Tour the hot springs loop and find yourself encountering more than just water; the stunning Colorado wilderness offers endless opportunities for exploration. Try skiing or snowboarding the fresh powder at Monarch Mountain in Chaffee County. Or take on the slopes at Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs and nearby Howelsen Hill – the oldest continuously-operating ski area in Colorado. Take a walk through Yampa River Botanic Park also in the area, or marvel at Box Canyon Waterfall in Ouray, where you’ll find exceptional birding. Hike through Chimney Rock National Monument near Pagosa, or drive through majestic Glenwood Canyon. Craving adventure? Zipline over the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs, or go whitewater rafting at Browns Canyon National Monument.

Gorgeous Outdoors and Year-Round Activities

In addition to Mesa Verde, Colorado is home to three more national parks – the state’s most popular, Rocky Mountain, in addition to Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Go hiking and fishing, see wildflowers and wildlife, and marvel at sand dunes towering 2,650 meters high. Reserve a campsite to gaze at stars twinkling in the dark skies, or sightsee from a seat in a train car on eight historic railroad routes. More Colorado marvels include eight national monuments, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 58 mountain peaks over 4,000 meters high (known locally as “fourteeners” for their 14,000-foot elevations). Those fabulous slopes earned Colorado’s reputation as one of North America’s premier snow sports destinations offering 28 ski areas and resorts. Summer activities also abound at the high-altitude resorts and towns – there’s never an idle day for those who like biking, golfing, ziplining and taking gondola rides. Among awesome places to stay and play, no matter what time you visit, are Breckenridge, Vail, Aspen/ Snowmass and Telluride.