For us, living in Colorado was the most central we could be. With children living on both the east and west coasts of the continent, we could travel almost equally as far in either direction to see family. Although we enjoy the travel, sometimes it is easier to bring family to you and showcase Colorado as the amazing state that it is.
During our time in Colorado, we travelled to Estes Park multiple times. Only an hour “ish” drive from home, Estes offered sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment. We travelled to Estes Park on a number of occasions, we felt each family member visiting deserved to go! While in Estes, it is important to visit the haunted hotel, The Stanley Hotel! The Stanley is where Steven King was inspired to write The Shining.
Estes Park is also home for many elk. Come here in the fall for rucking season and see your fair share of elk roaming the streets, or just hanging out at the local park.
Only a few more mile up the road from Estes is the Rocky Mountain National Park. This scenic drive boasts many amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Again, each family member got their tour of the park, and witnessed the changing landscape as the road elevation climbed to and altitude of 12,183 feet! It is so beautiful!
Another national park that we spend several weekends in was Indian Peaks Wilderness. We camped and hiked at Brainard and Isabell lakes and enjoyed a great hike on the 4thof July trail! So many good times in the Colorado outdoors! Colorado is certainly an outdoor state!
When family visits, some other must do’s are the Westminster Butterfly farm, the Denver museum, and the Colorado Springs Zoo. The Springs Zoo is probably by far the best Zoo I have ever spent time in. The Zoo is built on the side of a mountain, leaving visitors climbing hills, and for some of us struggling for breath in the altitude, but there are so many species of animals and they all seemed so well-cared for! It was a great day feeding the giraffe!
While also in Colorado Springs a must do is the Garden of the Gods. The rock formations were created millions of years ago during geological upheaval along the fault line. The colours and structures of the rocks are pretty amazing! There are lots of hiking trails, animals, and wildflowers.
The Royal gorge was only on our visit list once. The summer of 2017 allowed us to take family to view this spectacle. At 965’ above the Arkansas river, the Royal Gorge suspension bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the USA! We took the gondola across the gorge and walked the bridge back before having lunch and making the return trip home.
Although our sightseeing through Colorado was not limited to only the sights listed here, we spent lots of time, driving, hiking, an enjoying the outdoors. Colorado boasts plenty of sunny days, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and awesome summer temps that allow for outdoor actives!
Where are some of your favorite places to visit?
Trudi
The Nomad Nightingale 