This year’s show includes more than 15,000 horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, alpacas, llamas, bison, yak, rabbits, and poultry. The trade show includes more than 350 vendors, offering a variety of products from jewelry and fine art, to clothing, agricultural products and equipment, and even household items. There are a number of ticketed events, hosting nearly 50 performances in the Stadium Arena, Denver Coliseum and National Western Events Center. Ticketed events included PBR Bull Riding Touring Pro Finale, Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza, ProRodeos, Martin Luther King, Jr. African-American Heritage Rodeo, National Western Wild West Show, the Gambler’s Choice Open Jumping Stake, Grand Prix show jumping, SuperDogs, RAM Invitational Freestyle Reining, An Evening of Dance Horses, and Draft Horse and Mule Shows.
Whether you choose to take your mini road trip with your entire family, or just you and your date, it is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable time!
Learn more at www.nationalwestern.com/
Family Road Adventures – Easy Drives to Enjoy Colorado Aspens
Whether you’re a Colorado native or have just arrived in Denver, nothing beats taking a trip to the high country during the end of September or the beginning of October to enjoy the golden beauty of the changing of Colorado’s aspen trees. This annual signal of the beginning of fall is a sight to behold.
Here are a few suggested routes to get a good look at the spectacular fall colors of the Rocky Mountains.
Maroon Bells – If you had to pick a single image that best represents Colorado, the peaks of Maroon Bells would be a smart choice. Getting there during September and October involves riding a shuttle bus from Aspen.
Cottonwood Pass – Head down Cottonwood Pass Road, which is west of Buena Vista, to take in one of the state’s largest concentrations of aspen trees.
Guanella Pass – Drive up I-70 to Georgetown and traverse the Guanella Pass Scenic & Historic Byway. This 22-mile road south of town will take you through a number of different ecosystems. You can take in view of Mount Bierstadt and alpine scenery in addition to tons of aspen trees.
Fall River Road/St. Mary’s Glacier – If you are not up for a full day in the car, take I-70 west to exit 238 (just past Idaho Springs) and then drive toward St. Mary’s Glacier.