Loss of food sources and increase in population hasn’t resulted in skinnier, smaller bears, study finds

June 20, 2023

By K.L. McQuaid

Special to the Wyoming Truth (via AP Storyshare)

Despite a loss of key foods, a changing environment and an increase in their numbers over the past two decades, grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone National Park remain fat and happy.

Well, fat at least.

A new study by a consortium of government agencies that keeps tabs on ursus arctos horribilis – Latin for grizzly bear – concluded that the animals have adapted to changing conditions and maintained their body weights and fat compositions from 2000 through 2020.

The amount of bear fat is especially important for female bears, which require at least 20% of their body weight be in the form of fat to reproduce, according to an interagency study published earlier this month in the scientific journal Global Change Biology.

Male bears require significant fat stores, as well, to survive hibernations that last between three and seven months through Wyoming winters.

“Larger and fatter individuals usually have a higher probability of survival and a greater capacity to invest energy in reproduction,” the study stated.

Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and an Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team, which includes officials from Wyoming Game & Fish and several other state and federal agencies, noted that the grizzly bears’ weight and fat levels have stayed steady despite the decline of high-calorie foods, such as cutthroat trout, elk and whitebark pine tree seeds.

Many of the trees, which earlier this year were designated as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, have been felled from wildfires and a beetle infestation in recent years.

In all, the scientists believe there are now about 1,000 grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and about 2,000 in the Lower 48 states.

Three years ago, the ecosystem comprised both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, portions of five national forests and private land in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. In all, it measures over 27,200 square miles – nearly the size of Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts combined.

Since 1975, when grizzly bears were placed on the federal Endangered Species List as their numbers dwindled to about 250, grizzly hunting has been prohibited.

“This study shows the benefit of having a long-term data set in studying a species like grizzly bears,” Dan Thompson, the large carnivore section supervisor at the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and co-author of the group’s paper, said in an interview with the Wyoming Truth.

Scientists had hypothesized that as the bears’ population increased – and along with their numbers greater competition for food – the grizzlies’ fat composition would decrease.

To their surprise, however, the capture of over 400 bears determined that grizzlies had not lost fat stores.

“We know that some of their food supply has declined, especially over the past decade, but what the bears’ weight and fat composition is telling us is that they can still find the resources to build up an adequate fat supply to thrive,” Frank van Manen, an ecologist at the U.S. Geological Survey who co-authored the study with nine other researchers, told the Wyoming Truth.

A renewed debate on status

The grizzly bears’ success comes as renewed debate has swirled around their protected status.

In May, Wyoming sued the U.S. Department of the Interior in federal court for failing to meet a 12-month deadline to decide about delisting the grizzly bear from the Endangered Species List.

Gov. Mark Gordon and others contend the bears have sufficiently recovered and their future conservation and management should be left up to the state. Such a move could pave the way for the bears to be hunted again.

“Wyoming’s grizzly bear numbers have not only greatly increased, but we have exceeded population goals for years,” Gordon said in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

“It’s time for the delisting process to move forward.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in February 2022 received petitions from both Wyoming and Montana seeking to delist the grizzly bear in the Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, and the agency acknowledged that “credible information” had been provided.

But the federal agency has yet to render a decision on delisting, leading to the state’s lawsuit.

Grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem have shown signs of recovery since the late 1980s, van Manen said. Much of that rebound can be attributed to their protected status in and around Yellowstone.

The federal agency has taken steps to delist the grizzly bear previously. Six years ago, it concluded the bears could be removed from the endangered list, but the move was stopped by environmental groups that successfully sued the federal agency over the decision.

Most recently, prior to the state’s legal push, U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) sponsored a bill seeking both to delist the grizzly bear and prevent the action from being reversed by litigation. The legislation has thus far cleared the U.S. House’s Natural Resources Committee.

A Lot of Food

Van Manen’s team determined that grizzly bears have been able to maintain their body fat levels despite the gains in their population in recent years because they eat a wide variety of foods.

In all, the study found that omnivorous grizzlies consume at least 260 types of food.

“Grizzly bears are very flexible and adaptable,” Thompson said.

In place of the whitebark pine seeds, for instance, the bears have increasingly fed on the carcasses of dead animals to build up fat stores, especially in the fall months prior to hibernation.

From June 1 through Oct. 31, female grizzly bears gained 15.3% body fat, while male grizzly bears gained nearly 17% body fat. The bears’ physiology apparently allows them to “prioritize” fat storage over the development of lean body mass, the scientists concluded.

Female bears typically reach physical maturity at age seven, while males don’t mature until age 14. Grizzly bears’ average lifespan exceeds 25 years, in part because they have no natural predators except humans.

While the study concluded that grizzly bears have ample food supplies at present, van Manen and his colleagues caution that continued climate change, droughts and increased human impacts, such as real estate development, could impact grizzly bear populations, their food supplies and their ability to reproduce in the future.

Scientists found that more food for the bears existed in the first decade of the study than in the second.

Additionally, the Yellowstone ecosystem has undergone “profound warming” over the past 20 years, the study found.

For now, the bears are thriving despite the challenges.

“They’re really resourceful animals,” van Manen said. “They’ve shown a lot of adaptability and resilience, and that bodes well for the immediate future of this population.”

The post Yellowstone Grizzly Bears Maintain Their Weight Amid Challenges appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Fingers crossed — the year-long pandemic that kept us locked in our homes and separated from our families is releasing its grip on our travel lives. With better news on the horizon, most people are eager to wipe the dust off of their suitcases, pack up their traveling gear, and enjoy outdoor activities with their loved ones.

Colorado offers some of the most exciting spots for (summer) vacations in the country. The only challenge might be making a decision regarding which of these awesome towns to visit. You can hold a committee hearing and have your family vote on where to go, or perhaps you can make up for all the lost time during the pandemic by planning multiple trips over the summer.

But while you pick which great towns to visit for your fun trips, it can help to know the remarkable qualities that make the towns so ideal for vacations, and the special sites you should see and exciting activities you should enjoy during your trips to the given areas.

As you make your plans, know that every town we’ve included here is currently in step with state and CDC COVID safety guidance. At the same time, we’re hoping that as people keep wearing their masks and getting their vaccines, we can continue to reduce the restrictions and return to normalcy over the summer.

Estes Park

One of the most popular towns for Boulderites and Front Rangers to visit for summer vacations is Estes Park. The beautiful scenes of nature, the fun activities for families, and the wonderful downtown area make it a top spot for you to enjoy a memorable summer experience.

Sites  |  With over 3 million visitors each year, Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited national park in the country, and Estes is the best base town to stay in to enjoy the park and the animals that inhabit the area. Warning: respect the wildlife. Don’t feed or try to pet (or take selfies with) wild animals.

With hundreds of animal species residing in the area, visitors typically appreciate the beauty, size, and variety of animal species they see during their trips. Or you might find yourself close – but not too close, these animals are dangerous – to regal elk, mule deer, or massive moose. If you’re really lucky, you could even see lynx, bobcats, and mountain lions… from a distance, or that luck could switch.

It’s far more common for visitors to encounter smaller animals scurrying beside their feet while hiking along the trails, including chipmunks, beavers, marmots, snakes, coyotes and porcupines. On top of that, having over 280 bird species flying through the woods and gliding in the sky makes Estes Park especially conducive for bird-watching. (See our Summer Pets article.)

Activities  |  You should definitely experience a hike during your summer vacations in Estes Park. The park has over 300 miles of hiking trails, the paths cut through various areas of the mountain landscape, and the wide range of trails can accommodate all skill levels so beginners or experts can find trails that are appropriate for their needs or preferences. Plan some extra time when you schedule your Estes Park hikes, because you’ll frequently be frozen in your tracks while pausing to admire the sights of diverse animals or the views of stunning scenery.

Estes Park Visitor Center

With all the protruding edges on the mountain cliffs and the many cracks on the craggy rocks, the park is renowned for optimal rock climbing conditions. Although professionals come to conquer its more advanced climbs, anyone can enjoy the thrill of rock climbing in Estes Park… even if you have never even scaled a chain-linked fence. Elite rock-climbing experts can take your family to some of the beginner climbs in the area, guide you through the entire experience, and operate the safety equipment to ensure that you are entirely safe while you ascend.

Downtown Estes Park is another special feature of the village. The downtown area features over 200 retailers, and the restrictions against chain companies means that every store you enter is independently owned. The rows of art shops, clothes stores, dive bars, and excellent restaurants make downtown Estes Park resemble a quaint outdoor mall surrounded by mountain peaks. Be sure to check out the bands playing on stages and the artists painting on canvases along the streets to further augment the pleasure you can derive while strolling through the downtown or relaxing on the picnic benches.

Lodging  |  There are plenty of lodging choices for Estes Park visitors. Estes Park’s Aspen Wind on Fall River is highly revered as an elite option due to the location of the hotel, the friendliness of the staff, and the comfort of the rooms. But you can also choose from the numerous condos that are scattered around the town or the many cabins that are positioned throughout the park. Or you can go full tourist and stay at the scary, sexy, spooky, world famous Stanley Hotel. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Go Grand Lake

Grand Lake

Grand Lake is an especially revered location for summer vacations. With the massive lakes, gorgeous landscapes and countless activities, the hardest part of Grand Lake trips is actually wanting to leave. You might as well just buy a home and move into town because you will immediately fall in love with Grand Lake and then be tempted to stay there forever.

Sites  |  Some people don’t realize that there’s not just one lake in Grand Lake, and all of the lakes collectively are known as the Great Lakes of Colorado, But, the namesake Grand Lake is positioned right in downtown and visitors cherish the massive size of the lake, the pristine shine of the water, the exceptional quality of the beaches, and the gorgeous views that encompass the scene. This is a glacial lake, and if you opt for the lake tour you’ll get to see the official headwaters of the Colorado River. It’s hard to think of a more perfect summer day than basking in the sun, playing in the sand, swimming in the water, and then walking up to town for refreshing drinks and delicious meals.

Activities  |  The clear water and clean conditions makes the lake ideal for swimming around and showing off the ol’ backstroke. Many people also enjoy the benefits of paddle-boarding on the lake. Paddle-boarding provides the adrenaline rush of soaring on top of the water at brisk speeds while exploring the different sections of the lake, but paddle-boarding is also easy enough for all adults and even young children to perform without any experience. However, you might also relish cruising around the lake on traditional kayaks, canoes, or sailboats.

Renting a motorboat in Grand Lake is another brilliant plan that will have your family praising your infinite wisdom. You can drift in the boat along the lake at a smooth pace while relaxing in the summer sun, or you can get crazy with it by going tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding as the boat races around the lake at rapid speeds and leaves behind streaks of blazing wakes.

The special events that Grand Lake hosts during the summer months also makes it a terrific vacation spot. Boat shows on the lake can be highly entertaining. These shows often entail experts parading their boats on the water while the spectators on the beach are dazzled by the creative designs, unique shapes, impressive features, and colorful patterns of the boats.

Go Grand Lake

The 4th of July holiday and the town’s firework show is always a special event for Grand Lake. The setting itself is special. At night the crowd gathers on the beach to watch the fireworks explode over the lake, and the ability for the fireworks to illuminate the water down below and the mountains in the background lends itself to a majestic effect. The actual firework show is also an amazing spectacle. The comprehensive assembly of fireworks, the brilliant colors of the sparks, the artistic choreography of the production, and the epic climax of the display has the crowd on the beach roaring with applause throughout the captivating show.

Lodging  |  When you’re looking to stay in Grand Lake, the two most popular types of lodging include hotels in the town or campsites in the wilderness. While hotels can enhance the comfort of your vacation by allowing you to conveniently walk to the restaurants on the strip or the beaches by the lake, visitors who camp enjoy the authentic camping experience of pitching tents at the numerous campsites around the lake or in the woods. A fun aspect of camping in the Grand Lake woods is that deer and elk consistently stop by the campgrounds to say hello, join the party, and grab a beer. Ok, maybe not a beer, but they’ll definitely rummage through for snacks. A final, higher end option, is the glorious Grand Lake Lodge. You can stay in epic suites throughout the lodge or get private with a private cabin of various sizes.

Aspen

Once you visit Aspen in the summer, you’ll instantly get how the town established such a prestigious reputation throughout the country as being a favorable location to take a vacation. With the gorgeous scenery, the enormous mountains and the excitement of the town, you might become addicted to the Aspen experience and develop an itch to keep returning as often as possible. That explains all the vacation homes in the area.

Aspen Chamber

Sites  |  The Maroon Bells are the sacred holy grails of Aspen that people from around the globe come to worship. The good news is that these holy grails are not hidden very well and are easy for everyone to find. Renowned as one of the most gorgeous locations on the planet, the Maroon Bells refers to a series of mountain peaks that envelop the town of Aspen and that rise above that pinnacle 14,000-foot mark.

The Maroon Bells are photographed and featured in movies and pictures more than any other mountains in North America because of their superior features and the astounding beauty of the overall Aspen landscape. The rocks that construct the mountains boast jagged edges, craggy points, and compelling patterns that make the mountains look like masterpieces of art sculpted by the genius of nature.

During the summer, visitors gazing at the Maroon Bells are spellbound by the vibrant flowers, colorful plants, and huge trees that appear when the foliage flourishes into full bloom and the plants showcase their powerful splendor.

Activities  |  Hiking through the Maroon Bells is a favorite activity for most Aspen visitors. You can choose between six separate trails that have been carved to lead you up the gorgeous landscapes of the mountain slopes and around different areas of the Maroon Bells. You can also enjoy the physical exercise of riding bikes up the established bike trails while periodically pausing to catch your breath, have a picnic, and admire the views.

Relaxing at Maroon Lake at the foot of the trails is another popular activity that deserves a spot on your bucket list. With the Maroon Bells in the background and the clear water at your side, spending afternoons socializing with your family, playing in the water, or boating around the lake is a must-do experience.

The entertainment offered by the town of Aspen has also contributed to the eminent vacay reputation that the town has garnered throughout the nation. The elegant and exciting nightlife scene in the downtown area is an impressive and distinguishing characteristic of Aspen. The town provides intellectual stimulation and aesthetic pleasure with a vast range of art displays, musical performances, theatrical plays, museum exhibits, and festive events. Get ready to love everything.

Aspen Chamber

Aspen also has a restaurant scene that will have you drooling on the pavement and loosening your belt. Restaurants often feature award-winning chefs, diverse menus, local ingredients, high-quality food, exceptional decor, comfortable ambiance, and delicious meals. Additionally, reserving an outdoor patio table in downtown Aspen just before sunset provides the striking impression of eating in the middle of a sci-fi movie. The Aspen sunset ignites a fire in the sky, throws brilliant colors around the town, and produces a mystical effect that will stun your table into momentary silence. Don’t forget to get a selfie.

Lodging  |  Aspen has both price extremes of lodging and everything in between. You can pitch tents at the many campsites within driving distance of the area. You can also rent humble cabins or enormous mansions that are isolated in the woods and around the town. However, Aspen also offers five-star hotels with luxurious suites for people looking to pamper their friends and families during the summer vacation.

Telluride Visitor Center

Telluride

If you ask anyone how their trip to Telluride went, you better clear your schedule for the rest of the day because they will bend your ear while raving about the amazing adventure they had on their vacation and all the wondrous things they admire about Telluride. Although many towns have certain sites or features that are unique, the entire town of Telluride is a unique experience that makes it a prime spot for a summer vacation.

Sites  |  Telluride is in a flat canyon cushioned right in the bosom of the 14,000-foot San Juan mountains that surround it on all sides and that boast some of the jaggiest peaks in the country. Telluride itself is a site to see. There are two major parts of the community, with Telluride down below at the bottom of the surrounding peaks, and then Mountain Village up on the mountain at an elevation of 9,500 feet.

Downtown Telluride is a small area that stretches just eight blocks wide and 12 blocks long, which imbues the town with an intimate sense of camaraderie among the commingling crowds of locals and tourists. When you scroll down the streets or drink at the bars, it can seem like every stranger you see is an old friend and everyone in the town is part of one large family.

You’ll also question whether it’s even legal for a downtown area to be so ridiculously attractive. The Victorian architecture of the buildings and the European layout of the streets offers a majestic charm and an enchanting atmosphere throughout the community. Then the array of independent shops condensed tightly together while the formidable mountains hover overhead like guardians makes shopping, walking, or eating in the town a bit of a surreal experience.

The gondola also adds to the unique quality of summer vacations in Telluride. Traveling around town has never been so fun, as this is literally the only place in the country that enables people to take gondola rides around like a public transit system. You can ride the gondola from downtown Telluride to the hiking trails at St. Sophia station, the Mountain Village community up above, and the town hall market center at Station Village. But when you ride the gondola during the summer, you’ll be especially entranced by the panoramic view of the lush landscapes and beautiful sceneries of the San Juan Mountains. Word is Boulder is planning on its own gondola system. We’ll be sure to let you know if that becomes a reality.

Telluride Visitor Center

Activities  |  Tubing down the San Miguel River is a “don’t miss” experience. The tube ride takes you along the bends and curves of the river, cuts you right through downtown Telluride, and along the way features a few calm moments as you cruise through the peaceful environment with some exciting thrills as you rush through the exhilarating rapids.

Paragliding is another area activity to love. Guided by an expert who operates the equipment and directs the parachute, paragliding allows you to enjoy the liberating feeling of free-flying through the air, circling around the sky, and gazing at the world below while gradually descending to the ground.

The Adventure Center is highly conducive for families with kids. The Center offers a wide range of fun outdoor amusements, including trampoline games, spider jumps, and mining simulators. Additionally, the many art events and music festivals that Telluride hosts throughout the summer can also fill the photo album of your vacation with raucous nights and memorable moments.

Lodging  |  Visitors have three general options when you make your lodging decisions for your Telluride vacation. The downtown Telluride area features historic hotels and contemporary condos that are located by the action in town. Up above – in Mountain Village – you can stay at fancy modern suites and luxurious five-star hotels. But many people enjoy staying in tents at the campsites located in the San Juan Mountains or around Telluride.

Steamboat Chamber

Steamboat Springs

Despite its humble size, the town of Steamboat Springs is accustomed to making room for the countless visitors who flood to their town every summer to learn why there is so much hype about Steamboat summers. Steamboat Springs is entrenched in the beautiful mountains that encompass the northwest region of Colorado, the town takes pride in retaining the Old West culture upon which the town was founded, and you can enjoy an endless list of activities that Steamboat offers to fill all summer vacations with endless excitement.

Sites  |  With several impressive lakes positioned around Steamboat Springs, many visitors enjoy alternating between them during their summer vacations. Pearl Lake is located just north of downtown. The lake derived its name because of the remarkable purity of the clear water, the glistening shine on the glassy surface, and the rich abundance of trails that branch out from all sides of the lake. The peaceful ambiance makes Pearl Lake a great option if you are looking to relax in the sun and picnic with your family on the pleasant shore of the shimmering water.

But if you’re looking for the lake with the party, Steamboat Lake brings the noise and raises the roof. The view around Steamboat Lake is breath-taking, with the rugged Hahn’s Peak standing proudly overhead and the lush wilderness encircling the entire scene. But once you arrive you immediately step into a fun summer party with the crowd playing beach games on the sandy shore, drinking and barbecuing with friends, blasting loud music, swimming through the refreshing water, and paddle-boarding across the enormous lake.

Additionally, Stagecoach State Park is your jam if you want a lake where you can rent or use a motorboat. The lake is located just south of Steamboat Springs, it has a huge marina for boats, and you can go all out on your summer vacation by renting a motorboat and enjoying the adrenaline rush of waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.

Steamboat Chamber

Activities  |  You can choose from a diverse range of activities during your summer vacation in Steamboat Springs. The many lakes in the area — and the Yampa River that rushes through town — makes fishing a popular activity. The water in Steamboat Springs is replete with schools of fish, fishermen in the town have set records for catching the largest fish of various species, and relaxing with your family while reeling in the catches is a highly gratifying experience.

Horseback rides are also fun activities to fulfill in Steamboat Springs. In line with the Old West cowboy culture of Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs has established numerous horseback riding paths and offers many expert ranchers that can lead your group as you explore the different areas of the valley and enjoy the thrilling motion of riding on a horse.

When the bright sun goes down for the night and a cool breeze throws a chill through the air, you should hit up the hot springs as the perfect way to culminate your evening. Old Town Hot Springs is located in downtown, the spot has eight hot pools filled by natural mineral water, and the hot springs experience is also augmented by two 230-foot water slides and a large aquatic rock climbing wall.

The Wild West theme is sustained throughout Steamboat by the rodeos that are held every Friday and Saturday night during the summer. These festive events enable the town to mingle over food and drinks, the authentic rodeos are led by real cowboys, and the performances and competitions are truly entertaining for people of all ages.

Lodging  |  Visitors have several options regarding your lodging decisions. Many areas surrounding the lakes are designated for camping with tents or RVs, including spots at Pearl and Steamboat Lakes. However, Steamboat Springs also has a vast amount of condos, townhomes, and bed-and-breakfast style hotels that reside in convenient locations around town.

McCullough Gulch White Falls

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of those locations that makes you proud of our planet. If aliens ever visit, taking them to Breck in the summer is the best way to show off what the Earth can do and impress the aliens with the amazing sights. The town offers an effective balance for a summer vacation, as it features the serene and tranquil environment of the lush mountain landscape, along with the lively and energetic atmosphere of the exciting downtown area. Thus, your summer vacation list does need to include a long trip to Breckenridge so you can be entranced by the landscape, stimulated by the town, and rejuvenated by the experience.

Sites  |  Located in Summit County, Breckenridge is encompassed by four massive mountains with slender curves, muscular rocks, and glorious peaks. These peaks are highly popular for skiers in the winter. But during the summer, you’ll be awestruck as the mountain landscapes boast the rich shades of green grass, the radiant splendor of colorful flowers, the brilliant luster of gorgeous plants, and the magnificent grandeur of gigantic trees.

The active downtown area of Breckenridge also elevates the experience of summer vacations. The action revolves along one long strip called Main Street. The rows of storefronts that stretch along Main Street feature creative architectural designs and vibrant color schemes that are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes. The abundance of diverse shops and appealing restaurants offer a wide array of entertainment for pedestrians strolling down the strip. The joyful crowds that are happy just to be in Breckenridge perpetuate a jubilant mood and a positive atmosphere throughout the entire town. Additionally, Main Street generally deters chain companies, which means that the stores, venues, and restaurants are all owned by local entrepreneurs and independent businesses.

Activities  |  Breckenridge is a top spot in Colorado for hiking through the mountains during the prime of summer. You’ll have such a great time while hiking through the trails that you might forget to check your watch and get back before the sky goes dark. The town features hundreds of hiking trails that slither through different areas of the lush landscapes. Some hiking trails lead you through a wilderness of gorgeous foliage, others along rivers and creeks that wind their way down the mountain slopes, and many trails periodically bring you to raging waterfalls that rapture the mind and overpower the senses. Also, the hiking trails offer options for all skill levels, from basic trails that cut through the mountains at modest inclines, to challenging trails that lead up the slopes of impressive summits.

Biking is another popular activity during vacations in Breckenridge. Similar to the hiking trails, the bike paths also offer variety regarding difficulty levels. Many families enjoy the calmer bike paths that are designed for beginners who desire a pleasant ride, while hardcore bikers from all over the world appreciate the advanced paths that are designed for experts who seek an extreme ride.

Additionally, other activities that can have you overflowing with excitement during summer vacations in Breck include white-water rafting, zip-lining, golfing, and swimming or boating at nearby Lake Dillon.

Main Street also offers an impressive multitude of entertaining activities. You might go to Breckenridge for the mountain hikes, but you’ll probably stay for this downtown atmosphere. The downtown strip is lined with blocks of stores so you can enjoy shopping for clothes, artworks, toys, memorabilia, and antiques. You can also enjoy treats from the snack shops, ice cream parlors, and fudge stores. The Blue River that runs adjacent to the strip is the perfect spot to enjoy these snacks as you relax on the benches while the kids play in the water. Additionally, Breckenridge has over 100 restaurants, bars, and breweries to satisfy the palates of your family and maximize the excitement of your vacation.

Lodging  |  Although you can stay in five-star hotels during your Breckenridge vacation, many visitors enjoy renting condos or townhomes. The condos or townhomes are often comfortable and spacious, and the flexible options should enable you to find the particular accommodations you desire and the ideal locations you prefer.

The post Summer of Loving Your Vacay | Summer Travel appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

It used to be that, at least once a year, I’d leave the country. This past year I spent a few weeks of summer vacation in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. #PuraVida, as they say. Before that I spent two years in Amsterdam, enjoying the small communities of the Netherlands and becoming a bit more International.

But let’s be real, not everybody has the ability, or inclination, to travel abroad. Not everyone can actually afford that kind of travel. Who even has the time, given the American work week. America, as backwards as we are when it comes to workers rights, doesn’t afford vacation time to all of its workers, which means we have to find other ways.

How does one vacay like a pro without jet hopping? Glad you asked. The most popular, the easiest, and quite possibly the most fun way is the staycation. What is a staycation, you ask, already packed up with a babysitter scheduled and Cottonwood Kennel on the phone and you *cough* call in to work sick?

If you’re asking, this article is definitely for you. A staycation is when you leave home, travel to a vacation destination in your local vicinity, and enjoy your weekend, or the week (why not, treat yo’ self), away from the tedium, the drama, the madness, the grind, and – hopefully – the kids. It’s a great way to have a romantic getaway, to get that oh-so-needed refresh and re-energize the spirit, and an amazing way to explore your own region.

We would recommend staycations across the state, as there are incredible places to visit from the Four Corners region of Southwest Colorado, through the Front Range and the entire Rocky Mountains, and here across Boulder County. In this humble little travel article we will look at a few of our favorite places to stop in for a couple of days of soft slippers, excellent eats, room service, and local fun. Follow us along as we staycation from Boulder to Denver to Grand Lake and a few places in between. It’s summertime, BOCO; time to get out and enjoy your world. Check these places out for a quick break in the middle of your busy life.

St. Julien Hotel
900 Walnut St, Boulder  |  stjulien.com

The St. Julien Hotel is located in downtown Boulder at the base of Boulder Canyon Drive. It fronts Walnut, but includes views of Boulder’s famed Flatirons (from some rooms) as well as that small winding road that heads up into the canyon where one can find all the beauty of Boulder outdoors in areas like Whispering Pine, Nederland, Boulder Creek and Mt. Sanitas trailhead, and even the internationally sought out Adventure Lodge. The St. Julien puts it succinctly: casual elegance with hiking on the left and shopping on the right.

With amazing restaurants like Jill’s, the T-Zero Lounge in the lobby, and the Redgarden Terrace (with some of the best Flatiron views in Boulder), you’re always ready to be wined and dined as you staycation right in the heart of Boulder. If stepping out for a quick bite or a drink is more your style, St. Julien is an actual stones throw from a number of excellent Boulder hot spots, including The Met (literally next door), the Chophouse, Arcana, the Bitter Bar, Brasserie Ten Ten, and Rio Grande (which is glorious after their recent renovations: See our recent article, The Rio Rides Again for more on that).

St. Julien also has, in most estimations, the best spa in the entirety of the Boulder County region. Just thinking of it makes us want to go back for a scrub, rub, and sip in absolute luxury. St. Julien is a standout location – in our own backyard – for your well earned staycation.

Our short stay was absolutely decadent, with a charcuterie board that included chocolate dipped strawberries waiting for us upon arrival, gorgeous little slippers for navigating the luxury of the room, a lobby that beckons you to bring out the cocktail you grabbed from the lobby bar to relax, and staff ready to make every moment perfect. It would be impossible to recommend a better staycation location in Boulder, even if you could find older ones, like Boulderado, in the area. Stop in and let the world keep spinning without you.

The ART, a hotel
1201 Broadway, Denver  |  Thearthotel.com

Denver is the big city next door for BOCO locals, and we all know it. While we love our local tranquility, the trails, the general calm, and the less crowded streets, getting out to Denver on the regular is a must and – this is true – a staycation in the big city is oftentimes just what the doctor ordered. Not all vacations are created equal, and not all need to be had in a quiet beachside resort or tropical getaway. Denver has so much to offer – including excellent places to hide from the kids – like The Art, a hotel.

The Art, a hotel is, quite possibly, the most interesting hotel in Denver (no, we haven’t been to them all, but give us time. We’re working on it). This is a hotel bought by a group of friends with the idea of making a living museum of every floor, every hallway, every public room, from meeting spaces to the gorgeous restaurant, and even the exterior. The entirety of the hotel is adorned with unique, commissioned art (and a few standouts on loan). From the moment you drive in to the valet bay where you’ll be wowed by Leo Villareal’s undulating and never-repeating art installation created from 22,000 LED lights, to the moment you fall back onto the softness of a bed meant for the best sleep of your life, the Art is sharing their art with you.

In a world with hotels full of canned art and replicas, it is truly invigorating to stay in the warmth and goodness of fresh imagination, from splash canvases to textiles to sculpture. With a rooftop patio that can be used as a wedding venue or gathering space, and even a wedding portraitist on site for unique art to commemorate your big day, you’ll never be in need of things to do. Additionally, the level of culinary expertise in their on site restaurant, Fire, which also has a living room lounge and terrace, is beyond good. Eating over the bustle of downtown Denver is another gorgeous perk.

They’re located right in the heart of the Cultural District and minutes away from the Central Business District, in addition to being walking distance from the Denver Art Museum, the Denver History Museum, and numerous other local amenities. Our favorite perk? The coloring book and tube of colored pencils in the room, nailing the art vibe and reminding us to play a little bit. The Art, a hotel is a definite go-to for those looking to staycation in Denver for the weekend.

The Stanley Hotel

333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park

stanleyhotel.com

The Stanley was originally built to bring European hunting lodge luxury to Colorado. This place is glorious, and also extremely famous because of its role in inspiring the infamous Stephen King thriller The Shining. The Stanley offers four different Estes Park accommodation experiences including historic rooms, modern apartment-style residences for extended stays, and expansive condominiums on the legendary grounds overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’ve never been to Estes Park, downtown is cute and kitsch, Estes Park Brewery is around the corner for local brews, and Snowy Peaks Winery is the kind of winery that makes us wanna drive up for an afternoon sipping.

The Stanley’s new Pavilions is open, which is an amazing event and wedding venue. While we were there we saw the famed East LA Chicano funk band Ozomatli, who were as badass as expected. The hotel offers numerous other amenities, including day and night tours (for the less faint of heart), and seasonal adventures; they work with Kent Mountain Adventure Center to curate epic Rocky Mountain National Park Adventure activity packages, which means you can staycation and adventure at the same time.

The Stanley is located in Estes Park, right up the 36 from Boulder past Lyons, less than two hours drive. They are also home to the world famous Cascades restaurant, which will almost definitely require reservations, but you’ll be treated to excellent once you’re in there. The whiskey bar is another amazing perk of this hotel, with absolutely unparalleled luxury to relax in.

Let me be clear: the place was a little spooky, to be honest, but I’m pretty sure that’s just the lore that follows after the Shining. Of course, it was creepy enough for Stephen King to inspire the horror that became the Shining, so maybe there’s something to it? Either way, we ain’t afraid of no ghosts, and we absolutely live for a staycation. Pop in here for the rustic elegance, stay for the adventure.

Great Wolf Lodge

9494 Federal Drive, Colorado Springs

greatwolf.com/colorado-springs

Embark on adventure and fantasy as you build and gain power while enjoying magical quests.  MagiQuest is fun for all ages, letting you take a magical journey to befriend treetop pixies and battle an evil dragon. With Multiple levels of difficulty and several quests to choose from, MagiQuest is a great way to keep everyone in your group active and engaged.

If this doesn’t sound like your thing, head over to the indoor water park to swim, slide, and splash your way to fun. The Wolf Tail, Howlin’ Tornado, and Fort Mackenzie are just a few of the slides and attractions that await you inside the 50,000+ square foot facility. Yes, that’s big.

If you don’t know by now, you have ventured into the Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs. We enjoyed 3 days and 2 nights at the resort during spring break and were not disappointed.   

Upon checking in, every member of your party receives a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification Device) wristband. This special wristband is used to open the door to your suite, purchase food or beverages, access the water park, and even check out towels. The best part: you can decide who in your group is allowed to use it for purchases. If you choose to bring the kids (this is probably the most family friendly place we stacationed in, you can rest easy that the little ones won’t load up your credit cards).

Great Wolf Lodges are known for their indoor water parks and the Colorado Springs location is no exception; yes, this is a chain, but everything can’t be boutique hotels, can it? The water park has several areas that appeal to all ages. Our favorite was the Mountain Edge Raceway, where four people race head first on mats through twists and turns to the final drop and long straightaway. Make sure to check out your time after you finish. For the really adventurous, try the Wolf Tail. This is where you will stand in the “launch pod”, wait for the floor to drop beneath you, and then go plummeting 20 feet straight down and into a 360 degree loop. We’re still dizzy.

Don’t worry, there are several areas of the water park for the younger (or less adventrous) members of your pack to relax. The Cub Paw Pool has a zero depth entry with a “deep” end of only 18 inches. It has tiny slides and other interactive water toys to play with. Fort Mackenzie is a water fort tree house with multiple levels of water splashing fun and small body slides for the little ones to enjoy.

Feeling a little water logged at this point? Dry off and head to the Great Wolf Adventure Park. There are quite possibly more opportunities to play and have fun here than there are in the water park. Seriously.  Oliver’s Mining Company lets you search for minerals and gemstones. Ten Paw Alley is a small bowling alley where even the toddlers can easily roll the ball. Howl In One Mini Golf will test the putting abilities of even the most advanced golfers. You also have the Rustic Ridge Climbing Wall and the Howlers Peak Ropes Course. Other fun areas include the Northern Lights Arcade and a Build-A-Bear Workshop

Most of these attractions are included when you purchase a “Paw Pass”. There are different versions with different price points. Make sure to look at all of the options based on your preferences. No matter what way you choose, there are still loads of free activities every day.  Character appearances occur throughout the day around the lodge. You can even collect “trading cards” of the different characters.  Yoga Tails allows kids to enjoy a yoga class tailored just to them. Can you say stand like a tree or flutter like a butterfly? Other activities include Story Time, Wolfercise, and the Forest Friends Show.

The lodge has several dining options from buffets to sit down restaurants.  There are quick serve counters to get your burgers, hot dogs, or pizza from.  Oh, I can’t forget Dunkin’ Donuts, Ben & Jerry’s, and the Great Wolf Candy Company. You can head to the Iron Horse Fitness Center; weight training and cardio equipment can be used while you catch up on your favorite shows on the flat screen tv’s.

Most of us know that Colorado Springs offers many exciting opportunities for families to enjoy.  Now you know that you can get everything a family needs in one location: the Great Wolf Lodge.

Grand Lake Lodge

Half the fun in going somewhere is the adventure of getting there. It’s even better when the destination is an adventure as well. When I drove up the Grand Lake Lodge, the only historic registered Lodge a few hundred feet above the West shore of Grand Lake Lodge, from which you can see the glory of Grand Lake, Shadow Mountain Lake, and Granby Reservoir, Trail Ridge Road was still closed. This meant a longer drive South through Denver and up the 70, then on to Grand County. The drive is beautiful in and of itself.

One of the great things about Colorado is the ability to drive places just for the drive and just to enjoy the views from the window. I come from a driving family and that, I can assure you, is something many Americans love to do. Shout-out our history of appreciation of road trips.

Arriving at Grand Lake Lodge was a little confusing because you have to drive past the town of Grand Lake, up around the bend of Trail Ridge Road, before you get to the lodge entrance. That extra few minutes in the car is totally worth it because when you pull out onto the overlook and see the sun shining down on Grand Lake, the majesty of Shadow Mountain and the surrounding Peaks, and pull up to the antique cars parked out front of the lodge, you know you’ve just arrived at exactly the right place for a real Colorado #staycation.

As beckoning as the surroundings are, with all new refurbished rooms and cabins – we stayed in Owl 1 – you’re sure to figure out that it’s much more difficult to get out to enjoy the beauty of Grand Lake when you’re sleeping in a place like this. Laying down for a little relaxation and concrete plans to get out and explore, we definitely dozed off and woke up at 1 in the afternoon the next day. The comfort is real.

The lodge itself is the central hub for activity at Grand Lake Lodge. When I first arrived and checked in there were people playing pool and ping pong, drinking at the very excellent and glorious bar that backs up to glass windows overlooking the lake, and enjoying dinner in the restaurant. It’s important to note that Grand Lake Lodge is only open part of the year, because winter travel up there is pretty sticky, and the restaurant had only been open a few days when we arrived. We never would have guessed because the food was excellent – and we’ve never even had elk chops – and the service was perfection: kind, attentive, personable, and as quick as an elegant eatery in a mountain lodge should be. I was even talked into a skillet cooked brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that absolutely made my night.

Adventuring down into the town of Grand Lake, you find that houses scattered about and lots of regular businesses, though most of the activity – and yes, this is a tourist town – is on the main drag. I was able to stop into several very excellent local places including Sagebrush BBQ and Grill, El Pacifico, which offered very excellent Mexican food and will, if you ask just right, provide even hotter hot sauce than their table salsa. We like it spicy.

We also stopped by Miyauchi’s snack bar for a cup of coffee and we were given one for free because, as the owner put it, “if I don’t get rid of this coffee I’m going to drink it all myself”; a woman after our own heart. She also threw a dab of soft serve in the bottom of the cup, which is now my preferred method of sugar and cream for coffee. These folks are so nice, so make sure to stop in for a hello and a snack. They’re located right across from Headwaters Marina, where we went later for a boat toar.

Speaking of which, while the weather was a bit testy on the way up and chilly while we were there, including a few sprinkles, our boat tour out of Headwaters Marina with Captain John T Hall featured perfect weather (note that cruising along under Shadow Mountain side of the lake is colder and more windy than the rest). Let us just say this: the beauty of Grand Lake can really only be experienced from on Grand Lake.

The boat tour was $20 for an adult and our boat was full. We learned about the history of the lake, the first pioneers, saw the original (and still in use) cabin and boat house, and heard about the current competition for biggest house on the lake. Did you know that there are eleven families that live on the lake year-round while there are over 200 homes on the lake itself? Such an interesting history. We are already considering going up for the 4th of July when they light off fireworks from the GLS Doris barge; it’s named after the woman who operated the fireworks barge for over 30 years. Legend tells that her ashes were used in the fireworks and shot up in the sky over the lake when she passed away.

Grand Lake also has multiple entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park as well as views of Arapaho National Park, the Never Summer mountain range, Mount Cairn, and a whole host of elk, a pack of five beers that regularly “terrorize the town” according to Hall, and moose aplenty. Apparently there’s a very large moose named Bruce who is a regular visitor and goes wherever he wants because of his size. We didn’t get a chance to meet Bruce, or any of the other wildlife, but we still enjoyed our visit.

Grand Lake Lodge is a wondrous place to get out of the city, enjoy the mountains, enjoy nature, and enjoy small town life. The town of Grand Lake has refused, thus far, to put in concrete sidewalks and is instead still using boardwalk. That’s epic. Head up while it’s nice out. We highly recommend this staycation.

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