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Experience Colorado by the Light of the Moon

edited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

As winter approaches and the sun sets earlier, the fun continues in Colorado after dark. The star-filled night sky lights a landscape covered in snow that beckons to be explored. From adventures like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to relaxing in hot springs or catching a glimpse of local wildlife, Colorado boasts a number of experiential activities by moonlight.

  • Howl with the Wolves in Divide: Wolves are elusive in the wild, but the Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center is home to wolves, wolf dogs, foxes and coyotes. The center offers full moon tours that include feeding the wolves by flashlight, then hiking to howl with the wolves at the rising moon. www.wolfeducation.org.

  • Ride a Snowcat Under the Stars in Crested Butte: Enjoy the thrill of riding in a snowcat to the top of the Red Lady Express Lift and snowshoe the moonlit mountain trails back to the base area of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Moonlight Snowshoe Tours are offered every month under the full moon through the winter.  www.skicb.com.  

  • Learn by Moonlight in Colorado’s State Parks: Throughout the fall, several Colorado State Parks host moonlight hikes, led by park naturalists, where visitors can look for animal tracks and listen to the calls of the wild. Then in the winter, moonlit activities continue with snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. www.parks.state.co.us

 

 

  • Glide Through the Darkness in Fraser: Devil's Thumb Ranch's full moon cross country ski, snowshoe and ice skating outings are held every month under the full moon. During or after, warm up at the bonfire, roast marshmallows and enjoy complimentary hot chocolate.  www.devilsthumbranch.com

  • Let the Moon Be Your Guide in Rocky Mountain National Park: Take an intimate walking tour of Rocky Mountain National Park by the light of the full moon. Rocky Mountain National Park is also home to ranger-led snowshoe tours. Beginner to advanced level tours are available and include lessons in snowshoeing skills and winter safety. (970) 586-1223

  • Soak Under the Stars in Glenwood Springs:  Few activities are as relaxing as soaking in a hot springs pool under the moonlight. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is one of the best places to bathe in the lunar light in Colorado. The world’s largest hot springs pool is the ideal spot for viewing the night landscape while soaking in its soothing mineral waters. www.hotspringspool.com

  • Explore Nocturnally Atop the Grand Mesa: During full moons, grab snow shoes and cross country skis to trek across 32 miles of groomed landscape on the Grand Mesa, the largest flat top mountain in the world.  www.gmnc.org

  • Stargaze by Sleigh in Steamboat Springs: Take a dinner sleigh ride at the Saddleback Ranch near Steamboat. Relax, cuddle up with a warm wool blanket and take a look at the stars and the moon's light making the snow glisten. Warm up with hot chocolate, dinner and listen to live entertainment. www.steamboat.com  

About Colorado

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski resort areas. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit www.COLORADO.com.

Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer whose favorite things to do in Colorado are eat and go to spas. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.yogayaya.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, www.teaAtlas.com, www.coffeeatlas.com

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