Fraser & Keystone Colorado

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Fraser & Keystone Colorado

Lets take 2 Colorado locations today, Fraser and Keystone. Why 2 you ask? Because they are both very close to other locations we’ve already discussed. Fraser is only 2 miles from Winter Park so I’m sure the research I did for Winter Park also applies to Fraser.

From Diamond Resorts Web page

In Fraser we would stay at Indian  Peaks Condos. At Indian Peaks, a lot of effort has been placed into seeing that your vacation home meets your expectations, but this resort is not for you if you need your hand held; there are no organized activities. No basket-weaving, no Stampn’ Up! This resort is all about immersing yourself in nature and the beauty of the Rockies, with more than 800 miles of marked trails through National Forest and National Park at your doorstep. Not for the faint of heart either, a few of the units are on the third floor, spectacular views but no elevator.

From Great Sandunes National Park web page

There are somethings I’d like to see and/or do in Fraser. There’s Great Sand Dunes National Park to name one. A sandbox of epic proportions, the entire dune field encompasses 30 square miles and the tallest dune towers 750 feet high. Feeling adventurous? You can even go sledding down the dunes. It will satisfy the kid in you!

Fraser Wildlife

From Fraser Activity Web Page

Left your hiking boots at home? Don’t worry, there’s no need to hit the trails to see Colorado’s wildlife in its natural habitat. Hundreds of scenic roads lead safely past elk, bighorn sheep, moose, bison, bald eagles and other watchable wildlife — making this the perfect activity for travelers of all abilities. With a pair of binoculars, you won’t even have to unbuckle your seatbelt

Keystone

Keystone is centered around River Run Village, which sits at the base of the slopes. The town sits at 9,280 feet above sea level, with the mountain summit at 12,408 feet. It’s located less than an hour and a half from Denver, in busy Summit County.

Keystone is more urbane than some other mountain towns in the sense that it has a very upscale, high-end bunch of spas, athletic groups, and restaurants that cater to those looking to be wowed. 

As to be expected in a ski resort, there is a gondola to the top of a mountain. The Scenic Gondola Ride is a perfect activity for the whole family. Ride to the top of Keystone Mountain where you can enjoy incredible views of Lake Dillon, the Continental Divide, & the Ten Mile Range. 

Keystone is only 10 miles from Breckenridge and Vail is about 37 miles. Check the posts for Vail and Breckenridge for more comments on the area. 

Still Thinking About Colorado

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Colorado on my mind

Yes, I’m still thinking about a Colorado Vacation. I’m one step closer since I got my first vaccine shot last week. 2nd dose is scheduled for April 22. But I have a confession. I miss seeing the sights but I don’t miss the effort it takes to get there. Planes, TSA lines, layovers…my body gets tired just thinking about it. Too bad travel couldn’t be like the Enterprise. Beam me up Scotty and I’d be wherever I wanted to be. I always tell my traveling companions they need to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Half the adventure is getting there but my body is starting to get weary. 

Mesa, Colorado

 

Well enough complaining lets see what Mesa, Colorado has to offer for vacation. 
If you like to ski Goldenwoods Condominiums is located right on the slopes of Powderhorn, and the ski lifts are within walking distance of the resort. 

But what if like me you don’t ski and the old knees make hiking and climbing mountains difficult. What can you do in Mesa? 

Summer activities in Mesa

Maybe I need to get that knee replaced because the hiking sounds really fine. There are tons of trails and it’s reported that there are no crowds! You can hike through dense pine forests while others trails  trek along high ridgelines with unobstructed views in all directions. Camping is another attraction. Large sites (and a rumor says you can go car camping)  allow you to enjoy the mild evening temperatures to fall asleep under the stars.

If your joints are getting a bit creaky and camping and hiking aren’t your thing there are over 300 lakes in the region for your boating, paddle boarding and fishing pleasure. 

Last but not least is the Scenic Byway 65 (Grand Mesa Scenic Byway). The Grand Mesa leads through old-growth forests, aspens, meadows and so many lakes you’ll lose track. That’s Grand Mesa in a nutshell. Allow at least  2 hours to travel the full 63 miles. This drive is definitely best in summer as  parts of the road  may be closed in winter.

Winter Park Colorado

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Winter Park Colorado

I’m still counting down the resort options I have for  Colorado. Next up is Winter Park Colorado. Just by the name I’m betting it’s another ski resort. It’s a pretty familiar name too. I think It’s been in my choice list for awhile. Lets see what I can find out about a Winter Park Vacation. 

 

 

 

 

Summer In Winter Park, Colorado

It sounds like Winter Park is one ski town that has decided to embrace summer. The list seems endless. Toping the list is, of course, hiking. That seems to be a number one recreation at most of the resorts.  And why not?    Colorado is known for it’s beauty and majestic mountains.  But there sure seems to be more   than just hiking.  For example you could go flight seeing.  Aerial flight tours depart daily from Granby airport. Fly high above the valley floor to see the majestic Rocky Mountains, Continental Divide and numerous high alpine lakes.      

Maybe Ballooning?

Maybe small planes make you nervous? How about a scenic balloon ride. These look pretty popular. https://www.grandadventureballoon.com/  And the scenery looks breathtaking don’t you think?

 

 

 

Enjoy a taste of the West

Summer in the Rocky Mountains is Rodeo time and Winter Park carries on that tradition. Get a unique perspective on Western history and culture in the Rocky Mountains, and attend one of Winter Park’s signature Western events.

Whether your group includes young children or older adults, there’s plenty of fun and excitement to be had at the High Country Stampede Rodeo and the Middle Park Fair & Rodeo!

 

For the full experience, start in the late afternoon with mutton busting (little-want-to-be-cowboys kids riding sheep till they slip off), and then grab a delicious BBQ dinner before the main event. Roping cowboys, rodeo queens, bucking broncos and clowns—you won’t want to miss a thing.

Scenic drives

If the “Old West” doesn’t interest you maybe a scenic drive or two . You are only 37 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park where you can find  359 miles of trails, 150 high-alpine lakes, 60 species of mammals, more than 750 camping spots. Oh I wish I’d started traveling when I was younger! 

A Virtual visit to Avon Colorado

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Carnac the Magnificent- Johnny Carson Show

Avon Colorado

Still working down my list I come to Avon Colorado. Since we still aren’t cleared for travel we’ll have to do another virtual excursion. Traveling to Avon will put you back in Vail country in the northeast corner of Colorado.  If we take a road trip it’s 106 miles by car west of Denver. Avon and Vail are only 15 minutes apart by car, about 8 miles. Before I go any further I can see skiing as a top activity for Avon, can’t you? 

What to do in Avon in Summer?

Rainbow Trout Benchmark Lake

A quick google search confirmed that Skiing is the sport of choice in winter  in Avon. Big Surprise there but what about a summer trip? Well being so close to Vail I could just repeat my post about Vail. There’s hiking and rafting but there’s also Benchmark Lake Reservoir. Benchmark Lake Reservoir and dam are just a few minutes from downtown Avon and are big draws for swimmers, kayakers, and sunbathers during the summer months.

The reservoir is also home to a variety of gamefish like bass, trout, and perch that make it a big attraction for regional anglers. Though the lake is often most crowded when it’s sunny and warm, fishing can be best when wind, clouds, and falling temperatures are present. So fishing anyone?

Warm weather suggestions for Avon, Co.

Like to play golf? EagleVail Golf Course was established in the ’70s and now features both a traditional 18-hole course as well as a 9-hole par three. The 9-hole course is perfect for those with limited time, because it’s common to finish a round in just a few hours, whereas the full-length course often takes more than four.

A suggestion for days when the weather isn’t cooperating is the Walking Mountains Science Center. The science center’s exhibits and programs are appropriate for toddlers and senior citizens; in addition to being entertaining and engaging, they’re also educational. From looking at the web page there seems to be a Nature Center included

Another  Rocky Mountain Lake is Nottingham Lake & Beach. For its convenience and plentiful activity options, Nottingham Lake & Beach are in a league of their own for outdoorsy types with limited time and modest vacation budgets. I love the budget minded part. 

The facility’s premier activities are swimming, fishing, sunbathing, and picnicking, but for those interested in getting more active and burning a few extra calories, there are pedal boats, kayaks, and paddleboards available to rent on-site.

If Avon is our choice

We’ll stay at Falcon Point Resort. Looks pretty nice. We can sit on the balcony and watch the Rocky Mountain sunset (or rise).

Falcon Point Resort, Avon Colorado

Up Next- Steamboat Springs Colorado

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Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Steamboat Springs, Colorado is next on the list of locations. This was actually the vacation I had scheduled when COVID hit.   Let’s see how it stacks up now that the resort list has expanded. When I chose Steamboat Springs it was because choices were very limited but I really wanted to visit Colorado and check that state off my list. As I researched my options back then I played John Denver‘s  Rocky Mountain High  for inspiration.

What’s Google have to say?

When researching these trips I rely heavily on Google searches. So what did I find about Steamboat springs? “Steamboat Springs is a city in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley. It’s home to the Howelsen Hill ski area and the Steamboat ski resort. The latter has 6 peaks including Mount Werner. The city’s geothermal hot springs are said to have therapeutic properties. Near the city center, the long-standing Old Town Hot Springs is equipped with swimming and soaking pools, plus water slides”.

Plus when I hear the snow and ski reports Steamboat Springs is always mentioned – “Steamboat Springs got 27 inches of snow last night” The avalanche risk is….” No, skiing Steamboat Springs or anywhere in Colorado  is not on my bucket list although I will admit that those hot springs in winter fascinate me . What would it be like outside in freezing temps in a bathing suit and soaking in steaming water?

Up Next- Steamboat Springs Colorado

Unknown Photographer- downloaded from the web

Let’s go to a Rodeo

Downloaded from Publicity Material

Photo Downloaded from Publicity Material 2020

If we plan our vacation between mid-June and Mid-August we can go to a real pro rodeo. I’ve been to rodeo’s but is a real Western Rodeo the same as one of our eastern imitations? I’d love to see a “real” rodeo so I had planned that canceled vacation so that I could attend one. I’ll have to keep it in mind if Steamboat Springs is my choice this time. 

Unknown Photographer

What else is there to do in Summer?

If hot springs and rodeos aren’t your cup of tea other activities around Colorado Springs are hiking and Mountain biking. They say the scenery is breathtaking. You can go horseback riding and paddleboard on the lakes. Like waterfalls? You can take a picture of Fish Creek Falls.  
And that, my friends about sums up Summer in Steamboat Springs.