Colorado is known for its perfect skiing and snowboarding weather, but the unique geography of the region makes it so much more than that. The mountains are vast and ready for adventure, and the sun in the summer is different from the cold weather outsiders experience during the winter.
If you are taking a trip to Colorado, you’ll need to take some precautionary measures as you would any time you go on a vacation. There are plenty of options for cheap car insurance in Colorado if you are going to be on the road a lot, and we’ll discuss some of those plans.
We’ll also talk about the can’t-miss locations on the map and some of the forgotten entertainment options that exist among the Rocky Mountains. This means you should be covered for both indoor and outdoor fun at any time of the year.
Best Hiking Locations in Colorado
Let’s start with the amazing natural resources Colorado offers to residents and visitors. During the snowy season, there is more skiing, snowboarding, and skating than nearly any other state in America. We all know about these famous flurries, but there are quite a few beautiful spots to hike through once the sun peeks out in the spring and summer.
Butler Gulch is the climb you will want to attempt if you want to see more of Colorado’s wildflowers and springtime beauty. Indian paintbrush, Rocky Mountain columbine, fireweed, and blanket flower are several of the lush flowers that populate the state’s collection. You’ll see these and over a hundred more on the hike through the gulch.
Hanging Lake combines the signature sights of the mountains with the blueness of the body of water located at the end of the hike. It is also a fairly accessible hike because the round trip clocks in at just under three miles. The terrain and the uneven climb will still be tiring, so come prepared with food and water and make sure to rest once in a while.
There are several other hikes that will interest visitors, but these two can be most enjoyed by a new hiker because of their length and the scenery.
The Culture of Colorado
Colorado is one of the most relaxed states in the country. The area is known for its amazing work-life balance. There are tons of jobs available, and the time off from work gives employees some awesome entertainment options. Not many states have the natural resources of Colorado.
Outdoor activities aren’t for everyone, though, so don’t worry if you like to keep inside and enjoy the warmth. If you like museums, you can enjoy the Rockies Air and Space Museum or the Museum of Contemporary Art. The Tabor Opera House offers great theater in a small-town location.
Colorado is also home to four major professional sports teams in the country. Broncos and Rockies games are great for outdoor sports fans, and the Nuggets and Avalanche provide an indoor alternative. Basketball star Nikola Jokic is one of the most exciting players in the NBA, and he won the league’s Most Valuable Player award last season.
Colorado was one of the first to legalize the use of marijuana. This means it still remains a state that is very lax culturally and provides lesser judgment for those who want to use the substance. The area is known for its welcoming nature and friendly neighbors, so tourists and residents can enjoy each other’s company. Moving to Colorado can definitely change your life.
Insurance Tips While in Colorado
When you go to a state like Colorado where there is so much outdoor exploring, you will need a reliable vehicle and some good auto insurance to go along with it. If you are just visiting for a week or two, your auto insurance from your home state will do just fine. Let’s talk about how to get the best rates if you are going to move to Colorado permanently.
You will need to switch your insurance from the state you previously lived into Colorado, and this means your rates are likely to increase. The state is considered more of a risk to companies because of the harsh weather, mountainous terrain, and the sheer amount of car travel that takes place.
Increasing your safety precautions and having a clean driving record will help you get cheaper rates in Colorado. Make sure you are driving a vehicle that has four-wheel drive and goes through snow pretty well. Otherwise, your policy will be even higher.
Other factors that contribute to higher rates of insurance are age and gender. Colorado’s loose cultural appeal works in contrast with the higher rates of insurance for teens and young adults who get behind the wheel. Young drivers should shop around to see how they can get discounts on their policies.
Farmers and State Farm are two of the cheapest companies to get insurance for your car in the Denver metro area, with monthly expenses coming in at $43 and $51, respectively. When you have the best rates on your insurance, you can have more fun exploring the state and enjoying the unique atmosphere.
Is Colorado worth the time?
If you’re going to vacation in Colorado, you don’t have to love snow and sleet. You can enjoy many indoor activities and sunshine in the summer months. The flowers, wildlife, motorcycle rides, and hiking trails combine into a one-of-a-kind sight.
Make sure that you know what you want to do when you visit or you might get lost in all of the variety that the state has to offer. This is one of the drawbacks to vacation in an area that has a broad scope of activities. It’s like when a restaurant has too many items on the menu. Try to narrow in on a few of your favorites so that you can enjoy your time to the fullest.
If you’re going to live in Colorado, you can expect a friendly neighborhood environment that cares about people and doesn’t judge you for being a little free-spirited. Whatever you desire, you can be sure that Colorado is one of the most naturally beautiful and welcoming places in America.
Shawn Laib writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsuranceEZ.com. He wants to educate readers on the logistics of getting insurance when going on vacations around America.