The 7 Best Things to Do While on Vacation in Denver

Wander Through the Historic Larimer Square

This historic neighborhood is the heart and soul of the city of Denver. It is the biggest must-see area to add to your itinerary during a vacation in Denver. There are plenty of shops to explore and restaurants to choose from. But it might be the nightlife in the area that captures your attention the most.

Drive Along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway

One of the best ways to experience the Rocky Mountains is by driving along the Mount Evans Scenic Byway. This is a two-lane road that covers nine thousand feet in elevation. When you reach the top, you will be more than fourteen thousand feet above sea level. You will want to take an entire day to do this drive, so you can stop to admire everything you find intriguing along the way.

Visit the Denver Botanic Gardens

You won’t need to travel too far to see the flowers at the Denver Botanic Gardens. These gardens are located right downtown within Cheesman Park. There are twenty-four acres filled with fifty different gardens. You may have a difficult time determining which one is your all-time favorite. As you are walking around, you will want to take some time to stop at the sculptures that are scattered along the grounds.

Tour Coors Brewery

If you are a beer-lover, you will want to take a tour of the Coors Brewery when on vacation in Denver. This brewery has been in operation since 1873. It is only approximately fifteen miles to the west of the city. The tour is self-guided and lasts for a half hour. In the end, you get to sample some of the beer while the younger generations and non-beer lovers drink a soda.

Tour Union Station

Union Station holds quite a bit of history for this city. It is a working public transit building, as well as where a hotel, shops, and restaurants are located. The hotel offers tours. Those tours are the best way to learn the history of this space while looking at the art and the intricate details of the architecture.

Tour the United States Mint

Everyone loves money, so why not take a tour of the building that produces around fifty million coins each day? The tours of this 1863 building and business are free. During the tours, you will learn everything you need to know about coin production.

Explore the Molly Brown House Museum

Margaret “Molly” Brown played a huge role in the women’s suffrage movement and the Colorado mining industry. She is also known as one of the survivors of the Titanic. As you take a guided tour of this house, you will learn quite a bit about Molly’s life and see some of her personal belongings.

These are the seven best things to do while on vacation in Denver, but there are so many other things to do in this city. I would love to help you find the attractions and landmarks that interest you the most in Denver. I can then create the perfect getaway for your next family vacation.

So, are you ready to plan your next family vacation in Denver?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book your next family vacation yet, you can always sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you always receive all the travel information I share.

The post The 7 Best Things to Do While on Vacation in Denver appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

History in the Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains have earned the nickname, The Rockies, which isn’t surprising since they were formed millions of years ago. Animals used to be the only creatures that roamed this natural area, but at the end of the last Ice Age, people moved into the region. From that time forward, more and more people arrived in The Rockies. The most popular arrivals were Sir Alexander Mackenzie from Europe and Lewis and Clark.

The Rocky Mountain National Park was created after the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Most of the highest mountains in this region can be found within the state of Colorado. Therefore, that is the area where most people venture when they want to visit the Rocky Mountains.

Colorado is also where many of the historic events took place and where history will live on long into the future. In fact, the national park has implemented many ways to preserve specific items within the park itself, as well as the items in the museums.

Weather in the Rocky Mountains

Spring in the Rocky Mountains

Mild temperatures arrive in most areas surrounding the Rocky Mountains during the spring. However, snow can still fall up in the mountains until later in the month of May. The weather during this time of the year can be very unpredictable, so you will want to be prepared for cold one day and possibly warmth the next.

Summer in the Rocky Mountains

Summertime in the Rocky Mountains means hot temperatures, especially when you are not hiking in the mountains. Thunderstorms are frequent in this part of the country and you must be prepared for hail to fall during any of them. It is best to plan your time outside around the times of the storms because you don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere when one begins.

Fall in the Rocky Mountains

The weather in the Rocky Mountains is just as unpredictable during the fall as it is during the spring months. There is always a chance of snow during the month of September, and yet you can still see 90-degree days during this time of the year. You can even have a hot day followed by a snowy day or vice versa. The wind can also pick up at this time of the year, which makes the temperatures seem lower than they really are.

Winter in the Rocky Mountains

Brutal snow and cold are what you should expect when you visit the Rocky Mountains during the winter months. There is definitely a wind chill in this region, and you won’t like it if you are not dressed appropriately. While this area is used to snow, it doesn’t take much for a blizzard to shut things down.

What to Pack for a Vacation in the Rocky Mountains

The time of year you are visiting the Rocky Mountains will determine what you need to pack for your vacation. During the summer months, you can wear shorts and t-shirts. But you may prefer pants to go with your hiking boots if you plan to hit the trails.

The winter months will mean warm clothes and layers. A warm winter coat, hat, gloves, and winter boots are also a must, even if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time outside. During the spring and fall, you will want to have clothing for both winter and summer. Since these months of the year are so unpredictable, you are never going to know exactly what you will need to wear during your visit.

Activities to Embrace While on Vacation in the Rocky Mountains

One of the favorite activities in the Rocky Mountains is hiking the trails. There are so many different trails within these mountains and each trail offers opportunities for different skill levels. That means you do not need to be an avid hiker to conquer one of these trails!

If you happen to vacation in the Rocky Mountains during the winter months, you won’t be hitting the trails unless you are wearing snowshoes. Thankfully, the ski slopes will be open, so you can see the great outdoors in a different way. Simply head up to the top of the slopes and ski down to see gorgeous views you will never forget.

While you can easily hike and ski to see different types of scenery, you may prefer to check a few things out from the comfort of your car. I recommend taking a scenic drive while you are in the Rocky Mountains. A scenic drive will allow you to take in the sights, while also having an adventure or two along the way. The Trail Ridge Road is one of the best options inside Rocky Mountain National Park. However, it is only open from late spring until the beginning of fall. Therefore, we must plan your trip carefully if you want to add this family adventure to your itinerary.

Other amazing activities you will want to embrace with your family in the Rocky Mountains include:

• Fishing
• Watch the Wildlife
• Swimming
• Visiting an Amusement Park
• Picnic Lunches
• Stargazing
• Walking Under the Light of a Full Moon
• Participate in a Ranger Program
• Horseback Riding

Top Places to See in the Rocky Mountains

One of the most popular places to see within the Rocky Mountains is Bear Lake. You will find this lake inside Rocky Mountain National Park. You will be a little more than nine thousand feet above sea level when you visit this lake, so you must be prepared for the altitude change. Other lakes in the area include Dream Lake and Emerald Lake and you can hike to them from this lake. You can also hike to Alberta Falls from Bear Lake. However, I recommend starting that hike over at the Glacier Gorge trailhead. That route is less than a mile, which is perfect if you want to squeeze it in with other hikes on a specific day.

If you are looking for spectacular views when you are in the Rocky Mountains, I recommend heading over to the Longs Peak Viewpoint. This viewing point is located on Highway 7 and it has an elevation of more than fourteen thousand feet. While this is the highest summit within the park, it is a must-see for the views alone! Another overlook you may want to add to your list is the Forest Canyon Overlook.

One of my other must-see sights in the Rocky Mountains is the Continental Divide. You can see this divide when you travel along Trail Ridge Road. This attraction is magnificent, because it divides the continent in two. But the best part is seeing water flowing in two different directions from the divide.

A few other places to see in the Rocky Mountains include:

• Coors Brewing Company
• Horsetooth Reservoir
• Pikes Peak
• Via Ferrata Telluride
• Great Sand Dunes National Park
• Mesa Verda National Park
• Crested Butte
• Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs

Amazing Festivals You Can’t-Miss in the Rocky Mountains

The Taste of Vail

The Taste of Vail is an incredible food and wine festival that is held in Vail, Colorado every spring. This festival is well-known throughout the country and is actually considered one of the best food and wine festivals in all of North America. There are thirty chefs in attendance, as well as approximately fifty wineries. This festival lasts for four days. During that time, you can attend multiple signature events that includes trying new wines being debuted or sipping wine at the top of a mountain.

International Snow Sculpture Championships

The International Snow Sculpture Championships are held in Breckenridge every year during the month of January or February. Sculpting teams from all around the world arrive in the area to create masterpieces out of 12-foot-tall blocks of snow. The snow weighs at least twenty tons and the teams only use hand tools throughout the sculpting process. Miraculously, five days later, the snow sculptures are ready for everyone to admire.

Frozen Dead Guy Days

The Frozen Dead Guy Days Festival is held in Nederland during the month of March every year. This is a three-day event that celebrates Grandpa Bredo, who is a frozen town resident. You will love all the live music, beer, and food. However, it is the salmon toss and coffin race that will bring you back to this festival year after year!

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary in the Rocky Mountains or another destination? 

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Plan Your Family Vacation in the Rocky Mountains with this Travel Guide appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

The Canyon of the Ancient Monuments is comprised of 176,000 acres of space. It is believed that there are approximately thirty thousand ancient sites within that acreage. However, only a little more than six thousand have been documented.

You will find this beautiful area to the southwest of Denver. There are many other attractions nearby, so I recommend adding them into your adventure. The reason I say this is the drive from Denver can be long. Therefore, it is better to do as much as you can over a couple of days instead of seeing the canyon and nothing else.

This national monument is open year-round, so you can plan your visit for a time that is convenient for you. You must begin your time there at the Visitor Center. This is where you can grab a map. That map will make it easier for you to find the sites your family is interested in seeing the most.

Best Archaeological Sites to See at the Canyon of the Ancient Monuments

Lowry Pueblo

The Lowry Pueblo is the most popular of all the sites at the Canyon of the Ancient Monuments. This is the one that you must see if you do not plan on doing anything else in the area and are just quickly driving by. There are eight kivas within the forty-room building. This entire space has been carefully preserved and looks just as it did when it was constructed.

Sand Canyon Pueblo

Sand Canyon Pueblo is a massive village that has more than four hundred rooms. There are also fourteen towers and one hundred kivas. While this village has been excavated, you must read the signs to determine what everything is.

Painted Hand Pueblo

If you have always wanted to know what an unexcavated site looks like, you must go over to see the Painted Hand Pueblo. You won’t be able to see much of what it looked like a long time ago. However, you can tell where some rooms were located in the side of the mountain. Don’t forget to look for the small tower, because it has been there for more than one thousand years.

Helpful Tips for Visiting the Canyon of the Ancient Monuments

• Be respectful of the culture and these sacred ruins
• Do NOT dig or tamper with anything at this National Monument
• Bring lots of water – You will be doing lots of walking at a higher altitude
• Bring lunch and snacks – There is nowhere to purchase food during your visit
• Do NOT lose your map – Cell service is non-existent, and it is easy to get lost

Your family can really get a history lesson in when you are exploring the Canyon of Ancient Monuments. There is so much to see and do there, so I recommend planning on spending a couple of days there. This can really be a highlight of your next family road trip to Colorado.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Colorado or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Planning a Colorado Road Trip? Here’s Everything You Must Know About the Canyon of the Ancient Monuments appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Love Trains? Ride on a Historic Steam Train on your Rocky Mountain Road Trip

The Historic Coaches

There are two historic coaches that are quite notable on this railroad. The Deluxe Historic Narration San Juan Coach is from 1887. Thirty passengers can fit inside the roomy interior. The Historic Narration Coach was constructed between 1880 and 1882. This coach fits forty-four passengers. A ride in this coach will have you enjoying how well it has been preserved and restored over the years.

Silverton Train Route

The Silverton Train Route covers a little over forty-five miles during the summer months. During the months of May through October, you will travel along the Animas River. This journey begins in Durango and goes all the way to Silverton. The winter months bring a little different journey for this adventure. From November through the beginning of May, the trip is only twenty-six miles.

Cascade Canyon Express

The Cascade Canyon Express leaves from a different location than the Silverton Train Route. This option will have you departing from the Rockwood Station. That station is approximately eighteen miles to the north of Durango. This means you must plan for your historic steam train ride during your Colorado road trip carefully.

This historic steam train journey takes place twice a day. The entire trip takes a little more than two hours. You will see many of the extraordinary sights of the San Juan National Forest. However, the best parts will be the steep canyons you see as the train is conquering the mountainous curves.

The Narrow Gauge Museum

You cannot end the railroad journey on your family vacation in Colorado without stopping at the Narrow Gauge Museum. There are twelve thousand square feet of space inside this museum. It is all filled with railroad-related artifacts. You can choose to wander around on your own or you can arrange a guided tour in advance.

I can’t wait to start helping you plan your Colorado family vacation! We can add this railroad and museum to your itinerary, or we can find a different attraction in Colorado that your family will love even more.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Colorado or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Love Trains? Take a Ride on a Historic Steam Train with Narrow Gauge Railroad appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

The Waterfalls

Bridal Veil – Name-based on its visual representation.

Ramona – Named after Helen Hunt Jackson’s Book.

Hill – Named for the previous owner.

Hull – Named for the owner during the 1800s.

Feather – Name-based on its visual representation.

Weimer – Named for the 2nd owner of the falls

Shorty – This fall has the shortest drop out of all seven.

The trail that leads to these seven waterfalls is less than a mile long. That is not the only hiking option you have though. You can also choose to do the Midnight Falls Loop Hike, Inspiration Point Out and Back Hike, and the Stage Road Loop Hike.

Most people choose to do the basic hike to Seven Falls. Once they reach the base of the falls, they discover they have two options for seeing this tiered waterfall. The first will have you climbing 224 steps up alongside the waterfall. The stairs also take you to the trailheads for the other three hikes.

If you do not want to walk up all those stairs, and I can’t say I would argue with you if you don’t, there is another option. The elevator goes up fourteen stories to the observation point. The Eagles Nest Lookout is the perfect spot to see the seven different waterfalls. There is a gift shop up there, so you can purchase a souvenir or two.

You can easily hike to Seven Falls at any time of the year. I recommend going during the summer months though. It is during that time of the year that they light these waterfalls up at night. The lights change colors and make the rushing water appear even more breathtaking.

Waterfalls are one of the best things to see as a family during road trips. If you are looking for the best waterfall in Colorado Springs, then you must hike to Seven Falls. There are seven waterfalls in all and one of them will be a family favorite. Check out this article on another waterfall hike you can do with your family on a road trip to the Rocky Mountains

Are you ready to hike to Seven Falls? Call me today and let me add it to your Colorado Springs road trip itinerary! Click here to learn more of what is available during a visit to the Rocky Mountains.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your next trip to Colorado Springs or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Love Waterfalls? Hike to Seven Falls in Colorado Springs appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Love Hiking and Waterfalls? Don’t Miss a Hike to Treasure Falls

You must arrive early at the trailhead because parking is limited. The summer months are the most crowded and you may find yourself leaving and returning a couple of times before finding a spot for your car.

Treasure Falls is one hundred five feet tall and has a spray like a horsetail. This waterfall is only a half-mile from the parking lot. This is perfect if you do not have a lot of time for waterfall hikes during your Rocky Mountain vacation. You can easily make the trek to the falls and back again in less than an hour.

I must warn you that this hike is steep. The incline will slow you down a little, so be prepared. I recommend stopping at both observation decks. Each one offers unique views of the rushing water. Blowout is the first deck and it is to the right of the trail. Misty Deck is the other deck. That is the one that is closest to Treasure Falls. There are signs to that observation deck and is often more crowded.

When to Go

While summer is the best time to visit Treasure Falls, winter brings a new perspective. It is common for the water to freeze into a long stream of ice. It is best to use traction on your snowshoes or boots if you want to see the ice formation.

Helpful Tips for Hiking to Treasure Falls

• Wear hiking boots – The trail can get muddy at certain times of the year and ice and snow are everywhere during the winter.
• Take pictures from both observation decks and other vantage points
• Bring some water during the summer and hot cocoa during the winter

The hike to Treasure Falls is not the only waterfall hike you can do during your Rocky Mountain road trip. There are many other waterfall hikes you can take in the Rocky Mountains and Colorado. I can add as many of them as you want to your next family vacation. Ready to see what else you can do on a Rocky Mountain vacation? Check out what’s possible here.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary that includes a hike to Treasure Falls or to visit another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Love Hiking and Waterfalls? Add a Hike to Treasure Falls to Your Next Rocky Mountain Road Trip appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

5 Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park

Climb to the Top of the Tallest Sand Dune

The tallest sand dune in the US can be found at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. This sand dune is seven hundred fifty feet tall. It can take a total of five hours to get to the top and back to the bottom again. If you are not ready for that type of challenge, I have another option. You can easily walk to the area that looks the tallest from the parking lot. You will still have breathtaking views and won’t be as tired afterward!

Grab Your Sled for Some Sandy Fun

Family fun is always part of family vacations, so add a little to your Great Sand Dunes National Park adventures! Grab a sled or snowboard and pretend the sand is snow. You will be amazed at how similar this type of sledding is and how your family won’t want to stop.

Take Advantage of the Ranger Programs

The ranger programs are normally held on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The topics change regularly, so it is best to check the schedule for the time of your visit. I recommend the sunset hikes with the rangers, because you can see this spectacular area in a whole new light.

Hike to Zapata Falls

Zapata Falls is right outside the Great Sand Dunes National Park. The hike is only a half-mile to the waterfall and a half-mile back. This waterfall is only thirty feet tall, so it won’t be as mesmerizing as some of the other falls you can see in the region. However, it is an excellent place to stop to cool down during the hottest days of the year.

Go Four-Wheeling

The Medano Pass Primitive Road is the perfect place to do a little four-wheeling in this park. This is one of the best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. We can reserve the 4WD vehicles over in Alamosa. Simply pick up your vehicle before conquering the rocky terrain and soft sand. There are even a couple of creek crossings that your kids will love!

These are the five best things to do in Great Sand Dunes National Park. However, there are many other options for you to choose from. We can easily create a list of things to do for your Great Sand Dunes National Park vacation.

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Great Sand Dunes National Park or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post 5 Best Things to Do in Great Sand Dunes National Park appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.