Description

Northwestern Colorado is a diverse region incorporating red rock mesas and snow-capped mountain peaks, as well as the headwaters of the Colorado River. The majority of Colorado's most popular ski resorts, like Breckenridge, Aspen and Vail are also situated in this area. Northwestern Colorado doesn't have the same metropolitan appeal as Denver or Fort Collins, but it does have wonderful skiing and beautiful terrain.

When you think of skiing in Colorado, Aspen or Vail have to come to mind. While their reputations are fueled in some sense by their trendiness, they are favorite ski resorts for a reason. They provide world-class skiing in an environment with top-notch comforts. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned veteran, there's no better place to ski or snowboard than on Colorado's legendary Rocky Mountain powder!

Further west, Grand Junction, the largest city in western Colorado, is situated alongside the mighty Colorado River in the Grand Valley, which is surrounded by high desert mesas. To the north are the bluffs of the Bookcliffs and Mount Garfield, and to the east lies the Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world. But to the south is where the true treasure lies: the red sandstone formations of the Colorado National Monument. Driving up the winding road past its high cliffs, soaring pinnacles, and graceful arches will take your breath away.

Grand Junction and nearby Palisade are also the heart and soul of the state's wine country. Most people don't know about Colorado's wine industry, but it features some of the highest vineyards in the world, which means less pesticides are used in the making of the wine because they are less susceptible to mildew and blight than lower vineyards. Autumn is the perfect time to visit because the weather is mild and sunny, and it's when the Colorado Mountain Wine Fest takes place.