Safe-cations and Staycations!

July 7, 2020

Much has changed since March of this year, not the least of which is how to plan and enjoy our leisure and vacation time. If we’re lucky enough to have jobs and time off, the summer of 2020 will likely be one of staycations and super safe-cations, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun and make memories – separately-together! 

Here are a few ideas for making the most of these next warm weather months — from a few minutes to a few hours away, now that things are a bit more open. As Real Simple stresses, before you make any plans to travel, consult the Center for Disease Control’s Considerations for Travelers amid the ongoing presence of COVID in the U.S.

The Aurora Reservoir is Open!

One popular spot in the summer is the Aurora Reservoir, which is one of the reasons lakeside living in Southshore is such a perk. It’s like living in a resort community with access to all kinds of recreational water activities – even with social distancing guidelines in place. The reservoir’s 800 acres of water and miles of trails and sandy beaches are open for guests — with staff limiting how many cars can be admitted, and restricting the number of people coming through the walk-in gates. 

You can bring your own non-motorized boat, ride your bikes – since the perimeter trail is open, and paddle boarders, kayakers and canoers are all welcome, too! For any anglers, make sure your Colorado Fishing license is current, and check the bag and possession limits. 

Staff will allow hand launch boating access next to Shelter 4, but won’t be making life preserver vests available, so be sure to bring your own. The archery range is open, and the scuba area is, too, so if you want to take advantage of this water wonderland, plan ahead and get there early for the best spots!

Road Trips for Safe-Cations

Colorado.com lists three and four-day road trips with possible itineraries and links to lodging and dining so you can check out the precautions establishments are taking to keep you safe and healthy. Consider a four-day outdoor adventure outside of Rocky Mountain National Park – complete with off-road trails in the forest, rock climbing up  the 800 foot Via Ferrata, kayaking and paddle boarding on Lake Estes, or biking around it on the 3.75-mile paved loop. 

If that isn’t what you had in mind for your safe-cation, how about a three-day trip to the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes? Visit the Fort Garland Museum build in 1858 during the U.S. expansion into the West, the Zapata Falls with its 30-foot column of rushing water, the Alamosa Wildlife Refuge, Penitente Canyon with premier rock climbing opportunities, and the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve – it’s a great way to spend a long, sandy weekend.

There are tons more trips and options to pour over here – depending on your interests and activity level – to find one that fits.

And if camping and glamping appeals to you, click over the Glamping Hub where you’ll find a host of possibilities, like renting an authentic tipi and roughing it on Working Horse Ranch, Creekside in Hudson, Colorado. Or take a rafting tour at the Royal Gorge Adventure Beach and stay in a luxury yurt. At 20 feet in diameter with upper level lofts, you’ll find plenty of space to stretch out and relax in a riverside yurt on the Arkansas River.

For additional places to glamp and camp in Colorado, visit recreation.gov. You’ll find rustically luxe retreats and RV resorts with acres to explore, and even more options for roasting marshmallows in campfires and sleeping under (or almost under) the stars. 

Staycationing in Southshore

The location of the master-planned community of Southshore – next to the Aurora Reservoir with summer activities in, near and under the water – makes it ideal for anyone who enjoys being outdoors. Set up an appointment to tour the models built by Colorado’s finest home builders: Taylor Morrison, Richmond American Homes and Toll Brothers. Life at the Lake offers floor plans for ranch and two-story designs, priced between the $400s and the $700s, with backyards big enough to pitch a tent and close to all the essentials you’ll ever need.