The most beautiful natural sites to discover Colorado

Before going to explore the park, stop at the Visitor Center to take practical information on walks and different access.

Side of the dunes. You can walk freely on the dunes. If the climb is tough, the descent is obviously the most fun part. If you have a surfboard or bodyboard, or any other smooth surface, test the descent by sliding. Otherwise, you can always run and enjoy rolling in the sand. You will find that you will take a few minutes to steal what you have taken so long and effort to climb. Sunrise and sunrise are particularly magical moments at the top of the sand mountains overlooking the desert valley. The best places to consider are the High Dune and Star Dune.

The High Dune measures 200 meters and offers a beautiful panorama, however it is difficult to reach, about 4 kilometers round and 2:30 a. m., a large part of which is difficult. Star Dune is the highest dune in the park (230 meters) accessible within 4 hours and 10 kilometers of effort.

Mountain side. The mountain part of the park is ideal for viewing wildlife, you can make beautiful walks, including walks to the beautiful Lake of Sand Creek: Lower Sand Creek Lake (4.85 km), Upper Sand Creek Lake (5.6 km) or Little Sand Creek Lakes (12.8 kilometers).

Swimming in Medano Creek. When it is not dry (often the case in July and August), you can swim at the foot of the dunes in Medano Creek watercourse. Notable fact: sand formations create currents similar to waves in a sea.

Open spring in the fall (but it can be closed in case of snow), the famous US 34 road breaks the park and links Estes Park on the east side to the city of Grand Lake on the west slope. 77 kilometers long, this is the highest paved road in the United States that reaches an altitude of more than 3,700 meters at its highest point. It follows a path borrowed by the Amerindians for thousands of years. The road is known for its splendid panoramas, the observation of wildlife and alpine vegetation whose rare and beautiful tundra.

This is an unavoidable stop during a passage to Colorado Springs. This beautiful field, which is out of the standard of red-colored rock formations, is a public park on the heights of the city inscribed since 1971 at the National Natural Landmark. The millennia of its millennia are ancient sandstone and limestone strata that have fallen vertically and tilted vertically following the uprising of the Rocky Mountains and the Pikes Peak massif, which eventually eroded to give these sharpened shapes.

If you enter through the west entrance, you will be greeted by Toad and Toadstool Rocks' very photogenic rampart and if you arrive from the east, plan a stop at the Visitor Center. The park reserves scenic walks on foot and by car and photos worthy of national parks. If you're in a hurry, go directly to Central Garden which concentrates most of the training but if you have more time, browse the small trails that ride the park to take the time to enjoy this spectacular scenery from different angles and enjoy the unique panoramas on Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs Valley and Garden of the Gods. The best photo stops are the Visitor & Nature Center terrace, the North Main and Balanced Rock parking lots and the Siamese Twins Trail Trail. The park is covered by 25 kilometers of trails that make it possible to get closer to rock formations. For the small anecdote, the park's popularity earned him the ranking on Park tripadvisor 1 in the United States and No 2 in the world.

Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center. Open from September to May from 8 a. m. to 5 p. m. and until 7 p. m. in summer. An essential step at the entrance is to learn more about the history of the site and anticipate your hikes in the park.

Trading Post. The site serves as a café, restaurant, souvenir shop.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. ++1 719 578 6777 - www.rockledgeranch.com. Open from June to September from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. Adult Fare 8 US $, child 4 US $. In front of the Visitor Center, this ranch traces the history of Pikes Peak and the first inhabitants of the region.

Perkins Central Garden Trail. It's the most popular loop. Very easy, it is accessible in strollers and wheelchairs and takes about 3 kilometers to the heart of the spectacular Central Garden formations.

Ridge Trail. Ridge Trail. A very small loop of 700 meters which is closest to the imposing rock concretions.

Siamese Twins Trail. A 1.6 kilometer loop that offers a unique view of Pikes Peak through the natural window of the twin formations of Siamese Twins.

Chambers - Bretag - Palmer Trail. A moderate walk of about 5 kilometers browses almost all the park and alternates between rugged and rocky terrain away from the crowds of Central Garden.

Scotsman - Buckskin Charlie Trail. A moderate trail crossing the park. Enjoy the view at the distance on the central garden formations from the hilly and pleasant slopes.

About thirty kilometers southwest of Aspen, this mountain pass offers a unique panorama of the region's landforms. Small paths make it possible to get closer to the point of view that dominates the surrounding mountains and that you will recognize through a panoramic map. Warning, the pass is high and there can be snow. Don't forget to cover, because when the wind winds it makes frisky.

If you only have to choose one outing in the vicinity of Aspen, take a walk in the picturesque Maroon Bells. 20 kilometres south of Aspen, in the Elk Mountains, the Maroon Bells (meaning burgundy coloured bells) consist of two peaks about 500 metres apart. With a height of 4,272 metres for North Maroon Peak and 4,315 metres for Maroon Peak, the two peaks are known as "fourteeners" (peaks reaching more than 14,000 feet or 4,267 metres in altitude). The view of the Maroon Bells from the Maroon Creek Valley is particularly panoramic. Another must-see is Maroon Lake. At an altitude of 2,920 metres, the water point shaped by ancient glaciers is most picturesque. The mountains are also famous for their autumn colours when the aspens are adorned with bright golden reflections and for observing wildlife. You may have the chance to meet beavers (especially around lakes), deer, elk, but also groundhogs and bighorn sheep.

Several hiking trails allow you to explore the rugged peaks dotted with pretty little mountain lakes. It is not for nothing that the Maroon Bells are the most photogenic and photographed peaks in the region. Among the markets the popular ones:

Maroon Lake Scenic Trail.Easy level. One-way distance: 1.2 kilometres. The most popular and popular trail allows you to discover the pretty lake of Maroon Lake through a very short and easy walk.

Crater Lake. Moderate level. One-way distance: 2.8 kilometres. The trail begins with a walk to Maroon Lake before climbing to the picturesque Crater Lake. The climbing walk oscillates between sheltered passages under trees and open valleys.

East Maroon Trail. Moderate level - long. One-way distance: 16.8 kilometres. A walk through the wild landscapes of Snowmass. At the top, the East Maroon Trail offers a beautiful view of Copper Lake.

A short walk with beautiful panoramas on green meadows and Colorado River which leads to the historic ranch of Holzwarth. The site includes several cottages built from 1917 by the Holzwarth family. With the creation of the Rocky Mountain National Park, more and more visitors are exploring the park and the family is beginning to transform the property into guest rooms. Finally, the Holzwarth Trout Lodge is created and hosts many tourists until 1974, when the site is bought by Conservatory Nature Conservancy, before being integrated into the national park a year later.

Hot Springs source is a mineral water near 50 ° C that supplies the various swimming pools and facilities of the center. Possibility to make mud masks at an additional cost.

At the choice, you can relax in:

The large mineral water pool at about 35 ° C.

Geothermal cellars, a natural pond excavated in the rock at more than 40 ° C.

The outdoor bath at 40 ° C, especially pleasant when it snow outside.

Private bath, for an even more relaxing experience.

Mount Evans Scenic Byway is the highest paved road in North America and grows at more than 4,300 meters. After exploring the many attractions of Idaho Springs, climb the Mount Evans Summit for an unforgettable panorama with the famous panoramic road.

From Idaho Springs, take south direction on CO Hyway 103 until CO Hyway 5 junction at Mount Evans Road entrance level. First, you will ride in the middle of a dense pine forest that will gradually wander, leaving a road on the side of the mountain with magnificent views of the valley cut by glaciers in an infinite rocky peaks.

This 2 km hike starts at the bottom of the Snowflake lift and runs along a stream before reaching a lake. With a low altitude and a lot of shadows, it's an excellent option for beginners.

Like the Carter Park Trail, the Burro Trail provides access to an extensive network of hikes. The trail is also accessible via the yellow road Breckenridge Free Ride.

Pine Beach Picnic Site is a panoramic setting for a picnic or walking in a green and wild setting with views of Shadow Mountain Lake and the mountains in the background.

East Inlet Trailhead is a beautiful hiking trail that runs from the Grand Lake and runs along the East Inlet watercourse, close to the Adams Falls waterfalls, between the cut-cut landforms from Mount Craig and Andrews Peak.

Frisco Bay Marina is a marina located on the immense Dillon Lake which stretches over 1,300 hectares and close to 47 kilometers of shore surrounded by the magnificent landforms of the Rocky Mountains. From June to mid-September, the marina offers a variety of nautical activities and is, at every season, a frame of thumb for walking and taking charge on the wild edges of the water point sometimes verdant, sometimes snow-covered.

A vertiginous waterfall near the city and close to the Broadmoor Resort complex. Attention it climbs to reach the top of the mountain and has a stunning view over the waterfall but a beautiful view of the valley and the tree-lined reliefs is at the key.

With a height of 4,302.31 meters, Pikes Peak is the highest peak in the southern part of the Rocky Mountains. He was named after American explorer Zebulon Pike although he never managed to cross him. The mountain was made famous when gold deposits were found in the vicinity, particularly around Denver. The first physical landmark for thousands of miners and prospectors arriving in the region, she became the emblem of Colorado Gold Rush. Then we were writing Pike's Peak or Bust! (Pikes Peak or Bankruptcy! )). Yet no significant deposits were found here before the discovery of gold at Cripple Creek in 1890, which then became one of the largest mining cities of the time.

The Pikes Peak would now be the most visited mountain in the US and the second in the world after Mt. Fuji in Japan. You will be able to: hiking or cycling, access the summit via the Pikes Peak Highway, which runs from Cascade, just west of Manitou Springs, or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway train to Manitou Springs.

A beautiful stone tower perched on a rock.

The trail of about 10 km is suitable for hiking or cycling. It runs at the beginning of the Sand Canyon Pueblo, a magnificent ruins site nestled in a cliff.

It's an unavoidable visit, Lowry Pueblo is the only park site. It includes ramparts, 40 rooms, 8 Kivas, including an immense and impressive. The site is equipped with a picnic area, toilets and the trail is wheelchair accessible.

Several basins arranged at different temperatures. The set has a public swimming pool, the magnificent view of the mountains and the warmth of the natural source premium. It is almost mandatory during a stay in Ouray, even more appreciated at the end of the afternoon when the swimming pool is less crowded: The ideal place to leave after a day in the open air.

Visitor's Center is 34 km from the park entrance. On the way, you can stop to take advantage of this splendid view, which is close to 2 600 m above sea level. The look embrace a landscape spanning four states and on Shiprock, a mountain shaped mountain: 400 m high, it rises in the middle of the Navajo reserve.