Outdoor Adventure + HAG Experiences: The Perfect Recipe for the Ultimate Summer Vacation
(DENVER, COLO) April 25, 2017— Think back to the vacations and experiences you remember most. What details make up the unlikely slew of memories you hadn’t even realized were so deeply embedded? Why do some memories stick? Research tells us that if you want a memory to stick, the key is engaging all the senses and evoking a powerful emotion. So, when it comes to crafting an unforgettable summer vacation, one you’ll reflect on for years to come, turn to Colorado’s extensive list of ingredients and endless potential for creative pairings.
1. Modern Adventure Meets Ancient History
Southwest Colorado is known for its high desert landscapes and deep history. The region is home to some of the State’s most celebrated historical sights, like Mesa Verde, where visitors have access to thousands of archeological sites and spectacular cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloans. In addition to an unparalleled window to the past, the southwest corner of the state offers endless adventure. Take, for example, Phil’s World—a relatively crowd-free mountain biking mecca, voted #2 by the International Mountain Biking Association. Just outside of Cortez, Phil’s world boasts 60 miles of terrain where riders can dip in and out of arroyos, glide over slick rock and hop off ledges. Some of the four corners most well-known land marks—Sleeping Ute Mountain, Mesa Verde and the La Plata Mountains—are visible in the distance. Nearby, the historic Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch, once owned by legendary cowboy, Elden Zwicker offers an authentic space for rest, relaxation and continued learning; rooms and cabins are decorated in with unique artifacts and southwestern style. Guests have access to fresh eggs, produce grown on-site, and grass-fed beef and lamb, those unforgettable flavors that linger long after the meal.
2. Summits and Salutations
Vail and Beaver Creek are in the heart-center of so many things that make Colorado, Colorado: National Parks, Wilderness Areas, nearly one-fifth of Colorado’s 14,000ft peaks (including its highest, Mt. Elbert), and some of the state’s most delectable breweries. In the interest of covering ground, lightening the load, and maybe making a new friend, guests turn to Vail’s Paragon Guides for llama-guided, hut-to-hut tours of the spectacular Gore Mountain Range. Test the llama-human relationship on a front end or bring young children along for Paragon’s “Take a Llama to Lunch” tour.
Whether your day in the mountains began with an alpine (very, very early morning) start or rolled to at a leisurely pace, it’s bound to end with a little thirst. And there’s no better way to cap off an epic adventure (or a mellow day amongst the aspens) than with a Colorado craft brew. The Gore Range Brewery in Edwards, CO (just a 20-minute drive from Vail) boasts a much talked-about “Great Sex Honey Lager” and a full menu, while the Vail Brewing Company’s Gore Creek IPA is brewed with the pristine mountain water of the Gore Creek and Eagle River.
3. The Adrenaline Tour
Abandoned for nearly 100 years, the Tomboy ghost town outside of Telluride used to be a hot-bed of mining activity, and home to nearly 900 people during its heyday. The town’s high elevation (11,509 feet) and 4-wheel-drive access keep it ghostly, even as tourism interest grows. A jeep ride over Imogene Pass (Colorado’s second highest pass) should include a stop in Tomboy. En route, be sure to check out the “social tunnel”, where it is rumored that women met the Tomboy Mine men for a little “socialization” (wink, wink). The weather-stained wood and random artifacts scattered about the town —like a single shoe or a mattress skeleton—contribute to the eerie sense that someone might still be around. For non-spectral inspired adrenaline, Telluride’s Via Ferratta promises results. Italian for “iron road”, the Via offers all the thrill and exposure of high-alpine rock climbing, with the protection of cables and iron rungs. The local experts at San Juan Mountain Guides have all the gear, tools, and knowledge to ensure high adrenaline does not mean high risk, and that the experience is unforgettable, in a good way!
4. Cycle, Sip, Sleep
Biking is one of those quintessential Colorado activities, and using bikes as a means of travelling between Colorado wineries is downright brilliant. The North Fork Valley of west-central Colorado, is home to the nation’s highest elevation vineyards (up to 7,000 feet), and some of the most spectacular scenery in the state. County roads offer mellow cycling through orchards and vineyards settled at the base of the West Elk Mountains. In September, the Tour de Vineyards offers an official bike tour and celebration of Colorado wineries, but the grapes reach their prime beginning mid-July. For a self-guided tour, circle around Paonia to Delicious Orchards, Alfred Eames Cellars, Black Bridge Winery and Azura Cellars before resting your weary, wine-filled head in the yurt at Agape Farm and Retreat. Wake to delicious tastes and smells of a home grown, homemade breakfast.
5. Class III and Classy
The Gunnison Gorge is every angler and river-runner’s dream; granite walls tower over exciting rapids, and mellow sections sport the kinds of eddies and pools that make Colorado famous for fly-fishing. Whether it’s a mellow, day ride from Escalante to Dominquez Canyon, or a multi-day adventure in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, rafting is guaranteed to inspire a hearty appetite. In nearby Grand Junction, 626 on Rood has gained a reputation for their modern American cuisine and impressive wine collection. Try the Meeker Colorado rack of lamb with cherry berbere red wine reduction, the lobster mac and cheese with truffle oil, or the sticky peach habanero calamari.
And in nearby Glenwood Springs, a day rafting the famous Colorado River or fishing on the Roaring Fork (which goes right through town) isn’t complete without something creative from The Pullman’s innovative menu: duck sausage poutine, slow roasted pork shoulder, red curry mussels, roasted Brussel sprouts…
6. The Santa Fe Trail & the Spirit of the Rockies
The Santa Fe Trail, one of America’s great trade routes, ran 900 miles through prairies, deserts and mountains. The Mountain Fork, which goes through Colorado,was the go-to route for explorers, traders and fortune seekers headed west, and modern visitors can follow in the steps (or drive alongside) routes taken by some of the earliest explorers to the region. The 188-mile scenic by-way passes through the Victorian town of Trinidad, the Comanche National Grasslands, & Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site (amongst other attractions). At the Sierra Vista Overlook, interested parties can take a three-mile walk to a picnic area alongside Timpas Creek, the first source of water that Santa Fe Trail travelers encountered after departing from the Arkansas River. For another flash to the past and a flavor that’ll linger, Spirit of the Rockies in nearby Pueblo offers classic moonshine, or for something that goes down a little more smoothly, their Gold-Medal winning Apple Pie Moonshine.
7. Canyons, Crafts & Remains
Rumor has it that in 1890, several Irishmen robbed a store in Rock Springs, WY and slipped away to a canyon in Northern Colorado to enjoy their loot. The aptly named Irish Canyon is now a favorite camping, hiking, and climbing spot in northwestern Colorado. The sandstone and limestone formations and notable rock art, make the canyon a favorite for geology and archeology buffs. For ancient remains that make the rock art in Irish Canyon look like it was created yesterday, visit the nearly 1,500 dinosaur fossils still encased in the rocks they were found it at nearby Dinosaur National Monument. Junior rangers can complete hands-on archeological activities that they’re not likely to forget.
In nearby Craig, adults can keep their hands busy with classes at Yampa Valley Fiberworks, where the owners have been at work keeping the natural fiber milling industry alive and well for the last 20 years. Check their Facebook page for updated classes, or to learn more about their finished yarns (wool, alpaca, llama, mohair, and angora).
8. Ranch Stays, Rodeos & Cheese
At Zapata Ranch in south-central Colorado, conservation of wild lands and traditional ways is key. Visitors to the 103,000-acre bison, cattle and guest ranch have the chance to learn through experience about the intricacies of ranching life—past and present—and to experience the beauty of the San Luis Valley through hiking, birding and naturalist tours. In nearby Colorado Springs, visitors can experience another stronghold of Colorado’s western culture through the summer rodeo series. For more hands-on learning about ranch-life ways, visit Penrose CO to take a class from The Goat Cheese Lady that’s so much more than just a cheese-making class. In addition to learning how to make goat and mozzarella cheese with fresh goat’s milk, participants milk goats, collect eggs, make honey whole wheat bread, and take home goat milk lotion, soap and lip balm made on the farm.
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Whether it’s the smell of a farm, the creamy texture of a cheese, the dizzying feel of being thousands of feet off the ground, the sound of bird call, or a picture in a magazine that does it, you’re sure to be brought back time and time again to that trip you took to Colorado the summer of 2017.
For more information on the Colorado Tourism Office Heritage and Agritourism Program, please contact: Sarah-Jane Johnson, 310 854-2408, [email protected]
ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 11 national parks and monuments and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2017 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. For the Colorado Heritage & Agritourism ROOTS Guide, visit http://www.colorado.com/roots
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