9 Unmissable Rocky Mountain Spots for a Healing Adventure
Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountain National Park landscape boasts beautiful botanical colours and even better views. For wilderness wayfarers, features include mountains, alpine lakes and a wide range of wildlife in various climates, from green forests to snowy mountaintops. Its diverse and varied landscape offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, camping, rock climbing and water sports.
Pikes peak
Encounter some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world at Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is an American icon whose 14,115-foot summit challenges visitors from all over the world, including Isabella Bird and the famous presenters in Trailblazers. Experience an alpine wonderland, mountain reservoirs, flora and fauna all while overtaking the clouds on the way to the top of America’s most famous mountain.
Discover Estes Park
The mountain village of Estes Park offers world-class amenities with a rustic flare and hometown hospitality. Guests can explore Elkhorn Avenue and Moraine Avenue, packed with more than 200 shops, restaurants and galleries, or head to Estes Park Museum, where they can learn about the individuals at the heart of the village, from Native American Tribes to notable artists unique to Colorado. Estes Park becomes even more magical in winter when the town is covered in a blanket of snow. Those who are lucky will see migrating elk walking across the stunning blankets of snow. Also the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, there’s no shortage of unique wilderness activities to try.
Mount Elbert
Colorado is renowned for its outdoor mountain pursuits and there’s plenty to be had in the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Standing at 14,440 ft, Mount Elbert lies 12 miles southwest of Leadville in the Sawatch Range and White River National Forest. Renowned for its spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, the mountain has a number of well-maintained hiking trails to explore, where visitors can climb to the highest peaks and witness an unforgettable view.
Things to do
Horse Riding
There are many ways to get around the Rocky Mountains, however, horse riding has been a firm favourite for centuries – even with Isabella Bird, who could apparently ride better than men (which was very unusual for the era). Travellers can channel their inner cowboy on horseback throughout the breathtaking valleys. There are various trails to take and two stables nestled within the park including Glacier Creek Stables and Moraine Park Stables.
Rewilding Expeditions, Estes Park
Aimed at restoring and protecting the natural habitats and wilderness areas in Rocky Mountain National Park, the Rewilding Expeditions experience in Estes Park offers multi-day guided backpacking, packrafting and camping opportunities that support and educate visitors on rewilding and conservation efforts. Guests can trade the sound of traffic with the songs of birds in an expedition of true solitude, whilst having the opportunity to deepen their connections to the wild and diminish the ecological impact of ecotourism.
Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Glenwood Springs
Opening in mid 2023, the popular Iron Mountain Hot Springs is working on Upriver, a new section that will be aimed at those 21+ and feature eight new riverside pools, along with a cold plunge pool and large experience pool. Not only this, they will also be offering a new café for travellers to enjoy once they’ve completed a dip. The renovation adds to the already impressive 16 geothermal soaking pools which are situated alongside the beautiful Colorado River in Glenwood Springs and surrounded by Rocky Mountain views that soothe and inspire.
Places to stay
C Lazy U Ranch, Granby
Operating since 1919, C Lazy U Ranch is a luxurious dude ranch offering an upmarket yet authentic western experience. An all inclusive resort, amenities include world-class cabins, a wealth of outdoor activities, daily horse rides and exceptional cuisine. With an extensive culinary history at many five-star resorts, Chef Cory Untch’s style of cooking is ‘fine dining meets casual family gatherings.’ The wood-fired, farm-inspired seasonal menus ensure guests’ pallets are always presented with the best that nature has to offer. Set within beautiful log cabins next to Willow Creek and neighbouring acres of untouched land is the on-site spa, where guests can enjoy incredible views of the Continental Divide mountain range in complete peace and tranquillity whilst switching off from the rest of the world.
The Stanley Hotel
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, The Stanley Hotel was built in 1909 and still retains its history, attracting a large number of travellers each year. The interior has been renovated over time but still has a turn-of-the-century feel and is said to have ‘high spirited activity.’
For more information, please visit: www.colorado.com.
