Not Just Snow and Skis, Glenwood Springs Golfing Brings Nature Back to the Links
What do you think of when you dream about a trip to Colorado? The Rocky Mountains are surely a primary notion. Possibly it is skiing and snowboarding, or maybe camping at some desolate mountain pond amidst the splendor of unrestricted wildlife and unspoiled terrain. Obviously, the Centennial State is well-known for this and more, but a Colorado golf vacation encompasses so much more.
One thing a Colorado golf vacation can offerthat is difficult to find elsewhere is incredible lodgings at affordable prices. As most people know, Colorado is famous for its elite level of resort offerings. Even the more affordable resorts boast exquisite cuisine and accommodation opportunities. Well, during the off-season, those same resorts cut their room rates by over half. This means that famous places such as Aspen or Snowmass Village in the Roaring Fork Valley are available tovirtually all budgets.
The Roaring Fork Valley has courses that stack up against the finest in Colorado, and the area golf community shows pride in their array of courses. Carved out of the natural vistas and rolling topography, courses in the valley received their blueprints from names such as Jack Nicklaus and Jim Engh, who has won many design awards. Many local golf clubs have been recognized in the Top 10 by a number of golf periodicals and groups. The Ranch at the Roaring Fork near Carbondale offers a very casual setting with an nine-hole, par-three course that is family-friendly and very affordable.
Statistics show that large portions of golfers are avid bicycle riders as well, and the Roaring Fork Valley is an ideal setting to add a bike tour to your Colorado golf vacation. Tucked into the flats along the Roaring Fork River, the Rio Grande bike trail starts in the middle of world-famous Aspen and meanders along with the river until the end of the trail over 40 miles north near Glenwood Springs. The trail has numerous spots to exit so nobody gets left behind if they tucker out. Just disembark from the trail and jump on one of the Roaring Fork Transportation Association’s busses to get you back to your starting point. RFTA busses are specially outfitted to carry dozens of bikes, as well as their riders.
Near Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, several mountain trails are readily accessible. These trails present the greenhorn as well as the veteran rider all the variety they could ask for. The 14-mile Porcupine Loop is a slow and gentle spin through the hills, or take the trail in the Red Hill Recreation area for a more challenging tour with incredible views of Mount Sopris and the valley.
The residents of the Centennial State are acutely aware of caring for the natural ecosystems , and the golf courses are operated in a very environmentally-conscious manner. Course superintendents are focused on preserving and maintaining wildlife habitat. It is very common to see several whitetail does being trailed by a big buck or two just a few feet from where you are lining up your putt.
The golf community in Colorado is increasingly adopting water conservation methods and enhancing natural habitat, with one-third of the land used on Colorado courses being unmaintained land providing wildlife habitat and conserving water. While a typical residential lawn requires 18 gallons of water, superintendants in Colorado are able to keep their grass green on 15 gallons per acre. So, even on your Colorado golf vacation you can be conscious of your environmental footprint. The Audubon Society has actually certified some courses as cooperative sanctuaries.
External Glenwood Springs Resources: http://golf.glenwoodspringsaspen.com