Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 30) Outdoor Recreation and More Classics 1. Where the Wild Things Are With an abundance of clean air and crystalline waters, wildlife thrives in Colorado. Bald eagles soar along braided rivers, bighorn sheep effortlessly climb canyon walls and black bears munch on sun-ripened berries. Head toward Walden or Grand Lake for a glimpse of the elusive moose, the state’s largest wildlife species. Rocky Mountain National Park is a prime elk-viewing destination, where bulls butt their massive racks — with a backdrop of stunning golden aspens — during the fall rut. Family 2. Non-Extreme Spelunking Travel deep beneath the earth with your family and head to the natural caves at Cave of the Winds in Manitou Springs and Glenwood Caverns in Glenwood Springs. Hard hats and professional guides are supplied during these underground journeys that travel past raw formations jutting from both cave floors and ceilings. Glenwood Caverns and Historic Fairy Caves share nature’s art show, featuring a cliff-side balcony with panoramic views of Glenwood Canyon and the Colorado River. Kids will love the go-fast, get-vertical alpine coaster, zip line, giant swing and 35-foot climbing wall. When it’s all about bright-eyed wonderment and stretching those little smiles as wide as they can go, Colorado’s family-friendly escapades top the vacation to-do list. Get together for some up-close wildlife viewing, tunnel through Colorado’s natural caves, bundle history and scenery aboard a steam locomotive and explore the remains of the state’s gold and silver mines. ✽ Here are seven activities sure to elicit giggles and excitement from those you most want to please — your kids. 3. Ice-Skate the State Bundle the kids up for a true Colorado winter-wonderland experience and a fun, accessible and inexpensive activity for all ages. Numerous Colorado communities have successfully brought ice-skating back by carving out quaint rinks and supplying skate rentals. Natural and man-made rinks grace the state, and many stay open late into the evening. Outdoor rinks deliver scenic venues, with backdrops ranging from glittering storefronts to frosted mountain ranges. Are your skating skills a little rusty? Some offer private skating lessons and group learning workshops. 30 1-800-Colorado | www.colorado.com http://www.colorado.com
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