The Great Colorado OutdoorsBy Heather Davis

Few places have been as abundantly blessed by nature as
Colorado. The exquisite beauty of its dramatic landscape strikes
awe in those who behold the wonder of its majestic mountain
ranges, deep canyons, and flowered valleys. Come experience
Colorado, and discover the great outdoors at their greatest.

Garden of the Gods Park

The Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center offers guided
nature walks along the parks paved and unpaved trails, as well
as free presentations on geology, ecology, cultural history, and
more. There is a caf on-site to tame growling appetites. Group
tours include a one-hour guided tour and buffet or boxed lunch,
as well as comp theater tickets and meals for drivers and
escorts. 719-634-6666, www.gardenofgods.com Academy Riding
Stables offers tours of the park on horseback. 719-633-5667.

Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site features an American Indian Area,
1860s Galloway Homestead, 1880s Chambers Farm, and the Orchard
House built by General William Jackson Palmer in 1907. Special
events are featured on a regular basis and include musical
performances, an 1880s baseball game, annual Fall Harvest
Festival, and annual Holiday Evening Celebration. 719-578-6777.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde, Spanish for green table, is Colorados oldest
national park. It was here that the aboriginal pueblo builders
known as the Anasazi lived from as early as 550 A.D. until 1300
A.D. The park features over 4,000 archeological sites, 600 of
which are cliff dwellings. Ranger tours guide visitors through
Cliff Palace and Balcony House on Chapin Mesa, as well as Long
House on Wetherill Mesa. Summer evenings, rangers present
programs at Morefield Campground Amphitheater.

A drive along Mesa Top Loop Road is a great way to take in the
views. Top geologic sights include Geologic Outlook and Park
Point, the roads highest point. Summer and fall are perfect for
stargazing at Montezuma and Mancos Overlooks. Bird watchers will
want to check out Petroglyph Point or Spruce Canyon Trails. Mule
deer and wild turkey are common wildlife throughout the park.
970-529-4465, www.nps.gov/meve

Pikes Peak

Discover the natural wonder that inspired Katharine Lee Bates to
write the lyrics to America the Beautiful in 1893. On her first
trip here, Bates wrote, All of the wonder of America seemed
displayed there, with sea-like expanse. Rising to a height of
14,110 feet, it is the most visited mountain in North America.
It acquired early fame due to its location at the eastern edge
of the Rocky Mountains, when pioneers penned the 1859 gold rush
slogan Pikes Peak or Bust.

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