Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in America in terms of nature and a true paradise for the adventurer among us. From snow-capped peaks to impressive rock formations, you’ll find it all here! Colorado is also the only state in its entirety more than a thousand feet above sea level with the highest peak at 4,401 feet (Mount Elbert, the highest mountain in the Rocky Mountains). And you will notice this difference in height immediately in the first few days after arrival.
Rocky Mountains National Park
The most famous park in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. From snow-capped peaks to rugged canyons and flower-strewn meadows to beautiful waterfalls. You can go hiking, cycling, camping, horseback riding, climbing and fishing here. So something for everyone! Besides this park you will find three other National Parks and no fewer than eight national monuments in the state of Colorado. The difference is that unlike the National Parks, the monuments are erected by the president without congressional approval. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t any less beautiful!
While visiting the Colorado National Monument, I took the 23-mile Rim Rock Drive that runs east-west through the park. Once at the top you can reach various viewpoints from where you have a beautiful panoramic view of the canyons surrounded by steep rock walls.
You can’t live without beer in Colorado
In addition to the beautiful nature, Colorado offers much more. How about visiting one of the 250 different (micro) breweries/brewery pubs? Colorado breathes beer. For example, first take a tour of the brewery and afterwards enjoy a few beers at the bar. The breweries are highly recommended New Belgium and Odell Brewing Co at Fort Collins. anyway Fort Collins an incredibly fun city with a thriving art and music scene to visit. What strikes me is that the large fast food and retail chains are hardly present in the center. There are mainly small companies that get their ingredients and products from the local market. The old center also looks very nice and cozy. It is not for nothing that Main Street in Disneyworld is copied from the center of Fort Collins. The city also has a very extensive cycling network.
Grand Junction
If you are more focused on wine then you should definitely visit Grand Junction, the heart of Colorado’s wine and fruit growing industry. Visit the wineries here, among other things, and taste the delicious wines they make here. Grand Junction also has a nice center with Main Street as the main street. This street features one of America’s largest outdoor sculpture collections with over 100 works of art lining the sidewalks. Here you will also find a very nice restaurant complete in 50’s style (Main Street Café). I had a lovely breakfast with of course Elvis music through the speakers. Just walking around the store and looking at what’s hanging there is a lot of fun.
Things to do in Colorado: Horseback Riding!
Horseback riding through the beautiful countryside is also definitely a must do when you are here in Colorado. It’s the ideal place to experience ranch life and learn some extra skills from real cowboys for yourself. I got on the horse at the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch, located in the Big Thomson River Valley in Rocky Mountain National Park. Most of the horses were born and trained here on the ranch and are comfortable with riders of all levels. It was my first time on a horse and I can tell you that I found it quite difficult, and that is putting it mildly 😉 I did enjoy this very special experience.
