With the change of seasons comes a renewed excitement around a post-vaccine return to travel, and Colorado’s breathtaking landscapes and wide open spaces are the perfect cure for cabin fever.
Visitors to Colorado can expect to be wowed with exciting new travel offerings. Colorado’s famed Pikes Peak will welcome the new Summit Visitor Center and the return of the world’s highest cog railroad. The much anticipated Palisade Plunge is set to be one of the longest singletrack downhill mountain bike trails in the U.S, and Arapahoe Basin will inaugurate the highest via ferrata climbing route in North America. Colorado will commemorate the Bicentennial of the historic Santa Fe Trail throughout 2021, and Rocky Mountaineer luxury train will debut its new Colorado route this fall. With the renewed excitement to travel also comes a renewed commitment to travel with a lower impact, and Colorado is working to electrify all 26 of its Scenic and Historic Byways.
When it comes time to dream of the adventures ahead, Colorado is opening several new and innovative accommodations offerings across the state including new glamping opportunities, the expansion of Gravity Haus’ adventure lodging offerings to Vail and Winter Park and new boutique properties for one-of-a-kind overnights. And don’t forget to eat and drink at exciting new restaurant and bar concepts popping up across the state.
As visitors explore Colorado, they are encouraged to “Do Colorado Right” and embrace the state’s new interpretation of responsible tourism — showing care not only for destinations but for visitors and the people who call Colorado home. Following is a sampling of what’s new in Colorado for the year ahead. For more information and travel ideas, visit www.COLORADO.com.
Enticing New Attractions, Adventures and Events:
The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway To Reopen in Spring 2021: The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway will reopen after a multi-year hiatus for repairs in spring 2021. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, the Railway is one of Colorado Springs’ top attractions and since 1891, has taken thousands of people to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak. For a true taste of all that Pikes Peak area has to offer, take “The Ultimate Pikes Peak Challenge” launching in May 2021.
United Offers New Seamless Travel from DEN to Breckenridge and Fort Collins: Beginning service in March 2021, United is making it easier for customers to travel to Breckenridge and Fort Collins with convenient year-round ground transportation service connecting through its Denver hub. The airline is teaming up with Landline – a premium ground transportation company – to offer connecting service to these popular destinations through DEN.
Colorado is Electrifying Its Scenic and Historic Byways: The state of Colorado is committed to electrifying all 26 of its Scenic and Historic Byways and confirmed that six of the byways have been electrified as of March 2021, with additional byways coming online throughout the year. Dollar Rent A Car and Thrifty Car Rental will begin offering up to 10 electric vehicles between their fleets at the Eagle County Airport before the end of 2021, and Arapahoe Basin has also agreed to provide a $40 gift card per electric vehicle that is rented at Eagle County Airport.
Colorado Launches Liquid Arts Passport: Launching in April 2021, the Liquid Arts Passport is a statewide marketing campaign that promotes breweries, cideries, distilleries and wineries across the state. Created by the Colorado Liquid Arts, which is a collective that includes the Colorado Association for Viticulture & Enology (CAVE), Colorado Brewers Guild, Colorado Cider Guild and Colorado Distillers Guild, this unique digital passport provides consumers with discounted tastings and offers from some of the state’s best drinking establishments.
Denver’s Dairy Block & American Field Partner on New Outdoor Markets: Dairy Block is excited to continue working with American Field to host a curated series of outdoor markets in 2021, starting with the Local AF Market pop-up over four weekends this April. Held in the Dairy Block Alley, the Local AF Market will feature a unique line-up of Colorado merchants, including vendors offering apparel, accessories, jewelry, food and more. Each Market will also feature live music, food and drink specials and pop-up bars in the Dairy Block Alley.
Palisade Plunge to Open in Summer 2021: Opening in summer 2021, the much anticipated Palisade Plunge is set to be one of the longest singletrack downhill mountain bike trails in the U.S. A $3.2 million investment that has been nearly 10 years in the making, the trail starts at the top of Colorado’s Grand Mesa and descends down to the town of Palisade.
Mustang Mountain Coaster Opens in Estes Park: Colorado’s newest mountain coaster is coming to Estes Park in May 2021. The Mustang Mountain Coaster will open at Sombrero Ranch and will provide visitors with a fun thrill ride the whole family can enjoy.
Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa Completes Renovation: Newly renovated in 2020 with final additions to be completed in spring 2021, the former Trimble Hot Springs has been renamed Durango Hot Springs Resort & Spa offering 26 unique thermal mineral water features, 16 natural mineral hot springs soaking pools, 8 private Japanese-inspired cedar soaking tubs, and is the only natural hot springs in the world to infuse nano-meter and micro-meter oxygen bubbles, increasing the health benefits and purity of the natural waters. The Hot Springs is also home to Durango Hot Springs Spa, which underwent a complete makeover and combines the benefits of natural hot springs soaking with massage and spa treatments.
Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center to Open in Early Summer 2021: The new 38,000-square-foot Pikes Peak Summit Complex will include a newly designed and reconstructed Summit Visitor Center, elevating the experience for visitors who summit Pikes Peak via car, bicycle, foot or rail. The building will be the most sustainable high-altitude structure in the country, if not the world, and the new facility and all exterior walkways are fully accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Guests will be able to enjoy fresh menu options, the visitor’s center’s famed donuts, and digitally interactive displays that bring the history, significance and geology of the mountain to life.
Family Fun Abounds at Las Colonias Park in Grand Junction: Enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, tubing or wading along the Colorado River at the newly opened Riverfront at Las Colonias Park. Located in the heart of Grand Junction, people of all ages can enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking at the new Butterfly Pond and Riverfront at Las Colonias Park. The 130 acre park is the latest development in the “string of pearls,” connecting points of the Colorado River with parks in the Grand Junction area along the Colorado Riverfront Trail.
Arapahoe Basin Opens Via Ferrata in Summer 2021: In summer 2021, Arapahoe Basin will open the highest via ferrata climbing route in North Americaon on their East Wall, one of the ski area’s most striking, prominent natural features. The half-day experience will take climbers to an old mine and the full-day offering will take climbers to the summit around 13,000 feet. Both will include a scenic chairlift ride and boxed lunch.
Mural Trails Itineraries Showcase Art Across the State: In partnership with Colorado Creative Industries, the Colorado Tourism Office is launching a new series of itineraries that tell the stories behind noteworthy murals across the state. Mural Trails is an experience that walks visitors through each piece of art and highlights local restaurants and nearby hotels for a fully-rounded—and turnkey—visitor experience. Currently, the itineraries are offered across the Front Range (here and here) and in Mystic San Luis Valley. Additional itineraries highlighting murals in other regions of Colorado are also under development.
Schoolcations Educational Itineraries Invite Learning from the Road: In partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, the Colorado Tourism Office has launched a new series of Schoolcations educational trip itineraries. The trips are crafted with plenty of hands-on learning, educational adventures and, of course, stops for ice cream. Each was designed with kids from kindergarten to 5th grade in mind, but the activities, outings and accommodations will be enjoyed by children of all ages.
Ride of the Ancients Will Showcase Southwestern Gravel Biking in 2021, June 26, 2021: The Ride of the Ancients in Mesa Verde Country takes cyclists along the Trail of the Ancients Scenic & Historic Byway which serves as a gateway to the Ancestral Puebloan and heritage destinations throughout Southwest Colorado. This year’s event will showcase 29-mile and 95-mile scenic and history-filled gravel road rides.
5280 Trail Project Unveils Wayfinding and Art: This summer, visitors can bike or walk through downtown Denver to experience a route the locals call “the 5280 Trail.” The 5280 Trail is an envisioned 5.280-mile recreational biking and walking route connecting inner-city neighborhoods of Denver. New signage and neighborhood activations will add wayfinding and a pop of community art along the route throughout the summer.
Rivertrippers Now Offers Ancient Ruins Tours: Durango outdoor outfitter Rivertrippers recently added a selection of Ancient Ruins Tours to their portfolio of river rafting, 4x4 Tours and Jeep Rentals. Archaeologically trained subject matter experts lead guests to awe-inspiring sites including Lowry Pueblo, Sand Canyon and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
Gunnison County Shady Island River Park to Open Summer 2021: The Shady Island River Park project is a 10.5-acre Gunnison County development project that will provide safe public access for community members, visitors, anglers and boaters with the construction of a formal boat launch area and access to the Gunnison River. Shady Island River Park will include parking, 19 tent camping sites, a camp host, picnic shelters with restrooms, trail loop system, recreation path, fishing access, boat staging area, access for non-boaters, outdoor gathering areas, picnic tables and a boat queue area.
Mystic Mountain Mushrooms Sprouts in Grand Lake: Mystic Mountain Mushrooms, located near Grand Lake, not only cultivates certified organic mushrooms but also educates guests and customers about health benefits of each type and more. Visitors can participate in various educational classes offered throughout the summer.
The Rocky Mountaineer Debuts its Rockies to the Red Rocks Route, August-November 2021: The Rocky Mountaineer will bring its luxury train journeys to a new route in the Southwest United States in 2021. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route will be a two-day rail journey between Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. The company is working with local tourism organizations, hotels and tour operators to curate custom vacation packages that feature tours, activities and stays, so guests can experience even more of the region.
Colorado to Commemorate Bicentennial of the Santa Fe Trail Throughout 2021: From 1821 to 1880, the Santa Fe Trail served as a commercial route between Mexico and the US. Traversing much of southeastern Colorado, today’s Santa Fe Trail travelers can experience 1840s life as a trader at Bent’s Old Fort or find wagon wheel ruts and walk sections of the trail at Comanche National Grassland. 2021 marks the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, and to commemorate it, Canyons & Plains, a heritage tourism development organization, will tell stories about life on the trail. These stories will be released on Facebook leading up to celebrations in the fall of 2021. The keystone event of the 200-year celebration, the 2021 Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial Symposium, will take place in La Junta, September 22 – 26, 2021. The commemoration continues in Trinidad from September 27 – October 3, 2021.
Basalt Welcomes Contemporary Center for the Performing Arts in Fall 2021: ‘The Contemporary’ is a high impact, future-ready performing arts facility that will serve as an incubator for entertainment, culture and community. The building includes an outdoor amphitheater, an active lobby/workspace and a catering and teaching kitchen and will stand as a model for performing arts centers around the world.
MeowWolf Comes to Denver in Late 2021: Santa Fe’s lauded arts and entertainment group, MeowWolf, will open a new immersive arts experience in Denver in late 2021. Meow Wolf is comprised of more than 300 employees creating and supporting art across a variety of media, including architecture, sculpture, painting, photography, video production, cross-reality (AR/VR/MR), music, audio engineering, narrative writing, costuming and performance.
The Denver Art Museum's Martin Building Undergoes $150 Million Renovation: The Denver Art Museum’s Martin Building (formerly North Building), is undergoing an extensive, multi-year renovation including the new Anna and John J. Sie Welcome Center, two new dining spaces, the Bartlit Learning and Engagement Center and updated galleries. The entire building is currently scheduled to reopen to the public by its 50th anniversary at the end of 2021.
New Center Dedicated to Bauhaus Artist Opens in Aspen in Late 2021: A new center dedicated to the work of Bauhaus artist and Aspen icon Herbert Bayer is planned for the Aspen Institute campus. The new center will exhibit Bayer’s work from Lynda and Stewart Resnick’s extensive Bayer collection, the Aspen Institute’s holdings, as well as pieces on loan from museums, while housing archives from Bayer scholars and public education.
New Pagosa Springs Hot Springs Fest, November 4 – 6, 2021: Celebrate Soak-ember at the Pagosa Hot Spring Fest. This one-of-a-kind festival grants attendees access to more than 30 natural geothermal hot spring pools at three different hot springs properties – The Springs Resort, Healing Waters Resort and The Overlook Mineral Springs Spa, all within walking distance of each other. There will be a variety of activities to explore to satisfy the need for fun and wellness such as soaking, aqua yoga, pool parties, water aerobics, contrast bathing, hiking, live music and a Soak, Sip, and Stroll through downtown shops.
DEN is building 39 New Concourse Gates: DEN is increasing overall capacity at the airport by 30 percent with 39 new gates to be added on all three concourses to allow DEN’s airlines an opportunity to grow and for DEN to accommodate new airlines, including international carriers. Construction on all expansion work is expected to be substantially completed by the end of 2021 and gates will be airline operational in 2022.
New Lodging Properties and Major Renovations:
Hotel Maverick Opened in Grand Junction: Located on the breathtaking campus of Colorado Mesa University, Hotel Maverick is a scenic destination that fosters the spirit of curiosity. Built against Grand Junction's sprawling red rock canyons, this unique Colorado locale immerses guests in experiences that feed their wanderlust offering complimentary cruiser bikes for guests, a pump bike park, disc golf, pet-friendly accommodations and enormous grounds to wander. Plus, the hotel restaurant, Devil's Kitchen, serves up delicious bites and incredible views from its rooftop patio.
Hotel Imogene Opened in Ouray: Nestled in the San Juan Mountains in the heart of Ouray, the Imogene provides the perfect blend of luxury and history. Originally serving as a saloon and brothel, the building underwent an extensive restoration in 2020 and now offers six unique hotel rooms that feature the work of local artists as well as the building’s extraordinary history. Guests can take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop bar, enjoy a roaring fire in the historic lobby or relax in a custom-built wood stove sauna.
S.L.umber Yard Opened in Leadville: At the renovated train depot FREIGHT Leadville are 12 brand-new high-craftsmanship cabins. Each is designed with reclaimed materials from the original train depot and is named for a historic Leadville working lady, to honor these unsung Leadville residents. A curated library of books, records, tapes and CDs lives in each cabin.
Life House Hotel Opened in Denver’s LoHi Neighborhood: Life House has landed in Denver’s hip neighborhood of Lower Highlands, or “LoHi”. This marks the first luxury hotel for the burgeoning neighborhood and the first out west for the hospitality company. The property’s design draws inspiration from Victorian Industrialism, the contextual 1800s design movement, as well as the natural landscape of the Wild West.
Gravity Haus Expands to Vail and Winter Park: Gravity Haus, a globally conscious experiential brand, opened Gravity Haus Vail in December 2020 with plans to open in Winter Park in June 2021. Gravity Haus' community-based hospitality model offers an authentic mountain lifestyle for guests, a fusion of work, play and travel through tech-forward yet thoughtful 'Haus' brands that include mountain modern restaurants, holistic fitness and wellness facilities, functional co-working spaces, sustainable access to outdoor gear demos, as well as a growing collection of experiential retail partnerships and benefits.
Kinship Landing Opened in Colorado Springs in Late 2020: Kinship Landing, a brand new adventure-inspired boutique hotel concept features a Discovery Platform community space, gear storage and more. The property brings travelers and locals together around city and outdoor exploration.
Aspen Street Lodge Opened in Aspen in Late 2020: Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Aspen stands a new luxury retreat - Aspen Street Lodge - a stunning property with a location beyond compare. Nine lodge rooms and a two-bedroom penthouse suite have been designed with refined and warm contemporary mountain décor. Expansive terraces with views of Aspen Mountain and the surrounding townscape and parks, a penthouse pool and hot tub, outdoor living spaces, a fully equipped game room and bar for après enjoyment combined with high-touch service puts the best of Aspen at your fingertips. During Summer/Fall 2021, Aspen Street Lodge will initially operate with buyouts only, due to COVID19.
Headwaters Hostel Opened in Granby in Late 2020: The new Headwaters Hostel is the only year-round hostel available in Grand County and mixes a cabin-like interior with a hipster atmosphere and plenty of communal space.
Copper Mountain Welcomes New Hotel, Element 29 in Spring 2021: The anticipated four-story hotel opened in March 2021 with 127 guest rooms containing sophisticated, modern finishes, and with its proximity to Center Village, guests are a short walk away from retail, dining and outdoor adventure. The hotel is part of the momentum behind Copper Mountain and POWDR’s continued focus on enhancing the guest experience with a $100 million
