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| Walk on the Wild Side: Winter Wildlife Viewing |
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Bison and eagles and bighorn sheep, oh my! Colorado's varied landscapes provide a natural playground for the state's indigenous wildlife. From east to west there are dozens of outlets for viewing Colorado's natural inhabitants.
Chico Basin (www.chicobasinranch.com), located northeast of Pueblo, is a working Western ranch located along Chico Creek that showcases the landscape and wildlife of the southern prairie. Keep your eyes peeled for the western meadowlark, golden eagles soaring through the skies and fast-fleeing pronghorn. Listen carefully for the distinct call of the black-tailed prairie dog.
Grand County (www.grand-county.com), comprised of communities including Fraser, Grand Lake, Granby, Hot Sulphur Springs, Kremmling and Winter Park, is a popular area for wildlife watching. Moose can be seen nearly any time of the day, while elk, famous for their bugling, roam through the area's pine forests. Pronghorn antelope roam Grand County's buttes and eagles can often be spotted in the skies.
The San Juan Skyway (www.coloradobyways.org), a scenic and historic byway in Southwest Colorado, boasts stunning views and abundant wildlife. Elk, fox and the occasional black bear can be spotted on this nationally recognized byway. Summer also offers excellent bird watching with nearly 60 percent of Colorado's breeding birds living in the area.
The wildlife living around Colorado National Monument (www.nps.gov/colm) near Grand Junction inhabit a land of canyons and red rock formations. Look for bald eagles, various hawks and peregrine falcons. It is a great site for viewing snakes and lizards, including the vividly collared lizard.
For more information on Colorado's wildlife and a listing of great viewing locations and events, visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website at www.wildlife.state.co.us.
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Cupid's Colorado: Top 10 Romantic Ways to Enjoy the State |
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Fall in love with Colorado. From the big city lights of downtown Denver to the quiet escape of snow-capped mountains, the Centennial State is the perfect destination for couples and hopeless romantics. Couples can enjoy a range of experiences, from a pampering massage at a luxury resort or drinks at a chic restaurant to cuddling in front of a roaring fireplace in a rustic cabin and even a sleigh ride through the mountains. Below are Cupid's picks for the top 10 romantic activities in Colorado.
- Watch the sun set over the Rockies at Buffalo Herd Overlook in the foothills of Genesee.
- Fly over majestic Pike's Peak in a hot-air balloon (www.coloradoballoonrides.com) and enjoy a champagne toast in the clouds.
- Soak with your sweetie in Conundrum Hot Springs. At 11,200 feet, Conundrum is one of the highest hot springs in the world and offers sweeping views, including two of Colorado's "fourteeners" – Conundrum Peak and Castle Peak.
- Wrangle up your darling for a weekend at one of Colorado's 29 dude or guest ranches (www.coloradoranch.com). Relax by a cozy fireplace, relish in a romantic candlelight dinner, and enjoy a private horseback ride for two.
- The town of Loveland is home to the annual Mountaintop Matrimony ceremony (www.skiloveland.com/events/wedding.aspx) on Valentine's Day. Doing its part for romance, Loveland also reposts more than 300,000 Valentine cards each year. Simply send stamped, sealed cards in a larger envelope to the postmaster at zip code 80538-9998 at least two weeks before Valentine's Day.
- Take a sleigh ride through the woods and dine at the Pine Creek Cookhouse (www.pinecreekcookhouse.com), an authentic log cabin at the base of Elk Mountain in Aspen.
- Explore Colorado's wine country (www.coloradowine.com). Many visitors are discovering Colorado wines. The state is home to 64 wineries in total. The Colorado Wine Industry Development Board can suggest a number of "wine trails" that will help you explore them all from along the Front Range to Palisade and Delta County.
- Go stargazing. Colorado offers a number of areas where couples can pack a thermos of hot chocolate and view constellations and other heavenly bodies. Top sky-watching sites include Horsetooth Reservoir in Fort Collins, Garden of the Gods Road in Colorado Springs, Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison, the San Luis Valley in South Central Colorado, Jackson Lake State Park in Northeast Colorado, Monument Lake near Trinidad and Grand Lake in Northwest Colorado.
- Order breakfast in bed. Stay at one of Colorado's many world-renowned luxury resorts and spend the morning curled up in a terry cloth robe while sipping coffee and dining on a delicious breakfast in bed.
- Pack a picnic lunch and hike up Red Rocks (www.redrocksonline.com). This unique area offers spectacular views, and if you plan ahead, you might be able to catch a few songs from some of music's top stars.
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| Featured Event: |
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 The 13th Annual Ouray Ice Festival
January 9–13, 2008
Nestled among some of the most rugged and towering peaks in the Rockies, Ouray is known as one of the most popular ice-climbing destinations in the world. Each January, top climbers gather here for an action-packed weekend of competition, clinics and fun at the Annual Ouray Ice Festival. This year's event, January 9–13, 2008, marks the 13th anniversary of this one-of-a-kind weekend held at the Ouray Ice Park, the world's first park dedicated exclusively to the sport of ice climbing. The festival is an eclectic gathering of ice climbers, gear manufacturers and ice-climbing voyeurs thrilled to watch these dare devils scale monstrous walls of ice. Throughout the weekend, participants can partake in various clinics from beginner to advanced, check out the latest gear and meet some of the world's most experienced climbers. www.ourayicefestival.com |
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| Cool Kids' Stuff |
Click Here! to find fun and free Colorado facts, games, puzzles and pictures at your fingertips.
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| MY TRAVEL PLANNER |
| Need vacation ideas? Click on any of the suggestions below for great Colorado activities. |
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The Discovery Adventure
Learn about the past through experiences with historic landmarks and wildlife refuges. Explore buildings, mansions and the great outdoors, while blazing your own path through the state. Discover Colorado and its unforgettable history.
For information on other discovery adventures, visit the Discovery Adventure page.
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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 young-at-heart adults.
For information on other family adventures, visit the Family Adventure page.
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The 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 information on other romantic adventures, visit the Romantic Adventure page.
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The Outdoor Adventure
With 42 state parks, Colorado is open for adventure.
For information on other outdoor adventures, visit the Outdoor Adventure page.
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| A Sampling of Upcoming Events Throughout Colorado in February |
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Frosty Pines Almost Annual Snow Golf Tournament
Walden, Feb. 2, 2008:
Walden's truly unique event will be held this February. The event is an 18-hole golf tournament played on a course laid on the frozen waters of the reservoir just west of town. The course layout is based on an actual golf course, although not as long. Players use regular golf clubs and tennis balls. The "holes" are six inches in diameter and drilled into the ice. The "greens" and "fairways" are clean ice, and the "roughs" are snow. Call 970-723-4404.
Frisco Gold Rush
Frisco, Feb. 2–3, 2008:
The longest standing citizen's cross-country ski race and snowshoe event in Colorado. It also includes the Spontaneous Combustion bonfire at the Frisco Bay Marina. www.townoffrisco.com
Mardi Gras
Breckenridge, Feb. 2–5, 2008:
On February 2, join Breckenridge for the second annual Breckenridge Bacchus Ball! The evening will feature live music, dancing, New Orleans-style food and drink, the crowning of the 2008 Breckenridge Rex and Queen and much more. On Tuesday, February 5, downtown Breckenridge will come alive with a festive parade procession down Main Street, live music and dancing at local establishments, New Orleans food and drink specials, colorful masks and loads of beads! www.gobreck.com
12th Annual Pueblo Eagle Day Festival
Pueblo, Feb. 3, 2008:
The festival, which takes place at the Pueblo State Park, offers viewing opportunities, programs, presentations and other activities. All activities are free, however a valid parks pass is required for each vehicle that goes through the park. www.eagleday.org
CarniVail
Vail, Feb. 3–5, 2008:
Move over N'Awlans. Head to Vail for the biggest Mardi Gras celebration in the mountains; sure to be irresistibly fun, vibrant, sarcastic and sassy! Don't miss the merriment, the costumes, the Cajun/Creole cuisine, the street party and parade on Fat Tuesday. This year's lineup is more exciting than ever, with live music straight from New Orleans playing throughout the celebration! www.vail.com
95th Annual Winter Carnival
Steamboat, Feb. 6–10, 2008:
Embrace Steamboat's Western heritage and winter sports tradition with downtown events including skijoring, a parade and the famous Lighted Man at the Night Show Extravaganza. www.steamboat.com
Mancos Mush Dog Sled Race
Mancos, Feb, 8–10, 2008:
Three days of dog sled racing and special events for adults and kids. www.mancosmush.com
Don Pasquale at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House
Denver, Feb. 8–17, 2008:
Gaetano Donizetti's amusing tale of deception and disguise is transported to the Wild West of America in the 1800s. This rousing version has toured to rave reviews across the US and Canada. www.operacolorado.com
Bud Light Big Air Fridays
Snowmass, Feb. 15–Apr. 4, 2008:
This popular eight-week series is entering its sixth year at the largest of the four area mountains in Snowmass. It has become a mainstay and weekly favorite for the best snowboarders and skiers in the state. Each week they gather to perform the latest tricks for a chance at a weekly prize purse and series points. A live band performs after every event from 3-4:30pm, then stick around for fireworks at 7pm. www.aspensnowmass.com
All events are weather permitting and subject to change. For a listing of additional Colorado events and travel information, log on to www.COLORADO.com or call 1-800-COLORADO. You can also order a free copy of the Official State Visitors Guide by calling 1-800-COLORADO or visiting www.COLORADO.com. |
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| COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE |
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Spring Powder: Spring Skiing in Colorado |
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Cultured Colorado: Exploring the Arts Scene |
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High Plains Snow Goose Festival (Lamar) |
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Photo Credits:
"Fresh snow on Crested Butte ski resort." – Photo by Tom Stillo/CTO
"Mountain goats on Mount Evans." – Photo by Eric Wunrow/CTO
"Romance-Courtesy of Elk Mountain Ranch" – Photo Courtesy of Elk Mountain Ranch
"Ouray Ice Climber" – Photo Courtesy of Lora Slawitschka |
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