During a Colorado vacation, you can see astounding natural attractions. The highest peaks of the Rocky Mountain range are all in Colorado, as is the world’s largest flat-top mountain (Grand Mesa), the tallest sand dune in America (Great Sand Dunes National Monument), and the world’s largest natural hot-springs pool (Glenwood Springs). It’s no wonder Katherine Lee Bates was inspired to pen the words to “America the Beautiful” in this awe-inspiring state.
Colorado’s ski resorts, such as Aspen, Vail and Telluride, are world-renowned. It’s also an ideal place for a variety of other outdoor pursuits. With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing and kayaking. Visitors can even try their hands at such offbeat sports as “zorbing” (rolling down hills in an inflatable ball) in Aspen/Snowmass, and “soaring” (riding a zip line above the Aspens) in Durango. Staying at a dude ranch is a popular option for Colorado family vacations. Families will also find plenty of diversions in the capital city of Denver. The Mile-High City in the shadow of the Rockies boasts eight professional sports teams, the largest city park system in the country, the Children’s Museum of Denver (and many other fine museums), one of the nation’s most popular zoos, and loads of shopping, dining and historical sites.
Although Colorado has several smaller airports, many begin their Colorado travels at Denver International Airport, one of the nation’s largest airports with rental cars available from 10 companies. Weather in Colorado varies depending on the season and the altitude. The mountain resorts can receive more than 300 inches of snow each year. In Denver, the hottest month is July, with an average high of 88°F, while the coldest month is January, where the average high is 47°F. For more information on a vacation in Colorado, log on to www.colorado.com, the Colorado Tourism Office’s website.