| For those that enjoy nature's beauty, | | | | rafting trip, down the Arkansas or Colorado |
| Colorado is a place that you must see to | | | | River, is sure to excite. There are a |
| believe. The distinctive fun of traveling in | | | | variety of rapids to choose from, but in |
| Colorado is the fabulous views of the Rocky | | | | general, early spring provides the more |
| Mountains. You'll think of the word, | | | | challenging rapids and by late summer, the |
| gigantic, in a new way after witnessing such | | | | ride is much calmer. This can be a great |
| colossal mountains. These great mountains | | | | event to expand your personal fear |
| are a source of fun activities for any | | | | boundaries. Don't be afraid, I've been told |
| season. | | | | that it wasn't as wild as the imagination |
| | | | thought it would be. |
| Colorado is widely known for ski season. | | | | |
| Kids, as young as 3 years old, can learn to | | | | With numerous state and national parks |
| ski, so this can be a fun activity for the | | | | throughout the state, hiking is a favorite, |
| whole family. I have fond memories of | | | | giving the opportunity to spot wildlife and |
| teaching our 12 year old how to ski and | | | | breath-taking waterfalls along the way. A |
| hoping that we wouldn't end up paying for | | | | must-see is Hanging Lake near Glenwood |
| someone's car repairs as he practiced his | | | | Springs. The crystal clear waters and |
| stopping on the "bunny hill" while eventually | | | | ascending cliffs provide awesome views. |
| slowing in the parking lot. But besides the | | | | Fishing enthusiasts cannot find a better view |
| actual skiing or snowboarding, few relaxing | | | | to "reel one in." Numerous trails, paved and |
| moments compare to being at a ski resort with | | | | unpaved, are available for mountain biking. |
| a warm fireplace after an exhilarating day on | | | | Catching the mountain bike chair lifts |
| the slopes. And actually being on top of an | | | | elevate riders up the mountain giving them a |
| enormous mountain is simply awe-inspiring. | | | | jump start to begin the challenge. |
| With the massive amounts of snow, ski season | | | | Spectacular views abound. |
| can last until June depending on conditions | | | | |
| for the year. Snow tubing and snowmobiling | | | | As autumn comes in, the mountain drives turn |
| are also popular activities for those that | | | | to spectacular scenes of gold, orange and red |
| want to "conquer the mountain." | | | | as the aspen trees make their annual change. |
| | | | This is a favorite even for the locals. The |
| Soak in the hot springs. Naturally made and | | | | scenery is just amazing; the colors riveting. |
| full of warm, mineral-rich water, the hot | | | | The difficulty is predicting exactly when |
| springs is like sitting in the largest hot | | | | the change of color will begin. Focus on the |
| tub you've ever seen. Pool temperatures | | | | month of September and then find where the |
| range from 83 - 114 degrees. Many have | | | | changes are taking place. |
| traveled here to find the healing power in | | | | |
| these waters, which were considered a sacred | | | | One thing remains true of all these |
| healing spot by the Ute Indians prior to our | | | | activities, when traveling throughout |
| discovery of it. Nature-made relaxation and | | | | Colorado, it's important to be prepared for a |
| quaint mountain towns assure your pleasure. | | | | quick weather change and be packed |
| | | | accordingly. |
| For the more adventurous, a white-water | | | | |