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Durango, CO * Elevation 6,512 ft. A town often referred to as the "Mountain Bike Mecca" and "Best Water Town in the West," Durango also offers a scenic train ride on the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Historic Downtown Durango is a Nationally Registered Historic District and allows visitors a chance to experience friendly locals and the soul of the community. In town, visitors will also stumble upon inspiring art galleries, delicious cuisine, and limitless opportunities for outdoor activities. Twenty-two miles northeast of town, gorgeous views await visitors to Vallecito Lake, situated in the heart of the San Juan National Forest. www.durango.org Central Reservation Number: 1-800-828-4228 |
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Cortez, CO * Elevation 6,201 ft. The thriving, tree-shaded town of Cortez lies in the heart of Mesa Verde Country. A short ride in any direction will deliver you to fabulous areas of learning and discovery. Cortez, known as the archaeological center of America, is home to Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. Cortez offers 294 acres of parks, trails, natural areas, and preserves. Several exceptional galleries and trading posts reflect the culture and creativity of the southwest. The Cortez Cultural Center, located in downtown Cortez, is a regional center for living culture. www.mesaverdecountry.com Central Reservation Number: 1-800-253-1616 |
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Telluride, CO * Elevation 8,756 ft. Located on the scenic San Juan Skyway, Telluride is home to distinctive landmarks and alluring activities. Telluride, dubbed the "Festival Capital of the Southwest," is host to more than 30 summer festivals each year, including the Balloon Rally and Bluegrass Festival. Visitors can enjoy the only free gondola public transportation system in North America, which links the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village. Natural wonders also await-in Telluride, you'll find Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet. Telluride rests at the base of the Telluride ski resort, surrounded by peaks that climb to more than 14,000 feet. www.visittelluride.com Central Reservation Number: 1-888-278-1746 |
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Montrose, CO * Elevation 5,806 ft. The scenery in Montrose is second to none. With the San Juan Mountains and the Grand Mesa within view and the Uncompahgre Plateau and Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park just a short drive away, breathtaking views are abundant. Downtown Montrose houses a number of options for visitors to explore local history, including the Montrose County Historical Museum in the former Rio Grande Train Depot. Montrose is ideally located in the heart of the Uncompahgre Valley wine region. Visitors to the area can also enjoy a number of scenic golf courses, antique shops, and extraordinary fishing. www.montrosechamber.com Central Reservation Number: 970-249-5000 |
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Crested Butte, CO * Elevation 8,908 ft. Founded in 1880, Crested Butte thrived as an Old West supply town long before it became a ski town. The Victorian buildings that line Elk Avenue, friendly locals and the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum still give testimony to that heritage. Crested Butte boasts one of the state's largest National Historic Districts: colorful old storefronts that buzz with excellent eateries, hip nightspots, sophisticated galleries and unique shops. The 28th annual Fat Tire Bike Week will be happening in the center of town during Ride the Rockies' stop in Crested Butte. Known as one of the birthplaces of mountain biking, Crested Butte is home to the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Three miles north of Crested Butte is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the Crested Butte Mountain Resort ski area. In the summer, a chairlift ride provides easy access to great mountain biking, hiking and spectacular mountain views. www.gunnisoncrestedbutte.com Central Reservation Number: 1-866-493-2901 |
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Buena Vista, CO * Elevation 7,954 ft. Cradled by the Rocky Mountains' Collegiate Peaks, Buena Vista is a postcard town. Untainted by mass tourism, the town has retained the Wild West attitude that is a part of its charm. Known as the "Whitewater Capital of the World," the Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Colorado State Park (AHRA) offers an abundance of opportunities for rafting and kayaking adventures. The AHRA offers two whitewater parks with rapids up to a Class V rating. Hikers will also be delighted to visit Buena Vista-ten 14,000 feet plus peaks are within an hour's distance from the town. www.buenavistacolorado.org Central Reservation Number: 719-395-6612 |
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Breckenridge, CO * Elevation 9,600 ft. In the 1800s travelers flooded to Breckenridge with the hopes of earning their riches in gold. Today, travelers experience a vacation rich in activities as well as history. Breckenridge, Colorado, is a 149-year-old quaint Victorian town in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Visitors can explore the area's highly praised mountain and road biking terrain or play 27 holes of unforgettable golf at the Breckenridge Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Summer also welcomes the National Repertory Orchestra and the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra to the newly remodeled Riverwalk Center. Breckenridge will be celebrating their 150th anniversary in 2009. www.gobreck.com Central Reservation Number: 866-437-8548 |
