon Village side but check for road updates beforehand. 3 SEE MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS Walk on a mile-long boardwalk to see the colorful travertine terraces formed by hot springs rising to the surface and depositing dissolved limestone in dramatic patterns. 4 STROLL MIDWAY GEYSER BASIN See one of the world’s largest, deepest hot springs, Grand Prismatic Spring. It’s…

Looking to avoid the crowds and see one of the country’s most spectacular national monuments? Head to Vernal, Utah, to see Dinosaur National Monument. You can explore this special place by foot, but don’t miss the opportunity to experience the monument by water. You can raft the gorgeous Green River on a day or multi-day trip that cuts through the monument, passing gorgeous striated sandstone walls and lush coves. On foot, you’ll see ancient Native American rock art of animal-like figures, abstract designs and human-like figures whose meaning is still a mystery. You’ll also find unmistakable dinosaur bones — more than 1,500 — in the monument’s sandstone walls. Beyond the park, head to the McConkie Ranch just a 15-minute drive from Vernal to see hundreds of Fremont Indian rock art…

1 A-LODGE LYONS WHY GO: The newest lodging to open in Lyons, this hip downtown hotel with mid-century modern furnishings offers a mix of rooms, including a two-bedroom king suite, a queen suite with a kitchenette and a queen kitchenette with bunk bed. TIP: Stop by the outdoor beer garden on the lodge’s east side for a drink in the evening. 2 LAVERN JOHNSON PARK WHY GO: Lyons has a big recreational river scene from tubing and kayaking in the Whitewater Park to fly fishing, and you can do them all from here. Buy flies or order a hand-crafted custom bamboo fly rod from South Creek Ltd. in Lyons. TIP: This park offers amazing camping for those with RVs and tents, so reserve your site up to 12 months in…

1 DILLON MARINA Get out on the water at the Dillon Marina. Rent a pontoon or sailboat to explore the entire reservoir or opt for a human-powered craft with a stand-up paddleboard or kayak rental. TIP: After a day on the water, nothing beats relaxing at Pug Ryan’s Tiki Bar along the lake's shores. Enjoy tropical-themed cocktails and food at 9,000 feet, or try one of Pug Ryan’s local brews. 2 DILLON AMPHITHEATER What’s better than watching a Colorado sunset over the water? Listening to amazing live music while doing so. The Dillon Amphitheater offers amazing views along with an impressive lineup of concerts, some of which are free, all summer long. TIP: Don’t miss the Dillon Farmers Market on Friday mornings throughout the summer down the street from the…

Known for its incredible mountain biking, backpacking and skiing opportunities, Durango makes it easy for travelers to go big. But there are plenty of opportunities to have adventures that are a little more dialed back. In this adrenaline-fueled town, there’s something for everyone. In the West, water is a precious commodity and Durango celebrates its abundance of lakes and rivers at every turn. The Animas River flows right through downtown Durango, providing opportunities to go rafting, kayaking, fishing or just relaxing on one of the many beaches. Head to one of three lakes within a 10-mile radius of downtown —Lake Nighthorse, Vallecito Reservoir or Lemon Reservoir — to soak up the Colorado sun on a paddleboard. Stop by 4Corners Riversports in town to rent a paddleboard or kayak before heading…

1 TAKE A SUNRISE TOUR Beat the heat by seeing Mesa Verde’s most adventurous cliff dwelling, Balcony House, at sunrise. A ranger will lead you up ladders and through narrow tunnels. Reserve your spot at recreation.gov. 2 SEE PETROGLYPHS Hike the 2.4-mile round trip Petroglyph Point Trail to see the only petroglyphs in the park. Start near the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum. 3 GO FOR A DRIVE Don’t miss the six-mile Mesa Top Loop Road, a scenic drive that stops at 12 archaeological sites, including surface sites and overlooks into cliff dwellings. 4 SEE FOR MILES Head to the highest point in Mesa Verde to see the view from the Park Point Fire Lookout. This structure was built in 1939 to provide early fire detection. 5 EAT IN STYLE Make…

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK This beautiful park 7 miles west of Colorado Springs just added new sections to the Dixon Trail, which provides 23 miles of easy-to-moderate terrain that's perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Meander through prairie grasslands and into the foothills to get a taste of the diverse terrain of Colorado’s Front Range. All Colorado state parks offer ranger-led nature talks, so be sure to check the park’s website for the most up-to-date schedule to learn more about the area you’re visiting. STEAMBOAT LAKE STATE PARK This alpine park 29 miles north of Steamboat Springs has so much to offer year-round, but winter might just be the best time to visit. A winter wonderland awaits. Rent a snowmobile in Steamboat Springs, or join a snowmobile tour and safely…

There are few things as striking as the glistening white sands in southern New Mexico, so stop here to experience this vast field of dunes yourself. White Sands National Park is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, which spans 275 square miles. Start your adventure at the park’s historic visitor center. Housed in the 1930s-era Pueblo Revival building are interactive exhibits, information on daily activities and a great film A Land in Motion to orient you. You’ll find the White Sands Trading Co. in there as well, which sells snacks, sandwiches and drinks. From the visitor center, take Dunes Drive, an 8-mile one-way ride sprinkled with roadside exhibits, picnic areas, restrooms and trails. The first four miles are paved and the last four are hard-packed. Learn more at nps.gov/whsa.…

Just 45 minutes from downtown Farmington, you’ll be amazed by the otherworldly Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. There are no trails through the badlands formations, so do your research ahead of time. “Stop by the Farmington Visitors Center and we’ll help you plan a Bisti excursion fitting your abilities,” says Ingrid Gilbert, Farmington Convention & Visitors Bureau's assistant director. “Don’t be afraid to explore. It’s like you’re on another planet out there.” Swing by 505 Cycles at 4301 E Main Street in Farmington to rent a mountain bike and take on the course of the country’s longest running mountain bike race, the Road Apple Rally. Join the 15-30 mile track at Lions Wilderness Park, which isn't too technical and is filled with scenic overlooks. Afterwards, head to the newly revitalized downtown area for…

If you visit this colorful historic downtown nestled in one of the most striking mountain settings you’ll ever see, you may just want to move here. Dotted with art galleries, boutiques and cafes, Creede is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets. In 1890 silver was discovered in the area, and it fueled a boom that gave rise to Creede’s beautiful buildings and vibrant community that still exist today. One of its outstanding gems is the Creede Repertory Theatre. In its 57th season, it’s a nationally recognized theater that serves 20,000 patrons each summer. With a rotating schedule, you can see five different plays in one week. And while the theater itself seats 230, buy tickets in advance before they are sold out. Outside the theater, stroll uphill to reach the Underground…

1 WYOMING TERRITORIAL PRISON STATE HISTORIC SITE WHY GO: Go on a guided or self-guided tour of this historic prison site built in 1872. For three decades, it housed some of the West’s most notorious criminals. LITTLE-KNOWN FACT: The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only prison in the world to have housed the notorious Butch Cassidy. 2 SNOWY RANGE SCENIC BYWAY HWY. 130 WHY GO: This stunning road enables you to bypass Interstate 80, taking you past glacial lakes, granite peaks, gorgeous meadows and over the second-highest mountain pass in Wyoming. The breathtaking route reaches its high point at 10,000 feet. It’s closed mid-November to Memorial Day weekend. TIP: Head to the Green Rock Trailhead to hike the 3.2-mile, moderate Barber Lake…

Cheyenne, Wyo. is the place that first sparked a love for the Old West in me at eight years old. What was probably a normal level of horse-craziness for a little girl got kicked into overdrive the first time we stopped at the Terry Bison Ranch just outside of Cheyenne. I was hoisted onto a gentle, rust-colored horse named Red, and we meandered down the trails behind our cowboy guide, passing a herd of bison. I was hooked. On one Fourth of July trip, we sat in the grandstand at the Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena, watched a rodeo and ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the sparkling munitions. I decided I wanted to be a barrel racer when I grew up. The next day, we went downtown and rode the Cheyenne Street…

Few road trips take you past spectacular 14,000-foot peaks, four national parks and fantastic historic towns like this Colorado loop. Start in Denver to sample the city’s thriving art and food scene. Next stops are Central City, a historic mining town, and then Lyons, the town of Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park where wildlife and incredible hikes await. From there drive through the park to the charming town of Grand Lake, which sits at the park’s West Entrance, before heading up and over two mountain passes to the towns of Dillon and Silverthorne. Continue west to the awe-inspiring red-rock landscapes of Colorado National Monument in Grand Junction. From there, travel south to the majestic Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Farther south, you’ll discover ancient history in…

1 GET ACTIVE WHY GO: The Boone Family Mountain Center at the Estes Park location houses all adventure activities, including an indoor climbing wall and a bouldering wall. You can also do archery and axe throwing. TIP: At Snow Mountain Ranch, hike the 2-mile round-trip Waterfall Trail to reach the top of the waterfall. 2 FLY THROUGH THE AIR WHY GO: At Snow Mountain Ranch, hit the summer tubing hill and coast down a long white slide. Guests staying at the ranch can reserve their time slot one week in advance online. Visiting for the day? Call the morning of your visit to check on open times at 970-887-2152, ext. 4135. FOR KIDS: At Snow Mountain Ranch, younger kids can swing on a mini-zipline unassisted at Spruce Saddle Adventure Zone.…

When Netflix launched Tiger King, a docuseries about convicted felon and Oklahoma zookeeper and tiger breeder Joe Exotic, it captivated audiences who suddenly found themselves quarantined at home during the initial spread of COVID-19. With his blonde mullet and flamboyant personality, Exotic revealed to audiences a dark, unfamiliar underworld filled with captive tigers, drama and murderous vendettas. It culminated with Exotic, born Joseph Allen Schreibvogel, being sentenced to 22 years in prison for wildlife violations and a murder-for-hire plot he hatched to kill Florida big-cat sanctuary owner Carole Baskin. Within the first 10 days of its Netflix release in March 2020, more than 34 million people viewed it. And while audiences stayed glued to their TV sets, caught up in the seemingly inconceivable but true-crime story plots, one man on…