Arapaho National Forest

In a glacial basin south of Walden, you'll find the Arapaho National Wildlife Refuge, which was established in 1967 as a nesting haven for waterfowl, partially to compensate for the destruction of prairie wetlands in Minnesota and the Dakotas. The forest also cradles Rocky Mountain National Park.

The city of Boulder, with its population of 96,000, is nestled against the Flatirons on the edge of the forest. Just 25 miles northwest of Denver, Boulder boasts over 300 restaurants and a lively music scene. Nearby towns include Winter Park, Tabernash, Fraser, and Hot Sulphur Springs.