The National Parks of Colorado

By Graham McKenzie

If you’re travelling to Colorado, then visits to National Parks are a must.

In the southern portion of the state you are extremely well placed to experience several in fairly short time.  I was lucky enough to visit two in two days and whilst it was a lot to take in the fascination and joy will live long.

First up I embarked on the 700 Years Tour at Mesa Verde National Park and like a lot of this trip the H.G. Wells feelings were coming flooding back. I was stepping into a time machine that whisks you back not just a couple of hundred years but a couple of thousand to the era of the Ancestral Puebloans an ancient Native American culture known for their unique cliff dwellings and advanced agricultural practices.

As you traverse the park there are many examples of the Puebloans presence with ancient living quarters and burial grounds. The very informative guides will also point out vegetation, trees and bushes that they used for food, protection and clothing. The culmination of the tour is Cliff Palace an awe-inspiring sight of ancient cliff dwellings nestled within the rugged canyon walls. It beggars’ belief that these sophisticated buildings were carved out of sandstone such a long time ago.

It is here that you can really gain an insight into the daily lives of the people who once called these structures home.  With strict guidance one is allowed to walk among the constructions and the experience is both humbling and enlightening. It is not overstating it to say that it offers a profound connection to the past.

After a day of exploring the archaeological wonders of Mesa Verde it was time for tranquillity and luxury and what better place than the former mining town of Telluride set in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. I was making my way to the Peaks Resort but in the process had to endure yet another drive through mountain paradise.  It was a scenic journey with the breath-taking landscapes of Colorado, towering mountains and lush forests along the way. Peaks Resort’s elegant design and warm hospitality made me feel instantly comfortable. You are treated to views of the surrounding mountaintops that even in the summers fading light emanate a  unique glistening from their snow-capped summits.

The Peaks Resort is a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence. You might choose to unwind at the spa, where a soothing massage melts away the fatigue of the day’s adventures. Alternatively, take a dip in the heated pool, its waters offering a refreshing contrast to the crisp mountain air.

For dinner another adventure awaited as I took a trip into Telluride Town via the iconic cable car. The ride itself is an exhilarating experience, offering panoramic vistas of the valley below and the peaks that surround it. What’s more it’s free! As you glide smoothly over the landscape, you’re filled with a sense of wonder. Telluride, with its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere, is a delightful place to explore. You might spend some time browsing the unique shops or as I did hit one of the nearest bars for a massive smash burger and a local beer. My healthy diet choices continued unabated.  I arrived in town a little early to enjoy the infamous Blues & Brews Festival which is a is a three-day celebration of music and microbrews held in the local Town Park. This outdoor music venue boasts 13,000-feet mountains as a backdrop, a mix of live blues, funk, rock, jam band, gospel and soul performances. There is also beer tasting with fifty-six microbreweries, food and craft vendors, children’s activities, and late night shows. I missed out big time.

The next day a visit to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park beckoned which upon arrival will leave you speechless by the dramatic beauty of the canyon’s steep walls and narrow gorges. From the variety of trails and viewpoints, each providing a unique perspective of this natural wonder, you are treated to breath-taking vistas. The deep, dark chasms carved by the Gunnison River over millions of years are a testament to the relentless forces of nature. As you stand at the edge of the canyon, gazing into its depths, it is difficult to take it all in and equally difficult to move away from for fear of not seeing it again.

In just two days I had journeyed through time at Mesa Verde, indulged in luxury at the Peaks Resort, explored the charming town of Telluride and marvelled at the dramatic landscapes of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Two days well spent by anybody.

Car Parking for Graham was provided by www.aph.com

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