Low carbon adventures in Colorado

As the US continues to emerge from the pandemic and travelers look to return to travel, environmental concerns are top of mind for travelers now.

The Colorado Tourism Office, along with destinations across the state, has already laid the groundwork for low impact travel experiences.

Colorado already is home to two US cities powered 100% by renewable energy, meaning travelers to both Aspen and Glenwood Springs can enjoy a vacation with little carbon impact.

Denver is consistently ranked among the most sustainable cities in the country, and Breckenridge has joined Vail as two of only three certified sustainable mountain resort destinations in the world.

Five Roaring Fork Valley tourism organizations have come together to launch a tourism alliance (the first of its kind in Colorado) that will focus on activities and programs that promote responsponsible travel.

As travelers explore The Centennial State this summer, the Colorado Tourism Office is making it easier to visit responsibly and to Do Colorado Right.

This educational campaign offers travelers insights on how to enjoy the state by traveling at off-peak times, exploring lesser-known spots and traveling like a local.

As an added bonus, many of these insider’s tips will help visitors take a responsible approach to travel by embracing the state’s Care for Colorado Leave No Trace Principles. 

This includes Trash the Trash, Keep Wildlife Wild and Be Careful with Fire. This year, the CTO is especially pleased to partner with Cortez, Colo. resident Phil Henderson, a leader in outdoor adventure education.

Henderson led an all African American ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro in 2018 and will serve as a spokesperson for Colorado encouraging backcountry safety in the state.

Below is a sampling of low emissions travel options to give back from across Colorado. Find more information about all of these responsible travel offerings and more on www.Colorado.com.

Explore Low Emissions Travel Offerings:

• Buses and Shuttles: With service launched in March 2021, United Airlines is making it easier for customers to travel to Breckenridge and Fort Collins with convenient year-round ground transportation service from its hub at Denver International Airport. Boulder offers free Park to Park Shuttles on summer weekends connecting Boulder to Rocky Mountain National Park, Chautauqua, Eldorado Canyon State Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness. Book a Groome Transportation shared-ride shuttle to Denver International Airport (DIA), which uses cleaner burning propane-powered vehicles. The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) introduced eight battery powered electric buses last year to a fleet offering free rides from a collection of stops between Aspen, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs, Eagle and Rifle.
• Aviation:  Atlantic Aviation, launched a new carbon offset initiative in December 2021 in which every gallon of jet fuel for commercial and private aviation at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) will be offset to be carbon neutral through verified carbon credits purchased by Atlantic Aviation. Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest solar-powered airport in the country with power-saving and recycling facilities along with the world’s largest and greenest parking lot.
• Trains: Colorado has numerous scenic and historic railroads and train travel offerings. Rocky Mountaineer, the luxury train operator, will run its first full season in the Southwest United States in 2022. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route is a two-day rail journey between Denver and Moab with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs. The Broadmoor Manitou & Pikes Peak Cog Railway reopened in spring 2021 after a multi-year hiatus for reconstruction. Recognized as the world’s highest cog railroad, the railway is one of Colorado Springs’ top attractions and since 1891, has taken thousands of people to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak.
• Cycling and E-Bikes: This summer, visitors can bike or walk through downtown Denver to experience a route the locals call the 5280 Trail. The 5280 Trail is an envisioned 5.280-mile recreational biking and walking route connecting fun Denver neighborhoods. Locally owned since 1978, Recycled Cycles in Fort Collins is “Colorado’s largest Earth-friendly bicycle store.” Aurora, Colorado, is home to Pedego Southlands – a fully-equipped rental service for electric bikes. Enjoy a cruise around Steamboat Springs on an electric bike from Pedego Electric Bikes and find e-bike mountain bike rentals at Steamboat Ski & Bike Kare or Ski Haus. Aspen Skiing Company opened a Maroon Bells Basecamp visitor center at the base of Aspen Highlands that offers e-bikes for rent as an alternative to taking the bus to the Maroon Bells. Even beginner cyclists can ride the Top of the Rockies scenic byway by renting e-bikes at E-Bike Leadville, which makes riding in the highest town in Colorado more accessible.
• EV Vehicles and Charging: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has set the state on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2040 and is positioning Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy, building out a network of fast-charging stations to power electric vehicles.  An eighth Colorado Scenic and Historic Byway was certified as a Colorado Electric Byway in December 2021, and the state is committed to electrifying all 26 of its byways over the next several years. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has embarked on a partnership with Rivian to install public charging stations in every state park. The Town of Breckenridge recently installed more than 60 public electric vehicle charging ports with the completion of the South Gondola parking structure. The City of Aspen owns and operates a total of 65 charging stations and 8 public charging stations.
• ‘Colo-Road Trips’: The “Colo-Road Trips” microsite on Colorado.com is a searchable, online collection of hundreds of multi-day itineraries aimed at inspiring travel in less-visited destinations and seasons. It’s a great way for travelers to find their way to lesser-known, fun Colorado destinations. Search by favorite activity, city or time of the year. Each multi-day trip idea includes great places to stay and eat and fun things to do, along with a ‘Sustainability Activity’ and ‘Insider Tips,’ giving visitors the lowdown on traveling like a local.

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