An Unforgettable Roundtrip Through Colorado's Natural Wonders

As I unveil to you the scenic beauty of some of the most attractive locations in Colorado, I am super excited. As a person who himself has embarked on this wonderful roundtrip, I can vouch for the charm and variety of attractions that are available to the travelers. Tall, magnificently towering mountains, rugged, awe-inspiring canyons, time-untouched, hidden lakes, lustrous, ever-changing sand dunes, this surreptitiously shaped tour is undoubtedly the American West's cream of the crop.

Overview of the Roundtrip Route

We will start our journey in Silverthorne, then take off to Vail, Glenwood Springs, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Crested Butte, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Buena Vista, Salida, and finally visit the Garden of the Gods. The whole route has an approximate length of about 650 miles and including 7-10 days it can be done quite comfortably even if you linger to relax at every destination.

Silverthorne to Tuin der goden

Silverthorne to Tuin der goden

Silverthorne: Gateway to Adventure

In fact, Silverthorne is considered as an ideal starting point for our exploration in Colorado. This beautiful mountain village allows people to explore outdoors and serves as a retractable linkage to the Rocky Mountains.

Key Attractions

• Outlet shopping is the place where you can buy outdoor apparel with the best discount price.
• Fly fishing and kayaking experiences are available on the Blue River.
• Hiking trails offering splendid views of the mountains are also located nearby.

Insider Tip

Don't miss traveling to Dillon Reservoir to witness the most beautiful sunset and you get to partake the water activities.

Vail and Piney Lake: Alpine Paradise

Then, we move on to the landmarked mountain village of Vail afterwards, followed by a tour of the paradise of Piney Lake.

Must-See in Vail

• Vail Village attracts because of the European architectural concept
• A gondola ride up provides a panoramic view of the mountains.
• Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America, is a very unique thing.

Piney Lake Experience

A short journey through Vail, Piney Lake is a hideout just on the edge of Gore Range with the most breathtaking mountain sceneries. Hire a canoe or paddleboard to have the most enjoyable experience on the still and beautiful alpine lake.

Glenwood Springs and Hanging Lake: Natural Wonders

The springs are the most popular for this hot spring town. Hewn Lake, a stunning geological wonder just a few kilometers away, is worth exploration.

Glenwood Springs Highlights

• The mineral springs pool that you are going to find in this city is the biggest in the world.
• You can also visit Caverns Adventure Park or go river rafting on the Colorado River here.

Hanging Lake

Perfect one for a 1.2 mile moderate hike to Hanging Lake, which is a visual feast of the eyes. Make sure to secure an early permit, as entrance is restricted so to ensure this endangered micro-climate is not overrun with tourists.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison: Nature's Sculpture

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a clear indicator that nature has power on its own. Hence, as one gazes at its extremely high and narrow gorges, one may even experience a real sense of disbelief.

Activities

• Driving through the scenic rim is the way for you to see it
• Trails are available for all kind of hikers levels
• Go rock climbing at one of the country's darkest places
• They also have a dark sky park where you can see many stars.

Crested Butte: Wildflower Capital of Colorado

Reborn in the summer, Crested Butte specifically the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, is basically a mountain paradise. The town is adorned with a rainbow of hues as flowers bloom all around.

Highlights

• Wildflower viewing is suggested that you go during the peak season in July
• Hiking the world-class mountain trails is the best sport for mountain biking
• Historical downtown was also a highlight of the place that you can go and visit.

Insider Tip

Join the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival in the month of July to get to enjoy some guided hikes and attend workshops.

Great Sand Dunes National Park: Desert Meets Mountains

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is characterized by various land forms and is a perfect environmental indicator which hails from a communal atmosphere where big sandy mountains meet mountain streams.

Activities

• Crunch-sand and sandboarding
• Hiking the High Dunes is a must.
• Blue sky at night to behold the sky in this flat region
• Swimming in Medano Creek (seasonal)

Buena Vista and Salida: River Town Charms

The combination of nature, outdoor sports, and a quiet country atmosphere is what Buena Vista and Salida are known for.

Buena Vista Attractions

• Participate to the adventure of mountain river rafting at the Arkansas River
• Cottonwood Hot Springs are the best place to escape from all the stress and strain of the modern city life for a weekend.
• Hiking trips can be led to Collegiate Peaks

Salida Highlights

The vivid art motifs and the various art galleries are not the only things that mesmerize the visitors.

• Monarch Crest Trail is the preferred mountain biking area in Salida
• Relax on the river bank by a town in the nature

Garden of the Gods: A Fitting Finale

We made it to the final part of our journey, which happens to be the Garden of the Gods, and we got to see the nature of red rock formations.

Must-Do Activities

• Moving up and down through the most scenic part of the park.
• With a permit on hand, you can also engage in rock climbing in the park.
• There are trails that can be hiked by any hiker.
• The Visitor Center is the best place to learn about the geological facts of the park

Best Seasons to Visit

Though all the seasons offer distinct recreational pursuits, going to this place later in spring, early in autumn may be a better idea. The reason to go in the summertime is, of course, pleasant weather and lots of outdoor activities, while the maximum number of visitors is also to be expected. Fall (September-October) will leave you a lastingly cinematographic experience of the local wild nature, and you will thus tiny feel discomfort even with just a few tourist.

Accommodation Options

The route promises all kinds of accommodation for people of different tastes. There are some of the examples of lodges you can find:

• Camping: A favorable one and each national park, and forest offer this choice.
• For those on tight budgets, Salida and Buena Vista are small towns with motels and hostels that cost less.
• Midrange: There are top-notch hotels in both Vail and Glenwood Springs
• Sumptuous: The most luxurious thing you can do is to stay at some of the finest resorts in Vail and Crested Butte.

Conclusion

This trip in Colorado is a once in a lifetime chance to experience the amazing features of the country’s beauty in a most personal and friendly way possible. Be it a serene alpine lake, or vinyl arid desert, be it mysterious natural niches or an old volcano, each station on the journey is unique in itself. My personal experience over this trip enabled me to be the first-hand witness of the dearest moments that one can go through. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a flora lover, or simply want a memorable trip, this Colorado holiday is for sure going to be beyond your imagination.