Indholdsfortegnelse for Colorado 2023 i National Park Journal

Last winter, my husband and I snagged one of the last spots in the Bear Lake Parking Lot at Rocky Mountain National Park, the skies overcast and threatening snow. By the time we’d strapped our snowshoes on and shuffled several hundred feet up the trail, I was already regretting our decision. The popular path up to Dream and Emerald lakes was packed. So far I’d pocketed two abandoned wrappers and jumped aside for some backcountry skiers coming down the crowded trail like it was the Giant Slalom. I was annoyed at the sheer number of people and the lack of etiquette. “We are so not national park people,” I remarked. Then, we turned a corner to see a Justin-Timberlake-circa-2001 look-alike. This kid was dressed head to toe in denim: jeans,…

PARKS GUIDE 1 Experience the Dunes Explore the sand 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 roundtrip hike. 2 Get Wet Medano Creek is filled with water in the 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 half-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/grsa or at the…

Katherine Lee Bates wrote the lyrics to America the Beautiful standing atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. “Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain. For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain.” The song that has become an American anthem was meant to sum up the country as a whole, but standing atop Pikes Peak, Bates knew what anyone who visits Colorado quickly realizes: here you’ll find some of the best the U.S. has to offer. This road trip covers the best of the best as you visit all four of Colorado’s national parks and countless incredible sights in between. See the spacious skies of Denver, before driving north towards Lyons and Estes Park on the doorstep to Rocky Mountain National Park, passing amber-colored fields along the way.…

There’s something about a desert landscape that draws a person in. It’s not loud and obvious, like towering mountain peaks or ocean waves lapping on the beach. It’s quiet and subtle. This road trip travels through New Mexico and Colorado’s high deserts and as your wheels traverse miles of highway, you’re sure to feel that gentle tug, drawing you deeper. From the terracotta-colored pueblos near Santa Fe, where the sense of history is palpable, to the alien-looking Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness outside of Farmington, you’ll start to discover the ways in which this landscape is teeming with life—both past and present—if you look closely. In Colorado, visit Mesa Verde National Park, home to cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Journey through the southern Rockies and notice the way desert gives way to forest as…

From Grand Lake, a waterfront village that sits at Rocky Mountain National Park’s West Entrance, to Winter Park, a lively ski town that turns on the heat in summer, you’ll discover hidden waterfalls, fantastic mountain biking, paved bike trails, wake boarding, SUPing, weekly outdoor live music and horseback riding. Grand Lake offers incredible kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and motorized boating, along with a beach on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park. A two-minute walk from the beach lies Grand Lake’s bustling little downtown with its charming historic boardwalk. Then head to Winter Park Resort, 40 minutes away, where you can ride Colorado’s longest alpine slide at the base area. You’ll also find incredible mountain biking and other base area activities like miniature golf, a rock climbing wall and gondola rides.…

From microscopic, heat-loving bacteria that turns Yellowstone’s hot springs into colorful pools and tiny pikas that are warning signs of climate change to mighty elk, bison and wolves, this road trip is full of incredible wildlife that showcase just how diverse the states of Colorado and Wyoming are. Start in Denver before heading north to Rocky Mountain National Park. If you hike a trail above treeline (turn to pg. 11 for ideas), you might spot a critter described as a “furry russet potato.” On the next page, you’ll learn how pikas are being studied using citizen science. From the park, cross over into Wyoming where the university town of Laramie awaits with a great craft beer scene and beautiful outdoor recreation. Don’t miss driving over the Snowy Range Scenic Byway…

When you drive the 29-mile Snowy Range Scenic Byway through the Medicine Bow National Forest, you’ll experience alpine lakes and granite peaks, a landscape you’d never see if you simply took I-80 from Laramie toward Yellowstone. For spectacular views, hike 5.5 miles to the top of Medicine Bow Peak. Keep an eye out for summer thunderstorms since most of the hike is exposed and aim to be back at the trailhead by mid-day. For equally gorgeous views without the climb, stop at Libby Flats Observation Point. When you reach Saratoga, stop at The Snowy Mountain Brewery, which may be the only one in the country with its own hot springs resort. Soak in the 70-foot mineral hot springs pool or the teepee-covered smaller mineral pools. Then dry off and sip…

Just over an hour from both Denver and Rocky Mountain National Park, Greeley is an unexpected cultural oasis on Colorado’s eastern plains that makes for a great basecamp to explore. Whether it’s visual or performance art, you’ll find something intriguing to enjoy no matter the season. Greeley has several yearly events that draw music lovers from across the country, from the UNC-Greeley Jazz Fest in April to the Greeley Blues Jam in June. And if Country Western is more your style? Don’t miss the Greeley Stampede, a 100-plus-year-old event that includes music, rodeo, a daily parade where longhorns walk down the street, and more. In 2023, it will run June 22-July 4. In addition to music, Greeley also has a huge visual arts scene. With more than 400 pieces of…

RED ROCK COUNTRYSalt Lake City to Flaming Gorge NRA Cool down in the heat of summer by renting a stand-up paddleboard at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in Utah. A number of wakeless paddling trails near the dam and near Sheep Creek Overlook enable you to explore canyons that rise anywhere from 100 to 1,000 feet. You won’t even have to worry about waves from motorized boats. “It’s really spectacular,” says Ryan Kelly, Flaming Gorge marketing director. “It’s a great way to get that deep canyon experience without going on a commercial trip downstream.” Below the Flaming Gorge Dam runs a mellow stretch of the Green River that’s great for family river floating. Rent a raft and float seven miles downstream to the Little Hole takeout where a pre-arranged shuttle…

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 explore miles of trails patrolled by park rangers. Or, if you’d rather get out on your own two feet, strap on snowshoes or cross-country skis and head out on trails closed to snowmobiles for a peaceful experience. You can even cross the frozen lake. Visiting in the summer? Hiking, camping and water sports abound. Cheyenne Mountain State Park This beautiful park seven miles west of Colorado Springs is home to the Dixon Trail, which provides 23 miles of easy-to-moderate terrain that’s perfect for…

RED ROCK COUNTRYRocky Mountain National Park to Colorado National Monument Perched above the city of Grand Junction and the town of Fruita, this national monument is filled with red rock beauty. Drive or bike 23-mile Rim Rock Drive, the only road through the monument. You’ll pass gorgeous canyons with plenty of scenic viewpoints and hiking trails to stop by. For a short hike, take the Devils Kitchen Trail to a cavern-like opening created by a circle of boulders. For a longer hike, follow the Monument Canyon Trail through some of the most iconic formations. It’s 12 miles roundtrip, so hike as far as you like before turning back. When the sun sets, head to the Saddlehorn Campground to pitch your tent high above the valley.…

Moab is home to two of Utah’s most stunning national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. The entrance to Arches National Park is located just 10 minutes from downtown. True to its name, the park is full of incredible arches and other weird and wonderful rock formations made of Moab’s ubiquitous sandstone. Don’t miss a hike to the park’s most famous landmark, Delicate Arch, which is depicted on Utah’s license plate. The 3-mile hike is popular, so start early in the day. Another incredible hike is Fiery Furnace, a trail-less area of the park that requires a permit, or a ticket on a ranger-led excursion, to visit. Devils Garden is the only campground. The park requires timed-entry reservations April through October. Canyonlands National Park is divided into three distinct districts. The most…

PARKS GUIDE 1 Plan ahead. Starting in 2020, Rocky Mountain began implementing timed-entry reservations late-May through early October. At the time of publication, the 2023 reservation system had not yet been announced but expect to need to make an advanced reservation to enter the park Summer 2023. Check nps.gov/romo for announcements. 2 Get your pass. In addition to your timed-entry reservation, you’ll need to pay a park entrance fee. You can buy a $35, 7-day pass at a park entrance station, or use your America the Beautiful or other interagency annual pass to get into the national park. 3 Hike smart. Afternoon thunderstorms occur daily in the summer months and lightning can pose a real danger to hikers. Hike in the morning and plan to be back at the trailhead…

In 2020, Colorado residents voted in favor of reintroducing wolves to the state. Gray wolves have largely been a missing part of the ecosystem since their eradication in the 1940s and the new statute requires Colorado Parks & Wildlife to bring them back by the end of 2023. The targeted region for reintroduction includes areas around Glenwood Springs, Aspen and Vail. While the statute was controversial, the agency has been working on innovative ways to help minimize livestock and wolf encounters, including providing ranchers with guard donkeys. As reintroduction plans are underway, wolves have been busy introducing themselves. In June 2021, a pair of wolves from a Wyoming pack migrated to the Walden area and had two pups, the first in decades in the state. You aren’t likely to see…

ROCKY MOUNTAIN MAGICPaonia, CO to Black Canyon of the Gunnison Visitors who want to experience the inside of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can drive East Portal Road to the river below where the canyon widens. But what if you want to experience the bottom of the narrow band of canyon visible from the rim? Exploring the inner canyon is a rugged experience that requires skill and preparation. For those determined to hike down to the bottom, it’s an unforgettable journey. All visitors to the wilderness portion of the park are required to have a wilderness permit. These permits are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis but are limited in number. Pick one up at the South Rim Visitor Center or the self-registration kiosk at the…

PARKS GUIDE Above Treeline Alpine Lake Pounding Waterfall Mountain Views Away from Crowds DIFFICULTY: Easy Moderate Difficult Emerald Lake Emerald Lake is one of the most popular destinations in the park for good reason. This 3.5-mile roundtrip hike packs a ton of bang for your buck with three beautiful alpine lakes and incredible views along the way. You’ll pass the lily pad covered Nymph Lake and the aptly named Dream Lake with perfect views of Hallett Peak before reaching your final destination of Emerald Lake. It’s especially beautiful in winter. Tundra Communities This paved, 1.2-mile roundtrip trail is a great way to explore the park above timberline. Located along Trail Ridge Road, take in sweeping mountain views, see curious rock formations and spot tiny alpine wildflowers along the way. Bring…

Stay in hip and historic Lyons, just 35 minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park and far from the crowds. Start your day at Moxie Mercantile, a perfect place to fuel up on your way to the park. This incredible bread company sells pastries made with house-milled, organic, heirloom grains and great coffee. Pick up a sandwich for a picnic lunch and shop for local wares. An afternoon in Lyons is well spent purusing the local boutiques and art galleries. Rabbit Brush Gallery sells everything from jewelry to kitchen accessories and Western Stars Gallery is a great place to shop for gifts with a distinctly Western flair. After a day spent hiking Rocky Mountain trails or shopping, relax and enjoy live music at MainStage Brewing or the Rock Garden at A-Lodge…

Basecamp a short drive from Rocky Mountain National Park’s West Entrance at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains, a 200-acre resort with unparalleled amenities in Granby. You can paddleboard, swim in a pool, soak in hot tubs, fish in the headwaters of the Colorado River and lace up at the mini-bowling alley. There’s also a putting green, yoga lawn, fitness center and a dog park. When you’ve worked up an appetite, you can stroll to The Summit Bar & Grill or 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 and Conestoga wagons. For those who prefer camping under the stars, you can pull up to a tent or RV…

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 and 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—located half an hour south of Alamosa, Colorado—to Chama, 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 aspen forests,…

You could venture out onto Farmington’s miles of trails, wilderness and cultural sights on your own, but if you’re looking for a truly incredible experience, the best way to see Farmington is with a guide. There are no trails through the otherworldly Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness 45 minutes from downtown. Book a trip with Navajo Tours USA, a Diné-owned guide service that will lead you through the incredible badlands formations. Or, stop by the Farmington Visitor Center at 3041 East Main Street for tips, directions and maps for a self-guided hike. The staff can provide directions to iconic spots like the Egg Factory, rocks that looks like cracked eggs. Looking to get your blood pumping? Stop by Sandstone Cycles at 5160 College Boulevard in Farmington to rent a mountain bike and take…

1 See Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve At this national park, the perfect conditions came together to create an incredible sand dune field against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Don’t miss hiking or sledding on the dunes during the day, but if you want a unique perspective on this natural marvel, choose to see the park by air. Rugged Air Tours, based out of Alamosa, will take you on a tour of the San Luis Valley in a four-seat plane where you can see the dunes from above. For another seldom seen view, visit the park at night. It’s an International Dark Sky Park, meaning out on the dunes you’ll experience some of the darkest skies in the world. Visit on a clear night…

Snowcapped peaks and evergreen trees might comprise your mental image of Colorado, but gorgeous rivers and mesmerizing sandstone canyons also wind their way through the state. “Colorado” is a Spanish adjective meaning “ruddy.” It’s the color of the walls that guard the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument and the sandstone spires that rise from Colorado National Monument. It’s also often the color of the storied Colorado River as it flows through the southwestern U.S., eventually forming the Grand Canyon. On this road trip, you’ll trace the river and its tributaries across Utah and Colorado, seeing all the ways in which water has shaped the land. Start in Salt Lake City before heading to Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area where the Green River has been dammed to form a reservoir…