Top 5 things to add to your Colorado to-do list in 2012

Photo from Grand Adventure Balloon. Click on photo to go to their website!

I’m not one for resolutions. I have too much guilt when I stray, but I do like lists”¦ to-do lists, packing lists, and even grocery lists. Here’s a list of the things I think should be on your 2012 Colorado To-Do List. Do one or do a few, or make it your New Years Resolution to do them all! And if you do, do them all, I’ll come up with some sort of prize or make you the HeidiTown citizen of the year.  Seriously, I will!

1) Train. I know, I know. I write a lot about trains, but they are just so neat! I’ve mentioned them before and probably will again, but here’s the list of rides I love: Royal Gorge Route Railroad, Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and Georgetown Loop Railroad. If I’m missing any great Colorado train rides, please let me know! I also enjoy taking the Amtrak from Denver to Glenwood Springs. This train ride is scenic at any time of year. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Ski Train!

2) Hot Air Balloon. I see hot air balloons all over Colorado, and one of these days I’m going to get a lift! I’d like to give a shout out to a Facebook buddy, Grand Adventure Balloon Tours based in Winter Park, Colorado.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs
Photo from Strawberry Park Hot Springs on Facebook. Click on photo to go to page!

3) Hot Springs. When I moved to Colorado about 12 years ago, I had no idea that the state was brimming with hot springs. My new favorite is Mt. Princeton Hot Spring Resort, and I recommend booking a room at the resort so that you can use the VIP pools. We always have fun at Glenwood Hot Springs, and lastly, I think Strawberry Park Hot Springs in Steamboat Springs is one of the most beautiful places in the world, especially during winter.

4) Snowshoe. My favorite Colorado winter activity, second only to my newest love of cross-country skiing. It’s a great way to see the beautiful backcountry during the snowy months and it’s an awesomely fun way to burn calories.

5) Festival. As you know, there are many great festivals happening year-round in Colorado. Pick a new one and give it a try. We visited the Estes Park Winter Festival for the first time last year and if you are a fan of chili, this one is not to be missed. The annual chili cook off at this festival is a sight to behold – I think we tried over 40 chilis last year.

6 Comments


  1. There is a train between Chama, NM and somewhere in southern Colorado called the Cumbres and Toltec Railroad…I hear it is beautiful and fun.

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  2. This one is very cool: http://www.leadville-train.com/ …spectacular scenery – and the only one I’ve been on. I used to paint tiny elaborate pictures on the heads of railroad spikes that were sold on the train. Suz trivia;)

    I’m going to try snowshoeing this year if it kills me. And it probably will.

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  3. Yes, the Cumbres and Toltec between Chama, NM and Antonito, CO. Jointly run by both states. Great fall run, as is the Leadville, Colorado and Southern, but I’m more partial to steam trains. And don’t forget the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway in Manitou Springs and the Rio Grande Senic out of Alamosa Colorado.

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  4. And I forgot. I don’t think the Ski Train is running anymore. That’s what their web site indicates. The company that runs the Rio Grande Senic tried to pick it up, but there were issues. And the company that runs the Silverton has just recently taken over operations of the Cumbres and Toltec.

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    1. Tom, I think you are right! I thought it had stopped running, but then I was recently told (this fall) that the ski train was running again, but I should have researched it more thoroughly, because obviously it is not. Glad I rode it in 2009, before it was gone forever. Very sad.

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