As the snow melts, visitors to the Centennial State will find new openings aplenty this summer, from new sightseeing spots to boundary-pushing hotels and unique bucket list experiences. It’s time to prepare for the return of the sunshine and start planning the ultimate adventure.
Historical Havens
Historical landmarks
President Biden recently designated Camp Hale, a World War II training ground near Vail, as his first national monument in office and the ninth national monument in the state. It was announced that The Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site – the site of the deadliest day in Colorado history, 29 November 1864, when U.S troops brutally attacked a peaceful village of Cheyenne and Arapaho people who were promised military protection – will be expanded to preserve Native American tribes’ sacred land.
Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch
Experience a true Southwest Colorado vacation at Canyon of the Ancients Guest Ranch. Located in the countryside of Cortez, Colorado near Mesa Verde National Park, the accommodations offer a peaceful place for guests to relax and rejuvenate all whilst exploring thousands of years of ancient ruins. This summer, the attraction will unveil their new Sky Village project including Star Tower and Sky Kiva guest houses inspired by nearby Hovenweep National Monument.
Resting Places and Spaces
Gravity Haus
A social club for the modern adventurer, Gravity Haus is a new model of globally-conscious hospitality and amenities designed to enhance a mountain lifestyle. Aiming to make the outdoors more fun, travellers can find modern accommodations, receive access to premium gear, mountainside co-working spaces, expert led fitness programmes and a like-minded community committed to personal growth and wellness through curated experiences and connections with nature and one another. This year will see the relaunch of the Ptarmigan Inn as Gravity Huas in Steamboat Springs and the unveiling of a Gravity Haus outpost, AspenHaus in Aspen.
Delaware Hotel welcomes Mineral 1886
Welcoming guests for over 130 years, the historic, Victorian-inspired Delaware Hotel, located in Leadville has just opened a new restaurant, Mineral 1886. Currently serving breakfast from local chef Diana Gutierrez, the eatery is yet to open for both lunch and dinner. Offering a modern feel to the grand hotel, the beautiful interior is much like the menu – simple, classic and refined. Nestled amidst the tallest peaks in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, The Delaware Hotel continues to offer travellers a taste of Western hospitality whilst undergoing renovations which are scheduled to be completed in mid 2023.
Dunes Experiences & Dunes Desert Camp
Launching in June 2023, Dunes Experience & Dunes Desert Camp next to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve will offer a hosted, exclusive use campground with African safari tents and guided excursions in the San Luis Valley. Dunes Desert Camp is set on the 320-camp ranch and is the best location for exploring the breathtaking natural wonders of the San Luis Valley.
Experience the Night with Colorado Stargazing
Home to 10 International Dark Sky Parks and five International Dark Sky Communities, Colorado is the perfect place to get a glimpse of the stars without pollution. Many of which were newly designated within the last year, travellers can participate in Colorado Stargazing: Experience the Night, a self-guided stargazing tour that connects numerous locations known for their night skies and once-in-a-lifetime stargazing opportunities.
Hot right now
Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
Recently expanding, Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop has added three more destination partners to the loop. Offering wellness and a chance to relax, the loop showcases the state’s premier hot springs destinations via self-guided itineraries which encourages visitors to explore 23 unique hot springs. The Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa expansion continues with the addition of several hot spring pools, totalling to a huge 41 pools in the newly renovated resort. Not to mention the Japanese inspired meditation garden with soaking tubs and the debut of Trimble Day Club which will offer private soaking experiences all summer long.
Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art celebrates its 20th Anniversary
Celebrating 20 years in business, Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art in Denver takes visitors through time with 150 years worth of art. The collections contain over 30,000 works by more than 1,500 artists and designers. With a year of programming and exhibitions to celebrate, the museum inspires everyone who walks through the door with the beauty of art and design presented in an approachable way. In addition, thirty Colorado communities brimming with galleries, artists in residence and special arts events have recently been designated official state creative Districts with art to be experienced by all.
Beavers Loop, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area
This July, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area will debut Beavers Loop, a new, high-alpine train built specifically with mountain bikers in mind. A trail like no other, bikers can expect 360 mountain views. The new trail, built in partnership with IMBA Trail Solutions, is a bike-only, directional descent from the Arapahoe Basin summit to mid-mountain. Designed to offer a high-alpine, backcountry-style ride, it is not a downhill jump trail. It also isn’t served by lift and requires a steep climb to the summit.
Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
For its first full year in production, Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is presenting its newest attraction, Defiance. The one-of-a-kind roller coaster has thrills at its core and is a 56 second rocky mountain adventure like no other. Defiance defies odds by being the highest looping roller coaster in the U.S. with the steepest freefall drop in Western U.S. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park is located above Glenwood Springs and is known as America’s only mountain-top theme park.
The Lake City Star Fest (7-11 June)
New this year, The Lake City Star Fest aims to attract both the experienced astronomer and first-time stargazer. Showcasing the extraordinary darkness of Hinsdale Country through a wide range of events, The Lake City Star Fest will feature the Dark-Sky Summit, a ticketed event for astronomy professionals, and free and low-cost events during the festival open to anyone interested in the night sky.