More than Mountains, a Colorado Golf Vacation Brings Nature Back to the Links When you think of a trip to Colorado what comes to mind? The Rocky Mountains are likely an initial thought.
Perhaps it is skiing and snowboarding, or maybe camping at some desolate mountain pond amidst the splendor of unfettered wildlife and well-preserved vistas.
To be sure, the Centennial State is famous for all of this, but a Colorado golf vacation has become an increasingly exciting reason to see the state.
One thing a Colorado golf vacation can offer that is hard to find elsewhere is incredible accommodations at affordable prices.
As most people know, Colorado is home to many of the country's swankiest ski resorts.
Even the less-expensive resorts boast excellent lodging and dining opportunities.
Well, during the off-season, those same resorts rent their rooms for just a fraction of the cost you might pay during the winter.
This means that elite destinations such as Aspen and Snowmass in the Roaring Fork Valley are accessible to virtually all budgets.
The Roaring Fork Valley has some of the finest golf opportunities in the state, and the area golf community proudly boasts the high level of golf in the valley.
Carved out of the natural vistas and rolling topography, courses in the valley were designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and award-winning architect Jim Engh.
Several area golf clubs have received Top 10 ratings by numerous golf publications and organizations.
The Ranch at the Roaring Fork near Carbondale offers a very casual setting with an nine-hole, par-three course that is family-friendly and very affordable.
Statistics show that large portions of golfers are avid bicycle riders as well, and the Roaring Fork Valley is an ideal setting to add a bike tour to your Colorado golf vacation.
Tucked into the flats along the Roaring Fork River, the Rio Grande bike trail has its origin right in the middle of spectacular downtown Aspen and follows the river 45 paved miles downstream to Glenwood Springs.
With points of egress all along the trail, there is no worry about a member of your party tiring out.
Just get off the trail and jump on one of the Roaring Fork Transportation Association's buses for a ride back into town.
RFTA buses are specially outfitted to carry dozens of bikes, as well as their riders.
Near Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, several mountain trails are readily accessible.
These trails offer the novice as well as the experienced rider all the variety they could ask for.
The 14-mile Porcupine Loop is a wonderful trek for those looking for a leisurely ride, or take the trail in the Red Hill Recreation area for a more challenging tour with incredible views of Mount Sopris and the valley.
The people of Colorado are some of the most environmentally conscious in the country, and this is reflected in the way Colorado golf courses are managed.
Course superintendents are focused on preserving and maintaining wildlife habitat.
It is very common to see several whitetail does being trailed by a big buck or two just yards from where you are lining up your putt.
Colorado's golf industry is increasingly adopting water conservation strategies and enhancing wildlife habit, with one-third of the land used on Colorado courses being unmaintained land providing wildlife habitat and conserving water.
Colorado golf courses use an average of 15 gallons per acre, compared to 18 gallons per acre for an average residential bluegrass lawn.
So your Colorado golf vacation can be eco-friendly.
As a matter of fact, the Aspen Golf Club is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
Perhaps it is skiing and snowboarding, or maybe camping at some desolate mountain pond amidst the splendor of unfettered wildlife and well-preserved vistas.
To be sure, the Centennial State is famous for all of this, but a Colorado golf vacation has become an increasingly exciting reason to see the state.
One thing a Colorado golf vacation can offer that is hard to find elsewhere is incredible accommodations at affordable prices.
As most people know, Colorado is home to many of the country's swankiest ski resorts.
Even the less-expensive resorts boast excellent lodging and dining opportunities.
Well, during the off-season, those same resorts rent their rooms for just a fraction of the cost you might pay during the winter.
This means that elite destinations such as Aspen and Snowmass in the Roaring Fork Valley are accessible to virtually all budgets.
The Roaring Fork Valley has some of the finest golf opportunities in the state, and the area golf community proudly boasts the high level of golf in the valley.
Carved out of the natural vistas and rolling topography, courses in the valley were designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and award-winning architect Jim Engh.
Several area golf clubs have received Top 10 ratings by numerous golf publications and organizations.
The Ranch at the Roaring Fork near Carbondale offers a very casual setting with an nine-hole, par-three course that is family-friendly and very affordable.
Statistics show that large portions of golfers are avid bicycle riders as well, and the Roaring Fork Valley is an ideal setting to add a bike tour to your Colorado golf vacation.
Tucked into the flats along the Roaring Fork River, the Rio Grande bike trail has its origin right in the middle of spectacular downtown Aspen and follows the river 45 paved miles downstream to Glenwood Springs.
With points of egress all along the trail, there is no worry about a member of your party tiring out.
Just get off the trail and jump on one of the Roaring Fork Transportation Association's buses for a ride back into town.
RFTA buses are specially outfitted to carry dozens of bikes, as well as their riders.
Near Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, several mountain trails are readily accessible.
These trails offer the novice as well as the experienced rider all the variety they could ask for.
The 14-mile Porcupine Loop is a wonderful trek for those looking for a leisurely ride, or take the trail in the Red Hill Recreation area for a more challenging tour with incredible views of Mount Sopris and the valley.
The people of Colorado are some of the most environmentally conscious in the country, and this is reflected in the way Colorado golf courses are managed.
Course superintendents are focused on preserving and maintaining wildlife habitat.
It is very common to see several whitetail does being trailed by a big buck or two just yards from where you are lining up your putt.
Colorado's golf industry is increasingly adopting water conservation strategies and enhancing wildlife habit, with one-third of the land used on Colorado courses being unmaintained land providing wildlife habitat and conserving water.
Colorado golf courses use an average of 15 gallons per acre, compared to 18 gallons per acre for an average residential bluegrass lawn.
So your Colorado golf vacation can be eco-friendly.
As a matter of fact, the Aspen Golf Club is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary.
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