In Colorado the air seems crisper, the snow more pristine, the hot springs more spiritual, the Aspens more colorful.

And every season has its rightful place in the hearts and minds of vacationers. The winter brings fresh powder to some of the world's most celebrated ski destinations, from Vail to Beaver Creek to Wolf Creek. Cross country skiing, ice skating and sleigh riding also mark that special time when the mercury drops and the flakes begin to fall.

Summer brings an entirely different slate of must-dos, but nonetheless thrilling: backpacking, river rafting, fly fishing, golfing and horseback riding, are just a few of the exhilarating activities sure to get your blood pumping. And, of course, any time is a good time to take advantage of shopping, museum hopping, fine dining and festival-going when you're staying in the Centennial state.

Tour an ancient pueblo civilization at Mesa Verde Park, or take in a Rockies game at Denver's Coors Field. Or spend the day exploring nothing more than the grounds of your Colorado vacations resort, where the amenities are many and the accommodations are always inviting.

Eat...

Taste of Colorado (Denver). This Labor Day weekend event offers a tantalizing array of booths that serve up all the local favorites - and a large lineup of bands that keep the toes tapping while you eat.

Play...

Denver Botanic Gardens. Wander through 23 acres of splendor, an oasis of color in the middle of the urban landscape. More than 15,000 species from around the world are represented.

Denver Art Museum. The Rocky Mountains' only major Asian art collection resides here, as well as a wide range of Native American art.

Take yourself out to the ballgame. Denver is home to the Broncos of the NFL, the Rockies of the MLB and the Nuggets of the NBA, each with venues that are anything but cookie cutter. Invesco Field at Mile High, home of the Broncos, is a state-of-the-art facility with 1.7 million square feet of space.

Children's Museum of Denver. Having fun is serious business at this hands-on museum where kids learn how to build cars on an assembly line, shop for their own groceries and more.

Explore...

Ski Train (Union Station). Hop aboard this train from Denver to Winter Park, complete with breathtaking views.

Chimney Rock Archaeological Area (Pagosa Springs). Take a guided tour of ancestral Puebloan ruins midway between Pagosa Springs and Navajo Lake.

Hot Mineral Springs and Baths (Pagosa Springs). Many have believed for centuries that these springs, reputed to be the world's largest and hottest, hold healing properties.

Waterfalls (Pagosa Springs). At least 25 waterfalls are waiting to be discovered throughout the area, some highly accessible and some requiring a trek through the scenic mountains to view their dazzling displays.

Rite of Passage sculpture (Avon). Artist Sandy Scott created these five bronze horses, a perfect addition to an already impressive collection of art in and around Avon.

Shop...

Larimer Square (Denver). The town's trendiest restaurants and sought-after boutiques can be found in Larimer Square, once Denver's first city block and now home to some of the hottest names in fashion.

LoDo (Denver). Short for Lower Downtown, this area of Denver contains preserved buildings and a host of trendy bars, restaurants and shops.

This is provided for informational purposes only. Endless Vacation Rentals does not endorse any of the resort activities, guides, vendors or service providers described. It is the individual’s responsibility to investigate the safety and suitability of any activity, and the credentials and fitness of any guide, vendor or service provider. Endless Vacation Rentals expressly denies any liability for engaging in any activity, and for using any guide, vendor or services provider, that may be mentioned or described in any Endless Vacation Rentals advertisement or publication. Additional fees and restrictions may apply to any activity or service.