Page 15 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Spring 2021

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The Beauty of the Colorado Rockies
The mighty Colorado Rockies is undeniably one of the world’s most resplendent ranges, and a show-stopping site for those traveling through the state. Looming over everything like silent sentinels, these mountains hold scenic beauty that is hard to match. Snowy peaks, red rock canyons, deep forests, painted deserts, and more are all found within this vast and varied landmark. This massive range of mountains might seem
like an overwhelming undertaking, but you
can make it through, and see some of the most incredible mountain sights in the world, with ease.
There’s no better way to take in all the beauty than a trip through Rocky Mountain National Park. There, you’ll be able to see the snow-covered peaks of the Rockies in all their grandeur. Take a drive on the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved, continuous highway in North America. It’s a drive that should be on everybody’s bucket list. At Rainbow Curve you’ll marvel at the majestic mountains that stand in contrast to deep, rugged canyons. While traversing the park, be on the lookout for the wild locals that live there, like bighorn sheep, elk and mule deer.
Looking to see the Colorado Rockies from a different perspective? How about from
the seat of a historic train? Hop aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. This 1881 coal-fired, steam-powered train looks like it rolled straight out of the wild days of the West. This legendary locomotive once made its name hauling silver and gold ore out from the San Juan Mountains, and hauling passengers and goods back in. These days, there’s a lot less gold and more passengers, but there’s still untold riches to
be had in the scenic views you can see out of the train’s windows.
It’s always nice to sit back, relax, and let the beauty of your surroundings wash over you. But, if you feel like you want to get up-close and personal with the Rockies, make your way to southern Colorado and head for Mesa Verde National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the ancient Ancestral Puebloan civilization, and in the park, you can see their incredibly crafted cliff dwellings. Join a national
park ranger on a hike that will take you down into the canyon, and right into one
of these famous cliff dwellings, for a window into what life would be like for
the Pueblo people.
Ready to visit the Rockies?
AAA’s Colorado’s Rails and Rockies tour (see listing on page 17) will take you there. For more information on visiting the Colorado Rockies or other vacation packages, contact your local AAA Travel Agent at 1-800-222-1469 or
go to AAA.com/Travel.
SPRING 2021
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