Off The Beaten Path | Colorado

With its phenomenal natural splendor and historical sites, Colorado is an amazing state. If you are looking for a state where you can enjoy some of the country's lesser known, amazing natural wonders, then Colorado is a great choice. This edition of Off The Beaten Path features a combination of some of Colorado's great (and more unusual) attractions.

Sheep Dog Trails
Every year the town of Meeker holds the Meeker Classic Sheepdog Trials. This is a great way to learn all about the really interesting sport of sheepherding. At the annual international competition, sheepdogs and their handlers compete on a closed course, performing complex sheepherding maneuvers. The sheepdogs and handlers are competing for a $20,000 purse. If you should decide to visit these Trials, you should know that they are held each year in September over Labor Day weekend. Visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy the art contest, food booths and dog exhibitions.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison
The magnificent canyon at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park was formed by the waters of the Gunnison River. This amazing canyon is deep, with a narrow opening and almost vertical canyon walls, making the canyon a very unique landscape. Experienced rock climbers may want to try climbing the difficult vertical walls of the canyon. The rock is known for being crumbly, which makes it appropriate for only the most experienced rock climbers. If you visit this park and are not an experienced rock climber, you can also hike, fish, kayak, raft and even take a scenic drive.

Pagosa Springs
This picturesque town of Pagosa Springs averages 300 days of sunshine every year, making it a great recreational destination year round. Pagosa Springs is surrounded by wilderness areas and has great recreational opportunities. Colorado is known as a fabulous ski destination, with its sunshine and amazing powder. Visitors can also enjoy winter camping, sledding, snowshoeing, ice climbing and even hot air ballooning. Pagosa Springs is also a gateway to the area's rich Native American history, including the nearby Chimney Rock Archeological Area. Pagosa Springs is known for its amazing hot springs, and throughout the town there are many places where visitors can enjoy the water's high mineral content.

Steamboat Springs
During the winter you can enjoy great skiing, snowboarding and many other winter sports. In the summer you can hike, bike, horseback ride, fish and camp. Steamboat Springs also has an alpine slide, gondola rides and even hot air ballooning. Like Pagosa Springs, Steamboat Springs also has many natural hot springs. These hot springs are relaxing and many believe the minerals in the warm waters of the hot springs have medicinal properties. Steamboat Sprigs is the ultimate year-round alpine destination.

Dinosaur National Monument
Dinosaur National Monument is an amazing place to learn about the natural history of this region of Colorado. In fact, this area has many significant fossils. Combine the natural history of the National Monument with the incredible recreational opportunities of Colorado, and you have a truly memorable destination. You can see fossils, hike, and river raft through the river canyons. One great option during a visit to the National Monument is the Tour of the Tilted Rocks. Another great option is the Fossil Discovery Trail.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Colorado has lots of great railroad trips and options -- one of these is the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum. The historic train runs along the Animas River. During the winter the steam locomotive doesn't travel the entire route to Silverton and back; instead the trip stops at the Cascade Station, which is about half of the regular route. Even in the winter the trip is beautiful and you can still learn all about the historic steam locomotives and the narrow gauge track at the museum. During the winter this train also provides a Polar Express ride, during which you and your family can drink hot chocolate and listen to the classic story.

Mesa Verde National Park
This park celebrates the history of the Pueblo people in the southwestern United States. You will find over 4000 archeological sites at Mesa Verde, including the 600 cliff dwellings. Some of the best cliff dwellings, including Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Long House, require the purchase of tickets for guided tours. The Mesa Top Loop Road is a great scenic drive in the park. You can also enjoy a wide range of amazing hikes, some of which culminate in cliff dwelling overlooks.