It isn’t any exaggeration to say that there are a whole lot of wonderful locations to go to in Colorado. Colorado is an unbelievable US vacation spot, with among the finest outside actions. You may head to a mountain city and luxuriate in actions like mountaineering, horseback using, fly fishing, mountaineering, and mountain biking. Or, head to considered one of Colorado’s superb cities. Colorado has loads of cultural actions as nicely.
So, the place are the most effective locations to go to in Colorado? Sure, go to well-known locations like Rocky Mountain National Park, however this information consists of a mixture of the favored and lesser identified. We’ll introduce you to the highest 28 locations to go to in Colorado – let’s dive straight in.
Best Cities to Visit in Colorado
Colorado has some improbable cities. If you need a style of tradition and inner-city motion, this part will offer you many decisions. Colorado has a metropolis for you, whether or not you need a historic downtown or a shocking backdrop of mountain peaks.
Most of the locations on our checklist are cities, however there’s a charming city or two that we’ve snuck in. Keep a watch out for them; they had been simply too stunning to not embrace.
1. Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is definitely some of the standard locations to go to in Colorado. The metropolis lies between Rocky Mountain National Park and Pike National Park, and it is filled with thrilling issues to do and see.
You’ll discover sights just like the Fine Arts Center and Penrose Heritage Museum within the metropolis heart. On the outskirts of Colorado Springs is the Ghost Town Museum which is a modeled outdated mining city, and vacationer attraction. While simply exterior the town, there are many outside and cultural sights.
When visiting Colorado Springs, don’t miss out on the Garden of the Gods. This 1,300-acre sandstone reserve is house to countless miles of trails and rock formations. Located simply six miles exterior the town heart, it’s an entry-level approach to expertise the good open air with out visiting a nationwide park.
This sizzling air balloon trip at dawn is a phenomenal approach to get up to the Colorado panorama. See the solar rise over views of Pikes Peak, the Garden of the Gods, and different Colorado wonders.Â
2. Denver
Denver (aka Mile High City) is essentially the most cultural and historic metropolis to go to in Colorado. The metropolis is the state capital and dates again to the Old West period, which means there are many historic buildings and tales to find.
If you need a conventional metropolis break, Denver is a superb alternative. Downtown Denver is filled with city-style leisure, together with the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Coors Field – the house floor of the Colorado Rockies baseball crew. As tempting as it’s, unfold your wings additional than Downtown Denver. Further south, you’ll discover sights like Stranahan’s Whiskey Distillery, which makes a fantastic afternoon exercise.
Denver is among the finest locations to go to in Colorado. Read extra: 24 Best Things to do in Denver
Where to Stay in Denver
These are just some options. Make positive to take a look at our full information on Where to Stay in Denver – Best Neighborhoods and areas for a full breakdown of all the highest areas to base your self.
3. Grand Junction
Grand Junction is primarily identified for one factor – wine. The metropolis sits in Western Colorado, proper subsequent to the Utah border. It is surrounded by huge, dry inexperienced house, utilized principally for wine manufacturing.
Wine tasting is a should when visiting the town. There are round 20 native wineries specializing in numerous grape varieties, good for a boozy weekend with mates or household. However, the town is not only a spot to drink. Museum of the West, Eureka! McConnell Science Museum and Western Colorado Botanical Gardens are all sensible sights. The metropolis is a brief drive away from a pumpkin patch and corn maze, so maintain it in thoughts as a Halloween vacation spot.
Grand Junction is a wonderful base in Western Colorado and excellent in order for you a small, regional metropolis expertise.
The finest approach to go to Colorado is on a street journey. Check RentalCars.com for worth comparisons.
4. Durango
Durango is a culture-packed metropolis on the Colorado/New Mexico border. It is an enchanting place to go to in Colorado, because of its nature preserves, and historical historical past. Its location on the Southern Colorado border makes it an ideal stopover on an interstate street journey. Plus, you’ll be inside driving distance of San Juan Forest and a number of nationwide parks.
You can simply use the town as a base to discover Mesa Verde National Park, which is house to over 2,500 archeological websites. You can guide excursions that embrace transfers from the town heart or lease a automobile and discover independently. The park is just a forty-minute drive from the town heart, so it’s a simple journey.
Durango’s historical past of manufacturing and industrial exercise additionally means a number of enjoyable and academic vacationer actions. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a fantastically restored steam prepare that guests can take a scenic trip on by way of the encircling countryside. The Powerhouse Science Center can also be a enjoyable however academic attraction in Durango.
5. Estes Park
Remember us mentioning that we’ve included a city in our checklist of finest cities? Well, Estes Park is the city that made us bend the foundations.
Estes Park is essentially the most romantic of our locations to go to in Colorado. The city is surrounded by mountain peaks and virtually enveloped by Rocky Mountain National Park. It has mountaineering and biking trails heading in all instructions – good for individuals who wish to immerse themselves in Colorado’s nature.
As a base to discover the Rocky Mountains as nicely, the city rivals even Denver and Boulder. It is simply an 8-minute drive from the city heart to the nationwide park.
The city has heaps to do, together with various photogenic ruins, an aerial tramway, and a scenic drive referred to as the Peak to Peak Byway. You may very simply spend three or extra days in Estes Park, which is spectacular for a city of its measurement.
6. Steamboat Springs
Do you’re keen on winter sports activities? If so, Steamboat Springs is among the finest locations to go to in Colorado. Steamboat Springs can also be extremely accessible, and the town has its personal airport, which means no lengthy transfers or annoying automobile leases.
The metropolis sits in Northern Colorado, in Yampa Valley. It is known for cross-country snowboarding and is house to Howelsen Hill Ski Area and (if you wish to splash out) Steamboat Ski Resort. The metropolis has unbelievable snow high quality within the winter, and guests rush to check out the slopes.
Another draw of the town is its sizzling springs. Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Old Town Hot Springs are good for bathing – come summer time or winter. When you aren’t zipping down ski slopes, you possibly can loosen up and soothe these worn-out muscle tissues.
Old Town Hot Springs has slides and artificially handled swimming pools for a extra fulfilling expertise. While Strawberry Park has mineral swimming pools in a pure setting surrounded by pine bushes and delightful surroundings.
7. Pagosa Springs
Pagosa Springs is one other city that has wriggled its method onto our checklist. Located in Southern Colorado, Pagosa Springs can also be a improbable vacation spot if you wish to go to sizzling springs in Colorado. You can go to an upscale spa or the general public springs named Nathan’s Hippy Dip Hot Springs. The public springs are solely free – good for these on a finances or wanting a much less commercialized expertise.
Pagosa Springs can also be surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, and you’ll see the mountain peaks on the horizon. It is a wonderful base for exploring the San Juan Mountains, and when you lease a automobile, it’s simple to drive to the mountains on a day journey.
Pagosa Springs is a superb place to go to in Colorado in order for you an off-the-beaten-track expertise. The city has all of the services for a snug keep however all of the attraction of a quiet environment.
8. Crested Butte
Crested Butte is an thrilling but peaceable vacation spot in Colorado. Like Estes Park, Crested Butte comes into its personal each winter. The city comes alive with skiers and busy slopes, and even Nordic ski routes dotted across the city itself. Jot it down as a prime contender for a winter journey in Colorado.
Throughout the remainder of the yr, the favored snowboarding areas grow to be standard for mountain biking as a substitute. Similarly, the snow melting welcomes hikers seeking to discover the mountains and alpine-like meadows. There are additionally scenic drives just like the Historic Byway, which passes areas of pure magnificence like Kebler Pass, which isn’t accessible to most autos after a snowfall. You may even go to Gunnison National Forest, a shocking space of almost 1.7 million acres of protected natural world.
Crested Butte is a spot to go to for a quiet environment, surrounded by nature. And in winter, it’s the good vacation spot for snow sports activities.
9. Aspen
Aspen is known for a lot of causes. The metropolis is house to movie festivals, winter sports activities, and extra mountaineering and biking trails than you’ve had sizzling dinners. Aspen additionally attracts an elite crowd. It is Aspen that you just’ll see celebrities posting movies and vacation photos on Instagram. If you wish to be part of the crowds, Aspen is a cool, stylish place to be.
Aspen is an enthralling mountain city principally made up of a really profitable ski resort. It has a resort city really feel, and in winter, Aspen is overrun with skiers sporting all the newest gear. While a lot busier than Crested Butte or Estes Park, Aspen has an addictive buzz. If you need a occasion environment and glorious hospitality, look no additional.
Aspen is among the finest locations to go to in Colorado for a busy resort really feel. Aspen is the place to go to if you wish to splash out on costly meals and fancy drinks. Read extra at 16 Best Things to do in Aspen, Colorado
Where to Stay in Aspen
If you’re searching for lodging, listed here are a couple of options for various budgets.
10. Fort Collins
Photo by Citycommunications at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, through Wikimedia Commons
Fancy exploring Northern Colorado? Fort Collins is the town to decide on. The metropolis is positioned slightly below the border with Wyoming – nice for an interstate street journey or simply an opportunity to discover essentially the most Northern areas of Colorado.
Fort Collins is a historic vacation spot with an exquisite Old Town that also options homes from the 1800s. Around the Old Town, you’ll additionally discover a couple of high quality sights, together with the Global Village Museum of Arts and Fort Collins Museum of Discovery. Otherwise, Fort Collins has loads of city-typical actions like Lee Martinez Community Park and an city trampoline park.
Fort Collins is an thrilling metropolis with a balanced number of issues to do.
11. Boulder
Boulder is a significant metropolis. Chances are, you’ve heard of it already. But, if not, know that it’s a moderately giant metropolis surrounded by mountains. Thanks to its improbable location, it is among the finest bases to discover the Rocky Mountains and take pleasure in Colorado’s outside actions. Yet Boulder additionally has that huge metropolis vibe, with loads of character and buzz to maintain you entertained day and night time.
If you’re fortunate, you’ll discover lodging with mountain views. The Flatiron Mountains make up the lengthy ridge you see from varied factors within the metropolis. The Rockies are on the other aspect of Boulder and more durable to identify, however you may get fortunate with a Rockies view relying on the place you keep.
Boulder Creek cuts by way of the town, and you’ll simply enterprise for a day of fly fishing on the river. Alternatively, head to Pearl Street Mall for a buying day or considered one of Boulder’s many museums. Fiske Planetarium is one other enjoyable attraction and has dwell talks and live shows about stars, house, and NASA-related occasions.
12. Grand Lake
Grand Lake is a small city on the shores of a freshwater lake. When we are saying tiny, we imply it, and the inhabitants hovers at round 400 everlasting residents. Grand Lake is a superb candidate for a quaint vacation within the wilderness. It is full of water actions, and you’ll spend your day kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming.
Grand Lake is among the finest locations to go to in Colorado for peace and quiet. It can also be solely a brief drive down Trail Ridge Road to succeed in busier cities like Granby when you start to crave extra buzz. The city additionally has a number of historical past, and the Kauffman House Museum is a testomony to Grand Lake’s previous life as an outdated mining city.
Grand Lake isn’t touristy and nonetheless has an untouched, stress-free environment. If you wish to unwind and loosen up, it’s simply some of the peaceable locations to go to in Colorado.
Best National Parks to Visit in Colorado
National parks are among the finest locations to go to in Colorado. If your concept of a day nicely spent is open air, it is best to select considered one of Colorado’s nationwide parks. The parks have improbable mountaineering trails, mountaineering, horseback using, and mountain biking alternatives.
Colorado’s nationwide parks are glorious locations for outside actions. Ready for some outside adventures and pure magnificence? Grab your mountaineering boots and try these finest locations to go to in Colorado.
13. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Sand Dunes National Park is strictly what you’re picturing. The nice sand dunes tower in waves throughout the middle of the nationwide park, and they’re the tallest sand dunes in North America. The impact is dramatic, and Sand Dunes National Park is definitely among the best locations to go to in Colorado. Make positive to search out Medano Creek too, which cuts by way of the dunes and is ideal for paddling.
Of course, the nationwide park isn’t simply made up of nice sand dunes. You’ll discover the good sand dunes surrounded by alpine surroundings and flora-covered mountains. When you’ve seen the dunes, you possibly can proceed your journey on the numerous mountain bike trails and scenic hikes. The contrasting surroundings makes the park much more spectacular.
14. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is among the most fascinating locations to go to in Colorado. Not solely is the surroundings stunning sufficient to impress even essentially the most seasoned vacationers, however additionally it is exceptionally traditionally important.
Mesa Verde is the positioning of many Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and guarded archaeological sights. The most well-known dwelling is Cliff Palace. Experts estimate that Cliff Palace was constructed between 1190 and 1260, making it an unbelievable historic journey when visiting Colorado. The sight of Cliff Palace is one thing to be in awe of, and the ruins are sunk right into a dramatic cliff face. Definitely keep in mind to carry a digital camera.
If you’re keen on historical past and need a nationwide park that provides extra than simply nature, Mesa Verde National Park is a superb choice. The historic and archaeological sights make visiting Mesa Verde much more rewarding.
15. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Grand Canyon, who? Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is among the most awe-inspiring canyons you’ll ever see.
The Black Canyon is 830 meters deep, with the Gunnison River snaking its method by way of. There are loads of viewpoints and trails to get the most effective views, and you ought to be ready to really feel overwhelmed by the size of the canyon.
Aside from unbelievable surroundings, although, Black Canyon additionally presents loads of outside actions. The courageous amongst you possibly can go whitewater rafting, and the 14 miles of rapids are certain to be a memorable expertise within the canyon.
16. Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument is a shocking nationwide park of 20,533 acres, filled with pink rock canyons and desert wildlife. This is the park to go to in order for you a dramatic expertise of Colorado’s desert terrain. The park can also be conveniently positioned subsequent to Grand Junction – one thing to think about if Grand Junction caught your eye earlier.
Colorado National Monument is nice for mountaineering, with Otto’s Trail and Serpents Trail being the most effective strolling routes. The Historic Rim Rock Drive can also be value doing when you can lease or carry a automobile. The route covers 23 miles, passing viewpoints and unbelievable photograph alternatives.
Colorado National Monument is ideal if you wish to spend only a day in a nationwide park. Its measurement makes it possible to totally respect in a day, plus the scenic drive saves loads of time as a number of the sights are en route. Besides, who doesn’t wish to expertise pink rock canyons and Colorado’s basic desert scenes?
17. Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Ready for an even bigger park? Canyons of the Ancients National Monument covers 176,000 acres. The park is critical to Native American historical past and tradition, and also you’ll discover conventional villages and shrines all through the park. In reality, estimates say that there are round 30,000 websites in complete. For a combination of tradition and nature, no place fairly ticks the containers just like the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
Lowry Pueblo is the most well-liked spot and is an historical home, very like these you see at Cliff Palace. However, the Great Kiva can also be value visiting and is alleged to have been a spot for non secular celebrations.
Of course, those that love a problem ought to positively make the hike down Sand Canyon Trail. The 6.5-mile path has many sights and is bike and canine pleasant. It is a enjoyable, lively approach to discover the Canyons of the Ancients.
18. San Juan National Forest
Do you want wildlife watching? San Juan National Forest is 1.8 million acres of protected wilderness and filled with animals like black bears, moose, mountain lions, and the occasional cute mountain goat. Nature lovers, San Juan National Forest is for you.
The National Forest is positioned beneath the San Juan Mountains. From Durango, it’s slightly below a two-hour drive north. The forest is a improbable place for a day journey. You can pack a picnic and spend a day on the paths. Mountain bikers can check their brakes (and nerves) on completely different ranges of mountain biking trails, or you possibly can simply drive by way of and discover the most effective roadside viewpoints.
Whatever you select to do, San Juan National Forest is definitely among the best locations to go to in Colorado. It is filled with life and has loads of pleasure and wonder to understand.
19. Pike National Forest
Another unbelievable forest on our checklist, Pike National Forest is a 1 million-acre protected space simply west of Colorado Springs. You’ll discover loads of locations with serenity right here, with hundreds of quiet trails, creek-side campsites, and lakes for water actions.
The most well-known spot in Pike National Forest although is Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is the very best summit within the southern Front Range. Many deal with Pikes Peak as a difficult climb whereas staying in Colorado. Of course, when you aren’t up for strolling, there may be all the time a second choice. Pikes Peak Cog Railway is among the highest on this planet and takes guests all the best way to the summit up a steep observe.
There are loads of mountain biking trails to discover within the Pike National Forest. However, we primarily suggest the spot for individuals who wish to take pleasure in mountaineering trails and climbing difficult peaks.
20. Curecanti National Recreation Area
Curecanti is made up of three alpine reservoirs, and the park’s major actions are centered across the water. If you need a day on the water, Curecanti is the right spot. And, as a result of the park has three reservoirs, crowds are likely to disperse equally between all of them – preserving it a lot quieter.
At Curecanti, you possibly can spend your day fishing, boating, and swimming. There are additionally quite a few hikes that you may take across the reservoirs to search out the most effective views. We suggest Dillon Pinnacles Vista Point, which is definitely accessed from the street.
Curecanti National Park is small however enjoyable. It is good for a day journey, and you’ll all the time cease for lunch at one of many waterfront eating places. Its services and actions make it some of the enjoyable locations to go to in Colorado.
21. Browns Canyon National Monument
At 21,586 acres in measurement, Browns Canyon National Monument is a comparatively huge nationwide park to discover in Colorado. There is mountaineering, tenting, fishing – you identify it, and likelihood is Browns Canyon has acquired it.
However, Browns Canyon National Monument famously has improbable white water rafting. If you fancy an adventurous approach to sightsee the park, guide a rafting expertise and deal with some superior rapids whereas admiring beautiful surroundings. You can guide an expertise on-line by way of web sites the official tour operator web sites. We’ll connect a hyperlink right here so you possibly can check out some typical white water rafting experiences in Browns Canyon.
22. Dinosaur National Monument
Once you’ve acquired white water rafting beneath your belt, you’ll have had a critical style of journey. So why not keep it up with the thrilling stuff? Did that Colorado has a cliff filled with dinosaur fossils?
Dinosaur National Monument is among the most fun locations to understand archeological websites, particularly when you just like the Prehistoric Era. The wall of fossils is now protected by an enormous, ethereal museum constructing – you simply can’t danger one thing so helpful being uncovered to the weather. Whether visiting Colorado as a household, a pair, with mates, or solo, seeing dinosaurs up shut is an expertise to recollect.
23. Rocky Mountain National Park
Who hasn’t heard of the Rocky Mountains? The Rocky Mountain National Park is among the world’s most well-known locations, making it among the best locations to go to in Colorado.
Mountain bikers will love the countless mountain biking trails, whereas hikers can take pleasure in among the most scenic mountaineering trails within the US. It can also be value researching horseback using experiences or a ranch keep in case you are further adventurous.
Keep in thoughts that the Rocky Mountains cowl an enormous space. The park really stretches by way of six states – so neglect exploring the entire park in a day or perhaps a week. You could want to rent a automobile to discover Colorado’s Rockies or, alternatively, buy a tour.
More Places to Visit in Colorado
We are almost on the finish of this information to the most effective locations to go to in Colorado. However, there are a couple of further distinctive locations to go to in Colorado that we simply couldn’t miss.
These locations don’t match into our earlier classes however positively warrant a spot in your Colorado itinerary. Can we tempt you with bathing in sizzling springs? An impressive lake? Let’s see.
24. Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Glenwood Caverns is the most effective. How many amusement parks are you aware which can be sat on prime of a mountain? In the US, Glenwood Caverns is the one mountaintop amusement park – so visiting is certainly value bragging rights.
The park itself has a enjoyable vary of rides. The basic gondola trip is an effective way to understand your mountain-top locale, whereas the guided cave tour is a novel addition to a time out. Of course, you’ll find extra conventional thrill-seeking rides, together with a Giant Canyon Swing and loads of rollercoasters.
Glenwood Caverns is improbable for households or these desirous to let their hair down for a day. Glenwood Springs is an effective city to your itinerary, even with out visiting the amusement park. You’ll discover public sizzling springs, the Frontier Historical Museum, and loads of stress-free spots alongside the river.
25. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
When you’ve visited an amusement park on prime of a mountain, what subsequent? An amusement park on prime of a canyon appears a very good begin.
The 360-acre amusement park sat atop a canyon with one of many highest suspension bridges on this planet, becoming a member of the 2 canyon banks. The park was inbuilt 1929 but stays some of the standard locations to go to in Colorado virtually 100 years later. It is roughly an hour’s drive from Colorado Springs and may be very shortly visited on a day journey.
You can actually let free at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. You may be zipping down a zipline with canyon views or courageous the sky coaster, which straps you in to hurtle as much as 50 miles per hour head first. Even strolling the bridge is an exercise, and it is best to carry a digital camera to snap some improbable pictures.
26. Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is a resort metropolis on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. Manitou Springs is the most effective in case you are searching for a spot that merges tradition, historical past, nature, and a therapeutic expertise.
The city has eight mineral springs that had been as soon as believed by Native Americans to carry therapeutic properties. Today guests can pattern every spring from completely different water fountains spaced alongside streets within the metropolis heart. Each spring has a distinctly completely different style, and the expertise is like wine tasting – simply extra useful to your well being.
You can benefit from the Zipline Center in Manitou Springs whenever you aren’t tasting the spring water. Be courageous and deal with the incline. Who is aware of, possibly the therapeutic water gives you a aggressive edge. You may also guide a cave tour on the Cave of the Winds Mountain Park or head to the Garden of the Gods.
27. Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Fancy a scenic drive? There isn’t any higher feeling than road-tripping by way of a brand new place with good music, snacks, and firm. And, when you don’t have time for a multi-day street journey, driving Mount Evans Scenic Byway is a improbable various.
The route begins from Echo Lake Park (though you possibly can start at Idaho Springs if you want). It takes roughly 1.5 hours to drive the whole route there and again, however it is best to enable half a day at the very least for stopping time.
You’ll move a number of beautiful surroundings. We suggest getting out to stroll round and admire Summit Lake Park, Meyer-Womble Observatory, and Mount Evan’s trig level. Be ready to see a number of very fluffy white mountain goats as nicely, which is all the time entertaining for animal lovers. This route is definitely among the best locations in Colorado for a enjoyable, scenic drive.
28. Hanging Lake
When we are saying stunning, triple no matter degree of magnificence you’ve in your thoughts. Hanging Lake is a beautiful place to go to and is ideal for nature lovers or these chasing that elusive Instagram shot.
Hanging Lake’s water is so clear that you may see all the things, proper all the way down to the underside of the lake. Many tree trunks have fallen to the underside of the lake, and the water readability creates a novel, fairly impact, with the trunks seeming nearer to the floor. You’ll additionally spot a number of marine life, together with big fish and eels.
Sadly, swimming is forbidden. The lake’s ecosystem is extraordinarily fragile, and conservationists don’t need the lake to be disrupted and impacted negatively by tourism. Fortunately, although, Hanging Lake appears simply as stunning from its shores.
It is best to go to Hanging Lake from Glenwood Springs, Aspen, or Grand Junction, so contemplate combining a hike to the lake with considered one of these locations.
29. Vail Colorado
If you wish to use Colorado Springs as a base, we suggest including on a visit to the close by mountain village of Vail. Combining Colorado Springs with considered one of its nearest mountain cities is a wonderful approach to stability your journey. Vail’s hottest sights are Betty Ford Alpine Gardens and its snowboarding alternatives, with Vail Ski Resort to maintain you entertained. Read extra: 21 Best Winter Vacations within the US
To Conclude
We’ll end by reiterating our opening level; there are such a lot of stunning locations to go to in Colorado. You can take issues gradual or go full throttle on thrilling outside actions – Colorado caters to a blended crowd.
Go mountaineering up Pikes Peak or by way of the Rocky Mountains. Go cross-country snowboarding at a significant resort like Breckenridge Ski Resort or Vail Ski Resort. Or, sit again and benefit from the solar whereas bathing in Glenwood Springs. Whatever tempo you need your vacation to be, there’s a place to match it in Colorado.
Have a improbable journey and luxuriate in all of the adventures that Colorado has in retailer for you. If you fancy extra lodging inspiration, take a look at our article on the most effective cabins in Colorado right here.