Our Favorite Colorado Travel Ideas

Plan Your CO Adventures
From bustling cities to blustery ski slopes, Colorado gives us a variety of thrilling destinations to explore. If you’re looking for a vacation destination without the hassle of air travel, consider a week away close to home! Here at Shea Homes®, we’ve compiled several travel suggestions that you can enjoy right here in the Centennial State.
 
Find an Urban Escape
Treating yourself to a nice hotel surrounded by exciting nightlife and fun daytime activities isn’t just for those visiting from out-of-state. No matter if you want a day trip close to home or a weekend away a bit further afield, our gorgeous home state has options aplenty. Take a mini break in Grand Junction to sip local vintages — located about four hours west from your home, Palisade is known as Colorado wine country. Spend a day or two visiting tasting rooms via bike loop trails throughout the area! 

Just about an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs features stunning mountain views and cultural institutions alike. The city has a few famous outdoor activities, including the Manitou Incline, Garden of the Gods, and world-class whitewater rafting during the summer. Looking for cold weather activities or prefer to stay indoors? Stop by an art gallery to view pieces by local and national artists — or catch an exhibition at the acclaimed Fine Arts Center.

Discover a National Park
Whether you’re interested in winter sports like skiing or prefer warm-weather exercise like hiking, all of Colorado’s national parks offer year-round activities. Head down to Cortez to visit Mesa Verde and walk ancient Puebloan ruins to connect with the history of the land. You’ll find hiking trails for different ability levels and nearby markets with local artisan goods for sale. Enthusiastic campers will find several sites to pitch their tents — but make sure to check availability and access beforehand. From your home to the destination, plan for a seven-hour scenic drive.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison features numerous trails and picturesque roads within the national forest. If you're a passionate cross-country skier, you can find routes throughout the area — all while avoiding more crowded nearby ski towns like Telluride. During the spring and summer, bring your fishing gear to reel in a monster trout or peer through binoculars to view the many species of wildlife in the area (like bighorn sheep and elk). This part of Gunnison National Forest is a straightforward five-hour jaunt southwest of Denver and includes mountain passes that may close due to inclement winter weather.

Do you have favorite vacation spots in Colorado? From outside recreation to indoor events, you’re sure to find new and exciting locales within driving distance of your lovely Shea home. For information about Shea Homes’ Colorado communities, connect with our team today.