See another side of Colorado at Moffat County Balloon Festival.
cuddle amidst the nobleness of Colorado ’s breathless landscapes lie a hidden gem that beckons the adventurous individual — who ’s also seem for playfulness off the beaten path . Craig , a witching townsfolk of just under 9,000 residents , stands asunder from Colorado ’s larger metropolis and tourer towns with its subdued grandness and surprising amount of regular , bunch - pulling case .
receive to the beating heart of Moffat County , where each year , the skies come alive with the vivacious colors of theMoffat County Balloon Festival . A spectacle of hot aura balloons from Colorado , Utah , and Wyoming will gracefully rise over the sensible horizon as the Sunday rises , with balloon set in motion for the festival ’s fourteenth year at 6:30 am on Friday , August 2 , Saturday , August 3 , and Sunday , August 4 .
And , waiting on the reason for the balloon ’ return is slew of activity , from live entertainment — admit a Foreigner tribute band — to the Colorado Cruisers Car Show to games for all age . Saturday is a peculiarly action - pack 24-hour interval , with a Flying Colors 5k ravel / walking , tons of nutrient and craftsmanship vendors to check out out , a beer garden , draft gymnastic horse wagon ride , a composition board boat regatta , and live music from sunup to sunset . The dark will end ( weather condition allow ) with a balloon glowing or candle flame ceremonial , and everyone will be off to rest up for the final Sunday balloon launch .
Courtesy of Visit Moffat County
Our recommendation is to soak up the opportunity for fun in northwestern Colorado by arrive Thursday Nox , experiencing each day ’s balloon launching , and explore all the activity , history , and ravisher that the fete and Moffat County have to offer .
Drive time:
4 hours from Denver4 hours from Cheyenne , WY5 hours Salt Lake City , UT
More things to do in Moffat County:
While the balloon festival will keep you enough busy , you ’ll probably have some downtime ; Craig has a telephone number of attractions for all interests and age level in - between balloon launches and bedtime . Visit theWyman life story Museumor theMuseum of Northwest Colorado , where history buffs can catch a glance of the region ’s pioneer days . If you ’re stroll about downtown , there are several park to stop for a gay field day luncheon , and pedant should be certain to pop intoDowntown Booksto beak up a new read and get their caffein fix .
About an 60 minutes W of Craig is theSand Wash Basinon public Bureau Land Management ( BLM terra firma ) , where you may camp down or just hang out and trust to spot a herd of Colorado godforsaken horses . For those heading back home to Utah , go over outDinosaur National Monumentto see dinosaur dodo is a worthy fossa stoppage . Or , for an even quieter activity , purge your sportfishing line into the tranquil waters of the Yampa River , known for its exceptional trout sportfishing .
Where to stay in Moffat County:
There ’s an regalia of standard hotel in downtown Craig if you decide bivouacking under the genius outside of the town ’s limits is n’t for you . ButWild Skies Cabinsprovide a comfier camping alternative in log cabins just on the outskirts of town and are the consummate base clique for the outdoor explorer . And , the Elk Run Inn offers a homey place to rest your head for a night or two , cook your own meals in the kitchenette discover in every elbow room , and feel well cared for by the hospitable staff .
Youcouldstay somewhere bougier in Steamboat Springs — like theSteamboat GrandorGravity Haus — if you ’re not get at by the 45 minute campaign , but what you gain in sumptuousness you likely fall back in playfulness and authenticity that is the northwestern Colorado experience .
Where to eat in Moffat County:
Craig may be lowly , but her nutrient and drink selection are mighty . Start your day off right with coffee and breakfast atProdigal Son ’s Coffee House & Eatery , or just swing by theMudd Shackfor an on - the - go cup of really just espresso .
Take your pick for lunch or dinner party atWarehouse Food Hall , from the downlike distinctiveness pizza pie of Super Slice to Double Dubs ’ wings , tater tots , and more ( which earned a halt fromDiners , Drive - IN and Diveshost Guy Fieri ) . Located inside Yampa Valley Brewing Co. ’s taproom , The Localis your position for self-aggrandising , racy burgers stack high with melted Malva sylvestris , crispy bacon , and all the fixin ’s . But you also ca n’t go incorrectly at eitherVallarta’sorFiesta Jaliscowhen it come to quality Mexican nutrient .
Other local deary includeThe Sizzling Pickle , which has pretty much everything you’re able to mean of whether you ’re feeling corn dogs , quesadilla , or volaille wings , orJ.W. Snack ’s Gulf Coast Bar & Grill , where you’re able to settle into its cozy , small - town eatery atm and delight comfort intellectual nourishment like barbecue spare rib , fish and crisp , and po’boys .
Courtesy of Visit Moffat County
