We've partnered with travel blogger and influencer Ottsworld to bring you a taste of Colorado's scenic northwest that's full of surprises in the form of hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking and kayaking. You’ll also get a good look at Colorado’s art scene as well as its Western culture and roots. As you travel, enjoy sophisticated culinary offerings throughout small mountain towns and ranches.
And if, after reading this itinerary, you're further inspired to explore, you can find an even more detailed account of her northwest Colorado adventures here.
Day
1
Activity
Tour Art Castings Foundry in Loveland
Marvel at how sculptures are created using wax, ceramic, sand and boiling vats of bronze before they're welded together like a puzzle!
Lunch
Betta Gumbo
Enjoy a taste of the South in this northern Colorado city at Betta Gumbo in Foundry Plaza. The eatery serves New Orleans-style gumbo, shrimp & grits, fried pickles, hush puppies, corn pudding and beignets — pure Southern dishes with heart! Chef Clay uses his old family recipes and seems to have a story about each one.
Activity
Visit Benson Sculpture Garden
Benson Sculpture Garden is home to 170 pieces of art. It’s impossible to look at these sculptures in the park and not be amazed after just seeing the long process of how they come to life at the foundry tour. Plus, many of the pieces are interactive," making for great fun and Instagram opportunities!
Activity
Loveland Aleworks
Quench your thirst with a beer slushie at this long-time local brewery.Insider's Tip
Activity
Horseback Riding at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
This is the lowest elevation ranch in Colorado which makes it really accessible to visitors who aren’t quite used to the altitude yet. It’s also the perfect introduction to the Western culture of Colorado. Even though this is a full-service dude ranch, you can also just come out for the day and take a ride on horseback.
Lodging
Stay at Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch
Relax in a cabin by the river with a lovely porch and a wood-burning fireplace. You won’t find any TVs or Wi-Fi in the cabins — Sylvan Dale is an escape where life is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
Day
2
Insider's Tip
Activity
Hike Devil’s Backbone Open Space in Loveland
Take a hike with the devil! Devil’s Backbone is a 2-mile strip of Dakota sandstone that rises from the rock and soil between the mountains and plains.COTREX
Map the TrailInsider's Tip
Activity
Hike Adams Falls in Rocky Mountain National Park
After an afternoon of driving, stretch your legs at the popular Adams Falls Trail. This normally heavily trafficked trail was only moderately busy at the end of the day, and the light was perfect to illuminate the mountains.COTREX
Map the Trail
Dinner
Huntington House Tavern
Huntington House Tavern at Grand Lake Lodge is a must if you're looking for an elevated meal. Dinner is a prix fixe menu, and a reservation is recommended. Try their charcuterie plate complete with honeycomb from their on-site beehives.
Lodging
Grand Lake Lodge
With a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, Grand Lake Lodge is an institution in Grand Lake. Stay in one of their 70 cabins and enjoy the outdoor spaces around the property, like their viewing deck and pool which overlook the lake and offer stellar Rocky Mountain views.
Day
3
Insider's Tip
Activity
Kayak at Trail Ridge Marina in Grand Lake
Grand Lake is the largest and deepest natural body of water in Colorado. Fed by the headwaters of the Colorado River and by snowmelt coming off of the Continental Divide, the lake is best enjoyed when you get to paddle on it!Insider's Tip
Lunch
Rocky Mountain Roastery
This is a great stop for picking up a coffee and a snack. Plus, you can grab a brochure for the Colorado River Headwaters National Scenic Byway and learn about the Colorado River.
Activity
Shopping at F.M. Light & Sons
Stop in at F.M. Light & Sons in Steamboat and step back into the Wild West. Try on cowboy hats and boots, write in their guestbook and take home the biggest belt buckle you can find.Insider's Tip
Lodging
Vista Verde Ranch
Stay in one of the log cabins in what the ranch calls "rustic elegance." Each cabin has a hot tub on the porch and an incredible view of the valley and pasture where horses graze.
Day
4
Insider's Tip
Activity
Horseback Riding at Vista Verde Ranch
If you want the full dude-ranch experience, get ready to get on a horse! Vista Verde takes matching horses and riders very seriously. Even if you are a beginner, you’ll be able to take your skills to the next level and get beyond the simple head-to-tail trail ride. Or if you want to get off the trails and do more typical ranching activities, they offer cattle clinics as well.Insider's Tip
Activity
Activity Wild Card!
The ranch offered a variety of activities each guest can choose from such as mountain biking, fly-fishing, archery and cattle penning. They have something for everyone!Insider's Tip
Day
5
Breakfast
Yampa Valley Kitchen in Steamboat Springs
This farm-to-table offering in Steamboat is known for their delicious, seasonally fresh breakfasts and brunch. They'll provide fuel for whatever adventure you want to take on in Steamboat!
Activity
Hike Uranium Mine Trail in Steamboat Springs
This 3.2-mile out-and-back trail was a perfect morning hike. In addition to mountain views and aspen groves, you’ll see an old uranium mine. Go a little further past the mine to the creek where you can soak your feet in the cold mountain water.COTREX
Map the Trail
Activity
Go Mountain Biking
With 50 miles of mountain biking trails around Steamboat, you’ll find trails for every level. Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare can set you up with a ride.
Dinner
Laundry Restaurant in Steamboat Springs
Opened in 2012, Laundry is located in an old commercial laundromat building from the 1920s. If you go in the back of the dining room you can see old pictures of the laundromat and building. Be sure to try one of their specialty cocktails made with house-infused liquors.
Activity
Old Town Hot Springs
After all of these activities, you’ll deserve to relax. There’s no better Colorado town for hot springs than Steamboat Springs! Old Town Hot Springs have been there for more than 100 years. The waters were first enjoyed by the Ute Indians who settled the area, and later by the first homesteaders.
Lodging
