Exploring the Colorado Rockies
Written by Cortney Talbott (van owner, mountain bike mom, Colorado resident and Axis Vehicles team member)
The Majestic Rocky Mountains
John Denver, Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley and more have mentioned Colorado and its majestic Rocky Mountains in their songs. Simply put it is awe inspiring. Now, I can’t say that I am a native to this beautiful state, but spending the last three years in it and exploring as a family of three in our campervan, I see why so many flock to the Rockies for a quiet or adventurous escape. We all know the major mountain towns of Steamboat, Breckenridge and Aspen are a good time and a huge dent in your pocket, so I have compiled a list of some of my family's favorite smaller towns you may want to visit.
Georgetown
About 45 minutes from Denver, Georgetown is a quaint and charming town sitting at the base of Guanella Pass. I highly recommend visiting in the fall when the leaves are starting to turn. Stop in at the Georgetown Valley Candy Company and pick up some of their handmade small-batch hard candies (go for the hot cinnamon) and hit the road up Guanella Pass to view the astonishing fall colors or take a trip on the historic Georgetown Train. If you are up for a real adventure Mt. Beirstad is the shortest of the 14’ers in Colorado. Hiking a 14’er is that thing! Just ask anyone who lives here.
Leadville
If you are an outdoor enthusiast I am sure you have heard of Leadville due to the granddaddy Leadville 100 bike race that brings swarms of people to the town of 2,700 every August. We love Leadville for its exuberant downtown and laid back feel. If you are a fan of small business outdoor gear check out Melanzana but be sure to book your appointment ahead of time online as they don’t allow walk in shopping and book appointments months in advance. Take a drive or hike out at Turquoise Lake or better yet camp a few nights and enjoy some great fishing, hiking or mountain biking in the area. After a long day of outdoor activities head back to town for a hearty meal at Quincy’s Steak and Spirits. But beware, the menu is small, very small. Sunday -Thursday is filet mignon while Friday and Saturday is prime rib (plus one or two vegetarian and kids options). All meals come with salad, potato and bread. Even if you are staying away from carbs I recommend you cheat for their locally made bread!
Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is a fantastic spot to stop with kids especially. While it is about 2.5 hours from Denver, it is a great stopping point on your way to many of the more popular mountain resorts. After hitting a scenic hike such as Hanging Lake or an epic bike ride up Forrest Hollow, stop in to the Glenwood Hot Springs to ease those aches and pains. They even have some slides for the young ones, or adults if you so choose. The Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is a great time for kids and adults alike. This mountaintop amusement park has coasters, ziplines and cave tours. Don’t miss their lively downtown for dinner and artisan ice cream from Sundae Ice Cream.
Buena Vista
About 30 minutes south of Leadville you will hit Buena Vista which is situated right on the Arkansas River. This is your place for all things watersports. Kayakers check out the Staircase River Surf Wave. If you are looking for a family adventure, Colorado Rafting Adventures is the place to go for white water rafting tours. After you have worked up an appetite on the water, check out Simple Eatery. Not only is their food incredible but the outdoor patio is a perfect place to relax, try a local brew and let the kids roam. And not to mention it is attached to one of our favorite outdoor stores, The Trailhead.
Fruita
This one may not be a surprise nor is it a tiny town by any means, but if you mountain bike this is the place to be! Take your van and camp out at the epic 18 Road BLM campground. There is something for every level out in these trail systems. Kessel Run is a family favorite of ours. While in town check out Over the Edge Sports, this is one of our favorite bike shops around. If the littles need a place to explore try the Dinosaur Journey Museum for an afternoon of prehistoric fun.
Colorado - Year Round Adventure
Colorado has become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages year round. Whether it is biking, fishing or water sports in the summer or hitting the slopes or snowshoeing trails in the winter, Colorado has something for everyone. I encourage you to stop in some of the smaller towns and support the small businesses that make them thrive. You just never know who you will run into or the incredible friends memories you will make along the way.