COLORADO 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 Bent’s Old Fort Along the Santa Fe Trail National Scenic and Historic Byway, stroll among the network of rooms and corridors to visualize what life was like in a frontier trading post. The original 1833 fort was a conduit of commerce — a center for interaction between American settlers, Mexicans and Native Americans. Nearby town: La Junta Horsetooth Reservoir Oak-lined shores offer scenic hiking vistas, where trails wind through trees and hogbacks, eventually revealing the bright-blue waters as they snake into view. Canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders glide in and out of hidden coves, while bass, trout and walleye attract anglers. Nearby town: Fort Collins Bridal Veil Falls The well-preserved Victorian-era town of Telluride — nestled at the foot of a box canyon — is a beguiling sight all on its own. But 365 feet (111 metres) above, the white spray of the state’s tallest waterfall plummets to the canyon’s depths, adding the final touch to a charming scene. Nearby town: Telluride San Juan Skyway Travelling through the dazzling San Juan Mountains and making stops at historic towns of great significance, this route is often considered an essential journey for road trippers. It’s beloved in spring for a riot of wildflowers and in fall for shimmering leaves changing colours. Nearby towns: Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride 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 pronghorn, coyotes, kit foxes, hawks and falcons. Nearby town: Sterling Hiking Essentials Plan ahead, stick to the trail, pack out your trash, stay hydrated and more when you’re exploring along the state’s many scenic paths. Colorado.com/HikingEssentials NICHOLAS J. KLEIN/ADOBE STOCK Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs COLORADO . COM 27
Colorado Holiday Guide UK English 2025: Page 27
