Exactly 150 years ago, Americans flocked to Colorado in search of gold as part of the Colorado Gold Rush. Today, Americans still head to the Rockies in search of gold, only they seek a new kind of gold: the Olympic Gold. The state’s temperate climate and diverse landscape make it an ideal training ground for athletes. Colorado Springs is even home to the U.S. Olympic Training Center. Visitors can explore this beautiful state from an Olympian’s point of view by checking out these exciting activities and making their own Colorado Olympic Vacation.

• Paddle your way to the podium by kayaking on one of Colorado’s sparkling waterways. Kayaking is an increasingly popular sport for people of all ages, and it is never too late to learn. The state offers an abundance of outfitters, plus a variety of watercourses including placid lakes, mellow rivers and challenging rapids. Spend time gliding among the pristine mountain settings of Grand Lake and Dillon Reservoir or practice your slalom skills on the rapids of the Arkansas, Colorado or Yampa Rivers. Or, check out the Glenwood Whitewater Park in Glenwood Springs, the first man-made whitewater course built along the Colorado River. 
  
  
• Colorado is a cyclist’s paradise. Whether you’re pedaling your way to the top along miles of singletrack or coasting down a winding mountain pass, Colorado provides the perfect “training grounds.” Mountain bikers head to places like Fruita, which offers everything from beginner trails to extremely technical routes, and Crested Butte, touted as the birthplace of mountain biking. Crested Butte offers hundreds of miles of mountain biking trails, as well as the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. Road cyclists looking to channel their inner Lance Armstrong can participate in “Ride the Rockies,” an epic annual cycling event that lasts 6–7 days, covering roughly 400 miles from Durango to Breckenridge, with elevation gains of approximately 3,600 feet. For a more relaxed road bike experience, try the Poudre Trail in Fort Collins or the Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction.
  
  
• Boating enthusiasts can set sail on any of Colorado’s peaceful lakes and reservoirs. Sail beneath the towering San Juan Mountains at Lake San Cristobal near Lake City and watch as the aspens blaze gold in their autumn splendor. Chatfield Reservoir, located on the southwestern edge of Denver, provides perfect sailing conditions as winds roll off the foothills. Or, visit the John Martin Reservoir in Hasty near Las Animas; in addition to great sailing, this state park offers excellent birding and wildlife-viewing opportunities.
  
  
• Hit the bull’s eye and you’ll feel like Robin Hood and his Merry Men while learning the art of archery.  Try visiting one of the YMCA of the Rockies camps in either Estes Park or Winter Park for instruction in safety and technique. The YMCA of the Rockies is a great destination for families offering countless activities no matter your interest, from biking, horseback riding and canoeing to fishing, hiking and much more.
  
  
• Join the race. Colorado offers runners unlimited opportunities to strut their stuff.  Explore the scenic pathways at one of Denver’s great city parks — such as Washington Park — or test your endurance by running on some of Colorado’s great trails such as the Rampart Reservoir Loop in Colorado Springs. Runners can also participate in one of the great running events held across the state, including the Bolder Boulder 10k, the Steamboat Springs Marathon or the Mt. Sneffels Half Marathon in Ouray. 

For more information and ideas on each of these activities, visit www.colorado.com

Spend quality time with family at the all-suite Beaver Creek Lodge. 

3 nights lodging in a 1-bedroom condo & 2 days of skiing from $175*

Now is the time to book your summer mountain getaway.

Buy 2 or more nights lodging and get 1 additional night FREE.  Packages starting at $108.

Saddle Up, Colorado Style and get ready for an unforgettable Old West vacation. Adventure awaits travelers at Colorado’s nearly 30 dude and guest ranches where “city slickers” can travel back in time and experience the cowboy way of life.

Guests can take a trail ride through the scenic prairies or watch the sunset on horseback from a rugged mountain trail. However, a trail ride isn’t the only way to enjoy horses; many of the state’s ranches encourage visitors to participate in cattle round-ups, team penning, horseback gymkhanas, overnight pack trips and family rodeos. And, the fun doesn’t end once the sun goes down; in fact, that is when the ranches come alive. Guests delight in home-cooked meals and Western-style barbecues, and kids love the live cowboy sing-a-longs around open campfires plus the chance to roast and eat s’mores. There are also Western hoedowns including line-dancing instruction.

In addition to exciting Western adventures, many of Colorado’s dude and guest ranches offer visitors a complete Colorado vacation experience, including activities such as fly-fishing, rafting excursions, guided hikes, access to some of the state’s spectacular natural hot springs, golf outings and even spa treatments.

For those looking for a more refined experience, some of the more upscale guest ranches offer an amazing culinary experience.The Home Ranch in Clark is a Relais & Chateau-approved guest ranch. The ranch’s Executive Chef, Clyde Nelson, has been a fixture at the Home Ranch for more than 15 years. His recipes have been featured in such esteemed food magazines as Bon Appetite, Food & Wine and Gourmet Magazine, to name a few.

Colorado’s longest Alpine Slide and more.  Book online and save 20%.

Cash & summer adventures last longer in laid-back Salida & Buena Vista.

Stay 2 or more nights at Beaver Run Resort and receive free fuel this summer. Some Restrictions apply.

Save up to 30% on your perfect Colorado getaway this summer.

The Independence Film Fest (Leadville, Buena Vista, Salida, Grand Junction, Pueblo) September 3-28, 2008

Dubbed "Colorado’s feisty new film festival" by The Denver Post, the Independence Film Festival is the ”highest film festival in the world.” It showcases South Central Colorado’s rich cultural history and historic venues — creating a synergy between cinema, culture and community.

The IFFC Second Edition will take place September 3–7 in Leadville, Buena Vista and Salida, September 12–14 in Grand Junction and September 26–28 in Pueblo. The diverse and eclectic programming includes film premieres, parties, juried competitions, a celebrity tribute to Elvis Presley in the movies, a tribute to Director John Landis (Animal House, The Blues Brothers), the films of director Franklin Schaffner (Patton, Planet of the Apes, Papillion), a film critics’ forum with renown critics such as Rex Reed (The New York Observer), Kevin Thomas (The Los Angeles Times) and much more. www.IndependenceFilmFest.com

The Spirit of Chautauqua (Boulder) September 5–7, 2008: A juried art show celebrating the Boulder Art Association’s 85th anniversary. Enjoy artists whose creations capture the spirit and beauty of the Chautauqua through painting and sculpture. www.chautauqua.com

Bighorn Sheep Festival (Georgetown) September 11, 2008: Watch Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep as they graze on the nearby hillside. Spotting scopes help bring the action into clear view, and volunteer hosts will share a cup of hot-cider and help visitors learn about these local icons. www.clearcreekcounty.org

Council Tree Pow Wow & Cultural Festival (Delta) September 19–21, 2008: Now in its 14th year, the Council Tree Pow Wow is western Colorado’s premier American Indian event. Enjoy a lively weekend filled with American Indian regalia, dancing, singing, arts and crafts, food and much more.  www.counciltreepowwow.org

Telluride Blues & Brews Festival (Telluride) September 12–14, 2008: One of the most scenic music festivals in the country, the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival is a three-day celebration of music and microbrews. Held outdoors in Telluride Town Park, visitors experience live blues, rock, funk, gospel and soul. Plus, the best microbrews from more than 50 microbreweries are available during Saturday's Grand Tasting, which includes a variety of food and craft vendors, children's activities and more. www.tellurideblues.com

Monolith Music Festival (Morrison) September 13–14, 2008: The famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre will host Monolith, a one-of-a-kind, indie music festival featuring more than 50 performing artists on five stages. Monolith organizers handpick an impressive lineup of indie favorites and blog darlings. The 2008 show includes Denver’s own Devotchka and French electro-buzz-band Justice as headliners. www.monolithfestival.com  

Autumn Spectacular (Frisco) September 6–20, 2008: The Autumn Spectacular kicks off a two-week celebration of the mountain’s glorious aspen tree colors. Enjoy live music, dining specials and more. www.townoffrisco.com

14th Annual Loaf ‘N Jug Chile & Frijoles Festival (Pueblo) September 19–21, 2008: Pueblo celebrates the harvest of the Mira Sol Chile with the 14th Annual Chile & Frijoles Festival, presented by Loaf N’ Jug. This fun festival promotes the area’s agriculture — especially its homegrown chilies and pinto beans — while displaying the works of many talented artisans and craftsmen. Other activities, including farmer’s markets, live entertainment and family fun, round out this great weekend. www.pueblochamber.org

Oktoberfest (Denver) September 19–21 and 26–28, 2008: Grab your stein, throw on your lederhosen and get ready for Denver’s 39th annual Oktoberfest. Modeled after Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany, Oktoberfest on Larimer Street commemorates this world-famous and time-honored tradition of the German heritage. The festival has become a Denver mainstay offering German attractions, music from national-touring groups, performances by international dancers, children’s activities, the first-ever Oktoberfest Denver 10k Run, a Green Village, splendid décor, accordion concerts and authentic cuisine. www.oktoberfestdenver.com

15th Annual Tour of the Vineyards (Grand Junction) September 20, 2008:
Celebrate Colorado wine and food on a scenic bike ride through Colorado’s wine country during the beautiful fall harvest. This 25-mile ride through the vineyards of the Western Slope (on paved roads with a few hills) gives cyclists an opportunity to pass by the area’s wineries, as well as acres of fruit orchards located in the Grand Valley. www.emgcolorado.com

Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival (Walsenburg, La Veta, Gardner and Chuchara) September 25–28, 2008: The Spanish Peaks International Celtic Music Festival is a four-day program showcasing Irish and Scottish music performed by internationally renowned musicians. The weekend includes concerts, courses, workshops, demonstrations, Céilidh dancing and more. www.celticmusicfest.com

Haxtun Corn Festival (Haxtun) September 27–28, 2008: Celebrate the fall corn harvest! Enjoy parades, craft fairs, street games, antique tractor pulls, demolition derby, barbecues, live entertainment and much more. www.haxtunchamber.com

All events are weather permitting and subject to change. For a listing of additional Colorado events and travel information, log on to http://www.colorado.com/ or call 1-800-COLORADO. You can also order a free copy of the Official State Vacation Guide by calling 1-800-COLORADO or visiting http://www.colorado.com/.

Photo Credits:
"Independence Film Fest" - Courtesy of the Independence Film Fest