COLORADO Gunnison & Crested Butte Steeped in ranching heritage, these destinations offer a friendly small-town atmosphere with easy access to Colorado’s expansive beauty. Gunnison, home to the state’s oldest rodeo, is a hub for fly-fishing, mountain biking and a historical downtown. Crested Butte, often called the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” is also renowned as one of the country’s top mountain-biking destinations, with best-in-class trails set against brilliant landscapes filled with summer blooms and fall foliage. Together, these towns provide a perfect combination of outdoor adventure, natural beauty and a laid-back mountain lifestyle. The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport has daily flights from Denver and other U.S. hub cities. Cortez Cortez, located in the heart of the Four Corners Region, is a gateway to some of the richest archaeological treasures in the United States. As the doorstep to Mesa Verde National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the Ute Mountain Tribal Park, the area offers a deep dive into ancient Ancestral Puebloan culture. With more than 600 acres of parks, trails and open spaces, Cortez is also ideal for outdoor recreation. Its dynamic local dining scene, cultural offerings and convenient access to history and nature make it a standout destination in southwestern Colorado. Cortez is easily accessible via Cortez Municipal Airport, which offers convenient regional flights. Grand Junction There is no other place in Colorado where so many ecosystems converge. Towering red-rock canyons at Colorado National Monument offer breathtaking views, while the Grand Mesa, the world’s largest flat-top mountain, is home to more than 300 pristine lakes. Nearby, Rattlesnake Arches boasts the second-largest concentration of natural arches in the world. Downtown is a lively mix of farm-to-table restaurants, art galleries, theatres and one of the country’s largest outdoor-art collections. Whether exploring its geological wonders or lively cultural scene, Grand Junction offers something truly unique in Colorado’s western region. The Grand Junction Regional Airport is the third-largest in Colorado and provides flights to and from Denver and other U.S. cities; the destination can also be reached from Denver via Amtrak’s California Zephyr train. BETH SCHNEIDER Gothic Road near Crested Butte COLORADO . COM 19
Colorado Holiday Guide UK English 2025: Page 19
