According to forum posts, for those traveling from Mesa Verde to Nebraska, recommended stops include Durango, Pagosa Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Buena Vista/Salida area, Fairplay, Telluride, Ouray, and Montrose. These locations offer a combination of beautiful scenery and light hiking opportunities.

Some travelers have suggested driving through Colorado Springs and taking detours like Loveland Pass via route 6. This adds scenic value to the journey along I-70, which is praised for its beauty. Additionally, the route through Monte Vista is recommended for its efficiency, although road and weather conditions should be checked in advance.

For road conditions and planning, travelers have pointed to useful resources like the Colorado tourism department’s online guide Colo-Road Trips and the state’s official road condition website, cotrip.org. These tools can help in discovering hidden gems and ensuring safe travel through Colorado’s diverse landscapes.

Some travelers recommended Colorado ski resorts known for being family-friendly, such as Breckenridge, Vail, and Steamboat Springs. These locations offer a mix of skiing and non-ski activities, making them ideal for families with varying interests.

According to forum posts, nearly all major ski resorts in Colorado provide ski schools, which are essential for families with beginners or young children. Resorts like Aspen and Vail are noted for their upscale environments but come with higher price tags, especially during peak seasons like Christmas.

Travelers have highlighted that some Colorado ski resorts also offer additional family-oriented activities such as tubing and ice skating. Places like Telluride and Crested Butte are praised for their picturesque settings and additional recreational options beyond skiing.

According to forum posts, Colorado is rich in scenic drives and natural beauty. Travelers have highlighted routes such as Independence Pass to Aspen, featuring Maroon Bells, and the scenic byways across the state, which offer breathtaking mountain views.

Some travelers said that Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and the Great Sand Dunes National Park are must-visit natural attractions. Additionally, the Colorado National Monument and the Million Dollar Highway near Ouray are also highly recommended for their stunning landscapes.

For those interested in outdoor activities, forum users suggest visiting Mesa Verde for its historical significance and unique landscape. Hanging Lake and the hot springs in Glenwood Springs are also popular spots for nature lovers looking to hike and relax.

Travelers have called out specific trails and areas like the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and Hessie to Lost Lake Trail, which are ideal for experiencing Colorado’s diverse outdoor settings.

Some travelers have recommended a variety of lodging options across Colorado. For those visiting Colorado Springs, options like Cheyenne Mountain Resort, The Mining Exchange, and The Antlers provide good access to local attractions. In mountain areas, Creekside Chalets and Blue Coyote Ranch near Monarch offer proximity to snowboarding and hot springs.

Prices for accommodations like Cheyenne Mountain Resort start around $150 per night but can vary based on location and amenities. Many of these accommodations are praised for their cleanliness and scenic locations. For those looking for unique stays, Glen Eyrie Castle and The Outlook Lodge were mentioned for their distinctive charm.

Travelers are advised to book accommodations with flexible cancellation policies, especially during winter when weather can be unpredictable. This flexibility allows for changes in travel plans without financial penalties.

Some travelers recommended Crested Butte and Aspen as top hiking destinations in Colorado, known for their beautiful trails and scenic views. These areas offer diverse hiking opportunities that cater to both mild and challenging preferences.

According to forum posts, the San Juan Mountains and areas around Vail, such as the Holy Cross and Eagles Nest Wilderness, are also highly praised for their hiking trails. These locations provide vast wilderness areas with ample hiking options.

For those looking for less crowded alternatives, Indian Peaks Wilderness near Granby or Grand Lake and the Collegiate Peaks from Buena Vista were suggested. These areas offer a mix of accessibility and remote wilderness, ideal for varied hiking experiences.

Some travelers suggested taking Interstate 70 to Route 128 when driving from Denver to Moab, highlighting it as a scenic drive. Others recommended exploring Glenwood Springs along the way for its hot springs, cave tours, and hiking opportunities like the Hanging Lake trail, which requires a permit.

For activities in Moab, many users recommended visiting Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It was mentioned that Arches requires a timed entry permit. Travelers also suggested staying at least 5 days in Moab to fully explore the area and enjoy activities such as hiking and visiting the Island in the Sky and the Needles.

Regarding accommodations, some posts indicated using points for stays at places like the Element in Moab. Travelers emphasized the importance of planning ahead for permits and reservations, especially for popular sites like Arches National Park.

According to forum posts, ATVs can be rented in various locations around Colorado, including Breckenridge, Frisco, Silverthorne, Buena Vista, and Vail. Each area offers different scenic attractions such as waterfalls and streams.

Some travelers have discussed a specific thread for ATV rentals near Breckenridge or Buena Vista, suggesting these areas as good places to explore similar trails to those in Ouray, known for their beauty.

According to forum posts, popular locations for whitewater rafting in Colorado include the Arkansas River near Salida and Buena Vista, the Colorado River out of Glenwood Springs, and the Shoshone section of the Colorado River near Edwards. Bighorn Sheep Canyon, also on the Arkansas River, is noted for being family-friendly.

Some travelers have recommended rafting companies like Independent Whitewater, Timberline Tours, and River Runners. These companies are praised for their services in various locations such as Buena Vista and Salida.

For families, the Bighorn Sheep Canyon route is suggested as it offers a more beginner-friendly experience. Rafting conditions can vary, with some areas having more intense rapids and others offering a blend of thrilling rapids and calm float time, suitable for enjoying the scenery.