Guided Excursion
RetroIntegration2023 will provide a guided bus excursion to visit the spectacular Rocky Mountain National Park. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the nation's most breathtaking national parks and spans 415 square miles. The range includes many prominent peaks including Hagues Peak, Ypsilon Mountain, Mummy Mountain, and Mount Chiquita. The national park also contains an abundance of wildlife including moose, bears, elk, bighorn sheep, bobcats, and mountain lions.
Tourism
Colorado is a scenic wonder with many exciting places to visit. Conference participants are encouraged to explore on their own. Our suggestions are below!
Boulder
Nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains at 5,318 feet above sea level, Boulder offers magnificent scenery and a thriving local economy supported by the University of Colorado Boulder. There are many things to do in Boulder on your own or with others, from shopping and dining on Pearl Street to hiking various trails.
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Estes Park
Located 1 hour from Boulder and sitting at 7,522 feet above sea level, Estes Park is a quaint town outside of Rocky Mountain National Park often referred to as the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Panoramic views of iconic peaks, gold-medal fishing rivers, and an abundance of wildlife can be seen here all year. For any Stephen King fans, Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel from "The Shining."
Denver
The city has come a long way from being just a jumping point for exploring the Rocky Mountains. Today, Denver is a vibrant city bustling with live music, restaurants, sports (Go Avs!), street art, parks and museums, making it a tourist destination itself. Neighborhoods such as those around Union Station, the River North (RiNo) District, Capitol Hill and the Santa Fe Arts District are popular areas to explore. A 'brewery crawl', anyone? Or maybe check out Meow Wolf, a psychedelic convergence of over 70 art installations - including a fascinating world inspired by cellular substructure and a giant virus-like Cosmohedron.
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Every musician's dream - from The Beatles to U2 to Dave Matthews Band - is to perform at the world-famous Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. Consistently voted as the best outdoor music venue in the country, this spectacular venue hosts live concerts nearly every night from May to November. During the day, the park is also worth exploring for its intriguing rock formations ... including dinosaur tracks!
Golden
The historic town of Golden (elev. 5675 ft/1730 m), just north of Red Rocks is a charming downtown situated near Table Mountain, Lookout Mountain, and Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Golden is also home to Coors Brewery, the largest single brewery in the world (tours and tastings are offered year round!).
Vail
Vail is the quintessential ski destination in Colorado. However, in the off-season, it becomes a quiet refuge. Recommended activities include shopping and dining in Vail Village and hiking various trails.
Aspen
Located two hours from Vail, there are plenty of things to explore in Aspen, the country's premier mountain playground for the rich and famous. Thankfully, you don't need to be a billionaire to indulge in its natural beauty. Aside from exploring the posh town, seeing the famous Maroon Bells are in many people's bucket lists. A reservation is required to visit these famous peaks, and they almost always sell out early. The Ashcroft Ghost Town is a good alternative.
Breckenridge
Situated at the base of the Tenmile Range, Breckenridge became a major town in the 1800s when gold was found in the Blue River. Today, it houses one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, with numerous restaurants and shops along its charming main street lined with historic buildings with Victorian architecture. Fly-fishing, stand-up paddling, mountain biking and hiking are popular activities here during the fall. A trip down 1000 feet to a historic gold mine is offered by Country Boy Mine.
... and Beyond!
There are many places to explore than those suggested above. If you're spending extended time in Colorado, heading further west to Crystal Mill, Palisade, The Grand Mesa, and Colorado National Monument will be sure to astound. Please do not hesitate to contact the local organizers for advice!
