2018-05-04 06:34:01
Point your camera’s viewfinder at these epic landscapes, and you’re practically guaranteed a postcard-worthy result. RED ROCKS PARK & AMPHITHEATRE Massive, slanting red-rock outcroppings rise from the earth to create an acoustically ideal natural amphitheatre. Hikers explore every crevice and concertgoers savour the crystal-clear sounds that rise from its famous sandstone-surrounded stage. Nearby Towns: Morrison, Lakewood, Golden, Denver ROYAL GORGE From the Royal Gorge Route Railroad which traverses a 120-year-old route along the rushing whitewater of the Arkansas River, passengers gaze 366 metres up a sheer-walled canyon at North America’s highest suspension bridge, which spans the breathtaking gorge. Nearby Town: Cañon City MAROON BELLS An alpine lake is perfectly positioned to reflect the image of the Maroon Bells, two purple-and-white-striped peaks. The idyllic display lures photographers with tripods trying to find new angles, fly fishermen arcing their lines upon its placid waters and hikers humbled by the panorama. Nearby Towns: Aspen, Snowmass HOT SPRINGS All across the western half of the state, you’ll find our many natural hot springs plopped amid stunning natural scenery, ranging from undeveloped, hike-in swimming holes to full resorts with spas, kid-friendly perks and on-site lodging. COLORADO.com/30HotSprings GARDEN OF THE GODS Those who walk the trails that run around and between Garden of the Gods’ otherworldly red-rock figures search for geologic formations in the shapes of kissing camels, cathedral spires, praying hands and sleeping giants — and a few that seem to teeter in gravity’s grip. Nearby Towns: Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs GRAND LAKE The state’s largest natural lake serves as the embodiment of a bucolic, lazy day. Shore dwellers can spend an entire afternoon watching red, yellow and white sails catch the mountain wind and skitter across the sapphire-hued water, which has Rocky Mountain National Park as its backdrop. Nearby Towns: Grand Lake, Granby COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT Amid the monument’s countless orange-and-brown cliffs and rock formations, the Book Cliffs Viewpoint attracts the lion’s share of attention, calling to mind the image of a mighty giant who would deposit his treasured volumes on the world’s largest bookshelf. Nearby Towns: Grand Junction, Fruita HANGING LAKE Appearing to cling to the edge of a mountainside, the almost supernaturally green Hanging Lake is surrounded by moss-covered rocks and a meandering trail. Wisps of water cascade quietly off a cliff into the lake’s still depths, adding to an already surreal atmosphere. Nearby Town: Glenwood Springs THE FLATIRONS Five redish-grey monuments jut up from the grassy foothills to stand guard over the city of Boulder below. They also mark a sort of finish line for the thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who make their way to their iconic flat faces each year. Nearby Town: Boulder INDEPENDENCE PASS Known for its expansive views, more fourteeners (peaks that stand more than 14,000 feet — or 4,200 metres — above sea level) can be seen from this spot than any other place in the state, including three of the five tallest: La Plata Peak, Mount Massive and the tallest, Mount Elbert. (Closed in winter.) Nearby Towns: Aspen, Leadville MOUNT EVANS Atop the highest paved road in North America, crystalline lakes, granite walls and stands of ancient bristlecone pine paint a beautiful picture, but the real draw is the mountain goats and bighorn sheep that can often be found scampering around this alpine paradise. (Closed in winter.) Nearby Town: Idaho Springs DARK-SKY AREAS Our darkest skies — the best places to spy the milky way in action — are found in the towns of Westcliffe and Silver Cliff in the Wet Mountain Valley of south-central Colorado west of Pueblo. Another spot supremely shielded from sky glow is Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park near Montrose. PAWNEE BUTTES Vibrant green shortgrass sways in the wind as far as the eye can see. The only interruption in the endless flat horizon is two 300-foot-high mesas, visible from miles around. Their only companions are the remote area’s pronghorns, coyotes, kit foxes, hawks and falcons. Nearby Town: Sterling LAKE DILLON At a lofty elevation of 2,740 metres above sea level, dozens of sailboats skim gloriously across the lake’s deep blue waters between forested shores and a mountain backdrop, as smaller boats trace its many fingers and coves. Nearby Towns: Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne
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