In the mountains, there are many once in a lifetime activities to do. Some of the best include the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge, and the Hanging Lake. There are dozens of other great activities in Colorado, too. Read on to learn more. You might also be interested in visiting the famous Grand Junction, or check out some of the other cities in the state.
Crested Butte Wildflower Festival
If you’ve been to the Rocky Mountains, you’ve probably seen the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. The mountain’s wildflowers have been a perennial favorite for more than 30 years, and the festival’s blooms will soon be a potpourri of color. The wildflowers of Crested Butte are especially gorgeous this time of year because they are blooming before our eyes. The town is also known as the wildflower capital of Colorado.
Tom Zeiner, a professional geologist and amateur botanist, has been hiking the mountains around Crested Butte for over 30 years. He works with the Colorado Native Plant Society as the festival’s Wildflower Master, and he enjoys sharing his knowledge of the local flora and geology. He recently was appointed to the Festival’s Board of Directors, and is looking forward to using his 35 years of experience to help create this wonderful event.
This spectacular flower festival is a multi-day affair that offers activities for the whole family. You can enjoy guided bush walks to view the wildflowers, art workshops, and a tour of wildflower gardens. All of these activities are held amid the spectacular Rocky Mountain backdrop. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about local wildflowers and even participate in bird and butterfly-spotting tours.
If you’re looking for a once in a lifetime experience, you’ve come to the right place. While you’re there, consider camping, too. The town is home to numerous campgrounds and facilities, including fire rings, picnic tables, and trashcans. If you’re camping in the area, be sure to bring your camping gear and camp safely. Once in a lifetime experience in Crested Butte, Colorado, is a must-do.
If you’re in the mood for a hike, don’t miss the trailhead on the south side of the mountain. This 2.7-mile loop trail is a great place for a picnic. It will get you up to an elevation of 11,000 feet. You’ll meet other hikers, so be prepared to share the road. It’s a popular trail with both hikers and bikers.
Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge
There are many reasons to visit the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge in Canon City, Colorado. The historic landmark held the record for being the world’s highest suspension bridge from 1929 to 2001. The bridge is 1,260 feet long and is made up of 1292 wooden planks. Unfortunately, the bridge was destroyed by a fire in 2013. Since then, it has undergone repairs and reopened for visitors.
Before the suspension bridge was built, the area was famous for its natural beauty and was often visited by tourists. It was created by the Arkansas River millions of years ago and is now ten miles long and fifty feet wide at its base. When it was discovered in the mid-to-late 1800s, it was populated by railroad workers who were mining for lead and silver. The gorge became a major tourist attraction and caused a two-year railroad war over the rights to transport passengers across it.
Another once in a lifetime experience in Royal Gorge is a skycoaster. This experience is not for the faint-hearted; a ride on the Royal Rush Skycoaster will whisk you from side to side over the gorge while traveling at fifty miles per hour. The skycoaster is a thrilling ride with a high speed and a high vertical drop.
After you’ve taken in the breathtaking scenery, you can visit the Royal Gorge Park Theatre to view the park’s history. You can view original artifacts and photos as you take in the scenic views of the Royal Gorge. A trip to the park is a must! Whether you visit Colorado for the first time or are a local, you will surely be amazed at all the activities available.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try skydiving at the Royal Gorge. You’ll be greeted by the stunning scenery and breathtaking views as you free-fall for about 30 seconds above the gorge. If you’re not into heights, you can opt for tandem skydiving. There are many companies that offer this activity.
Crested Butte Markets
The town of Crested Butte in northern Colorado was originally a coal mining and ranching community. In the 1960’s, it became a ski resort and a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Today, the town has less than 2,000 residents, but it is still a thriving tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world. The town is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges, and it experiences cold winters, resulting in several feet of snowfall each year.
While in Crested Butte, you should also check out its vibrant creative district. There are several art galleries in town that showcase the works of local artists. The Crested Butte Fine Art Gallery features the works of three local artists. The town is also home to the Crested Butte Folk Art Festival, which features over 200 wildflower-oriented workshops.
The market is open every Saturday, and visitors can buy handmade crafts, fresh fruits, vegetables, and baked goods. You can also enjoy great food at local restaurants. The Public House in downtown offers a wide variety of wines, cocktails, and beer, as well as a full-service menu. For dinner, you can try out Pitas in Paradise, or Public House for upscale pub grub. You can also try Indian food at Butte Bagels, or even a homemade pizza at the Secret Stash.
If you’ve never been to the Crested Butte Markets, you should take the time to visit one. The town has hundreds of shops and restaurants, which are located in historic Victorian buildings. The town is home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the country. You can rent a bike from local stores or take a tour to see the area’s hidden treasures.
There’s no better way to enjoy the town than to explore its charming downtown. Walking down the streets along Elk Avenue, a scenic area, will give you an idea of the town’s rich history. The picturesque Victorian buildings line the streets and are home to great coffee shops and boutiques. As a bonus, there are even local events that you can attend and participate in.
Hanging Lake
If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains, Hanging Lake is worth a visit. Although it’s a popular destination, this natural wonder is not accessible to everyone. It is a popular hiking destination, so be sure to pack appropriate hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a bottle of water. Since Hanging Lake is not dog-friendly, don’t bring your pup along. Also, keep in mind that you should not bring your fishing equipment or swimwear. You’re also not allowed to touch or walk on the lake, so don’t expect to get wet. If you have a drone, you’re welcome to take some photos but you need to have a permit to do so.
To visit Hanging Lake, start by booking a timed permit. You can do so from May to October. The cost for a permit is $12 per person and includes shuttle service from the Welcome Center to the trailhead. To apply for the permit, visit the website of the city of Glenwood Springs. You can’t go to Hanging Lake without a permit, but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave, which tells the story of the famous American cowboy. The museum is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the summer, and is open for visitors for $3 for adults and $2 for children.
You must visit this once-in-a-lifetime attraction while you’re in Colorado. The view is simply breathtaking and you’ll never forget it. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon. Make sure you listen to nature, keep the music soft, and enjoy the peace. You’ll be glad you did. Just be prepared to get soaked, though.
When you’re finished at Hanging Lake, you can either head east to Denver or west to Silverthorne and Vail. If you’re looking for something else, you can also head south to the Garden of the Gods. It’s a great place to get in touch with nature, and it’s close to Denver. There’s also a visitor center open on Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
