Day Trips and Things to Do and See During Colorado Family Vacations...

Now Open, Four Corners Cafe at Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa

Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa is proud to announce the opening of its all new restaurant "Four Corners Cafe"!

Featuring Southwestern cuisine and the best views in Ridgway.

Open for breakfast 7 days a week. Open Wednesday - Sunday for Dinner 5pm - 10pm.

Roof Top Deck open Wednesday - Sunday, featuring live music Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. For Reservations 970-626-3737

Stay at Chipeta and Skate for Free!

With six weeks left of summer, now is the perfect time to bring the family to the Chipeta Sun Lodge & Spa. Kids stay free in all Chipeta Condos, featuring Studio, One and Two Bedroom Units. Best of all, the Ridgway Public Skatepark is located directly across the street from the Resort. Bring the family, bring the skateboard and enjoy the last six weeks of Summer Vacation!

Telluride Colorado

The world famous ski resort and town is only 43 miles from Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa. In the winter the ski area is a bustling arena for many skiers and snowboarders. Telluride boasts that their terrain can provide suitable experience for all levels. From "refined groomed runs to challenging moguls". Telluride is one of the most diverse ski areas in the nation. It has been called the "most beautiful place you will ever ski". In the summer the town becomes a playground for many festival goers, as there is a festival almost every weekend from May to September. The downtown area has many shops and restaurants that could occupy an entire day. The surrounding mountain terrain allows for hiking and mountain biking. Telluride Golf Course, open from May to mid- October, accentuates the mountain terrain as meandering fairways wind through aspen groves, towering pines, mountain ponds and sparkling streams. In either winter or summer, Telluride provides a wide spectrum of activity. While in Telluride ride the free gondola that will take you on a scenic path from downtown Telluride to the center of Mountain Village. For more information on skiing, golfing, festivals and the gondola please visit www.tellurideskiresort.com.

Black Canyon National Park

The Black Canyon is our newest National Park. This breathtaking park is located about 47miles northeast of the Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa. Behold the power of Mother Nature at its greatest when you look out over this spectacular ravine. Many rock climbing enthusiasts can be spotted in the summer making there way up the sheer walls of this canyon. The Black Canyon is home to much wildlife that you will see as you drive and hike through the park. For more information you can go to www.nps.gov/blca or call 970-641-2337.

Ouray Ice Park / Red Mountain

The Town of Ouray, known as "The Switzerland of America", is located about 14 miles south of Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa. In the winter the Ouray Ice Park is one of the most popular attractions in the area. The ice park is just up the hill from Ouray and most days throughout the winter one can witness ice climbing on the world's first park devoted exclusively to the sport. Find more information at www.ourayicepark.com. If you are interested in participating or taking an ice climbing course you can find more information at www.sanjuanmountainguides.com or sign up for one of our lodging and activity packages. During the summer you can travel a little further up the windy mountain highway to see the spectacular views of Red Mountain. Box Canyon Falls is "Ouray's natural wonder", and located in this same area which is open in the summer and has plenty of meandering trails. An easy 500-ft hike via a walkway and suspension bridge will lead you straight into the belly of the falls. What an amazing sight to behold!

Narrow Gauge Railroad-Durango / Silverton Colorado

Durango Colorado is located just over Red Mountain Pass from Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa. This is where you will get aboard the original steam driven Narrow Gauge Railroad. The Narrow Gauge Railroad has been in operation for 126 years hauling passengers from Durango to Silverton over the Million Dollar Highway through the Rocky Mountains. Silverton is a quiet mountain town which was a mining center at the turn of the century. The train runs May through October every year. If you are interested in more information go to www.durangotrain.com. If Telluride was not enough for you, you may also try Durango Mountain Ski Resort. Information can be found at www.durangomountainresort.com. Silverton also has its own ski area. More information on Silverton Mountain can be found at www.silvertonmountain.com.

Colorado Winery / Brewery Tours

Just North of Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa awaits vineyard country. The Grand River Vineyards, located in Grand Junction, offers tours daily. Find more information at www.granderiverwines.com. Cottonwood Winery located in Olathe Colorado also conducts tours and tasting. Tasting room is open from 11am to 6pm Wednesday through Saturday. Find more information at www.cottonwoodcellars.com. There is a plethora of wineries filing the Grand Valley from Montrose to Palisade to Grand Junction. Additionally, The Palisade Brewery is located in Palisade Colorado. For more information see www.palisadebrewery.com.

Mesa Verde National Park

Step into history and travel two and a half hours southwest of Chipeta Sun Lodge and Spa. The entrance fee is $10 to $15 depending on season. The National Park offers a look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made it their home from A.D. 600 to A.D. 1300. The park protects 600 cliff dwellings. These sites are some of the most notable and best preserved in the United States. If you would like more information on the Mesa Verde National Park please visit their website at www.nps.gov/meve/.

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