Colourful Colorado
After a comfortable flight with American Airlines via Dallas I arrived in Denver, the “mile high” city. With a short transfer time of 30 minutes you reach Downtown.
Our overnight stay was in the historic Brown Palace Hotel. The rooms were spacious and included unique period features. The location was ideal as it was only a brief walk to the city centre but as an alternative, a complimentary shuttle bus operates along the main high street for further transportation.
A must visit is the Colorado History Museum and the Denver Mint where Quarters, Dimes and Nickels are produced. There were also great tours available if you have the time.
Just outside Denver, we were lucky enough to stop at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Visitors Centre. What a view! Naturally shaped through the Red Rocks, the acoustically perfect theatre is the only one of its kind in the world! The venue attracts many famous performers illustrated by their extensive “Hall of Fame”. Next, it was off to Granby to experience the C Lazy U dude Ranch. Rated in the top 50 ranches of America, the Ranch had, as you expect, outstanding facilities set within 8,000 acres. From horseback riding to fly-fishing, all activities offered were once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for both singles and families alike. The lodges were first class with luxurious characteristics but in keeping with a homely vibe.
My next adventure was a 3 hour drive away at Glenwood Springs. We were whisked straight onto an ATV tour, assigned a tour guide and began our exploration of the Colorado wilderness with an energising trek up the mountains. After a very active day, the ultimate relaxation followed at the “Glenwood Hot Springs Pool”. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the thermal waters were 91 degrees Fahrenheit. Great for the aching muscles!
The next day before we set off on route to Grand Junction, we zip lined over the Colorado River. In addition we visited Glenwood Cavern's Adventure Park arriving via a Gondola-ride up the side of Iron Mountain. Grand Junction is Colorado's Wine country, full of natural beauty and plenty of outdoor activities. Not to mention the mouth-watering gourmet dining.
Colorado National Monument was our stunning location for breakfast at 2000ft above the Grand Valley of the Colorado River. The vistas were astounding and spanned further than the eye can see. Thereafter we visited the charming historical town of Salida. Filled with art galleries, sculptures and specialist stores, it offers a refreshing timeout.
Onwards from Salida we travelled to Colorado Springs. At the “Garden of the Gods” we experienced the breath-taking spectacle of the 1,350 acre park, filled with 300 million year old rock formations. A guided jeep tour proved the best way of seeing the sights through the park. Afterwards we went to Manitou Springs. Another historic town but larger than Salida, Manitou Springs had a retro ‘hippy’ feel which seemed to result in a chilled artistic inspiration to the bars, shops and restaurants. That evening, we had a scrumptious gourmet dinner at the award-winning restaurant, Summit, based in the Broadmoor Hotel.
On our final day, we got to experience the famous Pikes Peak Mountain. At 14,115 foot above sea level, Pikes Peak, towers above Colorado Springs. Early next morning, we travelled 9 miles to the summit, with a scenic ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
After acclimatising to the altitude and eating their legendary doughnuts, I was ready for the bike ride of my life! What an experience! Lead by a guide, we descended down 11 miles of Pike's Peak highway. An appropriate dynamic ending to what was indeed both a challenge and tremendous adventure.
To sum up - Colorado is an action-packed state. Not only is there awe-inspiring scenery, copious history, and exceptional gourmet dining, the people are genuinely wonderful. And with such an abundance of energetic activities offered, you are thankful to have the therapeutic hot springs to take a moment to truly be inspired by your surroundings!