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Anyone who has ever visited the colorful state of Colorado will tell you; the biggest decision any traveler has to make when planning a trip to Colorado is what to see and do while there.  That’s because there are so many incredible sights to see in this Rocky Mountain state. 

One way to make sure you see your share of 14,000-foot peaks, jaw-dropping vistas, gold-miner’s ghost towns, and awe-inspiring canyons is to take a driving tour, and in my opinion there is none better than the Gold Belt Tour.  This 122-mile loop takes visitors through the deep canyons of Pikes Peak’s southern slope and spans the breathtaking region that lies between Canon City and Cripple Creek.  Known as the Gold Belt Back-Country Byway, this trip connects the historic Victor gold mining area around Cripple Creek with beautiful Canon City and Florence Colorado.  But be sure to travel in an all-terrain vehicle with an experienced driver, because much of this scenic route traverses unsurfaced roadways. 

If you’re from the East Coast, or other relatively “flat” areas of the country, these roads may seem treacherous, but with so many things to see along the way your fear will soon subside.  One of my favorite places to visit on this tour is Royal Gorge Park, with its wood-planked bridge precariously perched above a 3,000 foot river gorge and some entertaining “thrill” rides that will make that rollercoaster back home seem like a kiddy ride. 

For lovers of natural history, attractions like Window Rock, the Garden Park Fossil Area, and the Indian Springs Trace Fossil Site make this trip extraordinary.  History buffs will find plenty to keep them busy at the Cripple Creek and Victor National Historic Districts, and adventure-seekers will enjoy the Shelf Road Climbing Area.  The key thing to remember here is to leave plenty of time to stop and enjoy these wonderful sites. 

Your elevation will be changing quite a bit along the way, so look for a wide variety of plant and wildlife species along the byway.  In the lower elevations of Canon City and Florence, you may see scaled quail, mountain bluebirds and prairie dogs sharing the grasslands with jackrabbits and coyotes.  In the more rugged rocky canyons, mule deer, roadrunners and an occasional mountain lion may be seen among the pinon pines.  And when you climb even higher, it is not uncommon to see a golden eagle or red-tailed hawk riding the currents above ponderosa pines.  These high cliffs are also great for spotting Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep.  In the high country around Cripple Creek, visitors always look for marmots, elk and black bears hiding within the subalpine forests and quaking aspen. 

No matter what else you plan to do during your vacation in Colorado, there is nothing quite as memorable as witnessing the natural wonders along the Gold Belt Back Country Byway. 

Looking for some adventure while in the Breckenridge area? Then look no further than White Mountain Tours. Located on nearby Copper Mountain, White Mountain Tours has been operating Colorado’s highest snowmobile tour for over 18 years and they offer an unforgettable way to experience the beauty of the Colorado Mountains.

When most people think about visiting Breckenridge Colorado, the first thing that comes to mind is a skiing vacation. But what most people don’t realize is that Breckenridge has so much to offer for the whole family. The historic Town of Breckenridge is actually a thriving vacation destination all year long.

In my opinion, regular visitors to the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area are some of the luckiest people in the world. After all, how many areas of the country offer so many expertly carved trails amid such jaw-dropping natural beauty? It has taken me several trips to A-Basin to gain my composure when I take in the full height of this 13,050 ft. mountain, especially when it’s coated with a blanket of fresh fallen snow.

Spending time in historic Breckenridge Colorado is a treat for the whole family. From the preserved architecture in the historic downtown area, to the world class ski resort that attracts skiers from around the world, Breckenridge is the true jewel of the Rockies.

If you and your family are lucky enough to be in Vail Colorado during the winter months, then you will find this charming town to be a treat for the senses. In fact, Vail is a terrific place to visit any time of the year.

Even if you’re not a skier, Vail offers a delightful array of activities for the whole family. Here are some ideas to consider:

The historic town of Breckenridge never ceases to entertain, and you will certainly be famished after an exciting day of activities and skiing. There are several Breckenridge restaurants, but here are a few favorites:

With so many vacation choices in the state of Colorado, it’s hard for any single destination to stand out from the crowd. But one small mountain town, sitting at 9,603 feet in elevation is in a perfect location and enjoys year-round tourism from families who see it as the perfect vacation spot.

Breckenridge Colorado has a small population of only 3,500 residents, but during the peak seasons the population can be ten times larger. Of course the main attraction is the skiing, but people still flock to Breckenridge for shopping, nightlife, restaurants, and cultural activities, as well as many other winter and summer sports.

To a see a spectacular view of Placer Valley and experience a massive vista of several Colorado fourteen'er mountains, take a hike on the jeep road that is easily accessible from the Hoosier Pass parking lot, 1.5 miles from PVL and about 20 minutes south of Breckenridge on Rt 9.