COME TO LIFE | Ways to Love Summer Backpacking & Camping Colorado makes it easy to get lost (intentionally) on its scenic lands. Grab a pack, tent and your favorite people to set up camp in one of 42 State Parks, 40-plus Wilderness Areas, 22 million acres of National Forests and other expansive public lands. Wildlife Watching & Birding Few other places in North America offer such a bounty of wildlife-watching opportunities. Who will win the eagle-eye award by spotting one of our majestic residents? A Few Ideas: No amenities (backcountry or dispersed): Bonito Pass near South Fork • Trout Creek Recreation Area near Yampa • Elk Wallow near Basalt Lakeside sites: Graham Creek near Bayfield • Chambers Lake near Bellvue • Jumbo Reservoir near Mesa Epic views: Kenosha Pass Campground in Jefferson • White Star Campground near Twin Lakes • Mueller State Park in Divide A Few Ideas: Bighorn sheep in Dinosaur National Monument • elk on Trout Creek Pass near Hartsel • everything from sandhill cranes to greater prairie chickens, snow geese, eagles, hawks, sage grouse and lark buntings on birding trails around the state • Any National Wildlife Refuge (see page 33) Find Other Resources: COLORADO.com/Camping Get the Skinny: COLORADO.com/Birding Fishing River, lake, stocked pond or under ice, Colorado’s largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish and famous rainbow trout await just below the surface. See page 42 for a lineup of cast-worthy locales. Rock Climbing Reach stunning pinnacles with your own two hands. Hook up with an outfitter for the right gear and guidance. A Few Ideas: Rifle Mountain Park • Castlewood Canyon State Park in Franktown • Ouray Ice Park (winter) • Clear Creek Canyon in Golden • X Rock in Durango • Falls Gulch in Buena Vista • Poudre Canyon in Fort Collins • Rock Garden in Del Norte • Shelf Road in Cañon City • Via ferratas: Telluride • Cañon City • Salida • Idaho Springs • Manitou Springs • Estes Park Locate Outfitters: COLORADO.com/RockClimbing Ballooning Our cool summer mornings make the perfect atmosphere for hot-air balloons. This could be one of the most scenic flights you ever take. A Few Ideas: Boulder • Breckenridge • Colorado Springs • Ridgway/Ouray • Longmont • Steamboat Springs • Pagosa Springs • Fort Collins • Winter Park/ Fraser • Windsor Get Connected: COLORADO.com/Ballooning RV & Campervan Road Tripping Myriad roadways lead to adventure, but consider heading along our 26 scenic and historic byways (several of which are EV friendly) for a start. Often taking you alongside the state’s most scenic vistas and to or near its 12 National Parks and Monuments, the byways are a tried-and-true favorite. RV parks along the way will offer as many or as few amenities as suit your style. Plan a Trip: COLORADO.com/RVing NEAR DURANGO 22 1-800-COLORADO KENNAN HARVEY.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2022: Page 22
