Share what you know about this area! The views on Beaver Creek mountain are also some of the best around. This gives skiers better access to Red Buffalo Park at the top of the mountain. Evans–the highest paved road in North America. Historic Glenwood Springs is home to hot springs, adventure caverns, one of Colorado’s most popular hiking trails, fantastic brewpubs and scenery. It is a popular destination for rafters, the most rafted section of river in Colorado. In the summer guests enjoy water sports as well as hiking and biking. There are miles of buzzed-about trails heading up from town, including the popular Middle Flume loop, which kicks off with a lung-busting climb and rewards you with a breezy descent at the end. In addition, many of these towns are known for champagne powder and epic ski mountains. Colorado’s largest reservoir is also located here, providing access to all kinds of water sports. The ski lifts began turning at Snowmass Mountain over 50 years ago. It is also a popular rafting and kayaking destination. Mountain biking near Fruita Mountain biking near Avon This is Colorado mountain biking, where the best single-track trails on the planet are found. Here’s where to find a ride to suit your experience level at major ski areas-turned-biking havens across Colorado. Winter Park Resort is Colorado’s longest continually operated ski resort. The town offers an endless array of festivals and outdoor adventures. We will never give away, trade or sell your email address. Not the easiest of mountain towns in Colorado to get to, but one of the most picturesque. This is one of the mountain towns in Colorado located closest to the Front Range. If you like the water, be sure to check out some of our favorite lakes in Colorado near these historic towns! One of the more rugged parks around, it is a go-to spot for progressive downhill riders. Vail MountainWind through stands of shimmering aspen and fragrant ponderosa pines, take in sweeping views of the Gore Mountain Range and end up with perma-grin as you ride Vail Mountain’s network of MTB trails. Nederland is another historic mining town. Boone, North Carolina. Aspen is home to the Aspen Music Festival and the Aspen Institute. Dispersed throughout this spectacular landscape, charming mountain towns in Colorado make for the ultimate family vacation. Browns Canyon Adventure Park is located in Buena Vista along the banks of the Arkansas River with the Browns Canyon National Monument as a backdrop. You'll want to make time during your stay for these top things to do in Boulder. One of the least expensive places to stop for gas on the I-70 corridor, it is also home to the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Note, if you are going to Colorado summer 2020, here are a few things you may want to consider. It also happens to be where traffic can back up. Yet there’s a bit of something for everyone, from the beginner- and kid-friendly Green Horn-It! From barely leaving our, Aspen became one of Colorado’s first ski resorts in the 1940s, Beaver Creek is great for learning to ski, Santa’s North Pole Adventure and a Santa’s Lighted Forest ride. Adored for its relatively ungroomed terrain and lack of crowds, the area is a favorite for both flowy, berm-laden trails like Silky Johnson and stomach-flipping ladder drops on rides such as Tron. Publishers ~ Digital Content Creators ~ Storytellers ✈️ Sharing our favorite destinations, adventures, lakes, trails, parks & more! Grand Junction offers scenic byways, riverfront trails and wild horse viewing. From where are these mountain bikers returning? Many of these beautiful mountain towns are also home to reservoirs and lakes. This town is the county seat of Eagle County. And they are just the beginning.Read more, Watch: Hiking at the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park >>Read more, This message for Colorado travelers was developed in a partnership between the Colorado Tourism Office and Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor...Read more, For the kind of cycling fanatic that travels with more than one bike, the far western part of the state offers up a perfect convergence of two-...Read more, Colorado State Park Profile: Lory State Park, Five Must-Photograph Locations in the Royal Gorge Region, Biker's Paradise: Fruita & the Colorado National Monument. Carbodale may have been known as a bedroom community for Aspen but it has come into its own as a basecamp for adventure in Colorado’s Western Slopes. Perhaps even more notable than the crowds, is the commitment to zero waste. Read on to find the best Colorado getaway for your family! Here you will also find the most delicious cherries in Colorado. Best road biking trails in Colorado. Or choose from 11 other runs of varying levels that zoom through spruce and aspen forests (and the occasional grazing deer or wandering elk). It has a great variety of interesting restaurants lining its main street. Evolution Bike Park at Crested Butte Mountain Resort Debatably one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, it’s no exaggeration to label Crested Butte as a must-ride destination. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains and situated in a former volcanic caldera the sheer cliffs around it limit growth. Beau Jo’s Colorado Style Pizza is a longtime popular restaurant, but the town also boasts a brewery. Not only … A popular hiking and snowshoeing trail, Meadow Mountain, starts just outside of town at the Ranger’s Station. It is only 37 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park and 67 miles northwest of Denver. Estes Park, Colorado easy (381) Length: 3.8 mi • Est. At Colorado National Monument visitors may have the opportunity to see the most spectacular sunsets, the brightest moon, wildlife such as Turkey Vultures, Big Horn Sheep and more. This reclaimed open … This ski season will l, I have been quiet over here the past couple of wee, My heart is crying again. Founded as a mining settlement founded in 1859, it earned its place in history as the “Richest Square Mile on Earth.” Perhaps best known for its casinos, Central City is also known for its unique Central City Opera. It is also a second home to the rich and famous. While Trestle is just 20 or so miles away from Bike Granby Ranch, the trails here are notably more manicured. The ski mountain has hosted the Winter X Games since the early 2000s. Mt. Tennessee Cookhouse, located just across the parking lot from Ski Cooper is also a fun place to visit. Kebbler Pass is on our list of top scenic drives in Colorado. Also known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a fun destination in and of itself. Then the summer of 1905 President Roosevelt ran the country from The Hotel Colorado, earning it the nickname “The Little White House of the United States.”. Meander through meadows on 50 miles of classic cross-country trails or find your new favorite gravity ride, with terrain stretching all the way from the top of Elk Camp Chairlift back down to Snowmass Village (that’s 2,897 vertical feet, if you’re counting). During the summer you may want to bike their 600 miles of cross-country trails and two downhill bike parks. While Vail’s mountain-biking system is less progressive than others, this is a boon for riders who simply want to cruise soft singletrack through forest and prairie. The Starlight Spectacular in the Garden of the Gods Park is a night time recreational bike ride benefiting the Trails and Open Space Coalition of Colorado … If you want to move to a mountain bike town and you don’t want to bankrupt yourself in the process, here are the 10 best mountain bike towns in the United States with the lowest cost of living, ordered by median home price from low to high. But when I drove it many years ago this dirt road with cows meandering on it actually drops you right into downtown Crested Butte. Behold the glory of Crested Butte’s over 700 miles of singletrack. 2 h 1 m. #2 - Lake Estes Trail. It is not inexpensive but this is a place where young kids will have fun and parents will feel safe with them running around free. It is one of our favorite mountain towns to visit with kids, as there are so many fun things to do in Glenwood Springs. If we haven’t scared you off yet, good! Located in the southwestern area of the state, near Durango, the town is best known for its natural hot springs. It is home to Bravo! Thank you for supporting our creative efforts. Garden of the Gods: Ute Trail - Beginner: 5 miles. Summer activities abound both on the mountain and off. The area is known for wildflowers, mountain biking and its cute downtown. However, on Singletracks we count at least 812 miles of mountain bike trails within a 25-mile radius of Breckenridge, making it the #1 mountain bike destination ranked by the Singletracks database! Help protect the lands that make mountain biking in Colorado so spectacular. 1 h 39 m. #3 - Sloan's Lake Loop. For a visit to Winter Park you may be best off securing a specific condo. The guides at both the Matchless Mine and Healy House are epic storytellers and they have some fun ones to tell. Plenty of lift-served trails await on Breck’s ski mountain as well. Condo lodging abounds, which is great for families. Conveniently, the same gondolas and chairlifts that whisk skiers up the mountains in winter avail themselves to cyclists and their bikes all summer long, so riders can gain altitude fast and discover the thrill of bombing down singletrack, cross-country and technical trails all summer long. Ouray may be best known for its hot springs, but has also come into its own as a craft brewery hub. As an Amazon Associate Insider Families earns from qualifying purchases. Professional rodeo cowboys do their best to stay up on a ski race course, decked in traditional rodeo gear. It is a short 45 minute drive from Colorado Springs. Creede is a historic mining town now featuring the Underground Mining Museum and the Creede Repertory Theatre. Recommended Routes in Denver - 22. It is a quintessential Colorado small town. You can unsubscribe at any time. Last year Beaver Creek replaced a two-seater lift that was a little scary with a high-speed four-seater lift. One of the best small (affordable) ski resorts, Ski Cooper, is located just outside of Leadville. Vail’s ski mountain is one of the largest in North America with 5,289 skiable acres. Trestle Bike Park at Winter ParkJust utter the word “Trestle” to mountain bikers worldwide, and they will smile knowingly. And, the area recently received a dark skies designation. During the winter there’s also a special Santa’s North Pole Adventure and a Santa’s Lighted Forest ride. Their Polar Express is fun for all ages. Leadville is a charming town with old colorful Victorian buildings and a rich history. Glenwood Springs is accessible via car or rail. Amtrack has a scenic rout that stops in Glenwood Springs at the old train station. Victorian architecture adorns the street leading directly to the ski slopes. Newbies and youngsters can practice their technique at the skills park, glide over the Verde Trail or let a Bike Pro guide show you the way. No matter, Divinity Flow Trail has made up for lost time and is now Durango’s longest downhill flow trail, a 1.5-mile ride with optional tabletops, berms, hits, bridges and wall-rides — making it suitable for most intermediate to advanced riders. The drive to Durango is also pretty spectacular with a few different mountain passes to choose from. Long story short: however you slice it, Breckenridge … Cycle culture is … Minturn also boasts a free summer concert series on Thursday nights at their new amphitheater. Another Colorado mining town turned ski resort, Telluride is located in the southwester area of the state. 3 breweries, 2 distilleries, 3 coffee roasters and 2 chocolatiers call this town home. There are natural hot springs. Take the Estes Park Aerial Tramway for aerial views of the valley. The 3.5-mile Blue River Trail is a paved path that meanders through the Town of Silverthorne alongside the Blue River and is perfect for families or a relaxed cruise. Historic Leadville was almost the capitol of Colorado. The Railroad takes visitors on a round-trip narrow-gauge steam train ride from Georgetown to SilverPlume and back. The mountain biking in Colorado offers a great mix of technical trails, high alpine epics, and some of the best downhill mountain bike parks around. Visitors should definitely visit the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, Matchless Mine and the Healy House. And they’re filled with handlebar-gripping rock gardens, jumps, free falls and manmade wooden features. It is located in Boulder County near Eldora Mountain Resort. Elk Meadow Park easy (474) Length: 4 mi • Est. This trail network is served by the American Eagle lift, which brings riders and their bikes up for a great beginner’s experience or more challenging singletrack trails for advanced riders. One of the more fun events of the winter season is the Cowboy Downhill. Fruita, Colorado. Snowmass has always been known for their on-mountain bike trails. #5 of 73 Outdoor Activities in Aspen. Winter Park is one of Colorado’s more affordable ski resorts. Just outside of town is Palisade, offering Colorado’s most delicious peaches. “The trail is easily accessible from … best small (affordable) ski resorts, Ski Cooper, Snowmass is even more spectacular in the summer, skiing and snowboarding to ski biking, tubing, sledding, ice skating, going to Colorado summer 2020, here are a few things you may want to consider, La Fortuna Costa Rica: Where to Stay, Play and Dine, Cutting Your Own Christmas Tree: What to Know, Colorado Snowmobiling: Snow Fields and Fast Fun. A day of thigh-burning action can be soothed away by a dip in the steaming mineral waters at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. The town is nestled in a canyon, surrounded by cliffs. Steamboat Bike ParkOnce known solely for its placid cross-country riding, Steamboat Bike Park has upped the ante in recent years, greatly expanding its downhill terrain with 2,200 vertical feet of lift-served trails. Mountain Village Bike Park at Telluride Ski ResortMajestic mountain panoramas and adrenaline-pumping trail rides are all yours for free, thanks to Telluride’s complimentary gondola service to the Mountain Village Bike Park. There are so many things to do with kids in Colorado! Be sure to check out Grand Lake Lodge and stay in one of their historic Colorado cabins! Highlights: If you want a great bike ride not far from Denver, the Marshall Mesa area in Boulder is perfect for beginners with its gravel trail that’s best for cruising. Share Your Local Tips! Estes Park also has probably the highest concentration of mountain cabins in the state. A farmer’s market runs every Sunday through the summer and fall. These days though, Fort Collins holds its own by being listed in the top 5 best places to live … Evans (Idaho Springs area) If Trail Ridge Road sounded too tame for you, consider pedaling up Mt. Insider Tip: If you are in the Leadville area, be sure to make a visit to Twin Lakes. In addition to the fun alpine coaster, a challenge course in the Lost Forest will keep your family occupied for most of the day. 17,940 Miles 28,872 Kilometers of Trail 454 Recommended Routes 1,045 Easy Trails ; 1,869 Intermediate Trails ; 654 Difficult Trails ; MTB Project is built by riders like you. As such, most Snowmass lodging accommodations seems to be ski-in ski-out with beautiful mountain views. There’s even a pro section, called Banana Peel, accessible only with a separate pass. It is the start or end of Red Mountain Pass depending on which direction you come. For us, it is a great mid-point to stop on our drive from Eagle County to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It makes our list of most spectacular fall drives in Colorado. Cycle culture is everywhere: You’ll see fleets of locals cruising through downtown and pickup trucks stacked high with dust-covered downhill rigs. Aspen. Wide service roads provide access for anyone who prefers to ride uphill after hours. In addition, all one-way roads in the Park have paved biked lanes. During the winter you can even explore the world’s largest snow fort. That tells you a bit about the geography of the state. Approximately half of state of Colorado is comprised of mountainous areas. Located in western Colorado’s high desert, Fruita offers hundreds of miles of trails … Here you will want to take a jeep tour to discover the waterfalls created by snow melt off. This is a gorgeous area of Colorado. Colorado Biking. Vail has come into its own as a cultural destination as well. Whether this is your first timer or seasoned rider, the thrill of biking down at Vail is an experience like none other. Families will want to check out the Carousel of Happiness, a magical menagerie featuring 56 whimsical, hand-carved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel, turning to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer band organ. Colorado’s largest reservoir is also located … Those looking for a more heart-pumping thrill can swivel, jump and hop through the Viking, Vapor and Valhalla trails. And, if that isn’t enough, then wear yourself out on the climbing wall! Although closer to Bend, this 26-mile trail is also convenient for people on the west side of the Cascades, especially… It is surrounded by White River National Forest with the Colorado River cutting through its middle. Dakota Ridge / Red Rocks Loop from Zorro Trail. With warm sunny days and cool evenings, Colorado mountain towns are an excellent vacation destination to escape the heat. From Winter Park you may want to take a scenic drive to explore Rocky Mountain National Park. 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