Colorado Travel Tips – For Every Season

We visited Colorado briefly on our honeymoon a few years ago. We instantly fell in love with the American state often and rightfully recocnised about its natural beauty. Ever since, we are planning to go back and visit Colorado again. We would love to take the children with us of course, and it would be lovely to stay a classic ski chalet, high in the mountains surrounded by nature. Like those gorgeous natural stones and wooden built Colorado mansions you often see in magazines and in movies.

Colorado is truly one of the most beautiful states. Because of the diverse landscape, there’s a lot to see and do throughout the whole year, no matter the weather. Beautiful lakes, mountains, rivers, sand dunes, hot springs, natural arches and more.

In Summer

Summertime in the mountains is gorgeous. Green trees, mountainsides covered in wildflowers and sparkigly blue lakes. The weather is warm and sunny, with cool nights.

Mountain climbing, hiking, trekking and mountain biking are very popular in the summer months.

Whitewater rafting is a must-do activity: whilst it’s definitely an activity which can boost your adrenaline production, almost anyone can do it, including children. Find state certified rafting companies who have all the expertise you need. Mid summer is perfect for rafting as the rivers are much milder.

Summer is a great time to visit natural hot springs, soak in the hot water and in the sun at the same time, it’s a wonderful experience.

Check if a band you like is around and playing in one of the most famous concert venues of the world: Red Rocks Amphitheater. It’s a unique geological phenomenon and concert venue, even the Beatles played here.

There are 81 waterfalls in Colorado, so wherever you stay, chances are, that you can find a few around. The biggest is Bridal Veil Falls (a very telling name!) followed by Fish Creek Falls.

Visit a winery. Most of Colorado’s vineyards are located on the western slope of the Rocky Mountains and the wine is good quality. The most popular white varieties are Chardonnay, Riesling, and Viognier, as for the red, they are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.

In Autumn

National Parks are the most colourful in autumn and the conditions are still perfect for hiking and trekking. Colorado has 13 national parks and the most famous ones are the Rocky Mountains, Black Canyon (which is almost as impressive as the Grand Canyon) the Colorado National Monument and The Great Sand Dunes.

The Great Sand Dunes offers you sand boarding and sand sledging, which is great fun on a warm day – but not when the sun is high, as the sand can be very hot. You need the right gear and right conditions of course. Avoid the dunes when it’s too windy or stormy and rent boards and sledges nearby – a piece of carton board can be dangerous.

Take a postcard worthy scenic drive. Places like Kebbler Pass offers a great view in early autumn.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mesa Verde holds over 600 Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The striking ruins are some of the best preserved in the country, offering a fascinating insight into the people that once lived here.

In Winter

Skiing, snowboarding, snow mobiling, horse drawn sleigh – you name it. Colorado is definitely most famous about winter sports, every winter sports fan must visit it once. With the season kicking off usually around the end of November when The Aspen Snowmass opens, the winter lasts till April.

Don’t miss to visit Aspen. The world-famous winter resort town is a little gem of the Rocky Mountains. You’ll find high-end restaurants and shops, and landmarks like the Wheeler Opera House.

Winter amusement park fun. Whilst amusement parks around the world shut down for winter, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park stays open during the winter months, and features six thrill rides and many attractions, so you can enjoy a truly special time.

A hot spring bath break is a perfect winter treat in between skiing days. Good for the muscles and good for the soul.

Hop on a festive Santa loco! Georgetown Loop Railroad has two Christmas train rides featuring a present-bearing Santa, and a beautiful light show set to synchronized holiday music.

Some holiday fun for the children: visit North Pole Colorado near Colorado Springs. It’s a Christmas-themed amusement park, where children can visit Santa’s Workshop, meet the Elves and hop on rides.

In Spring

There’s not much of a spring weather exists in Colorado. But there’s still plenty of things to do.

If you love a bit of an adrenalin, try whitewater rafting in May and June, as the melting mountain snow makes the rivers run faster.

Hop on the Pikes Peak Clog Railway. Near Downtown Colorado Springs, you can find the world’s highest cog train, perfect for a day trip.

Not only natural beauties but the cities are worth visiting: Colorado’s capital, Denver has a lot of fun to offer regardless of your age: museums, galleries, the botanic gardens and lots of kid friendly activities too, like the the Denver Zoo, AquaWorld, Forney Transportation Museum or Elitch Gardens amusement park. We can also mention the beautiful Colorado Spings at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and the winter sport paradise, ever posh Aspen.

This is a collaborative post.