the main Spinning Mountains in Colorado as they are called. Colorado rocky mountains

Mountains in Colorado as they are called. Colorado rocky mountains

In the heart of the famous Rocky Mountains, or, as Americans easily say, The Rockies, four of the most picturesque American states are nestled: Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado. Translated from Spanish, "Colorado" means "shade of red" - the Spanish discoverers of the 16th century painfully tried to find a suitable definition for the complex color of the local rocks and river. The most mountainous state in the United States, Colorado became American in 1896, and is now called the ski capital of America. The best resorts of the hemisphere are concentrated here, but before heading to Aspen or the Vail Valley, skiers are highly recommended to make a short stop in the state capital, Denver. Firstly, it is from here that a small airplane starts to the desired ski resorts, the travel time is only 25 minutes. Secondly, Denver is notable for its parks and museums - we advise you to visit the Museum of History of Colorado and the home of Molly Brown, a resident of the state who miraculously escaped from the sunken Titanic. But the mountains are the main sign and pride of the state. In the Rocky Mountain National Park, tourists are proudly shown the natural wealth of Colorado - locals claim that the most beautiful mountain panorama in the United States can only be contemplated here. Traces of the "Gold Rush" in Colorado are preserved in Manitou Springs, a charming town that is renowned as a spa resort for its natural mineral springs successfully discovered there. And Colorado Springs is a resort town called "Little London" because of its popularity with British tourists. Colorado also has its own "Grand Canyon" - the whole Canyon City, famous, however, not so much for the picturesque mountain decays, as for the museum ... of local prisons. And sand dunes, rivers, and forests - everything you want is in Colorado, but none of the above can compare with the eternal and unshakable, like a rock, glory of the local mountains.

Aspen and others

The first "steps on alpine skiing" in Colorado were made in 1935, when pioneer skiers began to ski in the Rocky Mountains: remember the movie "Serenade of the Sun Valley"? .. Almost immediately things went "uphill", and many small towns announced about his desire to become ski resorts: this is how the world fame of the Vale Valley, Aspen and other resorts now known to the whole world began. The very word "Aspen" for Americans sounds like "success" - the thing is that the richest and most famous Hollywood stars, famous athletes and millionaires actually meet and rest here. And you can easily join the chosen society! Aspen is the main resort in Colorado, which every self-respecting skier should get into at least once in his life. The town of Aspen itself is built in a typical Victorian style, there are a lot of restaurants, shops and other "non-ski" activities and entertainment. For those who stand firmly on skis (or dream of getting up and standing on them), there are four ski areas, in other words, four mountains, for which they sell a single pass - a "ski pass".

Four mountains

Aspen Mountain (or Ajax) with a height of 3.418 m is best suited for experienced skiers and those who have skated at least a couple of seasons, there are practically no easy slopes here. But experienced riders will appreciate the local slopes and scenic views; fans of extreme sports are waiting for virgin lands and descent from the peaks into the gorges. Snowmass (height 3813m) is a completely different matter, there are most of the slopes for skiers with not the richest experience, there are long, gentle slopes, but there are interesting offers for experienced skiers (there are 83 tracks on Snowmass, so there is plenty to choose from!) ... As for those who do not ski or snowboard and are not fundamentally going to change the situation, Snowmass invites them to take a break in one of 11 mountain restaurants and relax at their own pleasure, admiring the snow-covered mountain views.

The hallmark of Colorado resorts is that it is customary to take into account even the most unusual and difficult wishes and requests of vacationers. They will pick up your skis, fit your ski boots to your feet, if necessary, teach you and your children how to ski, and if children learn skiing early, they can be entrusted to experienced baby sitters (while mom and dad conquer the mountains). Aspen Highlands (3, 559 m) offers 131 slopes, most of which are for advanced skiers, and the Buttermilk Ski Area (3.018 m) has made history as the capital of the 2002, 2003 and 2004 Extreme Winter Games. At the same time, Buttermilk is considered an ideal place ... for beginner skiers. As for the weather, it seems to be specially adjusted to the needs of winter lovers. The days are usually sunny here, and it snows only at night. Locals joke that the mayor of Aspen secretly turns on a special switch every night to add fresh snow, and turns it off at dawn. A "post-ski" vacation, or, as it is commonly called, apres-ski, in Aspen will give a hundred points ahead of any European resort in terms of diversity - you will find cinemas, discos, art galleries, gourmet restaurants, and clubs with live music ... Be sure to check out The J-Bar, dating back to 1889. It is on the National List of Historic Landmarks. For children, Aspen offers dog sledding, special children's trails, an indoor ice rink, a swimming pool, a skate park, a Western entertainment center at Buttermilk and an every night comedy show in Snowmass. If, despite the abundance of local entertainment, you need additional impressions, from Aspen you can go on an excursion to the picturesque Lake Maroon or to the famous balneological resort of Glenwood Springs.

All inclusive

The Vale Valley in Colorado embodies a slightly different approach to skiing, and while it's not as well known in comparison to Aspen, it's worth exploring the resorts here. They are famous for the variety of trails and the cozy atmosphere of the villages at the foot of the slopes. Here, skiers and snowboarders have a huge skiing area and not the highest prices, in addition, the ski pass of the Vail Valley resorts is valid for skiing in the resorts of nearby Beavercreek, famous for its well-groomed trails and a village like two drops of water resembling an illustration of an alpine winter fairy tale. However, Beavercrick also has typical American features, such as outdoor escalators that bring guests to the doors of the shops they need, and heated walkways. As well as a comfortable ski-concierge system: after skating, you can not worry about equipment and get to the hotel light. Dedicated personnel (ski concierges) will not only help tired skiers take off their heavy boots and wet overalls, but this is especially convenient for beginners and the smallest mountain climbers. Your skis and suit will be put in order, and the next day, prepared equipment will be waiting for you at the slope chosen the day before.

Family values

Families with children are welcome here - young guests are offered a trip to an amusement park with a bear den and an Indian village, and in a special school for little ones, babies from 2 months to 6 years old are supervised. Parents can ride safely knowing that qualified staff will take care of the kids. Children from 3 years old are taught to ski, there are lifts, equipment, and tracks designed specifically for kids. And after training, girls, again starting from 3 years old, can relieve tension in a special children's spa, decorated in a style reminiscent of a Barbie dollhouse. Apres-ski in the city center - Vale Village - includes all imaginable and unimaginable leisure options: from shopping and visiting galleries to daytime spas and street concerts. In the small town of Breckenridge, we recommend visiting the museum dedicated to gold miners. And for those who are not indifferent to shopping, we advise you to look into the shopping complexes of the model of the already familiar megamalls, located here, nearby. Famous brand stores selling the latest fashion collections will delight even the most discerning shoppers. Here you can buy luxury items about 7-8 times cheaper than items of a similar class in Moscow!

Hotels in the mountains
In Aspen and the Vale Valley, you can find a variety of hotels - from "star", off scale for every imaginable level of chic and luxury, to quite affordable, but outstanding in quality, which takes into account all the needs of vacationers - from ski storage to barbecues. street. Situated at the foot of Mount Aspen between the two main lifts, The St. Regis is renowned for its splendid views and exceptional customer service, as well as home to a popular spa treatment for people with back and spine problems. One of the best hotels in Aspen is The Little Nell.
Hotel, it is relatively small - only 92 rooms, but equipped with the latest technology. For the guests' special comfort, we provide individual service in accordance with all their wishes and the most exquisite cuisine. No wonder 60% of those who have been here become regular guests of the hotel. The Hotel Jerome is an Aspen landmark. Individually decorated apartments with huge bathrooms are designed for people who prefer to combine the full joys of winter holidays and sports with business. Special rooms are equipped with the latest equipment and satellite communications. At the request of the guest, everything necessary for rest and work will be delivered to the guest. The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch in Beavercreek embodies a classic approach to welcoming guests. They offer spacious and stylish rooms, relaxation in the spa and fitness center, excellent cuisine and the highest level of service.

SEE ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF EXCURSIONS AND TOURS ON MY PERSONAL SITE.

Tour of Denver - the state capital.

The city's most important landmark is the late 19th century Colorado State Capitol, a massive white granite building topped with a 55-meter gold dome.

Lower Downtown, which is called LoDo for short, is a walk through the historic district.

Visit the Molly Brown House Museum. The "unsinkable" Lady Molly Brown, one of the few surviving passengers on the Titanic, lived in the 1880s in a large Denver mansion. Today you can see not only the original furniture of that period, but also a lot of charming old knick-knacks during the tour.

Another pretentious mansion worth a visit is the residence of the Governor of Colorado. The history of the mansion, full of the noble names of the aristocratic inhabitants of Colorado, and the interiors of the building are remarkable.

The triangular-shaped Brown Palace Hotel, built in 1892 in the heart of the city, hosted Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower and even the smashed Beatles. All of them left their autographs in the guest book of the hotel. At the end of the tour, afternoon tea awaits - a long tradition of Brown Palace, which is not forgotten for a single day. Anyone can join.

A very calm and charming place - the Botanical Garden.

On the way to the National Park we stop at the town of Boulder. Pearl Street is a cozy street with a variety of souvenir shops, galleries and cafes.

This city has long been chosen by hippies, and their generation has been spending great time here.

In the vicinity there are a number of hippie communes, and indeed various communities, trying to leave worldly affairs and devote themselves to spiritual ones.

The "pearl" not only of the state of Colorado, but of the entire country is the Rocky Mountains National Park.

Alpine landscapes are so mesmerizing and beckoning with their beauty that the National Park is overwhelmed with tourists from time to time. More than three million people visit the National Park every year.

Those who really love mountains will never be able to resist the sight of stunning mountain landscapes, crystal clear rivers and lakes. If you stop following the well-trodden tourist paths, you will easily find many places where you can calmly contemplate the beauty of the pristine nature. There are over 370 hiking trails in the National Reserve with a total area of \u200b\u200b1,075 square kilometers.

The paths vary in their complexity, some of them pass through protected areas. On many trails it is allowed to ride horses, which we will not use to use.

This area is home to the most popular ski resorts in the states, allowing you to actively spend your winter holidays. But even in summer it is beautiful here - the landscape is rightfully considered magnificent, how many poems and songs were composed by American poets about this pearl of Colorado ...

Hiking trails run through rocky mountains, alpine lakes, tundra, aspen groves, forests and meadows strewn with bright mountain flowers. There is no better place to experience the full spectrum of mountain beauty than Rocky Mountain National Park, in the Rocky Mountains.

The next point is the famous Colorado Springs.

The city is located in a picturesque place at the foot of the mountains, and lies at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level, with some areas much higher.

Colorado Springs was founded on July 31, 1871 by William Jackson Palmer, who built railways. Palmer was so impressed by the valley at the foot of the mountains that he acquired the land and founded a settlement. From the very beginning, Palmer had a desire to found a resort city, the surrounding area only favored this. In the very near future, onlookers, settlers and gold seekers were drawn to Colorado Springs. The first tourists appeared, attracted by the beautiful countryside, clean mountain air, sun, mineral waters and a very dry climate. Over time, the flow of seekers of gold and silver dried up, but tourists became more and more.

There are two major air bases near Colorado Springs, the United States Air Force Academy and Fort Carson. These 4 military sites are the largest employers in the region. In addition, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), in charge of missile defense, is based in the vicinity of Colorado Springs under Cheyenne Mountain. The NORAD complex was built at the height of the Cold War with the USSR and at one time caused anxiety among local residents, who believed that the city could be the target of a nuclear strike by the USSR.

Most tourists come to Colorado Springs to admire the local nature. In the immediate vicinity of Colorado Springs is Pikes Peak (4302 meters), attracting thousands of people. It is believed to be the second most visited mountain in the world after Fuji. To see the most beautiful landscapes, you need to climb up the Cog Railway, by car or along hiking trails. Any option is interesting and extreme in its own way. Two popular sporting events are held annually on Pikes Peak: the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (race to the top in cars of various classes) and the Pikes Peak Marathon (marathon).

Another mountain worthy of attention is Cheyenne Mountain.

We will take a walk along the Cheyenne Canyon.

It also houses the Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun and the Colorado Springs Zoo (Cheyenne Mountain Zoo). These Colorado Springs attractions are located close to each other and are very popular with tourists.

We will climb this only alpine zoo in the country on a lift.

Next - a tour of the old city Old Colorado City, which was one of the centers of the American Gold Rush, and today attracts tourists with historical sites of the past, souvenir and art shops, bars and cafes.

We will also visit the Wild West Museum.

And we will visit the Cave of Winds in a picturesque mountain canyon.

Midwest Township - Manitou Springs.

On request, we can swim in the healing hot springs.

This town houses the legendary Indian Cliff Dwellings Museum, which consists of two parts: the first is an open-air museum of the ancient Indian settlement of the Anasazi tribe in the red rocks of Colorado, the second is a gift gallery together with museum rooms in the premises.

A park area called "Garden of the Gods" (Gаrdеn оf thе Gоds) is located very close to the urban areas of Colorado Springs. The main attraction of the Garden of the Gods is the bizarre orange-colored rocks created over the years by wind erosion. There are many hiking and biking trails in the park, allowing you to take an unusual walk among the wonderful geological formations.

We will make a small hike along the mountain route - the Red Rock Open Space canyon.

We will pass it on the way to the magnificent Royal Gorge Bridge Park - the world's tallest suspension bridge over an abyss-gorge.

And one of the best experiences for all tourists is rafting on the Arkansas River. The pleasure is simply indescribable, both for children from five years old, and for all adults without exception.

Cripple Creek, a mining town, is an hour and a half drive from Colorado Springs. It is surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides and is located 2 miles above sea level (almost 3 km).

This trip will be of interest to those who not only love nature and fresh air, but are also interested in the history of the North American Gold Rush and gambling business.

We will go for a walk in the mountains, then take an elevator down to Molly Kathleen's gold mine for an excursion, visit the Museum of the History of the Development of the US Wild West region, walk the streets and casinos of the town where blood was shed not so long ago in the struggle for wealth or honor.

And if time remains, then we will take a ride on an open sightseeing train to the Golden Valley.

In Colorado, right in front of the mountains, there is a huge flat plain. But it is worth driving an hour west from Denver, as the Rocky Mountains begin. It was for them that I came to Boulder. This ridge divides the continent of North America in two, and in the past people spent tremendous effort and risked their lives to cross it. Today, one of the most beautiful roads in the United States passes here.

About the Rocky Mountains and about this road today post.

In fact, I flew to Boulder (Colorado) to combine business with pleasure. We have a branch there where several people work with whom I had to meet. For two days I worked from the office with this view:

Yes, unlike neighboring Denver, the mountains here begin right outside the city limits. Let's get closer - here is a street with houses on it, and beautiful rocky formations rise right behind them.

Because of their shape, they are called "Flatirons" - flat irons, or pieces of iron. If you come closer, you can see that they are of a beautiful yellowish color and are covered with coniferous forest.

When I finished my working week friends came and we made a march on these "pieces of iron". After one and a half hours of tiring ascent along a rather steep path, our reward was a beautiful natural arch - Royal Arch. And a small bottle of sake.

From this place, a beautiful view of the entire town of Boulder opens. Only I won't show it to you. Go and see for yourself.

By the way, in Boulder, there are not only beautiful mountains, but also awesome sunsets. This happens because immediately to the west of the city there are mountains, the sun hides behind them a little earlier, while continuing to illuminate the sky. At Burning Man, which is completely surrounded by mountains, you can see similar things.

But that I am fixated on Boulder. After all, we came to see the real mountains, and those that are next to Boulder are so, slides. Let's go to Rocky Mountain National Park!

The road we are interested in is called Trail Ridge Road and is part of the first American highway system that existed before the creation of Interstate Highways. It got its name because it passes next to the old path along which the Indian tribes crossed these mountains. Trail Ridge Road - section of highway 34. In general, this is the "highest" highway in America! (There are paved roads going up a little higher, but they are not considered highways.)

The road was built in the 1930s, this section of 77 kilometers is partially closed for the winter, there is a lot of snow here. But this is later - while it is open here. Since today the road is entirely on the territory of the National Park, you will have to pay an entry fee - $ 20 per car per day, or you can buy a subscription for the whole week for $ 30.

Do not think that 77 km can be covered in an hour or even two. That is, it can theoretically be possible, but it is better to take at least half a day to this road (and, for good reason, all day), leaving yourself time for all kinds of stops and walks. The first few kilometers we drive on flat terrain, around the tree, mountains are visible in the distance.

When deciduous trees come across, we understand that we have arrived in time for the incessant autumn colors. The leaves shimmer in colors ranging from green to pale lime to light yellow with hints of orange. But among the trees, for some reason, there are many dead trees.

A snow-capped peak is visible ahead. This is Longs Peak, 4,300 meters high.

The road goes up, runs along the slopes of the mountains. In many places it twists like a serpentine. From here you can clearly see how she cuts the coniferous forest on the slope.

The beauty of this road is that there are parking lots near all the beautiful places. You can park your car and walk around the neighborhood, see the views. You can even climb a little over the cobblestones to take a picture.

In fine weather, there are wonderful views of the surroundings. A forest-covered relief landscape recedes into the distance. It is not even clear where all those plains, which seem to be very close here, are.

In the lowlands, the river draws very sophisticated zigzags.

Meanwhile, the highway rises higher and higher. At such a height it becomes a chill, and at some point the road crosses the border of the forest. Above this line, trees no longer grow.

But now there is excellent visibility from anywhere!

In some places in the highlands, hiking trails leave the parking lots. You can walk around this desert area.

These landscapes reminded me very much. Although the whole tundra probably looks like that.

But here you will walk a little, and you will have views of the mountain ranges.

Now they are not yet completely covered with snow, it lies only in separate crevices, giving the mountains the effect of "gray hair".

There are also such islands of snow near the road.

Did you notice the deer in the previous photo? And they are there. But let me show you more closely. Here they are accustomed to the fact that cars are constantly passing by. Mostly animals ignore traffic, but if you try to get closer, they run away.

Clouds creep between the mountains, creating a beautiful layering of peaks that disappear into haze.

The road reaches a maximum height of 3,700 meters. This is certainly not Everest, but if you get here by car in a couple of hours, the body begins to feel this difference. The air here is noticeably less frequent than below, even people in good shape exhale much faster.

But what views are there - right from the road! Every few hundred meters I want to stop and take pictures!

It is interesting how the nature of the North American mountains differs from the Asian ones. For example, on, (where "") the mountains look completely different. Probably the matter is in the quality of the rock - the Rocky Mountains made of harder stone, because of their ego, although less dramatic in appearance, but somehow more peaceful and dignified.

The grass in the highlands is now a beautiful brown color. In summer it is green. Tall sticks stand along the sides of the highway. Do you know why? ..

Okay, I'll tell you. In winter, an incredible amount of snow falls here. And in the spring, when the road is opened, the authorities do not wait for it to melt, but clear the snow with equipment. Sticks mark the edges of the road. Sometimes there is so much snow that the tops of these poles barely stick out of it!

Do not forget that it is much colder here than below. At the beginning of October in Boulder, you can still wear a shirt, but here you need a winter jacket. Not only cold, but also strong wind, piercing to the bone! Here is a man preparing to shoot the sunset.

Another hiking trail. There is a large parking lot, a toilet, a shop and a dining room. But everything except the toilet closes pretty early.

Meanwhile, the road begins to gradually descend.

Soon the trees begin again.

But Trail Ridge Road has something else to surprise us with. Just west of the highest point, the road crosses the North American Divide Line. This line divides the continent into the western part, where sooner or later all the water flows into the Pacific Ocean, and the eastern part, from there water flows to the Atlantic. In place of this imperceptible but very significant border, a sign has been installed:

In the evening we went down from the mountains. In the Colorado twilight, someone lit a patriotic bonfire next to the national flag.

For some reason, I imagined a classic picture from American films - a family with children sitting around a fire, and dad tells them scary stories ...

Pages: 1

// levik.livejournal.com

About the Rocky Mountains and about this road today post.

In fact, I flew to Boulder (Colorado) to combine business with pleasure. We have a branch there where several people work with whom I had to meet. For two days I worked from the office with this view:

// levik.livejournal.com

Yes, unlike neighboring Denver, the mountains here begin right outside the city limits. Let's get closer - here is a street with houses on it, and beautiful rocky formations rise right behind them.

// levik.livejournal.com

This place offers a beautiful view of the entire town of Boulder. Only I won't show it to you. Go and see for yourself.

By the way, in Boulder not only beautiful mountains and you can legally buy marijuana - there are also awesome sunsets. This happens because immediately to the west of the city there are mountains, the sun hides behind them a little earlier, while continuing to illuminate the sky. At Burning Man, which is completely surrounded by mountains, you can see similar things.

// levik.livejournal.com

But that I am fixated on Boulder. After all, we came to see the real mountains, and those that are next to Boulder are so, slides. Let's go to Rocky Mountain National Park!

The road we are interested in is called Trail Ridge Road and is part of the first American highway system that existed before the creation of Interstate Highways. It got its name because it passes next to the old trail along which the Indian tribes crossed these mountains. Trail Ridge Road - section of highway 34. In general, this is the "highest" highway in America! (There are paved roads going up a little higher, but these are not considered highways.)

// levik.livejournal.com

The road was built in the 1930s, this section of 77 kilometers is partially closed for the winter, there is a lot of snow here. But this is later - while it is open here. Since today the road is entirely on the territory of the National Park, you will have to pay for entry - $ 20 per car per day, or you can buy a subscription for the whole week for $ 30.

Don't think that 77 km can be covered in an hour or even two. That is, it can theoretically be possible, but it is better to take at least half a day (and, for good reason, all day) to this road, leaving yourself time for all kinds of stops and walks. The first few kilometers we drive on flat terrain, around the tree, mountains are visible in the distance.

// levik.livejournal.com

When we come across deciduous trees, we realize that we have arrived in time for the beginning of autumn colors. The leaves shimmer in colors ranging from green to pale lime to light yellow with hints of orange. But among the trees, for some reason, there are many dead trees.

// levik.livejournal.com

A snow-capped peak is visible ahead. This is Longs Peak, 4,300 meters high.

// levik.livejournal.com

The road rises to the mountains, runs along the slopes of the mountains. In many places it twists like a serpentine. From here you can clearly see how she cuts the coniferous forest on the slope.

// levik.livejournal.com

In fine weather, there are wonderful views of the surroundings. The forest-covered relief landscape recedes into the distance. It’s not even clear where all those plains that seem to be very close here are.

// levik.livejournal.com

In the lowlands, the river draws very sophisticated zigzags.

// levik.livejournal.com

Meanwhile, the highway rises higher and higher. It gets cooler at this height, and at some point the road crosses the border of the forest. Trees no longer grow above this line.

// levik.livejournal.com

But now there is excellent visibility from anywhere!

// levik.livejournal.com

In some places in the highlands, hiking trails leave the parking lots. You can walk around this desert area.

// levik.livejournal.com

These landscapes very much reminded me of my trips to Iceland. Although the whole tundra probably looks like that.

// levik.livejournal.com

But here you will walk a little, and you will have views of the mountain ranges.

// levik.livejournal.com

Now they are not yet completely covered with snow, it lies only in separate crevices, giving the mountains the effect of "gray hair".

// levik.livejournal.com

There are also such islands of snow near the road.

// levik.livejournal.com

Clouds creep between the mountains, creating a beautiful layering of peaks that disappear into haze.

// levik.livejournal.com

But what views are there - right from the road! Every few hundred meters I want to stop and take pictures!

// levik.livejournal.com

It is interesting how the nature of the North American mountains differs from the Asian ones. For example, on the Chinese mountain Huashan, (where the "most dangerous trail in the world" is), the mountains look completely different. Probably the matter is in the quality of the rock - the Rocky Mountains from a harder stone, because of this, although less dramatic in appearance, but somehow more peaceful and stately.

The grass in the highlands is now a beautiful brown color. In summer it is green. Tall sticks stand along the sides of the highway. Do you know why? ..