Amtrak Winter Park Express 2019 Season Has Begun

THE third season of the "Amtrak Winter Park Express" started with its first departure from Denver Union Station on January 4, arriving at Winter Park Resort and delivering 300 happy skiers and riders directly to the slopes.

The train will continue to run every Saturday and Sunday as well as the first two Fridays of every month through March 31. New this year is a sightseer lounge car complete with food and beverage service.


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Ride off into the sunset

RANCH Rider has some fabulous deals available this summer, including a saving of £2,220 for a family of four at a luxury guest ranch. The specialist tour operator’s discounts cover Arizona, Montana and Colorado so book now and rein in a great value family horseback adventure.

Arizona’s White Stallion Guest Ranch situated adjacent to the Saguaro National Park where there are miles of scenic horseback riding and hiking trails to explore and the Sonoran desert is literally teeming with wildlife; mountain lions, coyotes, javelinas, bobcats inhabiting the ranch’s 3,000 acres. 

Montana’s Lone Mountain Deluxe Guest Ranch is a popular haunt for adventurous families; guided horseback rides, Yellowstone tours (the national park less than 20 miles away), mountain biking, fly fishing and kayaking on the list of pursuits. Expert naturalists, the ranch’s guides have over 80 years combined experience in leading Yellowstone tours, their love of the national park helping younger adventurers to appreciate the wildlife and the world around them.

Colorado’s Majestic Dude Ranch offers a challenge at every turn, horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV off-road adventures, white water rafting (included in the price) archery, skeet shooting, fly-fishing and hiking on the list of pursuits. FREE horse riding lessons are also available and the ranch’s younger guests can show off their new found skills at the weekly summer rodeos. 

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On the rails in Colorado

A symbol of a bygone era, Colorado’s historic railroads have been lovingly restored and expertly maintained so riders can relish access to jaw-dropping landscapes and a steady supply of family-friendly fun. As if spectacular views of the Royal Gorge weren’t enough, Cañon City’s Royal Gorge Route Railroad invites you to soak up the splendor of spring while sipping craft brews paired with chef-created appetizers during Ales on the Rails, from mid-March to late May. 

In springtime, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad sets a course for Cascade Canyon, a 26-mile journey through the San Juan National Forest along the Animas River. Opt for a Historic Narration Coach to hear tales of what it took to build the rails, or combine the trip with a Snowmobile Adventure Package for two hours of thrills around Molas Pass. 

Scenic wonders are revealed around every curve as the Cripple Creek & Victor Narrow Gauge Railroad’s century-old steam engine takes you on a relaxing, four-mile round trip past the old Midland Terminal Wye, historic mines and Echo Valley, all set to an educational narration. 

Departing from Alamosa with a stop in Fort Garland, the Rio Grande Scenic Railroad chugs toward Fir Summit on weekends June through September, where an outdoor amphitheater awaits at the top of La Veta Pass. This one-of-a-kind concert venue is home to the Mountain Rails Live concert series, an occasion to see how the West was sung. 

Another way to connect with Colorado’s railroad culture is through a visit to the Colorado Model Railroad Museum which hosts themed events throughout the summer season, starting with Dinosaur Days (June 8-9) bringing dinosaur-related activities into the railroad space.


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Drive, bike, hike or ski in the wild west

COLORADO'S history runs as deep as the silver and gold veins that once lured a surge of fortune seekers here during the late-1800’s mining boom.

But when those rich resources went bust, dozens of towns were abandoned—leaving behind saloons, mercantiles and other hallmarks of Wild West life. Catch glimpses of this bygone era in the remains of ghost towns tucked amid high peaks and remote wilderness.

ATV/OFF-ROAD VEHICLE - Ghost towns in Colorado range from mere ruins to surprisingly intact hamlets—for the latter, venture St. Elmo, where a few lingering residents run a general store and a guesthouse. Seek the help of Buena Vista’sATV Mountain Adventure Rentals, which will drop you and your rented ride off trailside (and pick you up later), leaving you to explore the dusty, straight-out-of-a-movie set streets on your own. 

Set your sights on Animas Forks, located high in the San Juan Mountains. Just 12 miles away in Silverton, Rock Pirates Backcountry Adventures can hook you up with one of its rugged Tomcar OHVs for a bumpy-yet-scenic excursion up the Alpine Loop Scenic & Historic Byway.

HIKE - The North Park area is home to Teller City, a former silver-mining camp that at one time boasted 27 saloons, hundreds of log cabins and more than 1,500 residents—not too shabby given its dense-forest location. Head southeast of Walden to the Teller City Interpretive Site, then hit the .75-mil loop trail that winds arounds scattered remains of cabins and other artifacts.

The high-altitude setting of Carson (almost 12,000 feet) makes it all the more rewarding for its views of massive peaks. Lake City, situated near the Continental Divide, is your base for this adventure. Hop on the Alpine Loop Scenic & Historic Byway to Wager Gulch Trailhead. The moderate-to-difficult hike is a steady, 3.4-mile climb leading through open meadows and aspen stands to the Carson site.

BIKE - Eleven miles south of Aspen, Ashcroft is one of a few ghost towns that can be visited year-round. But it would be a shame to miss the vivid colors of wildflower season in late summer or fall’s brilliant foliage—both ideal times for a two-wheeled ride along Castle Creek Road.


Central City escaped a boom-to-bust fate, but hidden just up the hill is Nevadaville, which bustled with some 4,000 people in its heyday. Several original buildings and a few gravesites are left, in addition to the Nevada Lodge No.4, still used by Freemasons for monthly meetings.

SNOWSHOE/CROSS-COUNTRY SKI - Wintertime doesn’t always mean you can’t visit— South of Ouray lies Ironton Park, home to the slumbering remnants of the Ironton townsite. A local group maintains and grooms Nordic trails after fresh snows, including the roughly 2-mile Townsite Loop, which passes by a two-story Victorian house and the Larson Brother’s Mine.

Close to Summit County’s popular ski resorts is Mayflower Gulch Trail. Go six miles south of Copper Mountain to the trailhead, then strap on your showshoes for a four-mile round trip to Boston Mine.

JEEP TOUR - Sometimes it’s easier—but no less thrilling—to let the pros take the wheel. Telluride Outside guide service is happy to oblige with its 4WD tours in beefed-up Chevy trucks. The Imogene Pass itinerary departs from Telluride toward Tomboy on an intermediate road, meaning the tour is suited to all ages, but you’ll still get your kicks.

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Colorado: the best US state to ride a bike in

CYCLISTS from across the United States and abroad widely recognize #Colorado as a premier #cycling #destination, because of its natural beauty, variety of terrain, notable bike rides and races and soaring elevation. From world-class bike races like the Colorado Classic and the Breck Epic to a cruiser ride along the Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade or mountain biking the downhill trails at Winter Park (“Mountain Bike Capital, USA”).

Must-Experience Colorado Bike Trails and Rides:

Bike-friendly Fort Collins

Cycling opportunities prevail in and around Fort Collins, and getting to know the area atop two wheels offers a bounty of benefits. Road cyclists will appreciate the 285+ miles of relatively flat, wide bike lanes, trails and paths, including three main bike trails offering 19 miles of paved surface: the Poudre trail that follows the Cache La Poudre River; Spring Creek trail following the creek; and Fossil Creek trail covering miles of open prairie.

Blue River Trail in Silverthorne

The Blue River Trail is Silverthorne’s link to the county-wide paved trail system. The 3.5-mile, hard surface paved trail begins at the top of the Dillon Dam and ends at North Pond Park. The Blue River Trail offers a meandering, family-friendly paved trail with spectacular views.

High-Desert Biking in Eagle

Eagle is a high-desert town, which means an extended biking season and trails that are open into mid-December. Over 100 miles of single-track mountain biking trails and paved recreational trails are accessible. Riders can start on beginner trails like Haymaker and Eagle Ranch Loop and then advance to the technical Mike’s Night Out. Eagle Ranch Loop is great for families and various skill levels.

Maroon Creek Road in Aspen

Few bike rides in the world can match the drama of this eight-mile road ride. Riders will round a bend and suddenly view the iconic Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks striped with snow year-round. The trek takes riders 22 miles round-trip through a moderately difficult ride with unparalleled views.

Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville

Biking is a favorite sport on Leadville’s famous Mineral Belt Trail, where riders can see the tops of the towering Sawatch Range and remnants of 1880s silver mines, all on a paved, 11.6-mile loop around town. Portions of the trail follow old railroad grades, making for a pleasant ride around North America’s highest incorporated city, set at 10,152 feet.The trail winds through Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District.

Monarch Crest Trail in Salida

Thanks to the diverse ecosystem in Salida, there’s always great singletrack to be ridden in the middle of winter or during the heat of summer. The Monarch Crest Trail should be included on the Colorado mountain bike bucket list. From the Monarch Crest trailhead at Monarch Pass, riders will encounter singletrack, doubletrack, fire road, smooth and packed trails, rocky and loose trails and great views of nature and wildlife.

Trailheads in Niwot

The town of Niwot in Boulder County is known throughout the cycling community as one of the best spots to begin or end a ride. Home to mammals, birds and amphibians, these trails are perfect for nature-lovers. The 6.4-mile Niwot trail system is composed of easy trails and provides breathtaking mountain views and shady cottonwood-lined paths along irrigation canals.

Winter Park, Aka “Mountain Bike Capital, USA”

With over 600 miles of cross-country trails and two downhill bike parks, Mountain Bike Capital USA™ has it all: mellow rides, heart-thumping singletrack adventures and gravity-fed adrenaline. Winter Park plays host to numerous bike races and events all summer long. For the novice, seasoned cross-country biker, downhill racer or the want-to-learn-more-skills casual biker, there are a variety of events and trails to choose from.

Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade

Choose from three different loops from five to 25-miles-long through mapped points of interest for those who want to stop and experience the agriculture and industry of the area. Explore historic downtown Palisade, tour along the scenic Colorado River and enjoy some of the best vistas of the Grand Valley, all while savoring fresh fruit from the beautiful orchards, or enjoying the lavender gardens, world class vineyards, premium wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands along the way.

7-Eleven Olympic Velodrome in Colorado Springs

Built in 1983 in preparation for the 1984 Olympic Games, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome is the official training venue for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cycling and USA Roller Sports. The Velodrome features a 333.3-meter banked cement cycling track, which wraps around a 200-meter track for roller sports. The 1,000-seat facility is open to the public for community racing, and hosts local, national and international events throughout the year.

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Up in the air . . .

THE City of Palm Springs is pleased to announce Frontier Airlines will soon begin new seasonal nonstop service from Denver, Colorado to and from Palm Springs International Airport, beginning November 10, 2017.

The new flights will operate on an Airbus A320 and will run Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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Hover over the Hoover Dam

GRAND Canyon Helicopters is now offering tours from its new Hoover Dam heliport.

The four brand-new tours, including a three-minute taster flight, make it easier than ever for guests to enjoy a flightseeing experience of the world-famous Hoover Dam.

From the heliport, located next to the Hoover Dam Lodge Hotel & Casino on U.S. 93, GCH flies guests closer to the dam than previously and also offers views of Lake Mead and the volcanic terrain of Black Canyon.

The new tours range from just the blink-and-it-will-be-over three-minute flight to a two-hour adventure.

Papillon.com

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Century celebration

ROCKY MOUNTAIN National Park in Colorado will be celebrating 100 years since the park's dedication with special events from September 2014 through to September next year. 

The Mosquito Trail, Rocky Mountain, Colorado; Moran, Thomas, 1837-1926 (artist); WikiMedia Commons

Events include free centennial walks and talks with a ranger, art exhibitions and YMCA of the Rockies Hikes.

The 415-square mile Rocky Mountain National Park has the Trail Ridge Road, which crests at 12,000 feet, and more than 300 miles of hiking trails.

A full list of events can be found on the National Park Service website – www.nps.gov/romo

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