Colorado Travel Agent Expert

Rocky Mountain Backcountry

Colorado is one of those places I never get tired of exploring. I have driven throughout the entire state, from Denver and the Front Range to the remote San Juan Mountains and the Western Slope, exploring major destinations, tiny mountain communities, backroads, scenic byways, national parks, ski resorts, restaurants, local bars and countless trails along the way. 

 I love Denver for its combination of city energy and immediate access to the mountains. I’ve explored neighborhoods throughout the city, along with its museums, breweries, restaurants, live-music venues and professional sports. A trip to Denver isn’t complete without experiencing Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre, one of the most spectacular concert venues in the world.

Colorado’s four national parks each offer something completely different. Rocky Mountain National Park is a spectacular world of towering peaks, alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and high-country trails. I love exploring the areas around Estes Park and Grand Lake and helping travelers choose hikes that fit their interests and abilities. Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado’s most unusual landscapes, where enormous sand dunes meet the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Hiking, sandboarding, stargazing and exploring Medano Creek make this an unforgettable stop. Mesa Verde National Park combines breathtaking scenery with the incredible history of the Ancestral Pueblo people and their cliff dwellings. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is dramatic, rugged and far less crowded than many famous national parks. Standing above the canyon and looking down its nearly vertical walls is an experience I’ll never forget. 

Colorado is world-famous for skiing, but I believe choosing the right town is just as important as choosing the right mountain. I’ve explored Breckenridge, Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Winter Park, Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Snowmass, Crested Butte and Telluride. Breckenridge offers historic charm and a lively downtown. Vail and Beaver Creek provide a more upscale resort experience. Steamboat retains a wonderful Western character, while Crested Butte feels independent, colorful and adventurous. Aspen combines spectacular scenery with exceptional dining, shopping and nightlife. And Telluride, tucked into a dramatic box canyon is simply one of the most beautiful mountain towns I’ve experienced. 

I also love the smaller communities that often get overlooked. These towns are where travelers can slow down, meet locals and experience a different side of Colorado. Colorado is an outdoor playground, and some of my favorite experiences come from getting away from the crowds. Maroon Bells is an iconic example, but I also love seeking out quieter trails, alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildflower-covered mountains and remote stretches of wilderness. 

Depending on the traveler, I can help build adventures around hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing, fly-fishing, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding, camping, snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and scenic drives.  I look for everything from outstanding destination restaurants and upscale mountain dining to burger joints, diners, barbecue, breweries and small-town restaurants that don’t necessarily make the tourist lists. I especially enjoy finding the old-school dive bars and local hangouts, the places with worn wooden bars, cold drinks, good food and a bartender who knows the regulars. Those experiences often tell you more about a town than any guidebook can. 

What makes my Colorado expertise different is that I know the state from personal experience. I know the feeling of driving into a tiny mountain town after hours on the road, discovering a great local restaurant, finding a quiet trail or coming around a bend and suddenly seeing enormous Rocky Mountain peaks. Whether you’re dreaming of skiing in Breckenridge, hiking beneath the Maroon Bells, exploring a national park, catching a concert at Red Rocks, soaking in a mountain hot spring or disappearing down a backroad toward a town most travelers have never heard of, I can help create the right Colorado experience. Colorado is a state I’ve explored from end to end, and it’s a place I genuinely love helping other travelers discover.