Colorado: 21 Great Reasons to Return Soon

There are many things we may wish to forget about 2020. But Colorado is not one of them!

We face 2021 with so many reasons to stay positive and hopeful.

With this in mind we've come up with a mix of 21 of the best things; new, news, iconic and our favourites, about Colorado to remind Aussies and Kiwis how much there is to love about this great State.

And how much Colorado is looking forward to seeing us again when we can safely visit.

Photo above: Red Mountain, Image courtesy of Glenwood Springs

What's New

1. The release of the new route Rockies to the Red Rocks and itinerary for the Rocky Mountaineer. Access them here!

2. In collaboration with our neighbours in the Southwest – Arizona and Utah – we have launched 3 new regional road-trip itineraries. Based on themes such as national parks, dark skies locations and scenic byways, they are perfect for inspiring any style of journey.

3. Park County, Colorado's centre, has launched their Art Adventuring Map! The Park County Creative Alliance has compiled an asset inventory of all arts, cultural sites and businesses to create a beautiful map. The content pairs art galleries, restaurants, studios, cultural sites and art hubs with well-known trailheads, river access and scenic spots that have inspired local artists. You can review the Art Adventuring in Park County map online.

4. Explore new hardcore horizons at Fishers Peak which has the honour of being Colorado’s newest State Park. With 19,200 acres of untouched wilderness this is an extreme adventure for those who love exploring new territory. Home to hundreds of species, only the brave know they have what it takes to get up close and personal with the park’s natives. But everyone can make the most of Fishers Peak’s various hardcore hunting, hiking, and wildlife opportunities. Watch the video of Fishers Peak to gain greater insight into the park’s beauty and see why it is an unmissable experience.

Photo above: Fishers Peak, Image courtesy of CPW/Mike DelliVeneri

What's News

5. The Wild Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit organization 30 miles outside Denver, is the largest and oldest carnivore sanctuary in the world. More than 80 newly rescued exotic animals are experiencing a world they never knew existed. This freedom came after a year like no other for the sanctuary. Despite a global pandemic, the Sanctuary conducted rescue operations stretching from New Orleans to Dade City, Florida, to Pachuca, Mexico. Most notably, many of the animals came from breeders featured in Netflix’s popular documentary series, “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness.” Read more about it here!

6. Throughout 2020, Denver International Airport (DIA) often topped the list of the nation’s busiest airports, partly because its air traffic was down less than at other major airports, and they opened new gates. Colorado’s regional airports also suddenly attracted a wave of new point-to-point service, with Montrose/Telluride alone winning new nonstops to Boston, JFK, LAX, Dallas, Charlotte and Denver. Though international carriers were grounded for months, by late December Denver was offering nonstops from eight carriers to 16 destinations in six countries (though only two long-haul flights, both to Frankfurt). A year earlier, 12 carriers were operating nonstops to 23 destinations in 10 countries.

7. Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) launched a new Inclusivity in Travel Advisory Group. This panel of nearly 30 leaders, representing diverse communities and a range of tourism sectors, is charged with developing recommendations early in 2021 about how Colorado can create a warmer welcome for all travelers, regardless of race or ethnicity, sexual orientation or ability. Like the Dunes Wheelchair at Great Sand Dunes National Park pictured below.

Photo above: Image courtesy of NPS/ Patrick Myers

8. Winter Recreation Tips, Hiking Tips, supporting local businesses and more here.

9. A must visit destination – The Minturn Inn. Looking like a true mountain retreat (think dark wood planks and a green, peaked roof), The Minturn Inn delivers lots of bed-and-breakfast charm. Built in 1915, the refurbished homestead’s nine rooms are topped with high-beamed ceilings, rustic bathtubs and what can only be described as Colorado-themed decorations such as snowshoes, antler chandeliers and skier lamps.

10. Not a skier at heart? This is the ideal guide to Breckenridge for those who aren’t interested in the slopes.

Photo left: Breckenridge, Image courtesy of Matt Inden/Miles

11. Escape into the heart of the Rockies with classic tunes that capture Colorado’s soul on this perfectly curated Colorado Roadtrip Playlist! Be sure to log into Pandora first, before trying to access the playlist.

12. Following on, in the Year of the Road Trip, our “Colo-Road Trips” and brand-new Colorado Scenic and Historic Byways microsites were even more relevant.

Photo right: Red Mountain, Image courtesy of Colorado.com

What's Iconic

13. Care for Colorado sustainability principle. With a shared goal of inspiring both Colorado residents and visitors to protect Colorado's special places, the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics collaborated in 2018 to create the Care for Colorado Principles. Learn all about it here.

14. Colorado By the Numbers: did you know the world's largest natural hot springs pool is in Glenwood Springs?

Photo left: Image courtesy of Visit Glenwood Springs

15. The historic Durango to Silverton train has been in continuous operation between Durango and Silverton since 1882. It is a family-friendly ride, sure to create memories that will last a lifetime while offering a view of Colorado's mountain splendour inaccessible by highway.

16. Red Rocks Amphitheatre, one of the best and most- loved US outdoor venues is THE best place to see the stars (both kinds!). Since reopening it will be back with a program full of events you won’t want to miss. Check out their calendar here to be in the know!

Photo right: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Image courtesy of Colorado.com

And Our Special Favourites

17. Colorado’s 28 winter resorts are huge favourites with Australian skiers and boarders. This year we have been unable to visit but this has only strengthened our desire to return. And the Colorado Ski resorts LOVE and miss Australians. Look out for our winter marketing campaign with www.SnowsBest.com this month to show you all how much we are missed and wet your appetites for the 21/22 season. Check out our first instalment here!

18. Colorado’s cities and towns. From the Mile High City capital of Denver to the well-loved ski towns of Telluride, Aspen and Vail, to steam -train- central towns of Durango and Ouray or the coolest little towns in the US such as, Boulder, Fort Collins, Loveland and Colorado Springs, the friendship, western hospitality, food, craft beer, and shopping is all there waiting for us when we return.

Photo left: Denver’s 16th St Mall, Image courtesy of Colorado.com

19. For those interested in adventure, history and much more make sure to listen to the OutThere Colorado Podcast on Apple or GooglePlay!

20. The newly opened U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs.

21. And last but definitely not least, the place to find YOUR reasons to return: the official source for all things Colorado – Colorado.com; Facebook page; Vacation Guide.

Find out more and get a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide at www.colorado.com

COLORADO TOURISM OFFICE: www.colorado.com

LINKD TOURISM: www.linkdtourism.com

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au