Things to Do in Colorado

It is not a trail for a novice because it is not paved. You will find natural surfaces and twists and turns. The views throughout the length of the trail are truly memorable, remembering you are at an elevation of 5,200 feet.

The desert landscape is truly stunning and belies the idea that deserts are of minimal interest. Obviously, you need to concentrate on the road as you are traveling but it may take longer than you expect to travel the 9 miles because there are so many photo opportunities.

The colors contrast beautifully with the dark cliffs and rosy buttes. The terrain starts long before you reach the park itself, with pinions and ponderosa pine lining the skyline as you drive along, as well as flowers, typically orange and white.

The spring water has allowed flora and fauna to live in what otherwise would be fairly harsh conditions. Puebloans and Kaibab Paiute Indians were hunter-gatherers here 1,000 years ago and there is evidence of their presence well before white pioneers and ranching began add to the attraction of the Monument.

While Arizona is known for its wines and craft beers, religious beliefs have meant that no one opened a bar in Colorado City. The owners of this bar have confirmed that they intend to develop their own range of craft beers. Currently, they sell brews from other companies.

While Vermillion Cliffs are fairly remote, this Monument is of significant geological importance. The total area covers 300,000 acres of plateau, buttes, canyons and the cliffs themselves.

If you are an experienced hiker, come prepared to tackle the loop of over 11 miles that starts in Squirrel Canyon. You will not only face the distance involved but have to climb almost 3,000 feet during the walk, and then descend the same 3,000 feet.

Canaan Mountain offers you a great chance to enjoy the raptors living in the region, birds whose wonderful eyesight helps them see the small mammals on which they feed. Hawks, falcons and the impressive golden eagle can all be seen on Canaan Mountain, nesting on the steep sides. Black bear, cougar and deer also inhabit the region.

This impressive National Park is about an hour away by road and you should certainly call in because the word ‘’spectacular’’ is no exaggeration on what it has to offer.

While the walk in Water Canyon is fairly short, it does involve descending down to the Canyon floor and getting back out again. The trail is well-defined and not difficult in itself underfoot.