The wide open road
YES, COLORADO IS KNOWN FOR Denver’s city swagger and the American state’s soaring mountain peaks that draw snow lovers from around the world. But beyond the bright lights and winter powder, a roadtrip to Loveland, Fort Collins and Steamboat Springs on the Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway awaits.
LOVELAND: 1hr north of Denver
Three cities. Too many miles to count. ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ blasting from the stereo… The only way to discover northern Colorado is on an epic road trip.
Best for: Love, of course. Have a Valentine’s Day card sent to your amore from Loveland, or ‘lock’ your special someone onto a LOVE sculpture for serious brownie points.
Do: Benson Sculpture Garden is a huge surprise, with 172 sculptures amid gorgeous gardens. Don’t miss Circle of
Peace by Gary Lee Price. Then saddle up for a real ranch experience at Sylvan Dale, where you can enjoy a trail ride along the ridgeline, with commanding views. If you want to stretch your own legs, try hiking along the Devil’s Backbone.
Stay: Sylvan Dale Ranch has cosy cabins in a scenic location.
Eat: Head to Door 222 for tapas and sangria, or sign up for a tasting at Sweet Heart Winery. Pent up energy? Order a beer at Axe to Grind before throwing sharp objects at a target. Or perhaps vice versa.
FORT COLLINS: 30mins north of Loveland
Best for: A touch of Disney. Downtown Fort Collins provided inspiration for Main Street USA at Disneyland.
Do: Get the lay of the land on the Magic Bus. When you alight, stroll around the Old Town admiring heritage buildings – pause to play one of the 65 painted pianos. For adventure, go whitewater rafting on the Cache la Poudre River or paddle scenic Horsetooth Reservoir. From here, it’s also easy access to
Rocky Mountain National Park.
Stay: The historic Armstrong Hotel or music-themed The Elizabeth.
Eat: Carnivores will love The Cache at Ginger and Baker; CooperSmiths is one of 20 craft breweries in town; or enjoy a sugar high at Nuance chocolate shop, which has the largest selection of single-origin chocolate in the world.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS: 3hrs west of Fort Collins
Best for: Adventure, whatever the season. Do: Go hiking in summer or skiing and snowboarding in winter. The tree skiing opportunities here are epic, and there are runs for all levels. Channel your inner cowboy (or cowgirl) on a horse-riding expedition at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch, then continue the theme in the authentic Western town – cowboy boots are essential. Finally, soak weary limbs at Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Stay: You’ll want to stay in a luxury home booked through Moving Mountains, including One Steamboat Place.
Eat: Dine on local, sustainable produce at Café Diva; enjoy contemporary cuisine and craft cocktails at The Laundry; or travel by snowcat-drawn sleigh to the on-mountain, Scandinavian-style Ragnar’s, where you’ll enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner.