Travel | featured news

Summer officially arrived on Thursday, as defined by the June solstice, which means fourteener season is fast approaching. For some hardy hikers, it has already begun.
Inexperienced peak baggers would be wise to wait a while before venturing out. Patchy snow is being reported on many trails where microspikes or crampons are recommended. Other reports on popular hiking sites suggest bringing waterproof shoes due to wet and muddy conditions.

Colorado film boosters on Thursday announced a plan to lure the world-renowned Sundance Film Festival to Boulder in 2027.
The festival would help put Colorado on the map internationally as “the center of the film industry,” Gov. Jared Polis told The Denver Post on Thursday, joining other festivals in Telluride, Denver and Boulder. He touted a potential economic impact of $100 million.

It’s no secret that Colorado is an outdoor lover’s vacation hot spot. With four national parks, 42 state parks, access to eight national wildlife refuges, and over 300 state wildlife refuges, plenty of nature’s playground is available here for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
According to a report compiled by the Colorado Tourism Office, 60% of overnight visitors participate in some outdoor activity in the state. That’s higher than the 48% national average.

Carrie Haverfield, of Boulder, took her first trip to Costa Rica a decade ago after researching destinations that were safe for solo travelers and that fit her budget.

Rocky Mountain National Park’s largest campground will remain closed this summer due to construction delays, park officials announced Thursday.
The 244-site Moraine Park Campground was shut down last summer for a modernization project, and at the time, park officials said they hoped it would be finished in time to reopen this summer.

No matter where you find yourself in Colorado, there’s a state park ready to embrace your arrival.

Denver International Airport’s longest-ever flight — a nonstop leg from Denver to Istanbul — will take to the skies for the first time Tuesday evening.

It’s so hot right now: sitting in a small, steamy room, sweating out the aches of life.
 
It’s also very, very cool: submerging your overheated self into a tub of near-freezing water complete with tiny icebergs.
Welcome to the world of sauna, an ancient practice that’s resurging as a wellness tool and workout-recovery technique. Thanks to the fast-moving trend factory that is social media, new generations are starting to catch on to the old customs.

Colorado is home to both hot springs and historic scenic train rides, which both are known for the release of steam. Why not combine these experiences for a little steam with steam for a memorable and unique trip?
Although none of these entities currently offer a package with a train trip and a hot springs soak, you can choose your own adventure and try out multiple hot springs with one train ride or something else. Not all of these hot springs offer overnight lodging, so plan accordingly if you are staying near the train or at the springs.

“Exploring Colorado With Kids,” by Jamie Siebrase (a freelance writer for The Denver Post) and Debbie Mock (Falcon Guides)
Letting a kid “wander the historical buildings at the Centennial Village Museum or touch a cloud inside the National Center for Atmospheric Research, that’s when a spark is ignited and the best kind of learning happens,” write the authors in their introduction to “Exploring Colorado With Kids.”