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 In Colorado, hold on tight for an unforgettable adrenaline rush at various Rocky Mountain theme parks. For nature-based amusement, take a ride on Canyon Flyer, the first alpine roller coaster in the United States at the Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Located in Glenwood Springs, riders in individual cars control their speed as they race down 3,400 feet of mountainside, in between the trees, on steel tracks built with jumps and waves. For another rush, the Swing Shot launches riders out into Glenwood Canyon and 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. At the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park in Cañyon City, the Royal Rush Skycoaster — the highest in the world — suspends up to three people 1,200 feet above the roaring Arkansas River and sends them over the canyon and back in a free-fall that reaches speeds up to 50 mph. Or take a slow spine-tingling dive down on the world's steepest Incline Railway that shuttles you to the very bottom of the Royal Gorge. For Mile High acceleration, snowboarders carve their way to Denver to try the dizzying Halfpipe ride at Six Flags Elitch Gardens. The first ride of its kind in North America, the Halfpipe sends 16 high-speed riding enthusiasts racing up the side of a 10-story tall half-pipe on a 39-foot-long snowboard. For an extreme water ride, EDGE at the Island Kingdom Water Park (free with your admission to Six Flags Elitch Gardens), drops riders down more than four stories on a massive slide before racing up at breath-taking speeds and plunging back and forth before ending in Castaway Creek.
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 Animal lovers will find numerous spots in Colorado for viewing bighorn sheep, moose, black bears, elk and bald eagles, among other furry and feathered wildlife. In the northwest, the Colorado State Forest State Park and Moose Center features the largest concentration of moose in the state. Bordered by the Medicine Bow Mountains on the east and the Never Summer Mountains to the south, elk, mule deer, black bears, golden eagles, blue grouse, northern goshawks, ducks and song birds are attracted to this area for its lakes and waterways. For wildlife watching, you’ll find a viewing deck overlooking a marshy area and two self-guided nature trails and a self-guided auto tour offer easy access to the area. Rocky Mountain National Park, another area known for its large game population, is considered one of the top wildlife watching destinations in the United States. Home to 3,000 elk (spotted anytime), 800 bighorn sheep (commonly seen from May to August), as well as more than 280 recorded bird species, including the white-tailed ptarmigan, the park’s 359 trails offer a chance to observe the animals in their natural surroundings. For prairie wildlife viewing, head to the Pawnee National Grasslands where the large area of shortgrass prairie is accessible by car, foot or horseback. Watch for pronghorn, mule deer, coyotes, prairie dogs, jackrabbits, and kangaroo rats (at night). Prairie falcons, golden eagles and various species of hawks nest on surrounding encampments in isolated trees and on the steep side of the Pawnee Buttes, a pair of sandstone formations towering 250 feet above the prairie. With some of the area designated private land, it’s recommended that you get a map of public areas from the Colorado office of the United States Forest Service. For more information and tips on successful wildlife viewing, please visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife.
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 Thousands of bird watchers from around the world flock annually to Wray on the northeast plains of Colorado to view the infamous mating rituals of Colorado’s prairie chickens (relatives of the grouse) during the annual Greater Prairie Chicken Viewing Tours. Scheduled for March 24–26 and 31, and every weekend in April, people rise at dawn to witness the male prairie chickens perform their courtship dance. During the ceremonial display, the male prairie chickens stake out territory to court the female hens through a sequence of gestures. First taking several tiny steps then rapidly stamping their feet — along with whoops and cackles — the males ultimately attract the females to their “ancestral lek” (a place where they breed). Once abundant, the North American species has become extremely rare or extinct over much of its range due to habitat loss. The tours also include other bird watching opportunities, historical presentations and evening education programs.
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Whether you’re visiting Colorado to take advantage of record-breaking early-season snow or looking to go off the beaten path and discover some of the state’s secluded hideaways this upcoming summer, you’ll need a comprehensive guide to help plan your trip.
With the revised and updated 2006 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide in hand, you’ll be equipped to make the most of your time in the Centennial State. Loaded with feature stories about Colorado’s unprecedented scenery, history and attractions, the guide allows you to lay the groundwork for a memorable vacation. New features this year include articles about shopping, dining, arts and culture, hot springs and spas, and added coverage of the state’s fascinating historical attractions. Vivid photography, detailed listings and an easy-to-navigate layout make the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide a complete and indispensable resource for planning your vacation.
You can request the guide by clicking here or contacting 1-800-COLORADO. While you’re at it, you can also request the new Official Map to Colorado, with comprehensive maps of the entire state as well as major cities. These planning tools work hand-in-hand to provide you with everything you need for an unforgettable Colorado adventure.
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The Colorado Outdoor Adventure
When summer calls, Colorado answers with sunshine and pleasant temperatures. With 40 state parks, 13 major river systems, and 54 peaks over 14,000 feet (known as 14ers), there’s never a dull moment in Colorado’s great outdoors.
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. 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. 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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ECKERT CRANE DAYS, March 11 and 18, 2006:
Signaling the end of winter, Sandhill Cranes in route to northern migration destinations pause for a break in Eckert, located in Northwest Colorado near the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain. Don’t miss lift off as the cranes take flight toward their final destination.
3rd ANNUAL CHERRY BLOSSOM WALK,
April 14–16, 2006:
In Paonia, known for the vast fruit and vegetables produced in the area, venture through orchards filled with the aromas of cherry blossoms and the promise of the season during the annual 5K walk. Hosted by the Bed and Breakfast Association, the weekend also includes lodging in one of the area’s bed and breakfasts, along with cycling, hiking, antique hunting, wine tasting and touring area art studios and scenic driving routes.
11TH ANNUAL NEW BELGIUM BREWERY FRUITA FAT TIRE FESTIVAL,
April 28–30, 2006:
Colorado’s own New Belgium Brewery starts the mountain biking season off right with a weekend of brews and bikes. Explore Colorado’s canyon lands and beautiful red rock country at the largest mountain bike festival in the state.
72nd ANNUAL SANTA FE TRAIL DAYS,
April 28, 2006:
In Las Animas, follow a trail of cowboys and Native Americans, pioneers, Señors and Señoritas as you pay tribute to Southern Colorado’s heritage. A major trade route between North America and Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail is a legendary stop along Colorado’s trail of history. A parade, a mainstay event featuring horses and wagons, art and pottery booths, tasty foods, square dances, and authentic costume and talent contests honor Colorado’s colorful heritage.
CINCO DE MAYO,
May 6–7, 2006:
During one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the nation, Denver’s Civic Center Park comes alive with traditional and contemporary Latino entertainment, strolling Mariachi bands, colorful Aztec dancers and authentic Mexican cuisine.
ESTES PARK JAZZ FEST & ARTWALK, May 13–14, 2006:
Celebrate spring in the Rockies as Estes Park hosts two days of non-stop, free musical entertainment set against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain views. From big band jazz, Salsa, Latin and a bit of rhythm and blues, musicians perform in the outdoor amphitheater where there’s sure to be a tune pleasing to your ear. During Art Walk, stroll among the town’s favorite art galleries and studios where world-renowned artists display oils, acrylics, watercolor, sculpture, photography, pottery, jewelry and woven creations.
MANITOU SPRINGS COLORADO WINE FESTIVAL, June 3, 2006:
In Manitou Springs, a mountain town hidden between Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, more than 20 Colorado wineries pour samples of homegrown wine. The festival also includes a chance to enjoy live entertainment, visit arts and crafts exhibits, and savor summer delicacies at historic restaurants and local neighborhood eateries.
58th ANNUAL BLUE PADDLE FIBARK WHITEWATER FESTIVAL, June 15–18, 2006:
The oldest, annual whitewater festival floats into Salida for a dizzying lineup of thrilling competitions and original entertainment for boaters and landlubbers alike. On the Arkansas River, Colorado’s signature event offers boater-cross competitions, marathon downriver races, kayak rodeo stars and the popular Hooligan race featuring homemade, floatable water crafts. |
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