Colorado Ski Season kicks off this week

Colorado kicked off ski season this week with the opening of its first ski areas and a winter storm that blanketed much of the state with its legendary powder. To celebrate the start of winter, many of our towns and resorts are offering enticing early season lodging and activity packages with prices starting as low as $50 per person, per night.

• Southwest Airlines Skis Fly FreeTM: Book your flight with Southwest Airlines and your skis or snowboard fly free to Colorado.  www.southwest.com
  
• Crested Butte 50/50 Package: In celebration of 50 years of skiing and riding, Crested Butte Mountain Resort is offering 50 percent off lift tickets and $50 per person, per night for lodging. Valid November 23 through December 16, 2010. 800-600-2803; www.skicb.com 
  
  
• Glenwood Early Bird Ski, Swim & Stay Package: Ski at Sunlight Mountain Resort, enjoy unlimited swimming at the World’s Largest Hot Springs Pool and stay in the conveniently located Hot Springs Lodge. Prices start at $100 per person. Valid December 4 through 16, 2010. 800-537-7946; www.hotspringspool.com
  
• Winter Park Ski Free: Book one night lodging (two night minimum stay) and receive a free adult lift ticket. Stay more nights, get more free tickets. Valid November 17 through December 25, 2010. 800-979-9874; www.playwinterpark.com
  
• Denver Twice the Fun for the Price of One: The brand new Four Seasons in Denver is offering a package where your  companion stays free, which includes a two-night stay, and the second night is complimentary. Dine together in the hotel’s restaurants or make a Spa date, and your companion's charges are on the Four Seasons. www.fourseasons.com/denver 
  
• Keystone Condo Giveaway: With every purchase of a lift ticket, night of lodging, Ski & Ride School lesson and $20 or more at an on-mountain restaurant, you’ll get an exclusive Keystone Scratch Ticket for a chance to win unlimited use of a 2-bedroom condo and other instant prizes like hotel stays, lift tickets, skis, Ski & Ride School lessons and more. Valid November 5 through December 19, 2010. www.keystonecondogiveaway.com
  
• Boulder Ski Escape: The Boulder Ski Escape Package, in conjunction with Eldora Mountain Resort, includes discounted Boulder hotel rooms and lift tickets. Prices start at $67.50 per person, per night. www.boulderskiescape.com
  
• Telluride $89 Stay and Ski: Enjoy three days of skiing the legendary terrain of Telluride Ski Resort, and stay for five nights. Prices start at $89 per person, per night. 800.355.8743; www.visittelluride.com/places-to-stay/packages 
  
  
• Breckenridge Ski Free, Stay Free: Four people can stay four nights in a two-bedroom condo and ski three days during Breckenridge’s early celebration of the holidays. Prices start at $70 per person, per night. Valid November 29 through December 19, 2010. 877-593-5260; www.gobreck.com
  
• YMCA of the Rockies Stay Two Nights, Get the Third Night Free: Stay two nights and get the third night free at Estes Park Center or Snow Mountain Ranch for the month of November. Applies to cabins, lodge rooms and yurts. Valid November 1 through 30, 2010. 800-777-9622
  
  
• Aspen Snowmass First Tracks MVP: The First Tracks MVP (Mini-Vacation Package) offers buy 2, get 3 on lift tickets, equipment rentals and group lessons (levels 4 and up, ages 7 and up). Valid November 25 through December 16, 2010. 888-649-5982; www.stayaspensnowmass.com
  
• Devil’s Thumb Ranch Fall Back Package: Play a little hooky with a package that includes a lodge room, breakfast for two and $50 in Ranch Bucks to use at any Ranch venue – spa, activities center for cross country skiing or snowshoeing and/or lesson or equipment rental, dining and more.  Prices start at $125 per person, per night. Valid Sunday through Thursday through December 20, 2010. 800-933-4339; www.devilsthumbranch.com
  
• Monarch Stay, Ski & Soak: Package includes lodging at the Salida Super 8, a full-day lift ticket to Monarch Ski Area, breakfast and a one day pass to Mt. Princeton Hot Springs. Prices start at $54 per person, per night. Valid November 24 through December 16, 2010. 719-539-6689

Magical Holiday Moments in Gunnison-Crested Butte

A snowy mountain backdrop, lots of good cheer, and plenty of fun activities for all ages combine to create magical holiday moments in Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colo. The season for winter sports kicks off just in time for Thanksgiving celebrations, with Crested Butte Nordic Center opening Nov. 20 and Crested Butte Mountain Resort ski area opening Nov. 24.

NOVEMBER 2010
13 Holiday Fashion Show, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, Gunnison
20 Sugar Plum Festival, Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center, Gunnison
20 Opening Day for Crested Butte Nordic Center
24 Opening Day for Crested Butte Mountain Resort ski area
26 – 27 Thanksgiving Training Camp, Crested Butte Nordic Center

DECEMBER 2010
3 Gunnison Night of Lights, Main Street
4 Holiday Bazaar, Crested Butte Community School
4 Light Up Night & Holiday Parade, Elk Avenue, Crested Butte
4 Gunnison Arts Center Gala “Life is a Cabaret,” Gunnison Arts Center
4 – 5 Holiday Open Houses at Downtown Gunnison Merchants
16 – 18 Rock on Ice, Ice Carving Demos/Displays, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
17-19,21-23,28-30 “A Tuna Christmas” Presented by CB Mountain Theatre, Mallardi Cabaret Theatre
18 – 30 Gingerbread House Contest Entries on Display at Elevation Hotel & Spa, Mt. CB
21 Moonlight Snowshoe Tour, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
21 Full Moon Yurt Dinner Tour, Crested Butte Nordic Center
24 Torchlight Parade on the Slopes, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
30 ArtWalk Evening, Crested Butte Galleries
31 Frozen Buns Resolution Run (5K) by Gunnison Valley Health Foundation, Cr.Butte
31 New Year’s Yurt Dinner Party, Crested Butte Nordic Center
31 New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, Crested Butte Mountain Resort

Colorado by the Light of the Moon

As winter approaches and the sun sets earlier, the fun continues in Colorado after dark. The star-filled night sky lights a landscape covered in snow that beckons to be explored. From adventures like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to relaxing in hot springs or catching a glimpse of local wildlife, Colorado boasts a number of experiential activities by moonlight.

• Howl with the Wolves in Divide: Wolves are elusive in the wild, but the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is home to wolves, wolf dogs, foxes and coyotes. The center offers full moon tours that include feeding the wolves by flashlight, then hiking to howl with the wolves at the rising moon. www.wolfeducation.org.
   
• Ride a Snowcat Under the Stars in Crested Butte: Enjoy the thrill of riding in a snowcat to the top of the Red Lady Express Lift and snowshoe the moonlit mountain trails back to the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Moonlight Snowshoe Tours are offered every month under the full moon through the winter.  www.skicb.com.
    
• Learn by Moonlight in Colorado’s State Parks: Throughout the fall, several Colorado State Parks host moonlight hikes, led by park naturalists, where visitors can look for animal tracks and listen to the calls of the wild. Then in the winter, moonlit activities continue with snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. www.parks.state.co.us.
  
• Glide Through the Darkness in Fraser: Devil's Thumb Ranch's full moon cross country ski, snowshoe and ice skating outings are held every month under the full moon. During or after, warm up at the bonfire, roast marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.  www.devilsthumbranch.com
  
• Let the Moon Be Your Guide in Rocky Mountain National Park: Take an intimate walking tour of Rocky Mountain National Park by the light of the full moon. Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to ranger-led snowshoe tours. Beginner to advanced level tours are available and include lessons in snowshoeing skills and winter safety. (970) 586-1223
  
  
• Soak Under the Stars in Glenwood Springs:  Few activities are as relaxing as soaking in a hot springs pool under the moonlight. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one of the best places to bathe in the lunar light in Colorado. The world’s largest hot springs pool is the ideal spot for viewing the night landscape while soaking in its soothing mineral waters.  www.hotspringspool.com
  
• Explore Nocturnally Atop the Grand Mesa: During full moons, grab snow shoes and cross country skis to trek across 32 miles of groomed landscape on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat top mountain in the world.  www.gmnc.org
   
• Stargaze by Sleigh in Steamboat Springs: Take a dinner sleigh ride at the Saddleback Ranch near Steamboat. Relax, cuddle up with a warm wool blanket and take a look at the stars and the moon's light making the snow glisten. Warm up with hot chocolate, dinner and listen to live entertainment. www.steamboat.com 

Explore Colorado's spooky side for Halloween

Travelers who want to ‘scare up' a fun vacation this Halloween should check out Colorado. Experience the "real" ghosts of Colorado and stay in the haunted hotel that motivated Stephen King to write The Shining. Take a lantern-lit tour of the cemetery where gun-slinger "Doc" Holliday is buried or race coffins down the street in memory of a 19th century girl who haunts historic Manitou Springs. With Colorado's rich history comes a variety of famed ghosts who are dying to meet you this October:

A "Shining" Example of Scary in Estes Park: Spend a night in the place that inspired Stephen King to write the novel, The Shining. What makes the Stanley Hotel truly unique is the presence of otherworldly residents including the first owner's long-deceased wife, Flora Stanley, who allegedly can still be seen and heard playing the piano. The fourth floor and room 418 seem to have the most ghostly activity reported. For the ultimate scare (or inspiration), stay in room 217 - where King himself stayed. Hear the hotel's legendary ghost stories and sightings and visit the most haunted places in the hotel during a historic ghost tour, participate in a professional paranormal investigation or celebrate Halloween with a murder mystery dinner and a "Shining Ball."

Bizarre Tour of Crime in Boulder: Hear ghost, crime and history stories as the Banjo Billy bus rolls along Boulder's spookiest haunts. Stops include: Hotel Boulderado; Mount Saint Gertrude Academy, supposedly haunted by the ghost of Sister Mary Theodore O'Connor; The University of Colorado's Macky Auditorium, the site of the horrifying murder of former student Elaura Jaquette. Ghost tours offered Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October.

Coffin Races in Manitou Springs: The legend of Emma Crawford lives again on October 30 during the annual Emma Crawford Coffin Races up Manitou Avenue. Costumed impersonators of Emma, a 19th-century local who was buried on nearby Red Mountain, ride on coffins pulled by teams of mourners. She supposedly still haunts the mountain even though her coffin washed away years after her burial.

Ghosts and Graveyards in Glenwood: Stay at the haunted Hotel Colorado and catch a glimpse of the murdered chambermaid who appears at night near the Devereux dining room or the ghost of the young girl who died at the hotel. If the ghosts at the Hotel Colorado aren't spooky enough, take a lantern-led tour of Linwood Cemetery where Glenwood's past is resurrected. Hear the haunting graveside tales of John "Doc" Holliday, Kid Curry, as well as the stories of miners and pioneers. Weekend tours begin October 15 through Halloween.


Rocky Horror in Telluride: For three days, horror fans are invited to experience the latest independent horror films in Telluride's historic Sheridan Opera House and Nugget Theater at the inaugural Telluride Horror Show October 15-17. The event includes feature films, short films, special programs, guests, and a party or two. While in town, visit the former miners hospital, now the Telluride Historical Museum reportedly haunted by the ghosts of patients past.

Ghouls Night Out in Ouray: Enjoy your favorite beverage and talk about the haunted history of Ouray in the Beaumont Hotel where you might meet the ghost of the murdered young woman who lives there. Price includes room for two at the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs in Ouray, two drinks at the Historic Beaumont Hotel and two haunted history tours through Ouray for only $139. Package available Wednesday - Sunday nights in October.

Spirits in the Denver Botanic Gardens: Denver Botanic Gardens was once a part of the City Cemetery in the mid-1800s. Take a Ghosts in the Gardens Tour for chills listening to the recount of decades of the paranormal through eyewitness reports from past and present gardens staff. Enjoy a night of storytelling through visual and verbal tales throughout the gardens, and in the dining room at the Waring House mansion, which was built in the early 1900s. Bring your voice recorders and cameras to see if you capture something from the other side. Tours take place October 15, 23, 29 and 30.

Colorado's Top 10 rafting trips

With the economy still recovering and personal budgets pinched, Coloradoans are looking at another summer of “staycations” – cost-effective getaways providing fun, and adventure within an easy day’s drive from home. With Colorado’s river outfitters running trips on more than 20 rivers across eight major basins, summer 2010 might just be the bets time ever to discover the world’s largest water park is right in their own backyard.

Over a rafting season that runs from April to September, members of the Colorado River Outfitters Association (CROA) recommend the following stretches of river – in no particular order – as the top rafting opportunities for paddle-happy folks:

1. Ruby - Horsethief Canyons, Upper Colorado River
Providing breathtaking views of dramatic western Colorado canyons, this tranquil 25-mile stretch just west of Grand Junction is perfect for rafting, inflatable kayaking, wildlife viewing (eg., desert bighorn sheep, bald eagles, blue herons, deer and coyotes), hiking and relaxing. The Class I and II waters are gentle enough for beginners, while the views and add-on activities will keep everybody excited and engaged.

2. San Miguel Confluence to Gateway, Lower Dolores River
This is a little known stretch of river that highlights the red rock canyon country few folks know exists in southwestern Colorado. The section has a remote feel, a handful of class II and III rapids and quite a bit of flat water. Rafters frequently see river otters and bears along this stretch. Dinosaur tracks, rock art, wild west characters and mining history are all compelling topics knowledgeable guides use to keep folks entertained as they float along.

3. Chicago Creek to Kermit's Restaurant and Bar, Clear Creek
Just 30 minutes from downtown Denver and taking a few hours or less to run, this beginner stretch of Clear Creek provides a great Introduction to whitewater without intimidating rapids while leaving the balance of the day for other activities in the metro area. The six-mile run flows through the historic Idaho Springs mining district on class II and III waters appropriate for beginners.

4. Lower Eagle River
A beautiful stretch of class I, II & III rapids appropriate for ages 5 and up, the Lower Eagle is an awesome introduction to whitewater rafting and an ecological excursion at the same time. The run begins high in the Vail valley among mountain forest terrain and meanders down into the high desert of the lower Western Slope. Ospreys, eagles, beaver, mink, and fox frequent the shores of the Lower Eagle.

5. Bighorn Sheep Canyon, Arkansas River
While the Arkansas – the most popular rafting river in the world – is famous for exhilarating whitewater, this canyon offers a smorgasbord of quarter-day, half-day, full-day and multi-day trips between Salida and Pinnacle Rock. The section runs through the San Isabel National Forest, with many wildlife viewing opportunities and mostly class III whitewater that’s suitable for all.


6. Town of Gunnison to Riverway Park, Gunnison River
This 11-mile stretch takes just about two hours to float through its class I & II rapids, making it an excellent choice for families and kids of all ages. Outfitters often see deer along (or in) the river, as well as blue heron, lots of little "dipper" birds perched on rocks, the occasional river otter and other critters. It is very scenic floating along the valley bottom underneath cottonwood trees and past The Palisades, a giant volcanic cliff wall. The trip also goes through the Gunnison Whitewater Park.

7. Little Gore Canyon, Upper Colorado River
This is a beautiful stretch of gently flowing river providing unsurpassed scenery with a little whitewater (class I-II). The trip passes by natural hot springs and offers opportunities for a short hike to some prehistoric dinosaur tracks. The Little Gore is near the headwaters of the legendary 1,400-mile long Colorado River and one of the first boatable sections of the river. Alpine scenery, historic points and milder whitewater make it a great scenic trip.

8. Lower Cache la Poudre
The Cache la Poudre River, northwest of Fort Collins, is Colorado's first and only designated National Wild and Scenic River. This run on the beautiful and pristine lower section of the river offers rapids ranging from intermediate to advanced intermediate in difficulty (class III), making it appropriate and exciting for first-time and experienced rafters alike.


9. Lower Animas River
Relax and enjoy a different view of southwestern Colorado as you bounce through fun-filled rapids like "Smelter", "Sawmill", "Santa Rita" and "Pinball". Rafting guides share history of the region and stories of local traditions. Families, reunions, groups, first timers and rafting/inflatable kayak veterans enjoy this trip through Durango and south through the Southern Ute Indian Reservation

10. Rio Grande
Best known as the border river between Mexico and the United States, the Rio Grande begins relatively modestly in the San Juan Mountains near Creede before flowing 1,865 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Not far from the headwaters, outfitters ferry guests down a 12 to 14-mile section of waters that are class II-III for most of the season. The stretch is through pristine high country scenery.

Dillon, CO elects gay mayor

Ron Holland is the mayor-elect of Dillon, a Colorado town with a population of about 800. Holland, who is openly gay, beat his opponent by 18 votes, 90-72, in a general election on Tuesday. Holland, a business owner who currently sits on the City Council, and his partner have lived in Dillon for the past five years.

2010 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide

The Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) has released the 2010 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide to assist travelers in planning the ultimate Colorado vacation or to help residents experience Colorado in new ways.

The 2010 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide provides accounts of unique Colorado experiences through feature stories and departments, which highlight "What's Now, What's Surprising and What's Timeless."

The "What's Timeless" department covers everlasting Colorado activities that must not be missed such as whitewater river rafting, golf and trips on scenic and historic trains. "What's Now" focuses on summertime in Colorado ski towns, camping, craft breweries and beer festivals. For out-of-the-ordinary Colorado activities, the "What's Surprising" section highlights Colorado bird watching, the robust wine country, relaxing hot springs, high altitude regattas, revered concert and theatre venues, and the state's irresistible shopping.

Attention gay Colorado: Take this survey!

The One Colorado Education Fund is creating the first-ever comprehensive account of Colorado LGBT lives and they need your input to better understand the collective experiences of GLBT Colorado.

If you’re a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender Coloradan, take the survey and urge other LGBT persons within your personal networks, whether it be by email, Facebook and/or Twitter, to take it today.

The survey will only be online through Friday, February 26th so be sure your voice is heard.

Explore Colorado's fall foliage

There is a reason Colorado begins with “color.” Mother Nature has blessed our state with unrivaled beauty, especially during the fall months when the mountains dazzle with orange and yellow aspen tree leaves. A drive in the mountains to watch the leaves turn is an awesome way to spend a day but have you ever considered checking out the view by train or even hot air balloon?

Check out some unique ways to enjoy the beauty of Colorado in the fall after the jump.

Photo from www.scenicbuenavista.com.


Embark on a fall photo safari at the Delaware Hotel in Leadville, and capture beautiful images of Colorado’s fall colors. The Fall Photo Safari package includes accommodations for one night at the elegant Victorian inn, a photo safari with personalized scenic photography instruction from award-winning photographer Jon Sheppard, box lunch, transportation to and from photo sites and an afternoon image review. Prices start at just $235 per person. Available September through October. Call 800-748-2004.

Enjoy Colorado’s fall colors from new heights with The Inverness Hotel’s Fly & Soar package in Englewood. This package combines the excitement of a hot air balloon flight with the grounded relaxation of upscale accommodations, a couples spa treatment and luscious gourmet treats. Packages start at $699 (based on double occupancy) and include two nights in a deluxe hotel room, a hot air balloon ride for two with complimentary champagne and continental brunch served aboard the balloon, Xpress Focus Massage for two at the hotel spa and the 'Take Flight with Tony' flight sampler featuring artisanal cheeses, chocolates and wines at the Fireside Lounge.

Head to Durango in Southwest Colorado and delight in the fall colors while soaring through the forest canopy in a state-of-the-art harness. This exhilarating package is great for all ages. Enjoy a Tree Top Soaring Adventure for two, tickets on the the Historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and two night’s lodging at a Durango area hotel starting as low as $399.

Celebrate Colorado wine and food on a scenic bike ride through Colorado’s wine country during the beautiful fall harvest at the 15th Annual Tour of the Vineyards in Grand Junction, September 20th. This 25-mile ride through the vineyards of the Western Slope (on paved roads with a few hills) gives cyclists an opportunity to pass by the area’s wineries, as well as acres of fruit orchards, located in the Grand Valley of Palisade.

Hit the road on one of Colorado’s 25 Scenic and Historic Byways. Try the Rocky Mountain National Park’s Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved continuous road in the U.S. This 1.5- to 2-hour drive from Grand Lake to Estes Park features the magnificent scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park and offers great viewing areas for elk and other wildlife. Or, cruise along the Top of the Rockies Byway and check out the sights from Copper Mountain to Aspen.

Enjoy Frisco’s Autumn Spectacular, September 6-20. Nestled in the heart of Summit County, at 9,097 feet, Frisco is a great hub for viewing the area’s breathtaking foliage. Along with the beautiful colors, businesses throughout town will be offering “9,097 deals” on dining and shopping plus, a full lineup of events including The 1st Annual America Cup Fly Fishing Tournament, musical entertainment and kids activities.

Run with the Salmon at Willowfly Anglers in Almont. Experience the country’s largest land-locked kokanee salmon run from late August to late October. Purchase any all-day guided fishing trip in September and October through this Orvis Endorsed outfitter and, receive a 20 percent discount on lodging accommodations for two nights or more at Three Rivers Resort. Soak in the scenery on a relaxing fly fishing experience on the Gunnison, Taylor or East Rivers.

Hop aboard the historic Georgetown Loop Railroad and soak in the fall brilliance as the locomotive scales up 640 feet of mountainous terrain on narrow gauge track between Georgetown and Silver Plume. This journey includes a trip across the massive Devil’s Gate High Bridge. Along the route passengers may stop for a guided tour of the historic Lebanon Silver Mine, and view wildlife in its natural habitat.



People of Wal-Mart: Colorado edition

People of Wal-Mart is the meme of the moment and it looks like these are the first Colorado Wal-Mart shoppers to have landed on the site (above).

Don't feel too bad.

It could have been a lot worse (below).

Happy Belated Colorado Day!

Gov. Bill Ritter officially proclaimed Saturday, August 1, as Colorado Day in the State of Colorado. The date marks the 133rd anniversary of Colorado's statehood. Known as the Centennial State, Colorado became the 36th state in the Union in 1876 upon the signature of President Ulysses S. Grant.

In 1861, directly after the South seceded from the Union, Congress created the Colorado Territory. As a result of the gold rush and subsequent mining booms, the region quickly was populated, with the territorial capital, Denver, becoming a major supply town. In 1876, President Grant signed a proclamation creating Colorado as the 36th state in the Union -- the Centennial State.

Traditionally, Colorado Day has been a time to celebrate the state's rich and storied history. To encourage Coloradans to learn more about their state and its historical treasures, Gov. Ritter, along with Lt. Gov. O'Brien and their staffs developed a list of some of their favorite Colorado historical sites and destinations. The initiative is designed to raise awareness of our state's historically significant locations, and to promote the idea of "stay-cations" -- vacations that Coloradans take within the state to discover our inherent beauty and history. With "stay-cations," Coloradans can re-discover Colorado, save on the expenses of a more distant trip, and keep Colorado dollars within the state to boost both the state economy and local economies.

The Governor and Lt. Governor are encouraging people to submit their favorite historic Colorado destinations and help create a list of 133 recommended sites to visit in Colorado in honor of the 133rd anniversary of statehood.

Click here to recommend a favorite historical site. Recommend up to three destinations between now and August 16th. Once voting is complete, the Governor's Office will announce and promote the list of 133 favorite places on the Governor's Office website and encourage Coloradans and out-of-state guests to visit the recommended sites before summer comes to an end.

And remember, you can always go to www.colorado.com to find hundreds of destinations and events happening around the state.

Experience the West in Gunnison-Crested Butte

American Cowboy just named Gunnison-Crested Butte one of the “20 Best Places to Live the West.” American Cowboy Publisher Bill Garrels notes, “Whether you’re looking for a new place to settle or the perfect place to vacation, these communities deliver top value in the form of adventure, culture, authenticity, natural beauty and frontier history and tradition.”

Read more after the jump.


Trail Rides/Packages
Tenderfoot Outfitters and Water Wheel Inn are teaming up to offer a Western heritage ride on July 26 – 29. Spend the first evening at Water Wheel Inn, where a cowboy dinner will be served to fill your belly before riding out into the West Elk Wilderness on horseback with Tenderfoot on July 27. Spend a night at “cow camp” and learn about the Gunnison Valley’s Western heritage from historian Dr. Duane Vandenbusche over dinner. Return to Gunnison on July 28 for a tasty lunch at 5 B’s Bar-B-Q, an afternoon of exploring the Pioneer Museum and a stay at the Water Wheel Inn. The trip is limited to 10 people at a cost of $499 each, tax not included. All meals are included except dinner on the evening of July 28. Visit www.waterwheelinnatgunnison.com or call (800) 642-1650.

Another option is to take the scenic drive up Highway 135 to Crested Butte and pay a visit to Lazy F Bar Ranch, located approximately 3 miles out Brush Creek Road just south of town. Breakfast and dinner horseback rides, wagon ride dinners, and general horseback riding for any skill level are available. Winter sleigh ride dinners to a rustic 1950s cabin overlooking the East River are popular during snowy months. For more information, call (970) 641-0193 or visit www.lazyfbarranch.com.


Also check out Fantasy Ranch Horseback Adventures, offering horseback outings and wilderness trail rides from its stables in Almont and Mt. Crested Butte. Fantasy Ranch is well known for its trail ride from the Crested Butte area to Aspen. During winter, Fantasy Ranch offers carriage and sleigh rides in downtown Crested Butte. Contact (970) 349-5425 or visit www.fantasyranchoutfitters.com for more information.

For those who prefer a vacation by Colorado’s largest body of water, horses and their owners are welcome at Ferro’s Blue Mesa Ranch Resort in Sapinero, located on Blue Mesa Lake west of Gunnison. Horse owners pay a corral fee and feed cost for their horses, and horses and guides are available for trail rides. Call (970) 641-4671 for more information.

Dude Ranches
For unforgettable guest ranch experiences, visit Waunita Hot Springs Ranch near Gunnison and Harmel’s Ranch Resort near Almont. To reach Waunita Hot Springs Ranch, call (770) 641-1266 or visit www.waunita.com. To reach Harmel’s, call (800) 235-3402 or visit www.harmels.com.

Events
Gunsmoke-n-Gunnison, July 25 – 26, Aug. 29 – 30, Oct. 3 – 4
The Gunnison Valley Mounted Shooting Association will hold its sixth annual Gunsmoke-n-Gunnison competitions at the Fred R. Field Western Heritage Center on four weekends this summer and fall. Cowboy mounted shooting is one of the fastest growing equestrian sports today, requiring a special form of teamwork between horse and rider and blending disciplines such as reining, barrel racing and horsemanship. Using two .45 caliber single action revolvers and specially prepared ammunition, the rider must accurately shoot 10 balloon targets set in any one of 75 different patterns while controlling the speed and direction of the horse.

Cash and prizes are awarded to winners of each division, and each rider will accumulate points that go toward possibly competing at the world championships. There is no cost to watch the competitions, which typically begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. For more information, call Dennis at (970) 641-4787.

109th Annual Gunnison Cattlemen’s Days, July 10 – 19
This granddaddy of Colorado rodeos features a county fair, parade, horse show, cowboy poetry, live music and dancing, horse races, and of course rodeo events sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Activities are spread throughout the 10 days of the Cattlemen’s Days festivities, with rodeos scheduled for the evenings of July 16, 17 and 18. Amateurs have the chance to compete at the Watershed Team Roping and Barrel Race for adults and youth on July 15. In addition, the Cattlemen’s Days Open Horse Show on July 12 draws participants from the Gunnison Valley and beyond.


However, the true highlight of this 109-year-old festival is the fact that it recognizes the Western way of life in the Gunnison Valley. For a brochure containing the complete schedule of Cattlemen’s Days events or for more information, contact the Gunnison County Chamber of Commerce at (800) 274-7580. Also, visit www.cattlemensdays.com. Tickets go on sale July 6 at the Cattlemen’s Days ticket booth located at Gunnison Bank and Trust parking lot. Tickets also can be purchased at the door. General admission is $12, and reserved grandstand is $15.

Visitor Information & Personalized Vacation Packages
To find out more about Gunnison-Crested Butte’s calendar of events or to book personalized vacation packages, visit www.GunnisonCrestedButte.com. During summer and fall, air access to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport is provided by United Airlines.

About Gunnison-Crested Butte, Colorado
Gunnison-Crested Butte is nestled among almost two million acres of pristine wilderness in southwest Colorado. Winter sports enthusiasts know the area for its world-class alpine skiing and snowboarding at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Gunnison-Crested Butte is also a haven for outdoor summer activities. In the warmer months, visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking, boating, whitewater rafting, kayaking, fly-fishing, camping and horseback riding. Year-round visitors enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops and stimulating cultural opportunities, and have a wide range of lodging options — from rustic inns to guest cabins and bed-and-breakfasts to full-service resort hotels.

Recognized as the “Official Wildflower Capital of Colorado” by the Colorado Legislature and one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” in 2008, Crested Butte is the site of rich mining, ranching and skiing heritage and home to the Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum and Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Only three miles up the road is the resort village of Mt. Crested Butte, home to the ski area, an active base area, the area’s conference center, and outstanding hiking and biking trails.

Gunnison, a real western town located 28 miles from Crested Butte, is home to the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, Gunnison Whitewater Park, Gunnison Valley Observatory, Pioneer Museum and Western State College, a four-year institution offering majors in the liberal arts and sciences and professional fields. Both Crested Butte and Gunnison have thriving historic central business districts packed with shopping and dining opportunities.

In Gunnison County, visitors will find the Curecanti National Recreation Area, where dinosaur fossils were recently discovered; the Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water and home to the largest Kokanee salmon fishery in the United States; and The Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of our country’s newest national parks. Gunnison County includes the quaint and historic towns of Pitkin, Gothic, Tin Cup, Marble, Powderhorn, Almont and Crystal, plus the better-known communities of Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. Gunnison County is part of the West Elk Loop and Silver Thread Scenic & Historic Byways.





Colorado's strangest places

Atlas Obscura is an online compendium of some of the strangest, most unique places in the world.

Colorado has two entries - the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (which actually doesn't sound all that strange or unique) and Bishop's Castle, a self-made structure that stands 16 stories high and features a steel fire-breathing dragon.

Bishop's Castle sounds so up my alley.

Road trip!

Colorado decriminalizes catching rainwater

Did you know that here in Colorado it was illegal to catch rainwater? That's because the rain belongs to developers and agencies who own the water rights. Anyway, a recent study convinced lawmakers that homeowners collecting rainwater to water their gardens or wash their cars wouldn't rob the owners of those water rights of their property. So go hog wild.

See also the article 'Who Owns Colorado's Rainwater' from the LA Times.

And find out how to build your own cheap and easy rain barrels at Homegrown.org.

Colorado: Home of the free

According to a recent study, Colorado is one of the states with the most personal freedom for its residents.

Just don't go trying to get one of them gay marriages all the states are offering these days. - via Boing Boing

Dragon Punch champion of Manitou Springs

Guess who's the Dragon Punch champ of Manitou Springs.

I am!

That's right, I had myself a nice date-type situation this past weekend and had an awesome time at this old-time arcade/boardwalk deal they've got going on in downtown Manitou Springs.

They've got air hockey and skeeball and pinball and an old-timey photo-booth cotton candy and taffy and all sorts of fun stuff and it was super-awesome.

There was also a Dragon Punch game.

Dragon Punch is like a speed-bad type of punching bag that you pull down and punch. The machine measures your punching power and displays your score.

I'm known for my punching so I took a couple of whacks at it and ended up with the high score - 8990, if you're interested.

That means I am the Dragon Punch champion of Manitou Springs. Whoo-hoo!

But seriously, it was awesome, if you've got a day or weekend and want a quick and fun little getaway, get yourself to Manitou Springs.

2009 the year Colorado says 'I do' to gay marriage?

According to the Gay Marriage Map it is. - via Gawker

April 12 is Colorado Tax Freedom Day

Tax Freedom Day – the date on which Americans will have worked long enough to have earned enough money to pay this year’s tax obligations at the federal, state and local levels – will fall on Sunday, April 12 for residents of Colorado. The date for all Americans will be Monday, April 13.

Colorado’s date is nine days earlier than in 2008. There is an earlier overall date for the nation for two reasons: (1) the recession has reduced tax collections even faster than it has reduced income, and (2) the stimulus package includes large temporary tax cuts for 2009 and 2010. Nevertheless, Americans will pay more in taxes than they will spend on food, clothing and housing combined.

Colorado next to last for stimulus aid

Good news and bad news.

The good news is that Colorado isn't as bad off economically as a lot of other states.

The bad news is that it means that we're second-to-last in the country in terms of how much aid we'll receive from Obama's stimulus package.

But I wonder why Obama came to Colorado to sign a stimulus bill that puts us 49th out of 50 states as far as aid we will receive?

Why didn't he go to the very bottom--Utah--to sign it?

I guess Utah doesn't need the money because they have all those rich Mormons there who are able to spend millions of dollars fighting same-sex marriage in other states.

The 'Best Companies to Work for in Colorado' Competition is on!

Energetic and innovative companies all over Colorado are encouraged to apply for the distinction of being the state’s best workplace, in the fourth annual ‘Best Companies to Work For in Colorado’ competition. The initiative is dedicated to identifying and recognizing organizations leading the way in creating and maintaining excellent best practices that define the employee experience. To be considered, companies must meet certain criteria and register by February 27, 2009.

Come on gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses, get your names on that list!

Read the rest after the jump.


The annual competition is presented by The SHRM Colorado State Council, in a partnership with ColoradoBizmagazine, Jobing.com, and six local chapters of the Society for Human Resource Management Association. The evaluation surveys and analyses are conducted by ModernThink, LLC.

“The Best Companies program illustrates that workplace improvements impact a company’s financial success,” said Debbie Little, chair of the 2009 ‘Best Companies to Work For in Colorado’ initiative, and Assistant Director of Human Resources at Hospital Shared Services. “Participants use their winning distinction to enhance recruiting efforts, increase the effectiveness of the company’s general marketing efforts and improve community relations. An added benefit is that being named a finalist or winner boosts employee morale and increases employee retention.”

Last year’s winners were Edward Jones in the large company category (250 or more employees) and Infinity Systems Engineering in the small/medium company category (25 to 249 employees). Forty companies were finalists.
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This year’s winners are selected from three categories: small companies (25 to 99 employees), medium companies (100-250 employees), and large companies (more than 250 employees). Only two categories were used in prior years. The winners will be notified in June 2009, with the final rankings being announced at a gala awards ceremony on Friday, July 31, 2009. In addition to the July gala event, the winners will be featured in a special ‘Best Companies to Work For in Colorado’ issue of ColoradoBiz magazine to be distributed statewide in August.

Eligibility Requirements
· Be a for-profit business, not-for-profit business, or government entity
· Be a publicly or privately held business or government entity
· Have a facility in the state of Colorado
· Have a minimum of 25 employees in the state of Colorado
· Must be in business a minimum of one year

Organizations interested in learning about eligibility requirements, fees and entry procedures can call Modern Think at 1-888-684-4658 or visit www.coshrm.org.