The map is fun to play with as it shows a week-by-week prediction for each state between Sept. 2 and Nov. 18. It also breaks it down on a county-by-county basis, displaying estimates for the degree of color change, from minimal or patchy to near-peak and peak.

It’s “the ultimate visual planning guide to the annual progressive changing of the leaves,” the website says. “While no tool can be 100% accurate, this tool is meant to help travelers better time their trips to have the best opportunity of catching peak color each year.”

But as it turns out, the smokymountains.com map lines up pretty well with what Colorado State Forest Service expert Dan West told The Denver Post last week.

The map shows that north-central Colorado, including parts of Grand and Clear Creek counties, will get the action going first, with patchy colors starting around Sept. 16 and peaking about two weeks later. From there, the yellows and reds will expand out in all directions, with areas in Boulder and Jefferson counties beginning to show partial changes around Sept. 23.

By September 30, the state will light up like a fireworks show, according to the map, with colors throughout the northern and central parts of the state, including Summit, Eagle and Lake counties, as well as further south and west toward Park, Chafee and Gunnison Counties.

Between Oct. 7-14, the majority of the mountainous parts of the state will be peaking or near peak, including Ouray, Gunnison, San Juan, Chafee, San Miguel, Lake, Park, Pitkin, Eagle, Summit and Garfield counties. The Denver area should be in full foliage later in October.

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Because of their love for the area and their impact on Glacier Basin – to improve the fishing in the area for his guests, Abner dammed the creek to create the lake – the lake now bears their surname. And because of the busy Sprague Lake Lodge they operated from 1910 to 1940, there are many trails to explore in the vicinity, which became Rocky Mountain National Park in 1915.

One of those trails is the Glacier Creek Trail.

This trail isn’t so much a single trail but a network of paths through the forests surrounding Sprague Lake. Adventurous hikers may want to take the long way around, starting at Sprague Lake, Glacier Basin Campground (if camping) or the Storm Pass Trailhead.

Shorter hikes can be done as a loop around Sprague Lake, up onto the moraine above the lake and down into the forest, taking the turn off to the right rather than heading to Storm Pass Trailhead.

A really wonderful option for a full-day hike is to start at Sprague Lake, pick up the Glacier Creek Trail at the east end of the lake, follow it east into the forest and then turn right to follow it back west again towards Bear Lake.

The network of trails parallel Bear Lake Corridor, navigating past many meadows in this valley, and up to Bear Lake. At Bear Lake, follow the eastern side of the lake to pick up the Bear Lake – Bierstadt Lake Trail, following it to Bierstadt Lake and then down to the Bierstadt Lake Trailhead. From this point, cross the road to the Storm Pass Trailhead and pick the Glacier Creek Trail back up on the forest and head east to Sprague Lake.

At about 8 miles, this loop provides some astonishing views plus many opportunities to see wildlife, like mule deer, snowshoe hare, elk, pine squirrels, northern flickers, Stellar’s jays, dark-eye juncos and many other species of forest-loving birds.

For a shorter trek, take the two-mile loop that starts at the east end of Sprague Lake. Near the bridge, the trail heads down into the forest, snaking through ponderosa pine and past a lush green meadow.

At about a half mile, the trail reaches a junction, where hikers turn right. Follow this trail as it begins to climb up the moraine. In about 500 feet, the trail reaches the Glacier Creek Trail, which runs northeast and southwest. Turn right at this junction to head towards Boulder Brook and Bear Lake.

Follow the trail, which is now the Glacier Creek Trail, for 1.1 miles as it stays along a level path on the moraine through thick forest and above meadows.

At slightly more than one mile, the trail reaches another junction, connecting with the Storm Pass Trail. Make a right at this junction.

Interestingly, the trail crosses the Alva B. Adams Tunnel at this point. This 13-mile cement-lined tunnel passes underneath Rocky Mountain National Park to deliver water from Lake Granby to East Portal on the west side of Estes Park. There are no markers or indicators of what lies beneath the ground but using the COTrex app will show you the path of the tunnel below the trail.

In 0.3 miles, the trail reaches a four-way junction, with connections to Glacier Creek, Storm Pass, Bear Lake, Bierstadt Lake and Glacier Gorge trails. Take a right and follow the trail through the thinner forest.

At 0.2 miles, the trail reaches the Sprague Lake parking lot on the west end of Sprague Lake.

This section of RMNP requires a timed entry reservation from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. until October 20. The hiker shuttle bus takes hikers into the Bear Lake Corridor but does not stop at Sprague Lake. A park pass is also required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park.

For more information about timed entry or hiking in RMNP, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm.

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Can’t believe summer is coming to an end!

Will you be traveling solo with kids or grandkids in the year ahead? If so, here are five ideas to consider.

Join an organized tour

Feed your junior explorer’s natural curiosity on a memory-filled trip. Do they yearn to learn more about art, history or science? Is there a burgeoning chef, musician or engineer in your midst? How about a language-immersion class? Are your kids curious about other religions, cultures or lifestyles? Whether you opt for magnificent cities, nature’s classroom or immersive experiences, expand their knowledge (and your own) by exploring new ideas together. An organized tour can provide the opportunity for kids to connect and share the experience with others in their own age group and for adults to enjoy their own camaraderie.

For more: www.RoadScholars.com | www.Familyadventures.com.

Choose an all-inclusive resort

With so much to do at a resort like the Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, it will be a breeze to keep everyone happy and active. Ride a banana boat, play on the floating trampoline or clamber on the inflatable climbing wall. Learn to snorkel or try a guided “Snuba” experience, a kid-size first step toward learning to scuba dive. Sail on a catamaran, then visit a volcano or tour in a rainforest. Take an adult break at the spa while the kids take a tennis lesson or take part in the VIP kids sports activities. Traveling with a baby? Certified nanny services are available as well as essential amenities including car seats, cribs and highchairs.

For more: www.windjammer-landing.com

Board a cruise ship

Whether you choose a small sailing ship or a city-size vessel, there will be plenty to engage the younger set, plus a multitude of ways to carve out “me time.” On the bigger ships expect water parks, ropes courses, rock-climbing walls. multiple pools, theaters, ice-skating rinks, surf simulators, a zipline and character parades. Companies like Royal Caribbean have made families a priority and have dedicated large portions of their ships to putting smiles on young faces. Many lines offer separate areas for toddlers, kids and teens and provide free daytime and early evening access to their kids’ clubs. With nursery care and after-hours fun in kids’ clubs, it’s easy to book grown up time in the evenings.

For more: www.UnCruise.com | www.RoyalCaribbean.com | www.Disneycruise.com.

Opt for a guest ranch

With an authentic and scenic setting as backdrop, you and your junior adventurers can enjoy beautiful places and learn horsemanship from experienced hands who will tailor the instruction to your skill and interest level. Opt to ride in open meadows, on mountain trails or in the desert Southwest. Will your family members choose to participate in a real cattle drive? Are you up for a horse pack trip into the back country? Will your youngsters be eager to learn the skills required for team penning and other arena games? Or will you be happy to relax during daily trail rides. The options are yours at working dude ranches and guest ranches across the country. Furthermore, you’ll easily meet other families and share stories on the trail, around a campfire or across the breakfast and dinner tables.

For more: www.duderanch.org

Before the adventure begins

Sure, you know your kids or grandkids. But make sure you are up to speed on any new food allergies and preferences, anxieties about travel, the need for a certain stuffed animal at bedtime or a teen’s recent breakup. Will the kids have their own money to spend and should it be monitored? Cover the final itinerary with the adults in the picture to uncover any additional insights they might have for making the trip as stellar as possible.

Consider discussing the itinerary and the rules of the road before departure. If the children are old enough, talk about bedtime, dining decisions and safety measures so it will be clear who is in charge. If you’ll be traveling with older children, get clarity on guidelines regarding social media, phone and computer time and options for independent outings.

________

(Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer.  Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com)

©2024 FamilyTravel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

That’s the outlook according to Dan West, one of the state’s leading forestry experts, who spends a lot of his time in airplanes every August, evaluating forest health across the state.

“From the air, everything is looking very green,” said West, an entomologist for the Colorado State Forest Service and a member of the faculty at Colorado State University. “I was down in Durango last week, looking at the southwest corner and man, they are green. Fields are green, as opposed to tan, as they were a year ago. Everything looks really nice down there.

“Same for the central part of the state,” he continued. “The whole Gunnison Basin has been above-average in precipitation — they’ve been getting the afternoon monsoonal flow — so things look like we’re setting up for a really good season.”

The onset of fall colors is primarily triggered by shorter days and longer nights, but environmental factors do play a role, resulting in variations from season to season.

West is predicting a normal season this year, which would mean seeing the first signs of color change — “a tinge of yellow,” as he put it — around Sept. 9 in the northern regions of the state. As such, the peak there would occur somewhere between Sept. 16-27.

West predicts the peak coming to the Interstate 70 corridor the last week of September.

Healthy forests make for awesome leaf-peeping. And, when it comes to aspen trees specifically, West said they seem to be doing great with few exceptions.

“I mapped almost no disturbance in aspen stands,” West said. “When I say disturbance, I’m talking about insects and disease. Some years we have environmental conditions that are perfect for fungal issues on leaves. We didn’t have that develop this year. That’s usually (caused by) a wet spring, followed by a really warm trend. We didn’t see that this year, so we didn’t end up with foliar issues — the fungi that feed on the foliage of aspens. We mapped almost no foliar issues in aspen.

“There are very small, isolated pockets of defoliating insects,” he added, “but nothing that’s widespread, nothing like what we’ve seen in years past, where the whole Grand Mesa was affected. It just hasn’t happened this year. It’s setting up to be a really good season.”

The 30-day forecast for September by the Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service calls for above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation. That may not be good news for ski areas hoping to fire up the snow guns in a few weeks, but it’s great news for fall foliage season.

“That sets us up for another great show,” West said.

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There are all kinds of strategies you can use to earn airline points/miles, and that’s true whether you’re a frequent flier or not. You can earn airline rewards by using an airline credit card or a flexible travel credit card for all of your spending, by shopping through airline rewards portals or by joining an airline’s dining club.

You can also buy airline points or miles outright if you want to rack up a stash quickly or you just need to top off your account. But just because you can buy airline rewards doesn’t mean you should. There are only a few situations where buying airline rewards makes any sense at all, meaning you’ll be better off earning rewards in other ways the vast majority of the time.

When you should buy airline points or miles

So, when does it make sense to purchase airline points or miles? Here’s a rundown of the main situations where you might want to consider it, as well as the steps you should take to find out if it makes sense in your situation.

1. When you can use miles for a flight with a high cash price right away

First off, you may want to consider buying miles if you’re planning to book a pricey fare with cash and the cost of purchased miles works out to less than you would pay. This scenario usually makes the most sense when you’re about to buy an expensive international fare in a premium cabin. However, you’ll need to make sure to buy the miles and lock in the award before it disappears, as they often do since award availability can change by the day (and even by the hour).

For example, you can typically buy American AAdvantage miles for a cost of 3.76 cents per mile. While that definitely seems like a lot, it could pay off when you need to book a pricey flight. For instance, maybe you need to fly from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Rome, Italy, this fall and you desperately want to fly in business class with a lie-flat seat. In that case, it may be possible to find business class fares for as low as 57,500 miles plus $23 in airline taxes and fees.

In the meantime, the cash price for this one-way flight works out to $4,585.

So, how do you know this is a good deal? In this scenario, you would subtract the $23 in airline taxes and fees from the cash price to get $4,562. At that point, you would divide the remaining cash amount by 57,500 miles to get a per-mile price.

When you do, you’ll find that this per-mile price works out to 7.9 cents each ($4,562/ 57,500 miles = 0.079). Since you could buy miles for less than 4 cents each, you would get a better value with this strategy than you would if you paid for the flight with cash instead.

2. When you’re short a few thousand miles for an award you want

Another scenario where it might make sense to buy miles is when you’re only a few thousand miles short for a reward redemption you want to make. In this situation, you can still get a good deal on purchased miles whether they’re expensive or not. After all, not buying miles could mean missing out on the award flight you want altogether.

Fortunately, most frequent-flier programs that let you buy miles offer them in fairly small increments so you can easily top off your account. For example, American AAdvantage, Air France/KLM Flying Blue and Delta SkyMiles all let you buy as little as 2,000 miles at a time.

3. The airline is offering a bonus for purchased miles

From time to time, many frequent-flier programs offer a “bonus” for purchasing miles, which typically translates to a discount off the regular rates. Buying during one of these promotional periods is obviously better than buying when a bonus isn’t offered, but that doesn’t mean you should buy miles just for the fun of it.

Unless you have a specific redemption you want to make, you should really only buy miles if you have a goal for them. In any other scenario, you should only buy miles if they’re offered at a price that’s less than what they’re normally worth.

At the moment, the Air France (Flying Blue) program is offering up to a 40% discount on purchased miles (at the time of writing this article). This means that 20,000 miles that would normally set you back $610 are currently on sale for $396.50.

If you need to make an Air France booking anyway and you’re short on miles, the fact a discount is being offered makes this option a pretty good deal.

Then again, the value just isn’t there to make the purchase unless you have a concrete reason. For example, our internal points and miles valuations show that Flying Blue miles are typically worth 1.5 cents each on average, yet the program is asking members to pay $1,830 for 100,000 miles. This translates to more than 1.8 cents per mile, which is more than this type of point is worth.

4. When you need to “reset the clock” so your award miles don’t expire

Buying miles is also a strategy you can use to “reset the clock” when your airline rewards are about to expire. This move can work well when you only have a few days or weeks to show some activity in your account before the expiration date, so you need to make something happen quickly.

However, since there are several free ways to earn more miles — including through co-branded credit card spending, airline shopping portals and frequent-flier dining clubs — you should only use this option as a last resort.

When you shouldn’t buy airline points or miles

For the most part, there are two main scenarios when you should not purchase airline points or miles:

—You don’t need them right now.

—The points/miles cost more than they’re actually worth.

In either case, you’re better off focusing your energy on all the free ways you can rack up airline points and miles. For example, you can look into earning a credit card sign-up bonus from one of the best airline credit cards, or you could explore some of the best flexible credit card rewards programs that let you transfer rewards to your favorite airlines and hotels. You can also look into airline shopping portals and dining clubs, which make it possible to earn points/miles for online shopping and dining out.

Which credit card should you use to buy airline points or miles?

The best credit card for buying airline points or miles will depend on the method you can use to purchase them.

Some frequent-flier programs don’t sell points/miles directly, but you can buy them through a third-party site called Points.com, which features over 60 airline, travel and financial partners. In this scenario, the points/miles you purchased with a credit card would not code as a travel purchase, so you wouldn’t have the opportunity to maximize your purchase with bonus points/miles on travel.

That said, several frequent-flier programs let you purchase points/miles directly on their websites. Some of these programs include Air France/KLM Flying Blue, American AAdvantage, Avianca LifeMiles, British Airways Executive Club, Delta SkyMiles, Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus and more.

In these scenarios, you could opt for a flexible travel credit card that lets you earn bonus rewards on all purchases made directly with airlines. Some solid flexible travel credit cards to consider are the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve® and American Express® Gold Card, to name a few.

However, if you want frequent-flier perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, you could opt for an airline credit card that offers bonus rewards on airline purchases. Just be sure to tailor your card selection to the program you use the most and want to buy points/miles with.

If you’re more interested in the American AAdvantage program, for example, consider signing up for the Citi®/ AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®* or the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®. If you’re a Delta flier, on the other hand, you may want to look into cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

The bottom line

At this point, you may have a few lingering questions. For example, is buying airline miles a good deal? Or, is it worth it to buy airline miles at all? Unfortunately, the answer to both of those questions is usually no. Buying airline miles only makes sense in a few situations, and you’ll probably still need to do some simple math before you decide. When you do run the numbers, you’ll almost always find the math isn’t in favor of buying points or miles.

Finally, remember all the ways you can earn airline rewards without paying for them, including signing up for a co-branded airline credit card (where you can earn a sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards on bonus category spending). With some research and planning, you can get all the miles you need (plus some) without paying for the privilege.

Note: The information about the Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

©2024 Bankrate.com. Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

There are posh boutiques, fine dining, stunning views, and even more stunning prices. You could spend more on a weekend out than the ski bum washing your dishes earns in a month.

But you don’t have to break the bank for a mountain town experience this summer. Get away from the ski lifts and condos, and you’ll find wonderful small towns, places where the mountain-town spirit lives in a (relatively) affordable way.

Here are 10 mountain towns to put on your summer travel list, whether as a destination or just a place to grab a meal on your way through.

Buena Vista

This town in the upper Arkansas River Valley used to be hardscrabble town you drove through on the way to Salida or Leadville. But no more.

Buena Vista invested heavily in developing the area around the river, adding restaurants and shops, a rock-climbing wall and water park.

Where to stay: The Surf Hotel and Chateau, with a bar and restaurant right along the river.

Where to eat: Eddyline Brewing, with two locations and different menus.

What to do: Take a drive on stunning Cottonwood Pass, bring a (non-motorized) boat to Cottonwood Lake or hike one of the many 14,000 peaks in the Collegiate range.

Del Norte

This sleepy hamlet in the San Luis Valley, which was left dormant after the closure of Summitville mine, recently boomed with massive development in restaurants and shops.

The town also has a new play park on the Rio Grande for tubing and surfing, and each August, it hosts the hugely popular Rhythms on the Rio Music Festival.

Del Norte is no longer just where you turn right to ski Wolf Creek.

Where to stay: The Windsor, a restored Victorian hotel with a fine-dining restaurant. Dog owners will enjoy the Mellow Moon Lodge, where two dogs of any size can stay for a weekly fee of $25 per dog.

Where to eat: The Colorado Grill and Taphouse offers a variety of pub fare and comfort food. Three Barrel Brewing is known for its wood-fired pizza.

What to do: Mountain bike the trails around town, go rock-climbing or hiking at nearby Penitente Canyon or cool off on a hot day in the Rio Grande.

Georgetown

Some 40,000 vehicles a day pass this quaint former mining town on Interstate 70, but there’s more to do here than stop for gas and a restroom.

With a booming summer scene and dramatic mountain views, it’s a perfect day trip.

Georgetown is also the starting point for the road up Guanella Pass, an easy drive high into the tundra above.

Where to stay: Rose Street Bed and Breakfast is an easy stroll to the shops and restaurants. For hotel-style accommodations, try the new Microtel Inn and Suites east of town.

Where to eat: Cooper’s on the Creek offers a pleasant patio, pub fare and comfort food.

What to do: Drive Guanella Pass and take a hike up 14,065-foot Mount Bierstadt, known as one of the easiest 14,000-foot peaks to try. Ride into history on the Georgetown Loop Railroad or take a guided rafting trip on Clear Creek.

Granby
This northern Colorado town is no longer just known as the place where a guy built a home-made tank and ravaged it. (really, look it up)

Located within an easy drive of lakes, hot springs, skiing, and hiking, Granby is a perfect base camp for a few days, where you can enjoy the outdoors while avoiding the crowds of nearby Grand Lake.

Where to stay: Inn at Silver Creek is an “adventure hotel” with a bar, restaurant, outdoor pool and golf course.

Where to eat: Maverick’s Grille offers a “Colorado-inspired” menu with a western-themed decor.

What to do: Boat, fish or paddle on massive Lake Granby, take a trip to nearby Hot Sulphur Springs, a historic spa resort or explore the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park on stunning Trail Ridge Road.

Mancos

You might not expect to find a thriving art scene in the desert of the Four Corners region, but pull off from U.S. 160, and that’s what you’ll find.

The town boasts eight art galleries, a historic opera house and a vibrant local business scene.

Mancos makes an ideal stopover on the way to Mesa Verde National, just five miles away.

Where to stay: With few lodging options, your best bet is the Far View Lodge in Mesa Verde or Durango.

Where to eat: The Boathouse on Grand is open for dinner only Thursday-Sunday, with a constantly rotating menu based on local ingredients.

What to do: Sign up for a tour of the Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde, take a walking tour of the arts district or go boating or fishing at Mancos State Park.

Paonia

This pretty town deep in central Colorado’s mountains isn’t on the road to anywhere.

Thanks to a mild climate, it is the heart of Colorado’s wine country.

In summer and fall, the Kebler Pass Road is open, making for a gorgeous drive into the West Elk Mountains to Crested Butte.

Where to stay: The Hitching Post Hotel and Farm Store offers an eclectic old-west feel.

Where to eat: Root and Vine Market is a winery with a breakfast and lunch cafe.

What to do: Take a winery tour in the Napa Valley of Colorado, drive to the north rim of stunning Black Canyon in Gunnison National Park, or visit in early July for Paonia Cherry Days, the longest-running community festival in Colorado.

Platoro

Now, we’re way off the beaten path. This town is 30 miles down winding dirt roads, deep in the South San Juan Mountains, and only exists because of the nearby Platoro Reservoir.

It’s more of a collection of rental cottages than an actual town, but the gorgeous landscape and proximity to outdoor activities will draw you back. It even has a couple of restaurants far from civilization.

Where to stay: The Sky Line Lodge and Cabins resembles a rustic hunting lodge and has its own restaurant.

Where to eat: See above. It’s the only game in town.

What to do: Take a hike into the South San Juan Wilderness, an area so remote it was home to the last grizzly bears in Colorado. Go boating or fishing on the gorgeous Platoro Reservoir or take an ATV drive to the top of Stunner Pass.

Ridgway

The area between Ouray and Durango in Colorado, known as the “American Alps,” swarms with tourists during the summer.

But Ridgway, about 10 miles from the mountains, offers a calmer experience. You can spend a day hiking or driving in these beautiful mountains and still relax.

Where to stay: Orvis Hot Springs offers a selection of rooms and campsites in a beautifully landscaped space with multiple hot pools.

Where to eat: The Colorado Boy offers good pizza and better locally-made craft beer.

What to do: Take a self-guided tour of the many old mines on gorgeous Red Mountain Pass. Soak at Orvis or drive into Ouray for the large hot springs pool. Hike the Bear Creek National Recreation Trail.

Trinidad

This former coal-mining town in extreme southern Colorado has reinvented itself as a tourist destination, with a thriving downtown (and perhaps the largest per-capita number of cannabis stores in Colorado.)

There are great mountain biking trails and several lakes.

Where to stay: All the hotels are chains, so take your pick.

Where to eat: (Update: Rino’s has closed). For over 20 years, Rino’s Italian Restaurant and Steakhouse has entertained diners with its musical waitstaff.

What to do: Take a tour of downtown on the free trolley. Go boating, hiking or fishing at Trinidad Lake State Park. Visit the site of the Ludlow Massacre, where innocent women and children were killed in the 1914 labor wars.

Walden

This town in the remote expanse of North Park is ideal for “getting away from it all.”

Its wide-open country makes it the best place in Colorado to view moose and other wildlife, and hunters flock here in the fall to hunt deer and elk.

Rivers and lakes are known for stellar fishing, and the nearby Mount Zirkel Wilderness is one of Colorado’s last hidden gems.

Where to stay: Bring a tent or camper.

Where to eat: Four Winds Pizza

What to do: Hike to Rainbow Lake in the nearby Mount Zirkel Wilderness. Go moose-watching in State Forest State Park (they have a “Moose Visitor Center.”) Go fly-fishing on the Illinois River.

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Bringing your dog along on your travel adventures can be a blast, but how do you make sure the trip is fun and stress-free for you both? Taking advantage of these dog-friendly options and travel tips can help you plan a getaway for you and your four-legged friend.

Traveling with pets has become increasingly popular in recent years. In response, the travel industry has expanded their offerings for vacationers who bring their dogs along. Pet-friendly stays, activities and transportation are making it easier and more fun to travel with dogs.

For many pet owners, their dog is their best friend. Having them along as a companion can provide welcome company. Among 34 to 54 year olds, the number of people who prefer to bring their pets on vacation has increased to 40% per data from Allianz. Bringing your dog on vacation also eliminates the need to find pet care while you are out of town.

Although many places will welcome your dog, trying to go somewhere that dogs are not allowed can interrupt your trip or add extra stress. Before you book hotels and pack your bags, choose the right itinerary to ensure a great trip for you and your pup.

Best pet-friendly destinations for your next trip

Many cities are dog-friendly for both residents and visitors. By choosing one of these cities to visit, you’ll have a better chance of finding accommodations and activities for your dog. Fortunately, many of these cities are also exciting travel destinations.

Key West, Florida

For a pup-friendly beach escape, head to Key West in Florida. Beaches in South Florida offer beautiful stretches of sand and sparkling water. You and your dog can relax in the sun, splash in the waves and explore the city. Head to the Key West Dog Beach for off-leash fun. Dogs are also welcome on Lazy Dog Kayak Eco-Tours.

Sacramento, California

Forbes chose Sacramento as the most dog-friendly city in the U.S. based on available accommodations and activities. Sacramento is highly walkable and has dozens of dog parks, restaurants with dog-friendly patios and accommodations that take pets. Nature trails and the nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains provide plenty of hiking. For relaxing, Sacramento is known as the Farm to Fork Capital and has a burgeoning wine culture.

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Edisto Island is a South Carolina barrier island less than an hour away from Charleston. It is a quiet beach destination for a laid-back, pet-friendly escape. Edisto Beach welcomes dogs to the four-and-a-half-mile shoreline and Edisto Beach State Park has trails for hiking. You can also bring your dog along on a nature tour by Botany Bay Ecotours.

Navigating hotels, restaurants and attractions with your dog

It’s beneficial to map out the experience for you and your dog before you depart. Start by picking a dog-friendly hotel. Hotel brands at all price points have rooms that accommodate dogs. Some even provide extras, like dog treats or water bowls, on check in.

When booking, LaDell Carter, founder of Royal Expression Travels, notes, “Some hotels might advertise as pet-friendly but impose restrictions such as weight limits or prohibitions against leaving pets unattended in rooms. To avoid any unwelcome surprises, it’s crucial to verify these details beforehand.”

Pet-friendly restaurants and activities

Restaurants with outdoor seating will often accept well-behaved dogs. In Hilton Head Island, for instance, Skull Creek Boathouse offers shade, fans and water bowls for dogs on their patios, letting you and your dog enjoy brunch in Hilton Head together.

When planning what to do on vacation, focus on outdoor activities as those are most likely to be dog-friendly. Hikes, lakes, local parks, beaches and national seashores are ideal places to hang out with your dog. Individual businesses may also permit dogs. Check out city tourism sites, online forums and local business websites for more ideas.

Planning transportation with a dog

While there are many dog-friendly vacation destinations, getting your dog there can be a challenge. Consider how you want to travel and what your dog is comfortable with when planning your trip. You’ll also want to check what requirements your transport method and destination have for dogs. Vaccination records, health certificates and microchips are often required, especially for international travel. Also, keep in mind that new rules for entering the U.S. will start in August 2024.

Plane travel with a dog

In their survey, Forbes found that about 33% of dog owners travel by plane with their pup. To meet demand, airlines are providing more options for dogs that fly. Several major airlines permit small pets to travel in the cabin as long as they are in a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. According to NerdWallet, Alaskan Airlines, Frontier, Delta, Southwest, United and others permit pets for an extra fee. On major carriers that permit larger dogs, the dog must be kenneled and travel in cargo.

Some boutique airlines like BARK Air are offering another option. Aboard smaller planes, dogs get to sit wherever they like and move about the cabin. These airlines prioritize a relaxing flight for dogs. Dave Stangle, VP of Brand Marketing at BARK notes, “All furry passengers have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling earmuffs and calming jackets to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.” Dog-first airlines may offer complimentary options like meals for the pups and the humans.

Bringing the dogs on road trips

If your destination is within driving distance, road trips can be a great way to travel with pets. Most dogs like car rides, and the familiar environment is often less stressful for both of you. Traveling by car also makes it easy to stop for stretch and potty breaks.

Whenever you are driving with your dog along as a passenger, make sure your pup is secured and won’t cause a distraction. Travel crates are a good way to secure your dog both in the car and at your destination. Dog seat belts and backseat hammocks can also keep you and your dog safe and comfortable while road tripping. If your dog isn’t often in the car, do a few practice rides before setting off on your trip.

Plan your next adventure with your dog

As more cities, hotels and airlines add pet-friendly accommodations, it has never been easier to travel with your furry friends. Join the trend of traveling with your dog and enjoy vacation in an entirely new way.

Lisa Wells is a travel, food and lifestyle writer and photographer who has traveled across 37 countries. As the founder of Coastal Wandering, she shares her love for laid-back beach living with stories, recipes and tips for a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

The western portion of the trail starts at the southwestern end of Poudre Lake at Milner Pass and climbs up above tree line to Fall River Pass and the Alpine Visitor Center.

The eastern portion of this trail picks up seven miles to the east along Trail Ridge Road at a small parking area/pullout on the south side of the road. From here, the trail continues down six miles to Upper Beaver Meadows.

To complete the whole trail combines three sections of trail for a total one-way hike of 21 miles across the Continental Divide and Rocky Mountain National Park, through thick forest and open tundra, and navigating up and down at high elevations.

The east and west trails really are better tackled as individual trails. Here is what to expect for each’s difficulty, elevation and return trips:

East Ute Trail

The eastern portion of the Ute Trail starts at the small pullout at tree line on the south side of Trail Ridge Road between Hidden Valley and Forest Canyon Overlook.

Other than a small wooden trailhead sign, there is no indication of the trail’s existence.

This six-mile, one-way trail rises slightly as it curves around unnamed rocky ridges as the trail follows along Tombstone Ridge.

As the trail comes out on the south side of the rocky slope to the northeast, views of Longs Peak and the Continental Divide command the attention of hikers.

All along this portion of the trail, as it heads out to Timberline Pass, unique looking rocks litter the landscape. Complete this hike in early to mid-July and hikers will have a plethora of tundra wildflowers, including the vibrant Old Man of the Mountain, or alpine sunflower, to lay their eyes upon.

Keep an eye out for elk, marmots and white-tailed ptarmigan who enjoy this more serene path on the open landscape.

Past Timberline Pass, the trail descends steeply into Upper Beaver Meadows. This portion of the trail is unmaintained, not heavily used and extremely rocky. Past Timberline Pass should only be attempted by those with strong lungs and knees.

West Ute Trail

Starting at Milner Pass, the trail quickly rises up a few switchbacks on the rock wall on the backside of Poudre Lake. This cool section of the trail is full of small meadows and thick forest.

At 0.6 miles, hikers will reach the junction for Mount Ida. The Ute Trail follows the path to the left at this junction.

As hikers approach tree line, they may consider the option of coming down this trail instead.

The trail will continue out of the forest and onto the tundra where the open landscape of krummholz trees, kettle ponds and lush meadows beckon for many rest stops.

For two miles, the trail gently climbs up the tundra heading towards the Alpine Visitor Center, with the peaks of the Never Summer Range always looming over hikers to the west.

At four miles, the trail reaches Trail Ridge Road, the Alpine Visitor Center and the Trail Ridge Store, where hikers can enjoy a beverage or light snack in their snack bar.

Like the East Ute Trail, wildlife is plenty along this path, with pikas, marmots and chipmunks scurrying across the tundra. A few lucky hikers might share the trail with a moose, elk, bighorn sheep or mule deer.

Remember that on either of these trails, the directions are one way. To return to a vehicle or trailhead you must find a ride or walk back up to the trailhead.

Because large portions of these trails are above tree line, it is important to watch the weather to make sure storms do not catch the hiker exposed on the tundra.

Rocky Mountain National Park charges an entrance fee. The park also requires a timed entry reservation, with both portions of the Ute Trail being within the portion of the park that requires the Timed Entry Reservation from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about hiking in Rocky, including passes, reservations and trail conditions, visit https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm.

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You might have a good feel for which two teams have the most talent, but what if one loses its star quarterback to a season-ending injury in November? You also might know that La Niña winters often result in above-average snowfall for Colorado’s high country, but sometimes La Niña winters result in well-below-average snow. That’s why meteorologists hedge when predicting conditions before Labor Day. Nevertheless, they try.

“I think the sports analogy is great,” says Alan Smith, a full-time meteorologist for the OpenSnow forecasting and reporting service. “You’re predicting future events, and you’re taking information that you have, but there’s so much information you don’t have, like injuries. You never know if a player on a team is going to suddenly explode that season – or regress.”

Still, anyone with an Epic or Ikon pass can’t help but wonder what kind of winter we will have. Labor Day is less than two weeks away, and the first Colorado ski area openings are apt to come in mid-October, most likely on man-made snow. So Smith provided his tentative 2024-2025 United States Winter Forecast Preview on the OpenSnow website.

Usually forecasts this time of year focus on the fluctuation of El Niño and La Niña in the eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator. Last ski season played out during a weak El Niño. Currently we’re in a transitional “neutral” status, but not for long.

“La Niña is favored to emerge during September-November (66% chance) and persist through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2024-25 (74% chance during November-January),” according to the Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service, which has issued a La Niña watch.

What does that mean for skiers and snowboarders in Colorado? Like betting on the Super Bowl this time of year, it’s all about the odds.

“El Niño and La Niña tend to get rated from weak to moderate to strong,” Smith said. “We never know for sure, but the trends seem to be pointing toward a weaker episode this year.”

Smith researched the six most recent weak La Niñas to see how Colorado resorts fared.

“Four of the six years were snowier than average, so that’s pretty decent odds,” Smith said. “However, one of those was well-below average. “That was in 2017-18, a very dry winter. If you expand it out to look at all La Niña years, Colorado does seem to have a boom-or-bust potential with La Niña.

“It tips the odds slightly in favor of being an above-average winter in the ski regions of Colorado,”  he continued. “But sometimes the winters that end up below average that are La Niñas can be well below average.”

The winter of 2021-22 was a moderate La Niña and snowfall was decent, featuring a slow start but strong spring snows. The winter of 2022-23 was a weak La Niña that capped off a rare three-year “triple dip” La Niña. That was a fantastic season for Colorado resorts.

“November was cold and snowy,” Smith said of the 2022-23 winter. “It really jump-started the season, and it was consistent all season long — one of the most consistent winters I remember seeing.”

Last winter, under a strong El Niño, was slightly above average for snowfall. Now we get to guess the odds for this winter.

“There’s just so many factors you don’t know,” Smith said. “If you’re just looking at history, the odds tell us it’s slightly better than a 50-50 chance of being an above-average winter. But there’s always going to be that chance it could be a well-below-average winter.”

Colorado’s first ski area opening dates over the past five seasons

2019: Arapahoe Basin, Oct. 11

2020: Wolf Creek, Oct. 28

2021: Wolf Creek, Oct. 16

2022: Arapahoe Basin, Oct. 23

2023: Arapahoe Basin, Oct. 29

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With over 1,000 farms and sweeping views of the Front Range, Boulder County is an idyllic place to experience agritourism. Our suggestion? Tour a farm, then head downtown to taste their harvest at a local restaurant.

Explore the farms:

Black Cat Organic Farm
9889 N. 51st St., Longmont

A bucolic cruise through Boulder County’s northernmost farmland lands you at Black Cat, and the setting gets even prettier once you’ve wandered onto chef-farmer Erik Skokan’s 500-acre certified organic farm.

Skokan started as a backyard gardener in 2006, the year he opened his first restaurant.

Since then, he and his wife, Jill Skokan, have grown their operation to include 250 varieties of vegetables, grains, legumes, herbs, and flowers, as well as heritage sheep and pigs — not to mention a patch of mouthwatering strawberries dripping down a hillside between private cabanas that will reopen for farm dinners sometime this summer (most likely July).

If you’re serious about learning the ins and outs of farming, Black Cat’s custom, hands-on, chef-led tours are definitely the way to go. Call 303-444-9110 to book a morning or afternoon outing; $250 for groups of all sizes.

The Skokans gear tours toward the interests of their guests, so you could find yourself walking — and sampling — the fields while learning about food production, actively working with animals and discussing husbandry practices, or even seeing firsthand the integration between farm and table during a harvest.

Three Leaf Farm
445 S. 112th St., Lafayette

Three Leaf Farm owners Lenny and Sara Martinelli specialize in organic heirloom vegetables and herbs, and the first thing you’ll notice when you turn off South Public Road is a sprawling vegetable patch teeming with juicy heritage tomatoes, colorful peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, squashes, plenty of salad greens, and rows of fragrant herbs.

The only soil amendment the Martinellis use is the compost they make, so you might also catch a whiff of something earthy as you explore this 100 percent organic farmstead.

The vegetable field precedes a cut flower garden built into a hill, and beyond that there’s plenty more to see while touring the 17-acre space — including horses and goats, the latter of which come out of their pens for goat yoga in the summer.

Plant lovers will enjoy strolling along winding paths, meandering past medicinal herb gardens, aromatic culinary gardens, and tranquil meditation spaces.

But this isn’t a place where you just drop in. You can arrange tours in advance by emailing the owners at farm@threeleafconcepts.com.

Education is a big part of Three Leaf’s mission; there are lots of other opportunities for guests, including creative workshops, seminars, hands-on demonstrations, and classes on herbalism and food production.

Six outdoor farm dinners are offered from June through October.

Check the organization’s website for up-to-date details.

Cure Farm

7416 Valmont Rd., Boulder

Anne Cure opened her farm in 2005 and has been selling food directly to Boulder County restaurants ever since.

The highlight of any farm visit is Cure’s magical farm stand, complete with twinkling lights, plants, and plenty of fresh produce.

The seasonal stand is open daily, from 12 to 5 p.m. In addition to produce, Cure sells specialty cut flowers and eggs on site, and she works with other local producers to bring in canned and dried goods along with dairy and grass-finished beef and pork.

There isn’t a formalized farm tour, per se, but for those who enjoy a laid-back experience, self-guided exploration is encouraged.

“Folks are always welcome to walk through our fields during operating hours,” says Cure.

If you do it, don’t miss the small herd of Nigerian dwarf goats. Penny, a teacup pig, is a big hit with kids.

Ask nicely, and one of the farm staff will probably let you have a taste of their harvests right from the ground — Cure Farm is that kind of a place.

The Tables

Foodies can’t go wrong with a 3-course farm dinner at Bramble & Hare, 1970 13th St., Boulder, an award-winning restaurant that was recently awarded a rare Michelin Green Star for its sustainability practices.

Most of the food on your plate comes straight from Black Cat Farm. The rotating, seasonal menu includes an appetizer, entrée, and desert, and vegetarian options are available, along with craft cocktails and a satisfying wine list.

Three Leaf Farm sends 100 percent of its produce to five well-known restaurants, three of which are located in downtown Boulder.

Leaf Vegetarian Restaurant, 1710 Pearl St., Boulder, is a must for any vegetarians with a hankering for inspired plant-based cuisine — but even the most devout carnivores will appreciate the restaurant’s delightful brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour menus, featuring a mix of health food and comfort fare.

There’s no better place to end a hike than the Chautauqua Dining Hall, 900 Baseline Road, a Victorian-style eatery at the base of Chautauqua, serving fresh, Colorado-bistro cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The views are free to those who nab an outside table.

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, 1770 13th Street, a personal favorite, is a Michelin Guide Recommended restaurant with a diverse international menu featuring dishes from Asia and Europe. Tea enthusiasts can drop in for afternoon tea and sample one or more brews off the thick tea menu while immersed in a beautifully designed teahouse reflecting the 2,000-year-old traditions of Southeast Asia.

Satiate your sweet tooth at Shamane’s Bakery, 2825 Wilderness Place. The bakery offers desserts, pastries, and made-to-order cakes and cupcakes. Scratch-made savory items are available, too. Owner Shamane Simons prides herself on using the highest-quality ingredients, some of which come from Cure Farm.

You’ll also find Cure Farm ingredients at Moxie Bread Co., 4593 Broadway, with additional locations in Louisville and Lyons. Located in the NoBo Arts District, Moxie carries unbelievable bread and pastries, drinks, a few grab-and-go snacks, and freshly milled flour and heritage grains.

Straight to the source

It’d be hard to tell a story about Boulder’s farms and food without mentioning the Boulder Farmers Market, a nationally recognized producer-only market held 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through November 23. (There’s also a Wednesday market, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., through October 2.)

Given high sourcing standards and selectivity, the market has become an essential stop for local restauranteurs and chefs, as well as the community at large.

“Our most regular customers are the chefs from Potager in Denver,” says spokesperson Frankie Ryder. “Daniel Asher and chefs from Gemini also shop the market.”

Get a literal taste of Boulder at the market’s food court — set up in the parking lot of the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse — offering farm fresh dishes from local vendors.

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