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 This summer, discover Rocky Mountain adventures at one of Colorado’s 41 state parks. With more than 500 miles of trails, 4,000 campsites and 58 cabins across the state, outdoor enthusiasts will find they’re always close to summer adventures and peaceful escapes. Sheltered by the magnificent Hahn’s Peak in northern Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park offers amazing Rocky Mountain scenery and fishing, camping, and boating — perfect for soaking up Colorado’s summer sun. For boating enthusiasts, the lake has a full-service marina. If you’re looking to cast your line, you’ll find the trout biting year-round in the reservoir at Mancos State Park – surrounded by the San Juan Mountain Range, located 27 miles from Durango. For bird watchers, Barr Lake State Park includes the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and is a habitat for numerous species of birds, including great blue herons, bald eagles and pelicans. A group of eagles nest in the park each spring. For stunning and scenic views of the Pikes Peak area, Mueller State Park features 55 miles of scenic trails accessible on foot, by horseback or mountain bike. Visitors also can partake in pond fishing, hunting and camping on the park’s 5,000 acres. Campground amenities at many Colorado State Parks include restrooms, full-electrical hookups and shower facilities. For more information visit Colorado State Parks, or call 800-678-2267.
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 For a ropin’ good time, lasso your way around Colorado during a visit to one of the state’s 32 dude and guest ranches, where you’ll experience an authentic taste of the Old West. Serving up Western hospitality since 1946, C Lazy U, located on 8,000 acres of Colorado wilderness outside of Granby, offers the ultimate family vacation. For the kids, the ranch offers “kids’ only” programs mastering the skills of cowboys and cowgirls. When the dinner bell rings, bring your appetite for cowboy-sized portions of Rocky Mountain trout, rosemary rack of lamb and sinful desserts. Within a short drive from Denver, you’ll be ready to kick up your cowboy boots at North Fork Guest Ranch, in Shawnee. Whether you’re a seasoned horseman, hunting enthusiast or nature lover, the ranch has plotted your course for unique Western adventure — from trail rides and whitewater rafting to pony rides for the younger cowboys and cowgirls. At dinner, feast on family-style meals including juicy steak dinners and mouthwatering deserts. When the sun goes down, lace up your dancing shoes for square dancing or sing-a-longs by the campfire. Considered the oldest continuously operating guest ranch in Colorado, Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall keeps the West alive with rustic lodging, hearty meals and specialized riding programs. Explore by horseback or fish for trout in the nearby lake. For modern day excitement, hop aboard a Jeep or mountain bike or take a sight-seeing trip. Let the kids be kids with the Lil’ Buckaroo’s and Range Riders programs engaging them in games, horseback riding, swimming, hiking and the ranch’s petting zoo. To learn more, visit the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association.
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 From April 29–30, discover wines with “altitude” during the Spring Barrel Tasting in Grand Junction. During the annual event, eight area wineries on the Western Slope open their doors and barrels for on-site preview tastings, along with food pairings and tours of the wineries. Sample the bold Merlot from Canyon Wind Cellars and learn about the winery’s state-of-the-art winemaking equipment. Plum Creek Cellars, Colorado’s most award-winning winery, pleases your palate with a taste from their 21 vintages, and Carlson Vineyards will whet your whistle with wines made of grapes and other flavorful, full-bodied fruits. Named after the lengthy canyon the Colorado River runs through, DeBeque Canyon Winery (970-464-0550) specializes in Cabernet Franc and Viognier vintages. Relish in the lush harvests of Garfield Estates Winery and sample award-winning Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah, an epicurean favorite. Colorado’s largest grape producer, Grande River Vineyards invites you to indulge in the rich flavors of the Barrel Select Chardonnay and Meritage White. A small boutique-style winery featuring Port, Graystone Vineyards has claimed national and international recognition for wines produced at the 25-acre estate. Two Rivers Winery, built on 15 acres of land, invites you to raise your glass to the award-winning Riesling and the lingering finish of the winery’s Chardonnay.
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When planning your next Colorado vacation, don’t forget to order your copy of the updated 2006 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide and Official Map to Colorado. Featuring updated contents, these planning tools work hand-in-hand to provide you with everything you need for an unforgettable Colorado Adventure. To request a copy, click here or contact 1-800-Colorado.
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The Colorado Outdoor Adventure
When summer calls, Colorado answers with sunshine and mild temperatures. Be here to discover it yourself and choose from a variety of activities — from fishing and hiking to whitewater rafting and golf. With 40 state parks, Colorado is open for adventure.
For more information on Outdoor Adventures, visit The Outdoor Adventure page.
The Colorado Discovery Adventure
Historical landmarks and wildlife refuges. Learn about the past. Travel through buildings, mansions and the great outdoors, but make your own path. Discover Colorado and its unforgettable history.
For other Colorado Discovery Adventures, visit The Discovery Adventure page.
The Family Adventure
Pack your bags and experience the sights and sounds of Colorado, the ghost towns and the cities in between. For family entertainment, Colorado offers an endless stock of attractions and excitement for children and adults who are young at heart.
For more information on Colorado Family Adventures, visit The Family Adventure page.
The Colorado Romantic Adventure
Hearts become one in Colorado. Take in a sunset with your favorite someone and experience Colorado together. Quaint mountain towns, wide open meadows and breathtaking views nestled in the Rocky Mountains await you!
For other Colorado Romantic Adventure ideas, visit The Romantic Adventure page.
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NARROW GAUGE DAY, May 5, 2006:
The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (DSNGRR), known as America’s railroad, celebrates 125 years of continuous operation by kicking off its summer service with special events planned throughout the day. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the depot remains in the original building constructed in 1882. The D&SNGRR operates coal-fired, steam-powered locomotives, from Durango to Silverton, through the remote wilderness and high-mountain landscape of the San Juan National Forest.
2nd ANNUAL GREELEY BLUEGRASS ROUNDUP, May 12–14, 2006:
Head to Greeley this spring for a showdown of bluegrass music performed by national, regional and local bluegrass bands on indoor and outdoor stages. The event features Gospel music, instrumental and vocal workshops, and an artisan fair with instruments, art, jewelry and crafts. The event is held at the Island Grove Regional Park, where tent camping and more than 200 RV hookups are available.
“PIKE HIKE” IN THE ROYAL GORGE REGION, May 19, 2006:
In conjunction with the statewide event celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Zebulon Pike’s explorations of the Royal Gorge Region, various hikes and walking tours are planned along the same trails once explored by Pike himself in southeastern Colorado.
58th ANNUAL BLUE PADDLE FIBARK WHITEWATER FESTIVAL, June 15–18, 2006:
The oldest, annual whitewater festival, FIBArk (“First in Boating on the Arkansas”) in the United States floats into Salida with a thrilling lineup of competitions including boater-cross, marathon downriver races, and kayak rodeo on the Arkansas River. The popular Hooligan race features homemade, floatable water crafts while brave and athletic canines compete in the Crazy River Dog contest for the fastest retrieval time after fetching their favorite stick or tennis ball in fast moving currents and rapids. Colorado’s signature event also offers bike races, running races, skateboard competitions, entertainment and fun for the entire family.
109th ANNUAL STRAWBERRY DAYS, June 16–18, 2006:
Colorado’s oldest civic celebration began in 1897, when locals gathered in Glenwood Springs for strawberry picnics to celebrate the strawberry harvest and the promise of warm days ahead. This year, the event features the crowning of Miss Strawberry Days, family entertainment, an artisan fair, food booths, and free strawberries and ice cream. A parade down Grand Avenue starts at 10am on Saturday, June 17.
SCANDINAVIAN MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL, June 24–25, 2006:
Scandinavians celebrate the summer solstice — the longest sunlight day of the year — with a festival of light, flowers, food and music. Colorado’s largest Scandinavian Midsummer Festival is hosted in Estes Park, beginning with the raising of the maypole, followed by a colorful opening ceremony that includes a processional of the national flags and a parade of costumes. The day continues with non-stop entertainment provided by a variety of folk-dance groups and Scandinavian musicians. The park is filled with booths offering Scandinavian food and crafts of all kinds.
MESA VERDE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION, June 29–July 2, 2006:
Celebrating 100 years since the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park, a premier archeological park and a World Cultural Heritage Site, this four-day event includes special-access guided tours, Native American arts, and cultural events. The Centennial, however, spans the entire year, and includes seminars, lecture series, music festivals, special tours and exhibits. Located in southwest Colorado, in Cortez considered the archeological center of America, numerous trading posts date back to 1,000 years ago.
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