The Rocky Mountains

Considering its glorious natural setting, it should come as no surprise that Sun Valley has a thriving arts and culture scene. Who could fail to be inspired, living in a place like this? In summer, the area’s many galleries spring to life, with meet-the-artist walks and curator-led tours. And if that’s not enough, there’s also live music, serious stargazing and a sheep parade.

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for geothermal features, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife. Yellowstone teems with a vibrant ecosystem packed with predatory species (bears, wolves, and mountain lions) and their prey (bison, elk, and pronghorn), and the Teton Range is one of North America’s premier climbing destinations.

Twice a year, gear makers from all over the world gather in the Denver, Colorado Convention Center to share their newest designs, innovations, and inventions with outdoor stores, journalists, and their peers. This year, the biggest focus was on how to keep people kitted out in rain jackets, hiking boots, and travel bags, without trashing the beautiful places we thrill to experience.

The Centennial State is known for its offbeat offerings, and at 104,185 square miles, there’s lots of ground to cover. Luckily, we’ve done the legwork. From a yurt at a down-home hot springs to a bed-and-breakfast with goats (where you can take cheesemaking classes!) to a working ranch that’s also a nature conservancy, these are some of the most unique spots in the state for an overnight.

Picture a pre-dawn celebration where hundreds of whiskey lovers fueled by spiked coffee and dram-filled donuts are warmed by a convivial spirit that belies the chilly Denver air, and you’ll get a sense of this annual can’t-miss event for brown spirit aficionados.

Fantastic mountain roads and epic views await visitors to Southeastern Colorado, where you can build your own San Isabel scenic drive around and through the beautiful San Isabel National Forest and its nearby towns.