"Rocky Mountain High" a Denver Travel Page by EGitan

Come here if you want to Ski, Kayack, Hike, Camp, horse back ride or get high on the mountain air. Two hours from Denver is an outdoor adventurist paradise.
There are many ways to enjoy Colorado for a vacation. Winters are usually mild with an occasional storm. The sun is out the next day. It is dry, and the altitude can really affect those living at sea level so drink lots of water and drink in moderation. One beer can go a long way a mile or two up.

Established on January 26, 1915, Rocky Mountain National Park is a living showcase of the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains. With elevations ranging from 8,000 feet in the wet, grassy valleys to 14,259 feet at the weather-ravaged top of Longs Peak, a visitor to the park has opportunities for countless breathtaking experiences and adventures.

Elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, black bears, coyotes, cougars, eagles, hawks and scores of smaller animals delight wildlife-watchers of all ages. Wildflower-lovers are never disappointed in June and July when the meadows and hillsides are splashed with botanical color. Autumn visitors can relax among the golden aspens or enjoy the rowdier antics of the elk rut (mating season).

359 miles of trail offer endless opportunities to hikers, backpackers and horseback riders. Fly fishers, bird-watchers and photographers discover the splendor that they traveled so far to find. During the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers revel in the white-blanketed tranquility of meadows and forests.

60 peaks rising above 12,000 feet challenge intrepid hikers and climbers. Anyone visiting between Memorial Day and late autumn can see many of these peaks eye-to-eye by driving over Trail Ridge Road. Topping out at 12,183 feet, this is the highest, continuous, paved road in the United States.

Front-country and backcountry campers have hundreds of campsites to choose from. Civilization and its amenities are available in the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake which flank the park on the east and west sides respectively. Ranger-led activities are an entertaining way to learn more about your surroundings. Plan some time to acclimate to the high altitude
http://www.nps.gov/romo/ for more information about the park.

Wildlife can be found anywhere in a rual back yard or by taking a drive up to the mountains. RMNP (Rocky Mt National Park) gives you the opportunity to see wildlife without having to search for it. Morning and Evenings are the best time to visit. And don't feed the bears!!!!!

If you are a skiier Colorado has some of the best skiing in the world. Here is the break down on the ski resorts that I have been to. I am still an amature skiier...still skiing blues....taking lessons.....but i have had the opportunity to ski with people that ski the black diamonds and have been skiing since they were knee high to a grasshopper so here is the low down on the resorts of Colorado.
Steamboat- Ski if you want Champagne Powder. Good mountain for beginner to Advanced. Also awesome natural hot spring in the area.
Vail-Good Greens and Blacks....Pricey...90$ a ticket....but if you are into skiing with stars and status go there.
Breckenridge......lots of lifts but the altitude can be a challenge if you are not in shape......many lifts to choose from.
Keystone.....good all around mtn. not pretentious, or expensive, but lots of beginner runs to advanced......good teachers if you want to take lessons.
Copper......Everyone loves Copper Mtn. A local Favorite.
Aspen.......Pretentious and expensive, but lots of good runs beginner to advanced......you will pay an arm and leg to ski and stay there but if you can afford it, it is worth it.
Sunlight....between Aspen and Glenwood Springs......easy mtn, cheap, not much blacks to choose from, but the hot springs are close.
Loveland......small and inexpensive.....skiing is okay. not many challenging runs.
Telleride........expensive but awesome skiing.
Crested Butte......a must ski......many advanced runs and beautiful.

http://www.coloradoski.com/

good website if you are looking at a ski vacation here in colorado.
you can always email me if you are wanting the inside place to stay in certain areas.