A Memorial Day Weekend Celebration of Fine Visual Arts and Handcrafted goods in beautiful Glenwood Springs. The Glenwood Art Festival is an annual art and craft show featuring an impressive array of original handcrafted artwork. This free 3 day event will be showcasing local and national artists representing a wide array of mediums and price points. Taking place in the heart of Downtown Glenwood Springs, one of the top tourist destinations in the Rocky Mountains, with its world famous hot springs pool, beautiful mountains, countless recreational activities, outstanding local shops & restaurants. In addition to great shopping there will also be free live music and family fun. The Glenwood Art Festival will kick off the summer with one of the best and well attended events to happen in the entire Rocky Mountain region for the Memorial Day holiday weekend.Glenwood Springs is a historic Colorado destination and is home to the world’s largest hot springs pool. Internationally known as an outstanding mountain destination for both locals and tourists for outdoor adventures, rich Wild West history and an award-winning dining scene. Ranked as one of America’s most fun towns and also as #1 in the Top 20 Arts Vibrant Medium and Small Cities in America and countless other accolades. Conveniently located only 2.5 hours west of Denver, this premier location makes the perfect backdrop for this celebration of art, craft, live music, and community fun.
Location: Glenwood Springs
Sunlight Mountain Skier Appreciation Day
$20 lift tickets, kids donut eating contest, Island/Ocean theme costume contest, hoola hoop and limbo contest, $3 Coors light drafts, DJ, and many prizes to win such as skies, etc.
Defiance Rafting Company
At Defiance, we like to keep things easy peasy lemon squeaky. Not sure what trip to book? No worries, we’ll point you in the right direction, whether you’re looking for a laid-back float or a shot of adrenaline. And don’t think twice about bringing the kiddos. Our Happy Paddler program ensures they’ll get the VIP treatment, complete with a snack, drink, and post-trip swag. Worried that you don’t have the right gear? Just bring your swimsuit and we’ll take care of the rest. Trip prices include taxes, river use fees, wetsuits, booties, splashguards, and helmets. We offer discounted rates to groups and specialized pricing for special events, non-profits, and organizations.
Aspen Chamber Resort Association
Aspen Chamber – Discover the Untold Stories Existing Throughout the Year.
More than 60 years ago, Aspen made a name for itself as a winter destination when visionary skiers, philosophers, and locals created a cultural hub high up in the Rocky Mountains centered around skiing. Those same visionaries also launched the Aspen Institute and the “mind, body, spirit” ethos that established Aspen as the original cultural mountain town. Today, those who live in Aspen often say they came for the winter but stayed for the summer.
Aspen Chamber – The Summer
Warm-weather months showcase the depth of Aspen’s cultural and intellectual offerings, as well as culinary and outdoor adventure opportunities. An Aspen vacation is a mind, body, and spirit experience, whether learning a new skill, feeding a fascination, or simply absorbing the mountain spirit. The Aspen Chamber invites you to discover what makes the summer season unique in Aspen.
Life Year-Round in Aspen
The year-round outdoor lifestyle accessed from your doorstep and a jam-packed cosmopolitan cultural calendar with a bustling downtown ambiance as well as a centrally located airport are just a few reasons that make Aspen a world-renowned year-round destination. An endless array of arts, culture, dining, and nightlife give Aspen an urbane feel that belies its small-town charm and inspires countless stories.
The sun shines in this part of the Colorado Rockies more than 300 days per year, making Aspen an ideal training environment for world-class athletes, people who want to explore the mountains, and those looking for a respite from their busy lives. Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley are home to dozens of artists, artisans and craftspeople. Many sell their wares at the Aspen Saturday Market from June – October, but others are found at shops in town year-round.
Town of Snowmass Village
Snowmass Village’s pioneering spirit dates back to the early 1900s. Ranchers saw promise in this small mountain valley with its vibrant creeks and rivers, bountiful land, and incredible backdrop.
That pioneering spirit rings as true today as it did over 100 years ago. Throughout the past century, athletes, artists, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts have flocked to Snowmass Village for the ultimate mountain experience. Many never left, knowing that life in Snowmass is about as absolute as you can get.
Surrounded by many of Colorado’s most notable mountain peaks, the small town is home to some of life’s biggest experiences. Much of the best ski and snowboard terrain in North America is found here. Summer adventures are just as impressive and unforgettable—from premier fly fishing to rafting the whitewater of the Roaring Fork River to authentic weekly rodeos. Within this 25-square-mile town, you’ll find over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails and two 18-hole disc golf courses. Free concert series entertain year round and over 95% of your lodging options are right on the slopes making a stay in Snowmass Village as convenient and comfortable as possible.
Snowmass Tourism is the hub for customizing your visit to the area. We provide travel expertise and local insight, not to mention Western hospitality. We’ll help ensure your stay in Snowmass goes beyond your expectations. Contact Snowmass Tourism for assistance with all your vacation and group sales needs.
Vacation Planning Ideas
Colorado Vacation Ideas
You're ready to do some vacation planning. You could really use a break, and you've seen pictures of Colorado's majestic landscapes reaching 2 miles into the American sky. This is someplace you'd like to see and experience. It would take a few lifetimes to see, enjoy, experience, feel, and reach all of what Colorado offers. So, we're here to help you with your Colorado vacation planning and the best way to maximize your time while in Colorado.Create Your Vacation Plan
With so much going on in Colorado it’s best to identify your vacation passion and the passions of the group or other person you are traveling with. Here is a list of considerations to help you get the best Colorado vacation experience.
Summer Vacation Planning 
What summer Colorado activities are a priority for you and your group? Start by identifying the primary activity and prioritizing from there.
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Perhaps your bucket list includes visiting an adventure park, a scenic train ride, a hot springs visit, zip lining, getting a hike or two in, and rafting. Wow, that’s ambitious but it can be done. Once again, staying in a region like the Royal Gorge area can serve this up. If you look closely, you will find companies that even sell combinations of experiences in one day.
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If you're planning a backpacking trip. You will want to select a region, such as the Rocky Moutain National Park, and just stay there.
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If day hiking is more your thing. You will get the most hiking in by exploring a region versus trying to travel all over the state, but some travel is realistic.
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Are you planning to tour the state? Will you need lodging or will you be camping along the way?
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Summer tourist season in Colorado is popular. If you’re planning on camping, tent camping or RV camping, you will need to plan ahead. Reservations at public campgrounds are necessary, especially during “peak season”.
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Identify what “other” activities are important.
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Check-in with your travel companions and find out what activities they have in mind. You might find mutual interests or complete diversity. Knowing this will help you map out your route and where to find lodging.
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Activities such as Colorado events, historical tours, dining, art, farmers markets, rafting, or jeep tours.
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Winter Vacation Planning
Will your winter vacation be at a ski resort?
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There are 25 ski areas in Colorado, not including cross-country ski touring centers. First, understand the abilities and expectations of your group. Then investigate your options for what they offer, type of terrain, expense, apres ski activities, and more.
- There are other resort options besides ski resort towns. Many guest ranches stay open in the winter and offer a variety of winter activities. This is true for out-of-the-way cabin rentals and some of the natural hot spring resorts.
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Are all members of your group skiers, or are there snowboarders too?
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If you’re vacationing with a mix of skiers and snowboarders, as well as ability level. It’s best to closely examine the resorts with terrain parks and a mix of blue and expert-level ski runs. The larger resorts will have the most options.
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Does your group want to travel to different resort destinations or stay at a specific resort?
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If touring different resorts is what you have in mind. Staying in the Central part of Colorado is by far the most efficient. As all these resorts can be traveled to by car in a few hours. Or, skip the winter driving around, stay at a designated resort, and focus on your fun there.
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Is vacationing on a budget a concern?
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If being budget-minded is part of your vacation. Try planning your trip during the “off-season” or not “peak-season” times. Check out lesser-known resorts. In either case, you should be able to find deals on lift tickets and lodging.
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Are off-slope activities appealing, such as shopping, dining, spas, events, or alternative activities?
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If your group needs alternative activities. The bigger resorts will have the most varied selection of activities to choose from. However, popular attractions like winter scenic train rides, natural hot springs, and guided tours such as snowmobiling or sleigh rides are not necessarily at the resort. Check out “other attractions” first and then decided on the resort to stay at.
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Colorado's Endless List of Vacation Options
Colorado offers an almost endless list of vacation options. The first step is to understand if you want to tour around or stay in one place. Either has much to offer. However, touring the state will require more vacation planning. Please use our free vacation planning itinerary tool. This will help you keep track of the sights and experiences you don’t want to miss. Plus, organize your lodging and travel routes along the way.
Staying put at that special place in Colorado is also a good way to spend your vacation. With so much to explore in any given region of the State, it might make more sense for you just to find lodging in a favorite place and base all your activities on that location. In either case, feel free to request some of our free visitor guides, and use our free itinerary tool to help organize all the activities, keep the dates and times handy, and make your vacation more relaxing.
Colorado Destinations
Unique Colorado Destination
Colorado’s cities and towns are as diverse and beautiful as its landscape.
From the culturally rich city of Denver to the quiet mountain escape of Aspen. Colorado has a vacation destination for everyone. Are the high mountain peaks calling your name? Get to know Colorado and plan your trip to check off everything in your bucket list. Rafting, skiing, hiking, art shows, concerts, mountain biking, cycling, dinning, fishing, mountain retreats, exploring nature, and much more. Coloradoinfo.com has divided Colorado into 3 regions. Each of these regions represents unique characteristics and proximity.
View our interactive regional map of Colorado to take a closer look and find the locations you want to visit.
Order a free Colorado vacation planning guide to help find the perfect vacation spot!
The Central Mountains
The heart of the Rocky Mountains spans the state north to south, and is home to the highest elevated cities and towns in the country, which feature over two dozen ski resorts. This region is Colorado’s gem for world-famous ski areas, mountain lifestyle, and activities.
The Rockies Playground, recently named by the Colorado Tourism Office, is the most central region of the Rocky Mountains and includes some of Colorado’s most famous resort towns. Due to their close proximity and popularity as ski resorts, the name was chosen to appeal to potential tourists. This region’s towns include Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, Winter Park, Glenwood Springs, Dillon and Leadville. However, significant resort towns lie north and south of the playground region, including Steamboat Springs in north-central Colorado. Resort towns in south-central Colorado include: Crested Butte, Monarch, Del Norte, Powderhorn and Wolf Creek. The Central Mountains region captures almost all of the mountain towns north to south, aside from Telluride and Durango.
The Central Mountains region includes several spectacular national forests.
All of which include amazing mountain scenery, wildlife, trail systems, nearby camping and towns. From north to south:
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
Steamboat Springs, a ski town. A large area with a variety of mountain attractions. - White River National Forest
The Rockies Playground, many ski resort towns. Engulfed in mountain recreation. - Pike and San Isabel National Forest
The Royal Gorge attraction. This area is rich with wilderness, fourteeners, Backpacking, Camping…More on recreation. - Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest
Crested Butte ski resort and nearby Gunnison. A variety of summer & winter recreation. - Rio Grande National Forest
Wolf Creek ski resort, nearby towns Pagosa Springs and Alamosa, lie within the Mystic San Luis Valley. A huge wilderness area including Great Sand Dunes National Park and Alamosa National Refuge. This area is considered Colorado’s undiscovered jewel. Discover solitude and self-reliance.
The Front Range & Plains
A way of referring to how the plains of Colorado meet the eastern slope of the continental divide.
If you want to watch a broadway show or enjoy a museum exhibit, you will have the most options in the Front Range. The urban cities of Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs are well known for their performing arts, museums, and cultural festivals.
Front Range Mountain Attractions
The Front Range region includes notable attractions such as Estes Park, the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Pikes Peak, a whole family mountain attraction, lies just west of Colorado Springs. Featuring a scenic train, rafting, horseback riding and much more.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, an amazing music venue in the foothills west of Denver.
Colorado’s Western Slope
A general way of referring to Northwest and Southwest Colorado.
The Western Slope is a much more remote experience. Grand Junction is the largest city in the area and is often referred to as a city with a small-town feel. This high plains region is rich in agriculture, canyonlands, and warmer weather. Offering up a distinctively unique variety of Colorado destinations.
Northwest Colorado, or The Great West
Features of this area are the national parks such as Dinosaur National Park, the remote Brown’s Park, and the wild horses of the Sand Wash Basin. This area is popular with outdoor enthusiasts offering a variety of camping, RV parks, off-road vehicles, horseback riding, rafting, cycling and exploring in general. While the mountains are melting down, northwest Colorado is in full bloom.
Southwest Colorado, or The Mountain Mesas
Another very diverse region of Colorado with a mix of Colorado destinations and ski resort towns such as Telluride, and Durango. Complemented by Montrose, a very agricultural community but also rich with adventure. In the very southwest corner of Colorado is Cortez. Surrounded by big attractions such as Mesa Verde National Park, Monument Valley . Cortez is also the gateway to the Four Corners and the Canyonlands of Utah
Glenwood Springs
Visit Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Something magical happens when you just add water to your Rocky Mountain vacation; from the natural healing powers of Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and Iron Mountain Hot Springs to the recreational paradise supplied by the Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers and the unparalleled beauty of our National Natural Wonder – Hanging Lake. 
Dads act younger, moms laugh more. Brothers are nicer to sisters, couples rediscover each other. And along the way, everyone remembers the feeling of joy. That’s the power of our water in Glenwood Springs, Colorado.
Millions of years of water carved Glenwood Caverns into Iron Mountain, where today you can tour subterranean passages with amazing cave formations. Above the caverns, there are roller coasters, canyon swings, and incredible views of the Roaring Fork Valley. Hundreds of years ago, the Ute Indians used the Yampah Vapor Caves to heal their bodies and minds. Now, you can soak in the healing powers of these natural steam-filled caves formed by the mineral hot springs that flow through them.
Sign up to learn more about Glenwood Springs
In addition to the amazing amenities water creates in our community, Glenwood Springs is also home to all the mountain resort experiences you expect when vacationing in the Rockies. Other things to do in Glenwood Springs include hiking, biking, horseback riding, rafting, skiing, skydiving, and zip lining (to name a few). Plan your stress-free, fun-filled, Glenwood Springs vacation at VisitGlenwood.com!
Colorado Winter
Colorado Winter
Colorado's central location and 25 world-class ski resorts attract skiers and snowboarders from around the world. With convenient non-stop flights, regional airports, discount travel packages, and other means of getting around the mountains, snow enthusiasts are quickly placing Colorado at the top of their must-visit lists. Colorado's ski areas span the state, covering more than 40,000 acres of terrain beginning at the sky-scraping Continental Divide and unfolding north, south and west deep into the Centennial State's majestic mountain ranges. Learn more about skiing and snowboarding in Colorado. Colorado's world-renowned resorts and accommodating ski towns beckon travelers of all backgrounds, ages and interests, with every ski resort offering something different. From the family of four looking for lessons and a laid-back day on groomed runs to the hardcore backcountry hike-it crowd, there's a resort that will exceed expectations
Colorado Summer
Colorado Summer Vacation
A Colorado summer vacation is all about celebrating and enjoying the great outdoors, and with 300+ days of sunshine, it’s easy to have the perfect day. Experience one of the many stunning Rocky Mountain sunsets, races and contests, unrivaled outdoor concert venues, food and wine festivals, golfing, horse riding, hiking, rafting and much more as you travel through Colorado. Don’t forget the sunscreen and lots of water.
Request a FREE Summer Travel Guide
Top 10 Can’t-miss Colorado Summer Activities
1. Whitewater Rafting
Rafting in Colorado is our favorite can’t-miss chance for fun. There are floats for every kind of friend or family adventure. Raft the Royal Gorge and experience class-V rapids as the Arkansas River carries you under the Royal Gorge Bridge. Head a little further west to Salida to catch their annual Fibark Festival and see what the fuss is about. Raft through Brown’s Canyon National Monument, or head north with the kiddos to raft the Colorado River with smaller rapids, but plenty of fun. Local’s Tip: water is highest in the spring and early summer as the snow melts off the mountains to fill our Rivers. Book early for an adrenaline-filled adventure, or wait until later in the Colorado summer to take the kids on a mellow float.
2. Mountain or Road Biking
Colorado boasts 26 scenic byways, with views to take your breath away if the altitude doesn’t get you first. Pound out the miles as you tackle Independence pass between Leadville and Aspen, or watch for wildlife as you pedal over Trail Ride Road in Rocky Mountain Nation Park. If you prefer dirt under your tires, visit one of the many lift-accessed bike parks, like Keystone Resort or Crested Butte Mountain resorts. There are also thousands of miles of singletrack around the state. Wait for the snow to melt and experience high alpine rides in Summit County, this Colorado summer during July, August, and September. Local’s tip: Stick to the road after its rained. Our dirt dries fast, but if you ride when it’s wet, your knobby tires will do significant manage.
3. Horseback Riding
Colorado’s “wild west” roots live on, with many ranches offering horseback rides for the whole family. Saddle up, head into the plains, or over the trails to expansive vistas. If you bring your own horses, many trails outside of Denver are horse-friendly. Durango has an active equestrian culture with many trails and ride opportunities!
4. Ziplining & Aerial Parks
Fly over canyons and zip over rivers. Ziplining is an activity growing in popularity for good reason – It is so much fun for every age! Race your friends in a dual slalom race to the finish while your family cheers from below! Then test your balance on the aerial parks with rope ladders, wooden platforms, and balance beams. Both activities utilize 4-point harnesses to keep everyone safe and having fun. Local’s tip: Book a package of ½ day of zipline, followed by ½ day a the aerial park, which many times includes lunch for everyone!
5. Golfing
There are over 250 golf courses in Colorado, with many that are playable year-round! The thin air in Colorado lets your ball fly further than at sea-level, so don’t let a 144 slope make you nervous. Colorado Spring’s Castle Pine’s Golf Club has hosted PGA golf tours on its Jack Nicklaus-designed course and is always rated one of the best courses in the country. Cañon City and Pueblo are in the “banana belt” of Colorado and have courses open all year. Local’s tip: Many courses offer reduced greens fees for last-minute tee times, so don’t stress if you want to play a late 9-hole after lunch.
6. Rock Climbing
Pack the chalk back on your sticky shoes! Garden of the Gods or the Boulder Flat Irons are popular spots near Denver for multiple routes and a variety of difficulty. The town of Rifle has some of the best limestone climbing areas in the country with near-by camping sites. Not to far from Rifle is another climbing hot spot: Black Canyon of the Gunnison which has over 140 documented routes up the canyon walls for experienced climbers. Local’s Tip: Make it a real Colorado Adventure by hiking or biking into your route.
7. Soaking in Hot Springs
When you’re ready for real relaxation, Colorado’s natural hot springs await you. Try a rustic hike-to Radium Hot Springs near Kremmling, where you can wave to the passing kayakers and rafters on the Colorado River. Or if you prefer a more spa-like retreat, head west to Glenwood Springs for various hot springs and vapor cave options!
8. Scenic Train Rides
Spend the day riding the rails and taking in the scenery. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad winds through spectacular & breathtaking canyons in the remote wilderness of the two-million acre San Juan National Forest for an unforgettable adventure aboard original 1880s steam engine trains. Local’s tip: Take the train to Silverton, but then take the bus back over Red Mountain Pass to spend more time in Silverton AND Durango.
9. Fishing
Colorado has 6,000 miles of streams and more than 1,300 lakes and reservoirs to choose from, including many sections of gold medal fishing waters. Float the Colorado or wade into the Blue River for your best chance to catch a prized trout or salmon. Check in with a local outfitter to get the best flys and lures for the area, and don’t forget your fishing license! Local’s tip: Book a guided trip to really get insider information from a local.
10. Kayaking or StandUp Paddle boarding
These popular modes will keep you fit and smiling on white or flat water. Test your balance while SUPing on Dillon Reservoir. Marinas in Frisco and Dillon offer rentals by the hour or the day. Follow the shoreline to stay away from any boat wake. Pack a snack and picnic with your dog on the islands you’ve only seen from a distance. Local’s tip: Go early in the day before the winds kick up!
Other Popular Colorado Summer Activities
- ATV Rentals and tours
- Hiking
- Camping
- Visiting State and National Parks
- More summer vacation activity ideas.
by Kathleen Fitzsimmons