Central Colorado: Aspen, Vail, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park & Beyond

Travel Adventures

By: Curtis Casewit

Narrated by: Jack Chekijian

The San Luis Valley is a study in contrasts, evident in the 7,000-foot elevation gain from the low-lying valley floor to 14,345-foot Blanca Peak. The Great Sand Dunes are reminiscent of the Sahara Desert. Fourteen-thousand-foot peaks, the spire-like Crestone Needle, and its neighbor Crestone Peak - pride of the Sangre de Cristo ("Blood of Christ") Range - are the natural landmarks for the valley's eastern boundary.

At the northern end of the area are the Valley View Hot Springs, which harness some of the steaming water that pours from the ground. In Crested Butte, trails set out into the Maroon Bells/Snowmass Wilderness from the vicinity of Gothic and Schofield Pass. Short day hikes into the alpine meadows are one option. Or, those seeking a longer experience can hike the 13 miles over spectacular East Maroon Pass on into Aspen.

The state that brings you Aspen, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Telluride is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding. Justly so. Colorado has a greater number of ski resorts and areas than almost any other US state or Canadian province. In all, you can ski at two dozen places that vary in size, from giants like the Aspen complex to rustic alpine Loveland Basin. Non-skiers find activities at the Colorado resorts as well.

Experts have counted some 200 species of wildlife in the Rocky Mountain National Park. More than 400 miles of trails, many of them gentle, others challenging, provide hikes to beautiful alpine mountain lakes surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

No visitor to this part of Colorado should miss Rocky Mountain National Park. Its 300,000 acres are filled by stunning mountain views and, thanks to the Park Service, remain largely in their natural state. Nearby is Steamboat Springs. Summers here guarantee you an adrenaline rush.

Where to stay, where to eat, how to get around, what to do - we cover it all in detail.

©2011 Hunter Publishing, Inc (P)2014 Hunter Publishing, Inc

Great Information

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. It has everything one needs to know when planning a trip to Colorado.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Central Colorado: Aspen, Vail, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Rocky Mountain National Park & Beyond?

I liked the places you can go to see the cliff dwellings and where it talks about the Anasazi Indians being the first settlers. I enjoyed the whole book as there is so much to see and do in Colorado and this gives you all the info needed.

Which character – as performed by Jack Chekijian – was your favorite?

Jack Chekijian is the narrator of this guidebook and he does a great job and speaks clearly.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes. I love the Rocky Mountains and several other places that the book talked about.

Any additional comments?

I received this audiobook foc in exchange for an unbiased review.

Why take your next vacation in Colorado?

For vacationers and tourists alike. While the publisher gives a perfectly nice precis of the aim and content of this guide, there is much more to it. An overview of the entire area is given first, along with some pointed nudges to common sense in the areas of maintaining personal health and safety, as well as nature-friendly considerations. The author is able to give voice to imagination and visualization of this dramatic scene.
Next, for each specific area, a reasonable history of the rediscovery and development is given, followed by how to get there and get around while there, touring sights, where to obtain specific info if needed while there, and when is the best time to go in relation to your particular interests. Once again, verbal visual tours are given, as well as brief info on a variety of accommodations, restaurants and eateries in the moderate to expensive range. Further detailing is discussed regarding hiking trails, skiing, riding, rafting, paragliding, scenic flights, biking, Jeep touring, and camping availability.
This guide is well suited to the planner. Study it to see if the area is the place for you to go, then plan out your time there to make the most of your resources and interests.
Narrator Jack has performed this audio with just the right degree of restrained enthusiasm, and with the clearly enunciated speech which reflect positively upon the author.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review

Central Colorado

I liked this book a lot! Jack Chekijian does a wonderful job narrating this tour of Central Colorado with all the flare of a tour guide walking ahead of us.It makes me want to visit even more than I already do!I was given this book for free for an honest review.

Simply Awful Narration

While the story is as expected, the computer like narration is very difficult to listen to.