This piece is part of Yellow Scene Magazine’s Opinion section. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent a reported news position. At Yellow Scene, opinion pieces speak freely, challenge assumptions, and say the quiet parts out loud.

Protecting our Public Lands

Alex Kelloff for Congress | Colorado’s 3rd District

Western and Southern Colorado (CD3) contains some of our country’s most prestigious public lands. The scenic landscapes provide some of the greatest opportunities for recreation, including hiking, rafting, biking, fishing, hunting, skiing, and much more. These lands are also home to over 900 species of wildlife, including the largest elk herd in the country. Public lands in Western and Southern Colorado not only provide enrichment but are also vital for our economy, providing over $30 billion in revenue annually. This comes from recreation, tourism, and hospitality, driving Western and Southern Colorado’s job market.

I am running to represent one of the most significant public land districts in the country because the increasing threats from the Trump administration are putting at risk the accessibility and existence of these public spaces. Pressures from development, natural resource extraction, and climate change are tremendous risks. More than 20 million acres of national forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, and national parks define our economy, our way of life, and our future. These lands are not just scenic; they are essential. And once they are gone, we will never get them back.

A survey conducted in Colorado by Southwick Associates in partnership with Teel and Bruyere found that economic output in relation to outdoor recreation by Colorado residents amounted to $65.8 billion in 2023, which contributed $36.5 billion to the state’s GDP and $11.2 billion in tax revenue. The outdoor recreation industry also supported more than 404,000 jobs in the state, representing 12% of Colorado’s labor force, and producing $22.2 billion in salaries and wages.

The public lands in our district are the headwaters of 25 major rivers, providing water to more than 40 million people across seven Western states. That water supports families and communities, ranchers and agricultural producers, and countless cities and industries in the Western United States. Protecting these lands means protecting the water that millions depend on every day.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Recent federal actions have created uncertainty and put pressure on public lands, risking access to recreation and hunting, the stability for ranchers and water users, long-term economic growth, and the future of our outdoor economy. The political extremes have intensified under the Trump administration, which has led to rapid resource extraction, aggressive regulatory rollbacks, and neglected public participation. We cannot implement long-term plans needed to sustain our lands and water if we have major policy swings under every new administration. My goal is to move away from policies that ignore the voices of the communities that live and work on this land. I will seek to strengthen local participation and input, while legislating to provide greater regulatory certainty and transparency.

How will we do this?
We need a new approach to protecting our public lands while supporting the people who depend on them. Decisions about our lands should not come from Washington alone. We must ensure local voices are included in federal decision-making. We also need to work directly with ranchers, sportsmen, small businesses, and community leaders to build policies that reflect real- world needs in CD3.

Water is our most critical resource. We will protect our water by safeguarding watersheds and headwaters. We will support sustainable agriculture and responsible land use, and ensure long-term water security for rural and urban communities.

Public lands should drive opportunity. I will support small businesses tied to outdoor recreation and agriculture. We will do this by building and maintaining critical infrastructure like housing, water, energy, telecommunications, and transportation to enable responsible growth and lower the cost of living. This will help fortify our communities against the risk of wildfire and drought, and create and support good local jobs in the process. We will invest in areas that allow people to live and work locally, and keep more value in our communities, like rancher-owned meat processing facilities, farming co-ops, creative arts centers, and local business incubators.

We don’t have to choose between protecting land and using it responsibly. We need to maintain access for recreation, hunting, and grazing, and protect critical habitats and ecosystems. Also, promoting responsible stewardship for future generations.

My family’s roots in this region go back generations. I understand what these lands mean, not just economically, but personally. This campaign is about making sure our public lands are protected, and our communities are heard. That our local economies remain strong and vibrant, and our way of life is preserved.

Public lands are not just a national asset; they are the foundation of life in Colorado’s Third District. With the right leadership, we will protect our natural resources, strengthen our economy, lower living costs for families, and ensure future generations can enjoy the same opportunities we have today.

Alex Kelloff for Congress

Protecting our land. Strengthening our communities. Building our future.

Congressional Public Lands Score – click to see how members of Congress vote on America’s national parks, national forests, monuments, wilderness areas, and wildlife refuges

Like journalism like this? Consider becoming a sustaining supporter — and get our print edition delivered to your home each month.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. For 25 years, we’ve told the truth — your support helps us keep doing it for the next four and beyond. Administrations come and go. Our team stays ready to lead, no matter who’s in charge.

The post Op-Ed: Congressional Candidate Alex Kelloff on Protecting Our Public Lands appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

photo credit: George Hudetz, Erie CO, No Kings Day

Erie

Erie used to have 500 houses, 1,200 people, and dirt roads—not in 1890 but as recently as 1990. However, like so many Colorado Front Range towns, it’s seen rapid, relentless growth since then. Today, it’s home to 40,000 people and projected to hit 70,000. (Let’s just hope they don’t choose sprawl in the years ahead.)

Back in 2000, Erie was the fastest-growing municipality in the state, posting a wild 300% growth rate. In just ten years, it jumped from a forgotten mining town to 8,500 people and 4,000 homes. That was nothing compared to where it stands now or where it’s headed. Once again, it has ranked as the fastest-growing community in the Front Range and number 15 in the country.

It also used to be a much redder town. After all, it was a quiet, rural place, mostly off the radar. And red 35 years ago wasn’t synonymous with the cult-of-personality nationalism and strongman-style populism we see today. Aside from Bush, being Republican back then tended to mean a focus on land, taxes, law and order, and a hands-off approach to your neighbor’s business. But with all the new homes and new neighbors, Erie now votes about 65% blue, including both the Boulder and Weld County sides. And no, realtors aren’t asking how people are registered to vote when they’re selling homes. The same demographic shifts are happening in Longmont, too.

photo credit: George Hudetz

photo credit: George Hudetz

Erie residents don’t need to drive to Denver anymore to have its voice heard. Whether it’s the result of shifting demographics or the shock and disgust at witnessing this administration’s open corruption, authoritarianism, and outright contempt for the Constitution, Erie came to be counted.

An estimated 1,200 people turned out for No Kings Day at County Line Road and Erie Parkway. All four corners were packed. The crowd stretched out for nearly a mile, with people lining the streets, waving signs, and cheering as a steady stream of mostly supportive honking cars passed by.

A few drivers made their dissent clear, and two men appeared briefly with a Trump sign, but from what we observed, everyone remained respectful and let them be. Erie Police were a friendly but frequent presence. 

Amid the steady hum of car horns and community energy, local leaders took the mic to address the crowd. District Attorney Michael Dougherty came out and spoke, challenging the administration to uphold the rule of law. Erie Councilperson Emily Baer emphasized compassion and community. She called on the crowd to act in love—for one another, and for the world—reminding us that only love can conquer hate.

Local resident and No Kings Day organizer Bob Braudes put it simply:

“It’s time to put Erie on the political map. We’re 40,000 people now.”

photo credit: Shavonne Blades

Photo credit: Jordan Neumeyer

Photo Credit: Kenneth Wajda

Photo credit: Rowan Ellis

At 12:45 p.m. on a warm Saturday afternoon, hundreds had already gathered along Longmont’s 6th Street. Within the hour, that crowd swelled to an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people. They stood shoulder-to-shoulder on sidewalks, median strips, and restaurant patios—holding signs, chanting, and waving to honking cars passing by. The mood was both electric and resolute which displayed a sense of community strength and political defiance. 

This protest, part of the national “No Kings Day” movement organized by 50501, Indivisible and co-sponsored locally by the Colorado Forward Party. The Protest was timed in response to reports of a planned military-style parade coinciding with former President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Organizers framed the demonstration as a rebuke of authoritarianism and an act of solidarity with communities impacted by ICE raids and federal crackdowns.

Photo credit: Rowan Ellis

Unlike the large-scale marches in metropolitan areas, the Longmont protest was stationary—concentrated at 6th & Main for just about an hour. But the energy was anything but still. Protesters waved American flags with altered slogans, wore “No Kings” t-shirts handed out by volunteers, and kept chants alive through megaphones: “This is what democracy looks like” echoed across the street in rhythmic unison. 

Despite the crowd size, the police presence was minimal. Only one or two officers were visible throughout the event, and they remained mostly on the periphery.  

One striking observation was the age composition of the crowd. An estimated 60–65% of attendees were older adults—many of them seniors. The rest of the crowd represented a wide range of identities: young activists, families with children, BIPOC individuals, and people who had traveled from nearby Boulder and Denver. 

The atmosphere held contradictions. There was hope in the collective unity, yet an undercurrent of frustration—perhaps even despair—over the necessity of still having to protest such basic democratic ideals. As one attendee put it, 

“There’s something deeply human about standing side by side with people who feel what you feel. It’s really comforting and heartbreaking.” 

Many participants were reluctant to go on record—understandably cautious about press exposure. Still, a few candid conversations offered deep insight into the stakes at play. 

Photo Credit: Kenneth Wajda

Photo credit: Rowan Ellis

Two older women, both white and longtime residents of Longmont, spoke passionately about why they felt this was not just a coastal or federal issue: 

“He’s trying to be a dictator. Even if it doesn’t feel like it’s hitting our daily lives yet—it will. He’s got the Supreme Court in his pocket. We have to speak up because this is our government, and our silence makes it someone else’s problem. We cannot allow that.” 

Another group—two middle-aged men and two women from Denver—shared that they intentionally avoided the Denver protest out of safety concerns following increased tensions in major cities. Longmont, they said, felt safer but no less meaningful. 

“My family’s scared to go to work. That’s not what this country should be. I don’t want to wake up one day and never see them again because someone decided their existence was illegal. What Trump’s doing goes beyond politics—it’s anti-human.” 

These sentiments were echoed in various forms throughout the crowd: fears of ICE enforcement, erosion of democratic values, and the broader question of what kind of country the United States is becoming. 

Because in the end the fight for democracy doesn’t always start in Washington. Sometimes, it begins on a street corner, in the heart of a town, with people who believe their voices can turn the tide.

Photo credit: Rowan Ellis

Photo credit: Rowan Ellis

Photo Credit: Kenneth Wajda

Photo Credit: Kenneth Wajda

Photo credit Steven Nasada, Social Media, Boulder CO, No Kings Day

On June 14th, over 5 million people mobilized in lieu of Trump’s display of military power. The “No Kings Day” protest this last Saturday, organized by the ACLU, 50501, American Oppositions and Indivisible, brought over 5,000 Boulder residents to the streets. 

The day was filled with camaraderie as local officials and activists expressed their frustrations with the current administration. Speakers included Mayor Aaron Brockett, District Attorney Michael Dougherty, Secretary of State Jena Griswold and Councilmember Nicole Speer.

Photo credit Steven Nasada, Social Media

While protestors suffered over 90-degree weather; there were no counterprotestors, and police presence did not lead to any violence. Many residents carried their signs to the local farmer’s market, while others sat outside local brunch spots with their sign in one hand and a mimosa in the other. The demographics of the demonstrators was overwhelmingly White and over 50. 

However, for the people working the brunch tables and sweeping the street, solidarity was found. There are two types of people in Boulder; those who eat the food, and those who serve the food. While many people subordinated under Trump’s administration cannot demonstrate safely; such as undocumented immigrants, there are others who are willing to stand in their stead. That’s what the community saw this past Saturday in Boulder, a massive group of people willing to stand up to authoritarianism despite how they are affected. 

Not to say that White people over 50 are not affected by Trump’s policies. Cuts to medicaid, lack of veteran resources, and attacks on reproductive justice hurt this group especially. Critics will explain how protests should ‘look;’ hip-looking punks spraying anarchy signs on a cop car, a Ford on fire, the fireworks of tear gas and AR-15s are all necessary to simulate a ‘revolution.’ 

Photo credit Steven Nasada, Social Media

While protestors were mobilizing in every major city except D.C., Trump was celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army with a display of military strength. Footage shows an Army failing to march in a set rhythm and outdated tanks squeaking past a lackluster crowd. This display projected disorganization and insecurity. 

There is revolution in joy and non-violent protests. Revolution starts with talking with neighbors and organizing. Last Saturday showed that those who value democracy are not alone, and that they are the majority. Authoritarianism cowers in the face of progressive happiness and the displacement of fear. 

So while the only casualties in Boulder may be empty sunscreen and champagne bottles, there was a message and it was heard. No Kings. 

Photo credit Linda O’Neill, Social Media

Photo credit Linda O’Neill, Social Media

Photo credit: Steven Nasada, Social Media

Photo credit: Linda O’Neill, Social Media

Photo credit Linda O’Neill, Social Media

Photo credit: Vince Chandler, Denver CPO, No Kings Day

Up to 20,000 protesters converged on downtown Denver Saturday afternoon for the “No Kings” protest—an anti-authoritarian demonstration that transformed Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park into an open-air hub of resistance. Demonstrators started at the state capitol, and marched throughout the city at one point reaching a mile long. 

Photo credit: Vince Chandler

The event was one of many held nationwide on June 14 in response to President Trump’s immigration crackdown as well as the simultaneous military parade in Washington, D.C. But in Denver, what started as a peaceful rally ended with 36 arrests and reports of police once again using smoke and pepper balls to clear the streets.

Organized by local activist coalition Colorado 50501, a portion of the protest was framed as an “activist fair” meant to bring together a broad spectrum of resistance movements—from anti-ICE efforts and Indigenous sovereignty to queer and trans rights. Music performances, teach-ins, and tabling sessions filled the afternoon, with organizers urging attendees to think beyond a single-day march and build out sustained resistance networks.

“People don’t know where to put their energy after the protest,” said Steffan Becker, one of the event’s lead organizers. “The point of this festival is to show people they can plug in, show up.”

Colorado 50501 joined the Party for Socialism and Liberation at 4 pm for a peaceful march through downtown. Alternatively, Block-by-Block had ambitious plans to line protesters on the sidewalks of Broadway beginning at the capitol in Denver and ending in Highlands Ranch. 

After these events had ended, a contingent of demonstrators remained downtown into the evening, shifting focus to the local ICE field office on 30th and Peoria. It was during this second wave of protest that the tone changed, a recurring theme in Denver. 

According to Denver police, officers arrested 36 individuals after issuing several dispersal orders. Those arrested faced charges ranging from failure to obey lawful orders to obstruction of roadways. Officers used smoke canisters and pepper balls but did not deploy tear gas.

Photo credit: Vince Chandler

Photo credit: Vince Chandler

In a statement, DPD said it had preemptively closed portions of Lincoln Street and used rolling closures throughout the day. Leading up to the event, the department had also warned residents to report “suspicious or unlawful behavior,” a move that drew criticism from civil liberties groups who saw it as an attempt to pre-frame the protest as criminal.

While DPD had made promises during the 2020 BLM protests not to harm peaceful protesters, this seems to go by the wayside once the sun goes down and organizers head home. Leaving people with a clear message that their First Amendment right to peaceful assembly will only be protected if it’s done when and how local law enforcement approves of. 

Despite the evening escalation, Denver protesters remained focused on their message: rejecting authoritarianism and standing in solidarity with the communities most impacted by Trump-era policies. 

Organizers estimate that over 8,000 people attended throughout the day, making it one of the largest public demonstrations in Denver since the Women’s March in 2017. The “No Kings” campaign spanned over 2,000 cities nationwide and drew what organizers claim to be 4–6 million participants, though those numbers have not yet been independently verified.

Photo credit: Vince Chandler

Photo credit: Vince Chandler

Photo credit: Vince Chandler

Photo credit: Vince Chandler

Like journalism like this? Support the local press that’s been telling the truth for 25 years. Become a sustaining member and get our monthly print edition at home. We’ve weathered 9/11, floods, fires, economic crashes—and some deeply chaotic years. With your support, we’ll keep going. Because democracy still depends on journalism.

Democracy needs journalism more than ever. We’ve been telling the truth for 24 years. Your support helps us keep telling it for at least the next four years.

The post No Kings Day: Thousands Rally in Denver, Boulder, Longmont, and Erie appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Nothing will get your heart racing like rounding a hiking trail and spotting a pair of antlers or a scaly tail disappearing into the bushes. Humans may have taken over the world, but we are not alone living in it. Colorado is home to so, so many mammals, reptiles, birds, and insects that are fascinating to stumble across during your adventures this summer, if you know where to look.

Moose antlers sticking out of the grass. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

The Mountains

Rocky Mountain National Park is probably the most obvious place to go looking for wildlife in Colorado by stepping into the wilderness of the mountains — home of bears, mountain lions, moose, elk, deer, and more. Your odds of finding an elusive cougar might be low, but elk and deer are plenty likely.

Moose in Sprague Lake. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Currently, timed passes are required to enter the park, but once you’re in, there are 335 miles of hiking trails waiting to be explored. You might even spot a creature from your car window.

Not all hikes in the mountains are in the park, so if you can’t get a day pass, or if you just want to explore somewhere different, give AllTrails a try. AllTrails is an online resource or app where you could search for a trail of your preferred length, difficulty, location, etc. Users leave comments, so in addition to finding the perfect trail to explore, so you might hear about the animals other hikers saw there.

Deer at NCAR. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

If you choose to climb a 14er this summer, you’ll go above tree line, and different animals thrive there under harsh conditions, like mountain goats. While you won’t be treated to a mountain goat sighting every time you hike a 14er, you can probably count on spotting at least one four-legged mammal — a dog. Many hikers bring their dogs along, and you could too, provided you know they can handle the exertion. Some dog-friendly 14ers are Grays, Torreys, and Quandary Peaks among others.

Mountain goat at Grays and Torreys Peaks. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Animals are not exclusive to hiking trails, and if you’re in the right place at the right time, then you might run into elk while walking in downtown Estes Park. Even though they came into town and know how to use the sidewalk, they are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution.

Elk in Downtown Estes Park. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Lakes and Ponds

Historically, most settlements, cities, and towns were established near rivers, lakes, or coastlines because water is a vital part of survival. This applies to animals as well. Pull up Google maps and take note of large blue areas, indicating bodies of water, and see if you can (reasonably and safely) get to them. Most ponds, lakes, and reservoirs in Colorado have hiking paths around them for public use. Just be careful not to venture onto private property.

Bald eagle at Stearns Lake. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Walden Ponds and Sawhill Ponds are right next to each other and boast a total of eight ponds, plus more in the area that aren’t technically part of these groupings. Without a map it would be impossible to tell where one section begins and the other ends. These ponds are in Boulder, west of N. 75th St. and north of Valmont Road. Fishing is allowed with a permit, and while casting, other fishers of sorts might be spotted, such as birds of prey.

Hawk flying above McKay Lake. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

McKay Lake is just north of the King Soopers on W. 136 Ave. in Broomfield, so you could potentially fit in a walk on your way to the grocery store. Since it is in the middle of civilization, you’re probably not likely to run into a moose here, but birds tend to migrate through all of the lakes in Colorado. Even the little pond by the Broomfield Library sees unique birds stop by. If you have young children, Canadian geese are almost guaranteed, and maybe you could get the kiddos to check out a book on bird identification beforehand or afterward.

Pelicans at the Broomfield Library pond. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Anthem Lake in Anthem Community Park is in northern Broomfield. Year round, the lake is teaming with wildlife, if you take the time to notice. Depending on the time of year, you’ll see pelicans or ducks on the water. If you squint at the water to see below its surface, you might notice a crawdad or fish.

Crawdad in Anthem Lake. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Waneka Lake and the Greenlee Wildlife Preserve is in Lafayette, the first designated Bird City in Colorado. Lafayette birds! is proud to host bird watching for beginners on the first Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. starting in May and running through November at the Greenlee Wildlife Preserve.

Great Blue Heron at Tom Frost Reservoir. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Tom Frost Reservoir is south of the Paul Derda Recreation Center and east of the Broomfield Commons Open Space. There is a trail around the water and multiple trails throughout. This open space, like all the open spaces in Boulder County, is home to coyotes, so keep your dogs on leashes, your head up, and your camera ready.

Coyote at Tom Frost Reservoir. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Animal Tracks and Camouflage

Even if you don’t actually see a critter, you can find evidence that they have been around. Hoof or paw prints are obvious indicators or scat —animal poop. A little more subtle are bug prints. Some leave “footprints,” and others leave lines marking where they have been.

Bug track in sand. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Sometimes, marks in the ground can tell a story. Dr. Betty Dorr is a professor at Fort Lewis College, and one of her areas of academic expertise is animal behavior. She identified these markings as the site of a probable capture of a mouse by an owl. The mouse tracks lead to the scuffle and not away, and there are brushes in the sand that were likely created by wings.

Tracks from an owl catching a mouse. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

First thing in the morning can be a great time to look for prints as many animals are active at night, and fewer humans will have trekked over them already.

If you see movement out of the corner of your eye, this is a great indicator that something living is there or that it’s a windy day and inanimate objects are moving around just to get you excited. Many animals employ camouflage to keep themselves hidden and safe, so you could look directly at them and never know —kind of like how this toad blends into the rocks it is sitting on.

Toad at Walden and Sawhill ponds. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Animals at Night

Nocturnal animals only come out at night, but even animals that aren’t nocturnal can be active after dark. Since humans do not have night vision or echolocation to help us navigate, finding these critters can be a challenge.

If you have a black light handy, you might find bark scorpions in southeastern Colorado, which glow brightly under a black light. Observe them carefully, and then sleep soundly. They won’t typically bother anyone if they are left alone. In fact, they were there all the other nights before you knew about them, and they never hurt you.

Scorpion under a blacklight. Photo: Ashley Kay Mauer

Bats are another night creature that you can probably spot. A trick is to look up as the natural light dims, and you’ll be able to see their dark bodies against the remaining light in the sky. There are no vampire bats in North America, so you don’t need to fear these little guys either. Even if you don’t see them, listen for their clicks as they echolocate to find dinner.

Animal Safety

As majestic and exciting as wild animals are, they are still wild, and they aren’t going to be excited to see you nor will they want to lick your face to show their love like your dog when you get home. The National Park Service published some tips on Instagram for being safe around animals:

1. Give animals space. We all want room to move. If taking pics, use your zoom and if you’re close enough to take a selfie with a large animal, well, it may not end up the most flattering. (Is that an eye? What’s that mass of fur? Ooh, that’s a shame.)
2. Do not disturb. Even when you’re farther away, leaving wildlife alone can help your viewing experience. Wildlife, like your ex, can be unpredictable when they’re disturbed or surprised.
3. Slow down speed racer. Keep your eyes on the road and follow the posted speed limits. Watch for wildlife that may dart into the road.
4. Store your food and stash your trash. No. That bison isn’t coming towards you because of your sparking personality. Feeding wildlife in parks can make them come looking for more. Also, if you bring something in, take it back out.
5. See something, say something. Tell a ranger if you come into physical contact with wildlife. We’re here to help.
6. Be responsible. Ultimately, staying safe and keeping wildlife wild is up to you!

Source: The National Park Service

Basically, use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings so nothing sneaks up on you.  Maintain distance between you and all creatures regardless of how “harmless” they may seem. Binoculars and cameras with strong zooms are fantastic ways to “get close” to an animal without getting too close.

The post Meeting Live Animals: Colorado is a freeform zoo waiting to be explored appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Sure, gas prices have already started to fall, and they are expected to drop more throughout the summer. But as drivers watch their vehicles gobble up $60 a refill, the rumors that gas could fall 25 cents a gallon in the next couple of months is like, well, a drop in the barrel. Especially with your vacation days adding up and your Subaru begging you to get out and play.

Colorado has one of the lowest gas prices in the nation as of now. Even if paychecks won’t be ripped in half for road trippers, the price of oil is still around $100 a barrel and hovering around $4 a gallon nationwide.

“People will be watching the family budget closer if gas prices stay high,” said Colorado AAA’s Spokesperson Wavelyn Dreher. “Air travel costs are also going up as airlines add on fuel surcharges.”

Travelers will surely shell out big bucks on state-to-state road trips through the Rocky Mountains—at least it’s less expensive than flying, right?—and even with travel expected to curb if gas prices don’t fall, experts in the industry are optimistic. Even with a potentially bleak outlook, the state of Colorado Tourism’s spokesperson Roland Alonzi sees the clouds clearing.

“Road trips are a big part of Colorado’s identity, and getting there is half the fun,” Alonzi said. “I think people will plan their trips very economically, instead of making huge itineraries.”

But the whole issue does bring back some bad memories. With the recession hitting budgets hard in late 2007, thousands of people sat back and watched as their bonuses and decent paychecks continued to disappear in a large financial cloud of smoke, while the wad of vacation money avoided the sock in the drawer. During the peak of the recession, there were large declines in tourism—we’re talking up to 16 percent—in the mountain states, including Colorado, which continued until 2011.

Lucky for us, Colorado may be one of the best places in the world to vacay for less. Four national parks, 50 state parks and six monuments across the state of Colorado offer tourists ways to stay busy on the road and keep the rainy day fund in the sock drawer. Also, brewery, ice cream and even tea tours are offered at little to no cost, giving families or couples a new, interactive travel dynamic that will likely please everyone involved.

The Rocky Mountain region’s American Automobile Association has reported the top activities for the last five years: Consistently, dining, spending time with family and friends and shopping have been the top three reasons to travel to the mountain states. Still, the alternatives are even more affordable.

“Outdoor experiences are the new thing for vacationers,” Alonzi said. “People won’t be cutting their trips short, but they’ll eat out less and do things that take up a whole day or two.”

Road Trips – And Countless Adventures on the Open Road

• In Search of Rapids
• Southern Exposure
• A Grand Journey
• Jack Dempsey’s Knock-Out Tour
• Into the West
• Northern Lights
• Utah Bound
• Middle America History Tour
• Paying At the Pump

The post Paying At the Pump appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Daytrip
The Wildlife Experience
Take a day to play at The Wildlife Experience museum in Parker, which combines interactive exhibits, large format film, fine art and natural history. You won’t want to miss their newest exhibit, “Globeology,” with more than 25,000 square feet of interactive exhibits exploring seven different biomes from around the world. The new exhibit opens May 23. thewildlifeexperience.org

Elitch Gardens:
A childhood classic. elitchgardens.com

Colorado Rockies Game:
Take them out to the ballgame this summer and see if the Rockies can recover from last season. rockies.mlb.com

Weekend
Mesa Verde National Park
Spend a weekend exploring the legacy of the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the canyons of Mesa Verde National Park from 600 to 1300 AD. The park is home to more than 600 cliff dwellings, and ranger-led tours provide an up-close and personal view of some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in the United States. Take part of a day to visit Yucca House National Monument, just 10 miles from Mesa Verde, and explore the unexcavated community center of the Ancestral Puebloans. Another easy site to add is Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, with the Anasazi Heritage Center archeology museum displaying Ancestral Puebloan artifacts and the Lowry Pueblo’s 40 rooms and eight kivas. visitmesaverde.com

Glenwood Springs:
Visit Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park (glenwoodcaverns.com); relax in the springs while your kids enjoy the slide; and hit up Zip Adventures on your way back (zipadventures.com) for a high-flying good time.

Great Sand Dunes National Park:
Remember how much fun you had playing in the sand box…This is kind of like that, but way bigger and better. Camp, hike and get dirty.

Week
Tour Colorado’s National Parks and Monuments
For an unforgettable family vacation, take a week to explore Colorado’s national parks. Start in Rocky Mountain National Park’s Beaver Meadows Visitor Center to get an official park map, log book and park newspaper. Find a campground and then choose from numerous hikes, drives, wildlife viewing, programs and more. Then take Trail Ridge Road to the south entrance of the park and follow Highway 40 west across the state to Dinosaur National Monument near the Utah border. Schedule a river-rafting trip through the canyons of the monument. Be sure to stop at the Quarry Visitor Center and take the Fossil Discovery Hike (approx. 1.5 miles) to see a variety of fossils.

Once you have your fill of fossils, take Highway 64 south to Highway 139 south until you reach the Colorado National Monument. The drive on Monument Road is a beautiful and easy way to see the park. Trails ranging from easy to hard are accessible all along the road with spectacular views, your reward for a little walking. Spend the night in Grand Junction. From Grand Junction, take Highway 65 south to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to experience an entirely unique landscape with walls that drop more than 2,000 feet and show some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth, dating back nearly 2 billion years. Hiking in the canyon is popular, and ranger-led tours can teach you all about the area’s history, flora and fauna. River rafting, guided boat tours and horseback riding are also available.

End your Colorado grand tour by taking the family to the biggest sand box they’ve ever seen. The sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park are the tallest in North America and offer opportunities for hiking, sledding, skiing and “sand boarding.” In the spring, Medano Creek creates a wide, shallow stream at the base of the dunes, creating Colorado’s most unique beach. The water peaks in mid- to late-May and shrinks back toward the mountains through July. nps.gov

America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass—Annual Pass, cost $80

Colorado State Fair:
Aug. 24–Sept. 1. More than a rodeo, the state fair serves up all sorts of fun. This year, Foreigner headlines…need we say more? coloradostatefair.com

Dude Ranch:
There are tons to pick from in Colorado. Visit coloradoranch.com for details. Or see our Wyoming Guide to get advice from a real, live dude rancher.

The post Staycations: Kids and Family appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.