Hidden Colorado: Beyond Denver and the famous ski runs

Dear reader,

Have you ever been to Salida, Colorado? Ever even heard of it? This summer we're taking a few lucky women to a part of Colorado unseen by most tourists. Some 90 million people visit Colorado each year but the majority don’t venture out much beyond Denver and the state’s 28 ski resorts.

Colorado is a hugely popular winter destination, but when the snow melts and the wildflowers pop up, nature lovers who prefer warmer weather come out of hibernation. There’s a saying that people come to Colorado for the winters, but stay for the summers. Ask any CU student who just can’t quit Boulder after graduation: Coloradans just love their outdoors, especially concerts under the stars.

U2, the Eurythmics, and of course, John Denver have all headlined at the beautiful Red Rocks amphitheater. If you haven’t been there, you’re in for a treat. The acoustics are amazing, and sitting under the stars while listening to your favorite band makes it all the more enchanting.

Judy Collins, a long-time supporter of NextTribe, describes her love for Colorado in this video she posted announcing her song “Girl from Colorado.”

On a map, Colorado just looks boring. A plain old square, right in the middle of the western part of the United States. Unlike the actually boring states (we won’t name them here, but you know what we mean), Colorado has a little something for everyone: spectacular mountains, lakes and rivers, it’s 420-friendly (if you know, you know) and, as with much of the land west of the Mississippi, an enduring presence of—and respect for—native art, culture, and traditions. 

The must-see Denver Art Museum (affectionately known as “The DAM”) was one of the first art museums in the country to collect and exhibit native American art from more than 250 tribes.

Denver has an excellent symphony orchestra, respectable non-equity theaters, and some really memorable restaurants. NextTribe COO Jeannie Edmunds, whose mother lives in Denver, is partial to Le Merise, a beautiful French bistro in Cherry Creek. (She also loves Root Down in the airport’s Terminal C, even if she’s flying Frontier from Terminal A…she appreciates  a long layover). 

Colorado is dotted with plenty of cute small towns. Some are ski towns in winter, and charming shopping/dining/outdoorsy stopovers the rest of the year. 

Gunnision, home of Colorado Western College, is just next door to Crested Butte. This ski town  is known for its backcountry and heli-skiing trails, but in summer it transforms into a little slice of heaven with an old western vibe and small independent shops. Same goes for Telluride, known for the Telluride Film Festival, its famous residents (Hi Oprah!), and a summer full of activities, including the Telluride Jazz Festival.

The highest spot in Colorado, Leadville, is where Jeannie Ralston’s son used to guide dog sled tours, and Ski Cooper, Jeannie Edmunds’ favorite small ski resort is nearby. 

Further afield, little towns like Durango, home of the narrow gauge steam train to the mining town of Silverton, and Salida, known as “the heart of the Rockies” and famous for having the most Wild West historic buildings  in the entire state.

My fellow NextTriber, Ellesor Holder and I will lead the NextTribe trip to Salida this August for some cool mountain air, whitewater rafting, hiking, biking, eating, shopping, and the usual NextTribe camaraderie. There are just a few spots left….I hope you’ll join us! Consider this your personal invitation and, as with all of our trips, you can opt-in or opt-out of any activity. We just want to give you the chance to try something new, and to do it in a beautiful place among new women friends!

Farmer’s Almanac is predicting another scorching summer, but not where we’re going!

I can’t believe Spring is here already. Time flies when you’re helping other women have fun!

Cheers,

Marcy Mitchell

PS Here’s another song to get you in the mood:  “Colorado Girl” by Townes Van Zandt

Upcoming Info Session for Our Santa Fe Trip!