One of the greatest places for a vacation in the continental United States is Colorado. Those who like a varied landscape will appreciate the natural beauty that the state provides. From slightly rolling land that makes up the western edge of the Great Plains in the east to the majestic Rocky Mountains in the west, Colorado has something for just about any nature lover. There are wide open spaces, as well as urban sprawl.
Things to do in Denver
Most people who travel to Colorado will want to visit Denver, which is the home of the Colorado state capital. Denver is a cosmopolitan city in the foothills of the Rockies and is home to about 600,000 residents. The downtown area has many shops and restaurants to keep visitors busy for quite some time. Historic attractions, many of them with a Wild West theme are prevalent in Denver. Denver also hosts a downtown amusement park, several museums, a major zoo, and four major league sports teams. One could spend their entire vacation in Denver alone.
Cool Attractions in Colorado Springs
Just over an hour south of Denver lies the city of Colorado Springs with a population of just over 400,000. The city is renowned for its natural beauty, with stunning views of the nearby mountains that include the famous Pike’s Peak. The mountain itself includes several attractions, including the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway that takes riders to the top of the mountain, over 14,000 feat above sea level. The Garden of the Gods is another major attraction in Colorado Springs that includes many strange red rock formations. Finally, the city is home to the United States Air Force Academy.
The Colorado Rockies
In addition to these major metropolitan areas, visitors to Colorado can enjoy small mountain towns year-round. Some of these small towns host some of the best skiing in North America during the winter months. The mountains hold such treasures as Steamboat Springs, Aspen and Breckenridge, and include many small shops that tempt visitors to come and view their wares related to Western culture. A swiftly-flowing mountain stream meanders through the town of Breckenridge, filled by the melting snow from higher up in the mountains.
One of the leading attractions in Colorado is the Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is the gateway to this magnificent example of America’s natural beauty. The park is a perfect place for nature enthusiasts to camp, hike, fish and view wildlife. Sixty mountains in the park rise above 12,000, so it is also a great place for mountain climbing.
Southwestern Colorado
One of the more interesting points in Colorado is Mesa Verde. The Mesa Verde National Park sits in the southwestern corner of Colorado. The site is famous for its cliff dwellings, which were the home for Native Americans between 600 and 1300 A. D. This is a wonderful example of the Pueblo culture that flourished for centuries before the arrival of Columbus, and Mesa Verde can be a wonderful educational experience. Near Mesa Verde is the famous “Four Corners” where a person can stand in four states at once–Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.
Colorado is definitely a great place for a vacation. The mountains, prairies, lakes and streams provide a wonderful natural setting, while the cities of Denver and Colorado Springs can satisfy those looking for a more urban setting. Those who enjoy outdoor activities can find something to do year-round. Few will regret their visit.
This article was contributed by Limo Lane Denver limousine services.