Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Winter Park

"80 acres of Chautauqua Park (pronounced shuh-TAW-kwuh) is located right next to Open Space Mountain Park trails, Chautauqua Dining Hall and Auditorium, and Chautauqua Ranger Cottage. Its history dates back to over 100 years ago when Boulder City started preserving wild lands. Now, it gives its visitors an opportunity for unstructured interaction with nature."

"Bring your picnic to one of Boulder’s favorite parks, Chautauqua Park, located at the base of the famous Flatiron Mountains. If you drive here, beware that parking can be limited. We prefer to take the quick and easy bus. Boulder’s public transportation system is excellent."

"This historic landmark park is the gateway to Boulder’s most magnificent slab of open space adjoining the iconic Flatirons; its wide, lush lawn attracts picnicking families, sunbathers, Frisbee folk and students..."

"One of the most iconic sights in the Boulder area, the Flatirons are a series of stunning rock walls that stand to the side of the equally spectacular Green Mountain. There are both large and smaller formations here and if you are feeling active (and brave!) then you can try rock climbing, which first began in the 1940s. If that doesn’t appeal, then there are more serene activities such as enjoying the majesty of the Flatirons by hiking several trails around the area."

"When you drive into Boulder on US-36 you can't help but be impressed by the Boulder Flatirons. The top is one of several perfect spots to see the whole city of Boulder as well as go for a nice, fairly easy hike. Of course, there are some challenging places to hike, but if you park at the NOAA building like we did, the hike into the Flatirons is pretty level."

"If you enjoy hiking, trekking, long scenic nature walks and rock climbing, Flatirons is the place for you to go. The main trails of Flatirons start at the southern end of the town at Chautauqua. A bright summer day or cool Spring day is the most appropriate days to visit this breathtaking site."

"The Valmont Bike Park is open to the public 365 days a year from dawn to dusk and available for use by cyclists of all ages. While no bikes or safety equipment is available for rent at the park, nearby bike shops do offer rentals to residents for a nominal fee. The 42-acre park offers natural surface cycling terrain for training and entertainment purposes."

"Valmont Bike Park is a cycling terrain park with 42 acres of natural surfaces offering varied amenities for different riding abilities and styles."

"Boasting one of the largest grassy knolls and located in the heart of Boulder, Scott Carpenter Park is perfect for adults and children alike. The Scott Carpenter pool sits next door and is perfect for those hot Front Range days. Kites flying high against the backdrop of the Flatirons, children playing on the Rocket Ship playground, and hard-bodies bathing in the Colorado sun are just a few of the sights you'll see when you spend the day at Scott Carpenter."

"Of all of the times we've been to Boulder, we didn't know this wonderful park existed until now. Located on 30th Street and Arapahoe Avenue, Scott Carpenter Park has sprawling green spaces, trees, and a gorgeous mountain view. Whether you want to visit the unique space-themed playground, swim in the pool, have a picnic, or visit the skate park, this park is sure to keep the whole family entertained all day."

"Located along the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve is just a short drive from Golden, which makes it a popular day trip option for those looking to experience the mountains without spending hours in the car. The center is spread over more than 100 acres and includes several interactive exhibits, as well as an extensive trail network, from which it’s common to see lots of wildlife and some fantastic views of the mountains. Elk, mule deer, and foxes are abundant, as are tons of birds, including raptors, woodpeckers, and owls."

"Inside Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve, experience exhibits that depict migrating birds and reveal secrets of the ponderosa pine forest. Visit the Discovery Corner and Observation Room. Outside stroll trails winding through forest and meadow, picnic beneath towering pine trees or join a naturalist-guided program."

"If you’ve ever driven westbound on i70 from Denver to the mountains, you’ve undoubtedly seen this mountain to your right with antennas on the top. On the north side of Lookout Mountain lies Windy Saddle Park, about a 30 minute drive from Denver. This close proximity to the city does mean that this is a popular spot, but it also means that it is qu..."

"Trek across the magnificent 3.5-mi (5.6 km) trail at Windy Saddle Park for amazing sights of the picturesque scenery. Check out the Beaver Brook Trail, although you can also partake in other high-risk activities such as paragliding for an exceptional adrenaline rush. The trail system here joins the Lookout Mountain Nature Center."

"Spend your morning just outside of Boulder at Eldorado Canyon State Park, popular with the locals for hiking. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, go for the strenuous Rattlesnake Gulch Trail, which climbs to the elevation of the Empire State Building and gives you amazing views over the continental divide."

"Harlow Platts Park sits in laid-back South Boulder away from the traffic and bustle of downtown. Several charcoal grills line a small lake around which picnic tables and open grassy areas can be found. A large gathering shelter is situated near the road-side of the lake and can be reserved or used on a first-come, first served basis."

"Sunrise Amphitheater is by far my favorite outdoor wedding ceremony site in Boulder!. It’s accessible from May through October (until it snows), and you can drive right up there. The natural setting and views over Boulder are the perfect way to showcase this town we love to your guests."

"Dishes inspired by northern Italy’s Friuli region graces the white tablecloths at this rustically elegant space where the only thing more impeccable than the wine list is the service.Why go: To indulge. This is not everyday food, and the owners—the head chef and master sommelier, who met working at the French Laundry—have resumes peppered with the most prestigious awards in the industry (think: James Beard Foundation). Treat your table (bill be damned) with the Friulano Tradizionale tasting menu.Price: Blowout"

"Enjoy chef Kelly Jeun and chef Eduardo Valle Lobo’s luxurious 4-course menu with two options per course along with some incredible by-the-glass offerings all weekend. Reserve here for Frasca’s Valentine's Menu ($200/person), offered Feb. 12-14, 2021. Or, dine in Frasca’s Yurt Village or new Alpenglobes for an exquisite tasting menu ($250/person with optional wine pairings), reservable here."

"The restaurant has earned not one but three James Beard awards. The most exciting of those was when Frasca made the finals for the James Beard Outstanding Restaurant category, which is like winning the Oscar of all Oscar awards for deliciousness and quality. Frasca also has the Best Chef in the Southwest and has been lauded for its wine service."

"Known for its modern take on favourite Chinese dishes, this is a delightful restaurant on the outskirts of Boulder City. On top of the traditional Chinese classics and buffet, Tsing Tao also serves a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. Guests can enjoy a flavoursome dining experience or opt for takeout or delivery."

"The Boulder History Museum is something of a legend in these parts and is the proud home of over 45,000 antique artifacts from the region. The museum is a period attraction in itself as it sits in the Harbeck-Berghei House which is also a National Historic Landmark in the town. The mission of the museum, which sits on University Hill, is to educate visitors about the historical significance of Boulder and to that end you will find rotating exhibits that tell the story of the town and the surrounding area."

"TheBoulder History Museum, also known as the Museum of Boulder, has moved!. For over thirty years, the storied museum operated out of Boulder’s historic Harbeck-Bergheim House until a generous donation allowed it to expand into a much larger facility in the center of the city!. The museum holds tens of thousands of historic and antique artifacts from the region and offers visitors a chance to observe historical documents and photos that tell the story of Boulder and the state of Colorado."

"Golden has an interesting history that stretches back to the early days of the 19th century when the area was mostly wild and unexplored. Clear Creek History Park is located on Arapahoe Street near the downtown area and features an impressive collection of historic buildings, including barns, cabins, and a one-room schoolhouse. The park’s distinct areas are connected by well-marked paths that offer visitors the opportunity to stretch their legs and breathe lots of fresh mountain air while getting interesting insights into the area’s past."

"Explore the life of a homesteader by walking through this re-created pioneer settlement. Here, original and replica 19th-century buildings – a cabin, two-seat outhouse, root cellar, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop and smokehouse – take visitors back in time. Self-guided tours are easy and fun. Alternatively, come when experts in period dress work the homestead and teach about life back when Golden was the Wild West; check the website for these special event dates."

"Get outside and see how Golden’s early settlers worked and played in the late 1800s (1867–1915, to be precise) at the Golden History Park. The park is ideally located along Clear Creek in downtown Golden. Its outdoor setting recreates the look and feel of a late 1800s mountain ranch complete with gardens, a working blacksmith shop, schoolhouse and chicken coop (chickens included)."