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COLORADO

About Colorado & News Aspen Colorado Springs Denver Durango Glenwood Springs Snowmass

ABOUT COLORADO & NEWS

Colorado is a four-season destination offering world-class adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and renowned ski resort areas. The state's breathtaking natural landscape boasts natural hot springs, thousands of lakes and rivers, ten national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet.

For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit www.COLORADO.com.  

Rocky Mountain National Park: An Unforgettable Summer Daytrip. . . One of the Top Outdoor and Adventure Destinations in the World Just 1.5 Hours from Denver

In 1909, naturalist Enos Mills wrote about the area that is now Rocky Mountain National Park, “In years to come when I am asleep beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and hope in this park.” More than a century later, his prediction has come true – and then some.  Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is the most popular attraction in Colorado, drawing three million annual visitors to its 416 square miles of mountain beauty. The wilderness area includes 359 miles of hiking trails, 150 lakes, 60 mountains taller than 12,000 feet, and the opportunity to see elk, bighorn sheep, and moose.  In 2010, Trip Advisor named the park the number two outdoor and adventure destination in the world, falling just behind Queenstown, New Zealand.

RMNP stands out, among many other reasons, from other outdoor destinations due to its accessibility. Just 71 miles from Denver, the park is a memorable summer daytrip – and at $20 per automobile per day, it’s also a very affordable one.

SCENIC DRIVES

Trail Ridge Road – The highest continuous motorway in the United States climbs to a maximum elevation of 12,183 feet, with more than eight miles snaking across tundra, high above the treeline at 11,000 feet.  The views throughout the drive are incomparable: At Milner Pass, motorists cross the Continental Divide.
Old Fall River Road – Completed in 1920, this road was the first to cross the Rocky Mountains.  The drive winds past the stunning Endovalley Overlook (with impressive views of Deer Mountain) and the beautiful 25-foot Chasm Falls, ending at Chaplin Creek Trailhead, 10,640 feet above sea level.
Highway 36 – The drive up Highway 36 to the park is a magnificent scenic drive in itself. Motorists pass the towns of Boulder and Lyons, striking red sandstone rock formations, and the natural beauty of Roosevelt National Forest.

FAMILY FRIENDLY HIKES & ACTIVITIES

Bear Lake Loop – The flat, half-mile interpretive nature trail that circles scenic Bear Lake is great for younger kids, offering the chance to see deer and gorgeous views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.

Coyote Valley – This easy, one-mile trail follows the bank of the Upper Colorado River, where thousands of colorful wildflowers bloom in the summer and moose are often spotted during the morning and early evening hours.

Horseback Riding – Experience the high country the old fashioned way – atop a horse.  This is a wonderful way for older children to see more alpine country than possible on foot.

Fishing – Fishing was a popular pastime with early visitors to the Park, and it remains so today, with anglers catching several types of trout – brown, brook, rainbow, and cutthroat – in 150 lakes.  

Note: A valid Colorado fishing license is required for all persons 16 years of age or older to fish in Rocky Mountain National Park.  For current Colorado fishing license fees visit the Colorado Division of Wildlife website.

WILDLIFE VIEWING

Elk – The park is home to an elk herd numbering more than 3,000, so these majestic creatures are among the most-easily-seen wildlife. Look for elk in meadows and any spot where meadow and forest meet. Elk spend much of their time at or above treeline during the summer, moving to lower elevations in the fall, winter and spring.

Bighorn Sheep – After facing near extinction last century, the bighorn sheep population is currently thriving– there are roughly 800 of these striking animals in the park. Look for them at the aptly named Sheep Lakes from May through mid-August, where the bighorns descend to eat soil and obtain minerals not found in their high mountain habitat.  Their visits generally occur between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Moose – The moose is a naturally shy creature, but sightings occur almost daily in the summer along the banks of the Upper Colorado River in the Kawuneeche Valley.  Enjoy the moose at a distance...give these magnificent animals plenty of room to roam without human interference.

Birdwatching – Nearly 300 species of birds have been documented in the Park and surrounding areas, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.  Specialty species unique to mountain habitats include White-tailed Ptarmigan, Blue Grouse, Gray Jay, Clark’s Nutcracker, Williamson’s Sapsucker, Three-toed Woodpecker, and the Mountain Chickadee.

UPCOMING FREE ENTRANCE DAYS

August 14-15, 2010
September 25, 2010 (Public Lands Day)
November 11, 2010 (Veterans Day)

ESTES PARK

At the entrance to Rocky Mountain National, the historic village of Estes Park offers shopping and dining, in a quaint, Alpine resort-style setting.  The town is also home to the Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining.  Every September, Estes Park hosts the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highlands Festival, one of the largest Celtic festivals in the nation.

Denver Hosts Blockbuster Summer Lineup (For details go to Denver, below)

ASPEN

Aspen Is Great!

If you haven't been to Aspen yet, plan on going soon. You won't be disappointed. It's a mountain town like no other and flourishes year-round. While the Aspen name is well known, there are many untold stories. It offers a unique vacation of adventure by day and luxury by night. Its arts and cultural calendar rivals that of a big city, and Aspen offers unique learning vacations for children and adults. Summer weather offers warm days and cool evenings, making it ideal for a romantic getaway or honeymoon; a family vacation, or a corporate retreat.

It's a historical fact that Aspen boasted one of the largest silver veins the world has ever known, and the largest nugget of pure silver ever mined (2,350 lbs) was extracted from the Smuggler Mine right in Aspen. Rugged miners spent their days scouring the insides of the surrounding hills and their nights bellied up to the J-Bar at the Hotel Jerome, which remains today as one of Aspen's favorite bars.

With peaks over 14,000 feet, you can hike in the morning and then relax at the new Remede Spa at the St. Regis Resort in the evening. Or paraglide over Aspen Mountain, relax with a picnic at the famed maroon Bells, and stay at the five star Little Nell hotel, a historical bed and breakfast, or a luxury home fit for a Hollywood celebrity. Also, Aspen Expeditions is offering new guided tours in the Aspen area, including the moderate "Tour des Belles Bordeaux," a hike around the spectacular Maroon Bells, or the more difficult "Seven Summits," a take on the classic seven summits of the world, incorporating the classic 14ers in the Aspen area's Elk Mountain Range.

Want more? Largely unknown as a mountain biking destination, there is huge diversity of the biking terrain, from the moderate Hunter Creek Valley single track to Government Trail to Hay Park or Richmond Ridge. From beginner to expert, Aspen's biking terrain has been called the best by Chris Carmichael, Lance Armstrong's coach.

Aspen is also known as the intellectual and cultural capital, making it a playground for the mind and body. Summer brings a diverse mix of cultural events and festivals, along with classical music offerings by the Aspen Music Festival and School. And, if you love to eat, Aspen has more than 80 restaurants with choices from moutain picnics, to lively sushi bars and elegant restaurants. Some of the newest additions here are D-19 and the Wine Spot. The annual Food & Wine Magazine Classic at Aspen locks off a summer of culinary offerings (June), and Aspen leads the organic food trent with the Healthy Gourmet Festival held in July. The Aspen Saturday Market displays organic produce and meals every Saturday from mid-June through October.

For more information, contact web site www.aspenchamber.org.

COLORADO SPRINGS

Broadmoor's Penrose Room Earns Top Honors from AAA

Penrose Room, at the historic BROADMOOR, has become Colorado's first dining establishment to achieve one of the restaurant industry's top distinctions: the AAA Five-Diamond Award. Penrose Room in Colorado Springs joins an exclusive club of 60 restaurants chosen from more than 60,000 AAA-rated restaurants and hotels across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

To become AAA approved- and diamond-rated, hotels and restaurants undergo a thorough inspection by one of AAA‚s 65 full-time, professional evaluators. Five-Diamond establishments complete an extensive review that includes a series of inspections and final committee review results will be listed in the 2008 AAA TourBook guides, in print and online at www.aaa.com/diamonds>www.aaa.com/diamonds.

Penrose Room offers an experience unlike any other from its unique vantage point atop The BROADMOOR's South Tower. With classic fine dining, an extensive European wine list and live entertainment and dancing in a stylish atmosphere, dinner at Penrose Room is truly an event. General Manager Duane Thompson orchestrates the dining room and service masterfully, while Executive Chef Bertrand Bouquin exquisitely prepares the cuisine. Both infuse classic hospitality and contemporary vitality into every detail.

Executive Chef Bertrand Bouquin creates Penrose Room's menu by blending his solid foundation of classical cooking with artful plating. Notable dishes include Halibut Slowly Cooked in Black Olive Oil, Monkfish and Lobster Tail Wrapped in Country Bacon, and Roasted Loin of Colorado Lamb and Shoulder Confit. The dessert menu, by Executive Restaurant Pastry Chef Rémy Fünfrock, is equally impressive and includes the Penrose Chocolate Duo˜Pure Caraibe Chocolate Moelleux, Chocolate Vanilla Cream and Hazelnut Tea Tuile with Darjeeling Milk Chocolate˜and the Red Berries and Red Wine Consommé with Mint Parfait, Cocoa, and Black Peppercorn Tuile. The wine list, under Wine Director Tim Baldwin, is formidable at 450 bottles, but keeps a tight focus on Old World appellations, among which are found both time-honored classics and emerging stars. The list is designed to accommodate those at the threshold of discovery, as well as seasoned connoisseurs, and offers 30 wines by the glass.

Enhancing Penrose Room's romantic charm is a glass-enclosed 24-seat semi-private dining room, affording guests a breathtaking mountain view. Other amenities include a demonstration kitchen that features a 16-seat Chef's Table, which offers guests the opportunity to interact with the chef while he cooks. Guests also enjoy nightly entertainment by the Penrose Room Trio featuring premier vocalist Lila Mori.

The BROADMOOR, home to Penrose Room, has also received the prestigious AAA Five-Diamond distinction for the 32nd consecutive year and is one of only three hotels in the nation that has maintained the rating since the Diamond ratings were first applied to hotels.

For more information on The BROADMOOR, please call 800-634-7711 or visit www.broadmoor.com.  

The BROADMOOR'S own authentic English pub, the Golden Bee, introduces an imaginative new menu featuring updated versions of classic pub fare. The Golden Bee has been a longtime favorite and a must-visit at the historic BROADMOOR, and the new menu aims to continue the tradition of fine dining that is evident at all venues on the property.

To start with the Bee offers a host of Innkeeper's Appetizer selections, which include South Shore Fish Chowder and Malt Vinegar Pub Chips with Welsh Rarebit Cheese Dip. Pub Selections include options such as The Piccadilly Reuben and Chaucer's Cornish Pasty. There are also four Golden Bee Pies available, including a Shepherd's Pie with Tender Lamb and Cheddar Mashed Potatoes; a Chicken and Dumpling Pie; a Steak and Mushroom Pie, and a Potted Shrimp, Scallops and Salmon Pie-all are served in distinctive Staub cassoulets. Golden Bee Favorites include The Bee's Fish and Chips and English-Cut Mustard Crusted Roast Beef. Desserts include a Golden Raisin Bread Pudding with Warm Whiskey Sauce and an English Sherry Trifle. The Bee's beer and ale selection is equally as impressive and is highlighted by a selection of English ales-served in the patron's choice of stein, pint, half-yard, and yard.

The Golden Bee originally came to The BROADMOOR in 1961 as a collection of panels and fixtures of an entire 19th-century pub that were shipped from England and reassembled in Colorado Springs˜a town once nicknamed 'Little London.' Celebrated as a unique dining adventure, the Golden Bee offers wonderful pub-fare and plenty of English charm. A ragtime piano player tickles the keys to a repertoire of sing-a-long songs, and the ale is served in yards. The Golden Bee's atmosphere exudes a feeling of warmth and friendliness, as is noted by the locals who fondly refer to their favorite gathering spot as 'The Bee.'

The Golden Bee is located on the ground floor of The BROADMOOR's International Center and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. For reservations, please call (800) 634-7711 or (719) 577-5733.

The BROADMOOR is the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and the Mobil Travel Guide Five-Star awards. For more information on The BROADMOOR, please call 800.634.7711 or visit www.broadmoor.com.

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) is now opened to the public after a $28.4 million transformation which brings blockbuster exhibitions to the area and allow the FAC’s sizable permanent collection to be on display like never before.

The two-story, 48,000 square-foot expansion, conceived by award-winning architect David Owen Tryba, was designed to compliment the original 1936 John Gaw Meem building, which has housed the FAC for the past 70 years and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The new museum, which Tryba characterizes as “our finest achievement,” features nine permanent collection galleries, two traveling exhibition galleries, and an unprecedented tactile gallery; the renovated SaGÇJi Theatre with its state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and a dedicated rehearsal studio; two museum gift shops; seven new art studios and interactive spaces at the Bemis Art School; and a unique courtyard to display outdoor sculpture and hold special events.

Upcoming Traveling Exhibitions

The Permanent Collection

The FAC’s permanent collection features one of the largest compilations of Native American and Southwestern Art in the country, as well as a $2 million dollar collection of Dale Chihuly glass, considered to be one of the largest in the world. The grand opening marks the first time in FAC history that selections from all areas of the collection – American, Native American, and Latin American art; much of which has been unseen for years – will be exhibited simultaneously. The FAC’s permanent collection also features a wide array of American art by John Singer Sargent, Arthur Dove, Georgia O’Keeffe, Walt Kuhn, John James Audubon, Robert Motherwell, Paul Cadmus and others.

The first-level of the new FAC features seven galleries dedicated to displaying works from the permanent collection:

·         Colorado Sublime | Blessing Family Gallery

Colorado Sublime features an unrivaled historic collection of 19th and early 20th century paintings inspired by our unique Rocky Mountain landscape.

·         Looking Forward/Looking Back | Sallie E. Duff Gallery

The work in this gallery spans the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when American artists held fast to purely American subject matter but began to adopt new painting techniques derived from European precedents, especially Impressionism. Recognizable American personalities like Martha Graham and Elsie Palmer, places like Garden of the Gods, and scenes of American labor and spirituality were rendered with vibrant colors and ever-loosening brushstrokes. Many of these paintings were created by artists of the Broadmoor Academy which flourished in Colorado Springs from 1919 to 1945 and was an important cultural center in the Rocky Mountain West.

·         Transfixed: Photography from the Permanent Collection | Marguerite and Otto Manley Gallery

Transfixed features early 20th century photographers such as Colorado Springs’s own Laura Gilpin who helped to secure photography’s place among the finest of traditional art forms like painting, while today’s photographers such as Gus Foster continue to expand photography’s boundaries through their large, bold images.

·         Modern America | Loo Family Gallery

Modern America features works of the early 1900s from artists such as John Marin, Arthur Dove, and Marsden Hartley. While early 20th century Modern artists kept one foot in recognizable images, the exhibition also features later artists such as Richard Diebenkorn and Robert Motherwell who took their paintings a bold step further into pure abstraction by eliminating identifiable objects and scenes in favor of shapes and colors that they believed could inspire pure emotional response in the viewer. In much of today’s art, the concept, or idea is just as important as the art’s visual attributes.

·         Arte Americas: Selections from the Hispanic Collection | The Donald C. and Elizabeth M. Dickinson Foundation Gallery

Works by some of the most vibrant and eloquent artistic voices in Hispanic America are featured in this gallery. This talented group of artists explores issues of race, religion, politics, and popular culture. Arte Americas reflects the rich art and cultural diversity that exists in the Western hemisphere.

·         Inspired by Tradition: Native American Art and Dale Chihuly | Lane Family Gallery

Dale Chihuly’s breathtaking work of Chandeliers, Persians and Macchias enliven spaces all over the world. The development of his creative process and complex technique began with works such as his famous Navajo Cylinders and Basket series. This presentation highlights those seminal works inspired by Native American art, specifically Native American textiles and basketry.

·         Colorado Artists | East Events Gallery

Colorado Artists is a bold selection of paintings by renowned Colorado artists such as Floyd Tunson, Tony Ortega and Chuck Forsman demonstrating the FAC’s commitment to the great artistic production of the Rocky Mountain region.

About the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

Founded in 1936, the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center is a privately funded, non-profit art museum, performing arts theatre, and arts education center. It will re-open its doors for an “Extremely Grand Opening” celebration (Aug. 2 - 5, 2007) to reveal a $28.4 million transformation. The two-story, 48,000 square-foot expansion, conceived and designed by award-winning architect and Colorado Springs native David Owen Tryba, was designed to complement the original 1936 John Gaw Meem building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

For more information, visit www.csfineartscenter.org

DENVER

The Village of Georgetown has over 200 restored Victorian buildings and a delightful main street lined with antique stores and shops. Nearby Silver Plume offers an authentic old west mining town. Both towns are surrounded by aspen groves. More spectacular aspens can be found by heading from Georgetown up Guanella Pass, which twists its way up to 11,669 feet above sea level.

For more information about the Georgetown Loop, visit www.georgetownlooprr.com. For more information on Denver visit www.denver.org.

Just in time for baseball season, The Denver Post’s Dick Kreck and the Grand Hyatt Denver downtown, located at 1750 Welton Street, have teamed to create a self-guided Micro Brew Walking Tour package of the Mile High City. This beer tasting tour includes an overnight accommodation at the Grand Hyatt featuring The Grand Bed, a $10 discount with the purchase of two lunch or dinner entrees at the Grand Hyatt’s restaurant, 1876 and special premiums at six of Colorado’s best brew pubs:

- A Free Flight of Beer Taster at Breckenridge Brewery
- Two Complimentary Pints of Beer at the Denver ChopHouse & Brewery
- Free Tour and Tasting at Flying Dog Brewery
- One Free Flight of Beer and a 20% Discount on Beer and Gear at Great Divide Brewing Company
- Two Complimentary Pints of Beer at Rock Bottom Brewery
- Two Fresh Complimentary Beers at Wynkoop Brewing Company.

This value-packed package starts at $139 (plus tax; subject to availability) and is offered weekends throughout the year. Grand Hyatt Denver is located in the heart of the “Mile High City” and offers the most spacious accommodations in the region. Guests arriving at the hotel are greeted with a lobby complemented by a 20-foot sandstone fireplace. The Colorado theme carries into the restaurant, 1876, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Regional fare is a specialty in the evening and themed luncheon buffets are offered
weekdays in addition to its regular menu.

Reservations for Micro Brew Walking Tour may be made by calling 1-800-233-1234, or by visiting granddenver.Hyatt.com and requesting offer code BREW or by contacting a travel planner.

DURANGO

“The facility itself is world-class and to provide the best coaching service possible, CPT has hired Mark Cote from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to run wind tunnel operations,” said CPT owner Steve Owens. Mark Cote comes to CPT with experience working with athletes such as Carlos Sastre as well as members of Team CSC, Liberty Seguros, TIAA-CREF and other professional teams. “I feel privileged to work with CPT and know that we undoubtedly have the best tools to optimize the positions of countless cyclists and triathletes. I’m really excited about this opportunity,” said Cote.

Colorado Premier Training has also launched a new web site, designed to enhance the experience of its clients and to provide more informative content to its visitors. CPT has also recently announced a new partnership with renowned coach, Rick Crawford. To catch up on all the exciting news at CPT, go to www.coloradopremiertraining.com

Colorado Premier Training is based in Durango, Colorado USA. For more information go to www.coloradopremiertraining.com or call (970) 672-4780.

GLENWOOD SPRINGS

Several years in the making, the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park has begun welcoming paddlers to its exciting waves and mild pools.

The $900,000 whitewater park, designed by Glenwood Springsˆbased RiverRestoration.org, is located on the Colorado River just upstream from the Midland Avenue bridge and I-70‚s Exit 114 in West Glenwood Springs. Because this section of the Colorado River has unusually high water flows, the park has the potential to be used well after the typical kayaking season. 

'The whitewater park is already getting rave reviews,' says Kate Collins, Glenwood Springs Chamber Resort Association Vice President of Tourism Marketing. 'Members of the kayaking community are spreading the word that this park is one of the best in the country.'

The whitewater park is designed for the varying levels of river flow that occur naturally throughout the year. A 'standing wave' will occur during low, medium and high river flows, due to artificial boulders located at different places in the park. This is done to create a unique experience on any given day. The only time the park may not have a standing wave is when spring runoff peaks and the main water features may be totally submerged.

Also at the park are learning pools and multiple eddies, which will allow kayakers to enter the standing waves over and over again, and will also allow novice paddlers to practice their ferrying and rolling skills. 

Local organizers and longtime whitewater park supporters Joe Mollica and Glenwood Springs Community Development Director Andrew McGregor have hopes that the high-caliber venue will host international kayak competitions, such as the World Cup of Freestyle Kayaking.

Rafters, surfers, boaters and folks who just want to cool off in an innertube are also welcome to play in the whitewater park. Life jackets are required and helmets are recommended for all users. The calm eddies are ideal for fly fishing when not occupied by boaters. Currently, boaters are parking on the shoulder along Devereux Road, which runs parallel to the Colorado River. An off-street, 25-space parking lot is the next priority in order to accommodate the high amount of traffic anticipated this summer.

A committee of local whitewater enthusiasts, spearheaded by Mollica and McGregor, has worked for at least seven years to bring a whitewater park to Glenwood Springs. Funding for the park came from public donors, such as the City of Glenwood Springs and Garfield County. Private donors include the Glenwood Hot Springs, Alpine Bank, Blue Ridge Investments, Heyl Civil Construction and individuals.

Phase two of the project, scheduled to begin later this year at an additional cost of approximately $500,000, includes a public bathroom, handicap accessible parking, kayak drop-off area, as well as landscaping and a terraced riverbank to allow spectators to watch all the action in the whitewater park. Also planned is a webcam, so paddlers can check on conditions before they arrive at the park.

For more information about the Glenwood Springs Whitewater Park, visit www.glenwoodwhitewaterpark.org

About Glenwood Springs, Colorado 

For more information and reservations: 970-945-6589, 888 4 GLENWOOD  (888-445-3696) or www.visitglenwood.com. Glenwood Springs is located between Aspen and Vail, 160 miles west of Denver or 90 miles east of Grand Junction on Interstate 70 off exit 116. Many cities provide direct air service into Vail/Eagle County Regional Airport 30 miles to the east and Aspen Airport 40 miles to the south.    

Now in its fourth season, the market takes place at downtown's Centennial Park at 9th Street and Grand Avenue. Locally grown produce for sale include Palisade peaches, Olathe corn and Delta tomatoes, plus home-baked breads and fresh-cut flowers. The 8th Street Deli and Andy's Catering serve hot food throughout the season, and Hungry Mother Organic Foods and Woody Creek Cellars winery sell their wares. Local artisans and crafters feature jewelry, clothing and home decor.

'We're preparing for even bigger crowds this year,' says market board member Cindy Svatos, who founded the event with other community members in 2005. Even with the rising cost of fuel, participating growers expect that their produce prices may increase only slightly this season. "Since all of our growers are local or regional, they don't have to drive as far to deliver their products, keeping prices lower than national grocery store chains," said Svatos. Last year, more than 2,000 shoppers attended the summer-long event, which also includes live music, entertainment and cooking demonstrations by local chefs.

For more information about the Glenwood Springs Downtown Market, visit www.glenwoodmarket.com.

The historic Hotel Colorado has undergone an extensive $2 million restoration that revitalized the restaurant and lobby areas back to their 1890s grandeur when fine dining and socializing were the feature attractions. The restaurant, formerly in the lobby, is now located in the interior area of the hotel between the two grand staircases, along with the new lounge. An updated rendition of the historic waterfall once again serves as the centerpiece for the new dining room. A new private dining area has also been created to be used for private parties, meetings, rehearsal dinners, and other special gatherings. The new lounge features signature Tapas, wine flights, martinis, cigars, desserts, and cordials reminiscent of the early 1900s where Teddy Roosevelt and Al Capone spent their holidays.

For more information, call 800-544-3998 or 970-945-6511, or check web site www.hotelcolorado.com

You and your family will enjoy spectacular views while riding the Iron Mountain Tramway. Take a guided walking tour of the Glenwood Caverns where you will see amazing formations. Play on the new thrill rides – Alpine Coaster, Zip line, Giant Swing and 35-foot climbing wall. Exclamation Point Restaurant and Bar serves lunch in the cozy comfort of a Colorado rustic interior or al fresco on expansive viewing decks.

Open year round, the Winter Hours are:

Park Hours: Park & Attractions: 10 am - 5 pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
Park Attractions: 10 am - 5 pm, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun

Cave Tours

Cave Tour: 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun
Wild Tour: Saturday. 10:30 a.m. by reservation only
Adventure Tour: Saturday 10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. by reservation only

Park Hours: Park: 10 am - 6 pm, Daily
Park Attractions: 10:00 am - 6 pm, Daily
Exclamation Point:
• Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm.
Cave Tours:
• 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Daily, every hour
• Wild Tours & Adventure Tours available Wed., Saturday & Sunday (reservations required)
• 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Only one tour per time slot.

Horseback Riding

Dinner Show 

Remember, the tram ride takes about 10 minutes, and there may be a line, so allow yourself plenty of time to get to the top.

*For more information, visit www.glenwoodcaverns.com or contact the business office at (970) 945-4228 x11 or call 1-800-530-1635 x11

Segway Tours

Why walk around town when you can ride a cool Segway? Sacred Grounds Coffeehouse & Delicatessen rents Segways for two hour intervals for $70.00 per person. Price includes operating instructions. 725 Grand Avenue.

For reservations, call 970-928-8804.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park Offers Mechanical Bull Ride

Demon, the park's new mechanical bull ride, bucked his way to the top of Iron Mountain. Riders can choose the intensity of their ride on the bull, from mild to wild. The cost is $3 for one ride, $5 for two rides, and $7, or one token, for three rides.

For more information, contact Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, 51000 Two Rivers Plaza Road, 970-945-4CAV (945-4228) or 800-530-1635, or check web site www.glenwoodcaverns.com

Glenwood Meadows New Shopping and Dining

A brand new shopping experience has arrived. Dining options include Chili's Bar & Grill, Moe's Southwestern Grill, Magoo's Bar and Grill, Smoothie King and Russo's Pizza. Retailers include chain stores such as Pier One Imports, Target, Lowe's Home Improvement Center, Bed Bath & Beyond, PetCo, Sports Authority, and Vitamin Cottage. Glenwood Meadows also features smaller, boutique type shops, such as Passion for Picnics, Gracy's and Red Mountain Wine.

American Lodge & Suites at the Caverns

The new 73-room AmericInn at Glenwood Caverns hotel is located at the base of Iron Mountain Tramway which leads to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. The exterior is well-appointed with log and stone fascia and rustic timbers. It also features an indoor pool with a three-story water slide. Their motto is "quiet nights, rest assured".

Gunnison-Crested Butte,

About Gunnison-Crested Butte

Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options — from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels.

Recognized as the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in 2008, Crested Butte is the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area’s conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails.

Gunnison, a real western town located 28 miles from Crested Butte, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, a four-year institution offering majors in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.

In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country’s newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.

Cars, Carving & Art Offer Supercharged Weekend in Gunnison, Colorado
Aug. 19 – 22 features Gunnison Car Show, Carvin’ Up Colorado & High Octane Arts & Crafts

What better place to talk cool cars than leaning under the hood of a classic car or street rod against the cool mountain backdrop of beautiful Gunnison, Colorado? Combine that camaraderie with an arts and crafts festival and a wood carving competition across the street for a weekend full of fun for all ages.

23rd Annual Gunnison Car Show, August 20 – 22
Sponsored by the Gunnison Car Club, the weekend event includes a cruise-in, free street dance on Gunnison’s Main Street, open car show, poker run, and breakfast cruise to Crested Butte. Two years ago, not only did the Gunnison Car Show become one of only 25 car shows in the nation selected to present the prestigious Lee Iacocca award, it was the first car show in the United States to become carbon free.

Wil Cooksey, known as the man who saved Corvette, is the 2010 Gunnison Car Show Iacocca Award recipient and will be on hand to accept the kudos and lead a workshop about the many changes made to the fifth generation Corvette in an attempt to save the brand. Car show organizers hope there will be 100 Corvettes on hand for this year’s event.

· Get things rolling with a ‘50s-style cruise-in and concert by The RevTones on Friday, Aug. 20 from 5 – 9 p.m.  A portion of Main Street will be closed to regular traffic during the event, so there’s plenty of room for more than 150 show cars to park where they can be viewed by the public. At dusk, head over to the “Cars in the Stars” program at the Gunnison Valley Observatory (offered both Friday and Saturday), which has the largest research quality telescope available to the public. The telescope will tour the night sky looking at features that share their names with cars: Galaxy, Polaris, Vega, Saturn, Taurus, Pulsar, Nova and many more. Reservations will be taken when participants check in for the car show.

· The full car show runs from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21 at beautiful Jorgensen Park. Surrounded by trees, green grass and water, this is an “open” event, which means any vehicle in any condition—from barely moving to full blown restoration—is welcome. It’s not unusual to see exotic, one-of-a-kind custom street rods, high performance sports cars, tricked-out pickup trucks and a gaggle of British cars all parked together on the lawn. Food, music, games and contests are also a big part of the day that typically showcases more than 300 vehicles. Judging of the cars continues until midday, when an awards ceremony is held followed by a poker run through the streets of Gunnison.

· On Sunday, Aug. 22, approximately 125 cars leave Gunnison at 8 a.m. to drive the scenic 28 miles to Crested Butte’s Elk Avenue, the town’s colorful historic business district. Elk Avenue is closed to traffic on this morning so that the vehicles are available for viewing while their owners enjoy breakfast at one of Crested Butte’s fine restaurants.

Admission to car show events is free to the general public, but there is a registration fee for cars that are entered. The car show takes pride in being family friendly and donates proceeds to community causes. For more information and to register, check out the Gunnison Car Club’s website at www.gunnisoncarclub.com.

Carvin’ Up Colorado, Aug. 19 - 21
Approximately a dozen wood carvers from Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and Washington will transform tree stumps into works of art over a three-day period in Legion Park, located across the street from Jorgensen Park. Watch Colorado outdoor themes take shape from stumps collected by the City of Gunnison throughout the year when trees are cut down for safety reasons. The town Christmas tree for 2009 will become a work of art and so will five of the town’s oldest cottonwood trees that had to be taken down from across Town Hall.

Participating wood carvers will begin their artistry at 10 a.m. on Aug. 19 and 8 a.m. on Aug. 20 and 21. The competition wraps up with judging at 5 p.m. on Saturday. All works become the property of the City of Gunnison to display in Legion Park or at other community sites, and this year each carver also will create a smaller sculpture that will be auctioned off. For more information, contact (970) 641-0435.

High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival, August 21
The Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce invites arts and crafts lovers to experience the High Octane Arts & Crafts Festival being held in conjunction with the Gunnison Car Show on Aug. 21. The festival showcases arts and crafts by approximately 80 artisans from around the region and will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Legion Park. More than a dozen food booths and fun for the whole family are on tap. Call (970) 641-1501 or visit www.gunnisonchamber.com.

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages
To find out more about Gunnison-Crested Butte’s summer calendar of events or to book personalized vacation packages, call the Gunnison-Crested Butte Tourism Association’s official reservations center at (800) 814-8893 or visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. During the summer, air access to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is provided by United Airlines. Find the Tourism Association on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gcbta or follow us on www.twitter.com/gcbta.

Gunnison, county seat and a real western town, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, which offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in liberal arts and sciences and pre-professional fields. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.

Recognized as the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in 2008, Crested Butte is 28 miles from Gunnison and the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area’s conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails.

In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country’s newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.

Experience the West in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado Trail Rides, Guest Ranches & Events Offer Taste of Independent Spirit

With a longtime ranching heritage, laid-back attitude and Colorado’s oldest rodeo, Gunnison County is the West. The only kind of traffic jams you encounter here are cattle drives. In fact, American Cowboy just named Gunnison-Crested Butte one of the “20 Best Places to Live the West.” American Cowboy Publisher Bill Garrels notes, “Whether you’re looking for a new place to settle or the perfect place to vacation, these communities deliver top value in the form of adventure, culture, authenticity, natural beauty and frontier history and tradition.”

To buy a hat or boots to get into the spirit of the place, head straight for The Western World in Gunnison before visiting Pioneer Museum, known for its popular ranching heritage exhibit, 18 out-buildings and train display. There are also dude ranches, trail rides, and cowboy mounted shooting to dig your heels into.

Another option is to take the scenic drive up Highway 135 to Crested Butte and pay a visit to Lazy F Bar Ranch, located approximately 3 miles out Brush Creek Road just south of town. Breakfast and dinner horseback rides, wagon ride dinners, and general horseback riding for any skill level are available. Winter sleigh ride dinners to a rustic 1950s cabin overlooking the East River are popular during snowy months. For more information, call (970) 641-0193 or visit www.lazyfbarranch.com.

Also check out Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures, offering horseback outings and wilderness trail rides from its stables in Almont and Mt. Crested Butte. Fantasy Ranch is well known for its trail ride from the Crested Butte area to Aspen. During winter, Fantasy Ranch offers carriage and sleigh rides in downtown Crested Butte. Contact (970) 349-5425 or visit www.fantasyranchoutfitters.com for more information.

For those who prefer a vacation by Colorado’s largest body of water, horses and their owners are welcome at Ferro’s Blue Mesa Ranch Resort in Sapinero, located on Blue Mesa Lake west of Gunnison. Horse owners pay a corral fee and feed cost for their horses, and horses and guides are available for trail rides. Call (970) 641-4671 for more information.

Dude Ranches
For unforgettable guest ranch experiences, visit Waunita Hot Springs Ranch near Gunnison and Harmel’s Ranch Resort near Almont. To reach Waunita Hot Springs Ranch, call (770) 641-1266 or visit www.waunita.com. To reach Harmel’s, call (800) 235-3402 or visit www.harmels.com.

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages

To find out more about Gunnison-Crested Butte’s calendar of events or to book personalized vacation packages, visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. During summer and fall, air access to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is provided by United Airlines.

SNOWMASS

Almost everyone's heard of Snowmass, Colorado. It's that family ski mountain near Aspen with all the nice, easy groomers, right? Well, sort of. Snowmass is a thriving year-round community of over 1,800 mountain-loving souls and a ski area so huge it defies belief. With over 3,100 acres, the mountain is larger than the other three Aspen/Snowmass mountains combined. 

Stats lovers take note: Snowmass has the longest lift-served vertical rise in the U.S. and was the first in the country to have a lift operated solely by clean, renewable wind power. Chris Davenport, World Extreme Skiing Champion, says, "the fact is, Snowmass has some of the best steeps, cliffs, couloirs, backcountry, terrain parks, and powder anywhere in North America. Like meeting the girl of your dreams, I'll stick with Snowmass forever."

Ninety-five percent of accommodations are ski-in/ski-out, and that means slopeside, not walk 5 blocks through town in ski boots. This convenience is only amplified by the free Snowmass Shuttle which can take you around town any time of day.

Snowmass just has more, from the largest hotel and conference facilities in Pitkin County at the Silvertree Hotel to the biggest hot tub in the valley at the Timberline Condominiums. We've got the only winter zipline in Colorado, and it's a one-of-a-kind ride you won't find anywhere else on earth. From the historic Anderson Ranch Arts Center to the exciting new Base Village project, it's time to take a new look at Snowmass.

 There's lots going on in Snowmass this winter. Check web site www.snowmassvillage.com for the latest information.

 

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