Colorado, the gem of the United States, is a dream destination for wanderlust souls and adventure seekers. From the majestic peaks of the Rocky Mountains to charming historic towns and endless trails, Colorado promises an unforgettable backpacking journey. So, how can you experience Colorado to the fullest while staying on a budget? Let’s explore the secrets and tips for backpacking in Colorado.
Colorado is not just a state; it’s a miniature world with countless wonders waiting to be discovered. From those passionate about skiing, hiking, mountaineering, and mountain biking to those seeking tranquility and immersion in nature, Colorado can cater to every need. This article will be your trusted companion, providing you with the most useful information for a successful backpacking trip in Colorado.
Explore Colorado on a Budget: Must-Visit Destinations
Rocky Mountain National Park: Conquering Majestic Nature
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of Colorado’s top destinations, attracting visitors with its pristine and majestic beauty. With over 100 towering peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and diverse flora and fauna, Rocky Mountain is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in North America, is an unmissable experience when visiting Rocky Mountain. Reaching an elevation of over 12,000 feet (3,600 meters), Trail Ridge offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the entire park. You can stop at various overlooks along the way to admire the scenery, take photos, or embark on hiking trails.
Rocky Mountain National Park landscape with mountains and trees
Rocky Mountain National Park boasts countless exciting activities such as hiking, mountaineering, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and skiing. Take the time to explore the hiking trails with varying lengths and difficulty levels, from short, easy paths to challenging multi-day treks. If you’re lucky, you might encounter wildlife such as elk, deer, and black bears.
Mesa Verde National Park: Journey Back in History
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the remnants of the ancient Ancestral Puebloan civilization. The cliff dwellings built from the 6th to 12th centuries are a testament to the incredible creativity and building skills of the Puebloan people.
Cliff Palace, the most famous architectural marvel of Mesa Verde, is a complex of dwellings built into a sheer cliff face. Visitors can join guided tours to explore Cliff Palace and learn about the history and culture of the Puebloan people.
Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park, ancient cliff dwelling
Besides Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde also features many other archaeological sites such as Spruce Tree House, Balcony House, and Square Tower House. Spend time exploring these ruins and delve into the lives of the ancient Puebloans.
Glenwood Springs Hot Springs: Ultimate Relaxation
Glenwood Springs is a renowned resort town famous for its natural hot springs, amusement park, and outdoor activities. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one of the largest hot springs pools in the world, featuring a vast mineral hot spring pool and numerous relaxation amenities.
Beyond the hot springs, Glenwood Springs offers many other exciting activities such as hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, and fishing. The town is also home to Sunlight Mountain Resort and Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, attracting visitors during the winter season.
Glenwood Hot Springs pool surrounded by mountains and trees
The Hanging Lake hiking trail is one of Glenwood Springs’ most popular destinations. Hanging Lake is a stunning lake perched on a high cliff, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and magnificent surrounding scenery.
Garden of the Gods Park: Geological Wonders
Garden of the Gods Park is a geological marvel located near Colorado Springs, featuring towering red sandstone rock formations set against a clear blue sky. These rock formations were sculpted millions of years ago by erosion and weathering, creating a unique and breathtaking landscape.
The park has over 15 miles (24 km) of hiking trails, allowing visitors to explore the majestic rock formations and enjoy the surrounding scenery. You can hike, bike, rock climb, or take a jeep tour to discover the park.
Red rock formations in Garden of the Gods park against blue sky
The park’s visitor center is a small museum where visitors can learn about the geological history of the park and watch an introductory video about the park. The center also has a café and gift shop.
Vail Town and Vicinity: Skiing Paradise
Vail Town is a world-famous ski resort, attracting visitors with its excellent slopes and vibrant atmosphere. Vail offers slopes suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to professional athletes.
Besides skiing, Vail offers many other exciting activities such as hiking, mountaineering, mountain biking, and shopping. The town boasts numerous luxury restaurants, bars, and shops, catering to every visitor’s needs.
Vail town with ski slopes and buildings in winter
If you want to save money, you can choose to stay in nearby towns such as Frisco, Breckenridge, and Avon. These towns are more affordable than Vail and still offer many exciting activities to explore.
Mountain Biking Trails Near Fruita: Challenge Yourself
Fruita is a small town near Grand Junction, renowned for its excellent mountain biking trails. The area has a mild climate, allowing visitors to enjoy mountain biking year-round.
The mountain biking trails around Fruita offer diverse terrain, from easy trails to challenging ones. Noteworthy trails include Zippity Do Da trail and Kokopelli Loops, with stunning desert scenery and views of the Colorado River.
Budget Backpacking Tips for Colorado
- Timing: Spring and fall are ideal times for backpacking in Colorado, when the weather is pleasant and prices are more affordable than summer and winter.
- Transportation: Renting a car is the most popular way to get around Colorado, but if you want to save money, you can use buses or hitchhike (with caution and awareness of safety guidelines).
- Accommodation: Camping is a great option to save on accommodation costs, but you need to make reservations in advance. Alternatively, you can look for budget-friendly motels, hostels, or Airbnb options.
- Food: Self-catering is the best way to save on food costs. You can buy groceries at local supermarkets and cook at your accommodation.
- Activities: Many outdoor activities in Colorado are free, such as hiking, sightseeing, and camping. You can also look for free events and festivals.
Conclusion
Backpacking in Colorado is an amazing experience, offering you the opportunity to explore majestic natural beauty, learn about unique history and culture, and challenge yourself with exciting outdoor activities. With the tips and experiences shared in this article, hopefully you will have a successful and memorable backpacking trip in Colorado.