Come to life among the mountains and discover Colorado

Every year, as the weather warms, Torontonians hit the highways north to cottages and resorts. The ritual of escaping the city plays out like clockwork. This year, consider flipping the script and boarding a direct flight to Denver. In roughly the same time it takes to drive to Muskoka on a Friday afternoon, you’ll be surrounded by peaks, vibrant downtowns and experiences that go beyond the usual city escape.

Colorado delivers a unique blend of adventure and refinement. Think dramatic mountain landscapes and rugged trails paired with lively towns, acclaimed dining and a dash of Wild West lore. Here’s how to experience the state at its best.

Saddle up for dude ranch living

For an immersive experience like no other, skip the hotel and check in to a dude ranch. These all-inclusive retreats offer the cowboy lifestyle, reimagined with comfort in mind.

Start your day with a horseback ride and fill afternoons with fly-fishing, hiking or even learning to rope alongside seasoned wranglers. By evening, wind down with communal dinners, campfires and a sky full of stars.

Whether you’re travelling with kids or seeking a low-key luxury escape, there’s a ranch style to match, rustic or refined, social or secluded. It’s equal parts adventure and nostalgia, with none of the rough edges.

All aboard the Rockies by rail

If there’s one experience that captures Colorado’s grandeur, it’s seeing the Rockies by train. Scenic rail routes wind through landscapes inaccessible by car, whisking past narrow canyons, sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

For a more elevated style, some trains offer refined dining in plush carriages as you glide past breathtaking vistas. History buff? Book a rail line restored to the 19th century with routes that once served mining towns. However you choose, it’s slow travel at its best, boasting many views unreachable by car.

The great outdoors dialled up

Torontonians are no strangers to outdoor living, but Colorado takes it to another level. With tens of thousands of miles of hiking trails, numerous state parks and peaks more than 14,000 feet high, the scale alone is awe inspiring. Options range from gentle alpine strolls to challenging summit climbs to suit all abilities.

For water lovers, whitewater rafting is accessible and exhilarating, with routes suited to beginners and adrenalin seekers alike. If pedalling is more your style, Colorado offers the perfect setting for cyclists, with designated routes throughout the state for hardcore ascents, relaxing e-bike rides and everything in between.

Mountain towns that charm

Colorado’s towns are destinations in their own right, blending charm, culture and modern amenities. Historic main streets, often rooted in mining and early settlement history, have art galleries, local boutiques and independent cafés.

Denver, a gateway to the Rockies, pairs a thriving arts and dining scene with easy access to the mountains. Along the Front Range, Estes Park serves as the relaxed basecamp to Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its scenery and wildlife, while Fort Collins offers a lively vibe with a hopping craft beer scene, bike-friendly streets and a walkable historic core.

Deeper into the Rockies, such classic mountain towns as Vail, Aspen and Breckenridge pair dramatic alpine settings with endless activities, from world-class skiing to acclaimed restaurants, galleries and year-round cultural events.

Farm-to-table dishes to delight foodies

Colorado’s dining scene has come into its own, thanks to its ingredient-driven approach and strong ties to local agriculture. Menus follow the seasons, showcasing produce, meats and dairy sourced from nearby farms and ranches. Expect everything from expertly grilled Colorado beef and bison to vegetable-forward plates that let ingredients shine.

At the top end, Colorado’s arrival as a MICHELIN Guide destination in 2023 cemented its place on the fine-dining map, with a growing roster of MICHELIN-recognized restaurants, including many starred establishments. Wherever you choose to nosh, expect quality, sustainability and a warm, distinctly Colorado welcome.

A different kind of escape

Colorado effortlessly combines the nature, great food and slower pace Torontonians love with experiences that feel entirely new. Start planning your getaway at Colorado.com.