Colorado
Colorado is famous for its mountains, with winter and summer appeal, but it offers many more things to do as well.
Visit Colorado’s capital, Denver, known as the “Mile High City” because it is 1 mile (1,609 meters) above sea level. This elevation gives the city very comfortable summer temperatures with access to hiking or skiing in the Rocky Mountains less than an hour’s drive away. Hop on and off free buses to explore the city’s downtown next to the mile-long (1.6-kilometer) pedestrianized 16th Street Mall. Visit Denver’s cultural attractions: the Botanic Gardens, Museum of Nature & Science, Art Museum, Zoo and Symphony Orchestra, among many others. Attend major league professional sports competitions in football, basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer.
One of the country’s largest ski destinations is Breckenridge Ski Resort, with five peaks and over 180 trails. It is now a year-round vacation spot and has numerous summer activities at the Breck Summer Fun Park. Ride the BreckConnect Gondola to the top of the mountain and brave the thrilling alpine superslide or gold runner coaster over 2,500 feet (760 meters) to the bottom. Choose from mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, ziplining, or even a Segway tour to complete your visit.
Aspen and Vail offer massive resorts with challenging slopes as well as family-friendly open glades. Take ski lessons, shop in boutiques, enjoy fine dining and experience the exciting après-ski atmosphere. Colorado has more than 20 ski resorts; make your vacation an annual event and ski them all.
Among Colorado’s mountains, over 50 are greater than 14,000 feet (4,267 meters), big draws for aggressive climbers. Near Colorado Springs visit Pike’s Peak at 14,115 feet (4,302 meters) of elevation. From this vantage point amid “purple mountain majesties,” view the “amber waves of grain” below in the Great Plains. See the commemorative plaque noting the poem with these lines, written by Katherine Lee Bates; the lyrics later became the beloved song America the Beautiful.