By Steph
So you’ve got your vacation at a Colorado ranch all planned out, and the anticipation for your week-long adventure is building. But, wait a sec. If you’re making the trip to Colorado, why don’t you extend it a bit and explore the state a bit more? I know, not everyone has the time to do this, but if you can squeeze in at least 3 more days, there is just so much to see!
Here are some ideas:
1) Get High: No, don’t panic on this one. We are clean cut people here at Vista Verde, but we do like to get up to the highest peaks! If you are flying in and out of Denver, why don’t you take a detour on your way to the ranch and go through Rocky Mountain National Park? There you can drive up and over the Continental Divide and see amazing Rocky Mountain panoramas. On either side of the park are two cute towns: Estes Park and Grand Lake, so there are lodging options if you want to make an overnight of the tour.
2) Visit the Dinosaurs- or at least where they used to live. Dinosaur National Monument lies just on the border of Colorado and Utah, and is a fun place to explore for the day. Young kids can enjoy the tour of the fossils, and you can even go for a little hike, or cool off in the river on a rafting trip.
3) Soak in the ‘Boat: Steamboat is such a cute little town, but it’s hard to take a day away from your ranch vacation to explore the town. How about coming in a couple days early, going to soak in the Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs, throwing on your boots and jeans for the Steamboat Springs Pro-Rodeo one night, take the kids down the Alpine Slide, ride the Gondola up to the Thunderhead Lodge at the Steamboat Ski Resort, and then spend the day river rafting to wrap it all up.
4) Hit the Beach: If you thought playing in the sand meant going to a coast, you’re wrong! Colorado boasts some amazing National Parks, and the Great Sand Dunes is one of them. This one is high on my bucket list, so maybe I’ll see you there!
5) City Life, Colorado Style: Many of you come from amazing cities, so the idea of coming to Colorado to spend time in a city seems unappealing. However, Colorado Springs is a city worth visiting. Tour the charming Old Town, walk through the red rocks at Garden of the Gods, take a train up to the top of Pikes Peak, and then visit museums and sites that aren’t exactly what you’d find at home, such as the Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame or even the US Olympic Training Center.
Hopefully you’ll find some time to explore a few of these suggestions, whether it’s before or after your Vista Verde ranch vacation.