Colorado

Known for its varied landscapes, Colorado is an ideal vacation spot. With world-renowned ski resorts, the Rocky Mountain National Park, and the great continental divide all within its borders, it's hard to imagine a vacation to Colorado being dull! This state is a great vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Colorado's history dates back to the Native Americans who built pueblos, and before that to cave dwellers. The state was possibly visited by European explorers in 1540, but the first solid and recorded explorations took place in the 1700s. Colorado's land wavered between a variety of territories and was generally considered "unexplored" until 1858 when gold was discovered on the river tributaries outside of Denver. After that, streams of immigrants filled the state, and the territory was finally organized in 1861, and then admitted to the Union in 1878.

Today, gold and other precious metals are still mined in Colorado, and if you're visiting Denver, you can see how gold ore was processed in the 1900s at Argo Gold Mine, Mill and Museum. You can even tour the actual gold mines and relive the olden "Gold Rush" days while panning for gold and gemstones! Visitors can also see some of today's current currency being made at the United States Mint, Denver. Of course, if you're in Denver and want to learn more about the area and its natural history, don't miss Denver Museum of Nature and Science where there's a large variety of exhibitions and programs that help visitors experience not just the wonders of Colorado, but the whole universe. The museum is the best in its field for the whole of the Rocky Mountain region!

Visitors with families, or who just want to have a good time, can see the Denver Zoo where over 4,000 animals reside! The zoo has a "Tropical Discovery" area which contains a huge indoor rainforest! If you're looking for something to get out of the hot sun, try the Denver Art Museum, a non-profit museum with lots of Native Arts and Western American arts unique to the region.

If you're in Denver to explore the Rocky Mountain National Forest, but exertion isn't a high priority, try the Mount Evans Scenic Byway, a drive that climbs more than 7,000 feet in just 28 miles! See some stunning views from the top – tourists and locals alike rave about this spot. Of course if you do want to put your legs to use, there's plenty of breathtaking (literally) hikes for visitors. If you want to take it easy, try the flatirons area. The Mesa trail is relatively flat and great for beginners. Indian Peaks is a stunning area to hike and a $9 pass lets you access it for five days! Plus, the hikes are short and the view is great. Rocky Mountain National Park also offers plenty of mountain trails for visitors, but does come with an entrance fee. There's also plenty of biking, mountain climbing, and other outdoor activities for park visitors.

If winter sports are more your style, visit Aspen, Colorado for some world-renowned ski resorts and ski runs. There are still plenty of things to do in the summer, such as horseback riding at T Lazy 7 Guest & Horse Ranch, or hiking at Maroon Lake Scenic Trail. Of course, if it's skiing you want, Aspen has it down. Aspen consists of four mountains, and if you're skiing on one one day, you can drop off your equipment for transfer to the next mountain where it will be waiting when you're ready to ski! The mountain for beginners is Buttermilk where beginners can get some start to finish runs in no time! Aspen Mountain is the mountain for skiers who know what they're doing – tons of black diamonds and virtually no green circle runs make this the ultimate adventure mountain! If you've never skied before, there's plenty of lessons and training at Aspen to keep you entertained, and the resorts offer great restaurants, shopping, and relaxation!

Visitors to Colorado Springs have a lot to choose from, too! Garden of the Gods offers amazing views of Pike's Peak as well as easy hiking trails for families, and the park is free! Visitors can also go to Pike's Peak itself, well known because it is so visible at the spot where the plains and the mountains meet. Pike's Peak has been a tourist destination since the 1800s, so if you're going to Colorado Springs, you won't want to skip out on this historic mountain.

Families can also do some exciting things in the city, such as visit the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, beautiful because of its natural settings. Trail riding is popular in Colorado Springs as well, and good trail riding can be had at Hershey's Heavenly Horses or Stables at the Broadmoor. Also fun for the family is Flying W Ranch for dinner and an old-west performance.

Adults will enjoy Splash!, a unique experience that combines art and drinking. What can you create? Colorado Springs also has fabulous golf courses, with stunning vistas and pleasant evening temperatures. At the end of the night, visit Phantom Canyon Brewing Co. for some great fun, and some even better beer.

No matter what your plans are for Colorado, there's plenty of fun just waiting to be had. From mountain exploration to museums to skiing to panning for gold, Colorado is a vacation you'll never forget.

Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Red Lion Hotel Denver - Starting at $73 a night this Denver hotel is right where you want to be. Near to the Denver Zoo and more city attractions this hotel is in a great location. Plus a restaurant and fitness facility makes this amazing budget hotel a no-brainer.
Snow Queen Lodge - Starting at $150 a night, if you're staying right in Aspen this is a fabulous place for the price! A complimentary breakfast is a great start to your day of skiing! Mountain views in every room!
Howard Johnson Express Inn - Starting at $43 a night this Colorado Springs hotel is right near the US Olympic Complex, and serves a complimentary breakfast!

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

The Timbers - Starting at $89 a night this Denver hotel is an all suite hotel, with a complimentary breakfast and a fitness facility.
Sky Hotel - Starting at $250 a night this beautiful hotel is close to Aspen Mountain and is in the heart of Ski area. The restaurant serves three meals, and the pool has a poolside bar! There's also a health club and fitness facility, and spa amenities. This is a great spot to stay for a good price!
Hyatt Summerfield Suites - Starting at $89 a night this Colorado Springs hotel is close to the Garden of the Gods (reason enough, right?) and offers a spa tub and fitness facility.

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world:

Four Seasons Hotel Denver - Starting at $255 a night, why not go all out? The 4 seasons is a 5-star property, with a spa, pool, health club, fitness facility, and a restaurant. Some guestrooms even have mountain views!
The Little Nell - Starting at $365 a night this stunning, well rated, 5 star property is an amazing resort spot. Right in the heart of Aspen Ski area, the resort includes 3 restaurants, a bar, 24 hour room service, a pool, health club and steam room, as well as a complimentary shuttle!
Cheyenne Mountain Resort - Starting at $209 a night this dazzling Colorado Springs hotel is on a lake and close to Broadmoor Golf Club and the zoo. The hotel even has a private beach, a restaurant, a poolside bar, and a health club! A 4-star property and a great value for some true relaxation!