Colorado is one of such states which simply does not work. One state is crowded with snow capped mountains, red rock canyons, alpine lakes, hot springs and cute mountain towns. He or she is going to have an adventure whether it is road trip, hiking, or simply a change of scenery.
I have compiled this list of the best places to visit in Colorado because I have traveled there, like other people suggested, and because I have spent too many hours of my time researching. Let us get right into it.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Had somebody questioned me to single out the best place to visit in Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park would have been my response nine times out of ten. This park is the real deal. Hiking trails spanning over 300 miles, elks wandering across meadows, and sceneries that make you forget that you own a phone.
The park is over 265,000 acres and its heights are over 12, 000 feet. The most significant attraction to many visitors is Trail Ridge Road. It is the longest paved road in the United States that is continuously paved and only the drive itself gives a panoramic view of the alpine tundra, glacial valleys, and wildlife. One can usually find moose, elk, marmots and even some black bears on the road.
Top Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park
The trail to the Emerald Lake, which begins at Bear Lake, is most likely the easiest and the most rewarding trail in the park. It has a distance of approximately 3.6 round trip and it goes through Nymph Lake, Dream Lake and finally, Emerald Lake. Every lake is a postage. To do something more difficult, there is Sky Pond trail. It is about 9 miles round trip involving some scramble on a waterfall and at the end. Totally worth the effort.
FYI: between late May and mid October, the park will have a time entry permit. To book in advance Recreation.gov since they sell quickly, particularly during weekends. Arrive at trailheads before 7 AM to get parking and have a serene time. In case you are traveling to the park in a bigger travel adventure, it is essential to plan at least two whole days in the park just to appreciate everything there.
2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods is among the most popular places in Colorado and frankly speaking it is worth all the attention it attracts. Large protruding red rocks sticking out of the ground with Pikes Peak one of the backgrounds. It appears as of an alien being.Hanging Lake permit
It is free to enter the park and this is a massive advantage. The hiking and biking trails are approximately 15 miles surging throughout the rocks. There are a few paved ones accessible by wheelchair and others will lead you right to the top of the formations. And in case you like rock climbing, this is one of the most suitable places in the state. The visitor center is also a museum that has displays on the history and geology of the region.
Insider Tips for Garden of the Gods
Have to arrive before 8 AM, particularly during summer. The car parks get congested in a horrifyingly short time and by the middle of the morning you will be in a frenzy trying to secure parking. Alternatively, park at the Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site at the peak season and use the free shuttle in order to photograph the rocks. Sunrise is the most appropriate moment to capture the rocks since the early light makes the red sandstone to glow. The park is accessible throughout the year, and it is particularly beautiful to visit it during winter when rocks are covered with snow and there are much less people.
3. Maroon Bells, Aspen
It is not without reason that Maroon Bells is considered to be among the most photographed places in the entire North America. These two 14,000-foot mountains standing over the Maroon Lake are jaw dropping. I recall my first-person encounter with them as they appeared before my eyes and I simply stood there and did not even consider taking their photo and just stood there in silence, calmly, five minutes. That is how it hits you.
This is within the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness area and presents all the way to simple lakeside walks to intense multi day back packing trails. The Scenic Loop Trail is approximately 1.5 miles and good enough to have the family or anybody who just wishes to relax there. To make it an even greater adventure, the Crater Lake Trail will gain a little over 3.6 round trip with an actual elevation increase. The best season to go here is in the fall. The aspens turn a golden yellow and the color contrasting with the snow capped mountains is unreal.
In mid June up to October, there is the restriction of private vehicles. You will have to ride a shuttle at Aspen highlands. Book in advance since it is a booked out place. It is easily one of the prettiest places in Colorado at any season of the year.
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park
It is one that leaves people surprised. Huge sand dunes in the desert of Colorado? Yep. The tallest dunes in North America are found in Great Sand Dunes National Park, where the dune known as Star Dune is more than 750 feet. It is like you have plummeted into the Sahara except the snow capped mountains are directly behind you.
One can climb the dunes, sandboard or have fun in the Medano creek in late spring when the water flows seasonally. Park is also among the least populated national parks in lower 48 and this means that you can even enjoy it without any struggle to get space. It is among the actual once-in a lifetime things to do in Colorado. When making a road trip, this location is a great place to visit in combination with Alamosa or a visit to the small towns in the San Luis Valley.
5. Glenwood Springs
Glenwood Springs is the type of destination in Colorado that has it all. Hot springs, hiking the canyon, river rafting, and an adorable downtown with good restaurants and local breweries. It is more than 100 years old and it is not hard to understand its popularity among travelers.
The Glenwood hot springs pool is the largest mineral hot springs pool in the world and it is amazing to soak in it after a day of hiking. Iron Mountain Hot Springs has smaller pools along the Colorado River and is more upscale. One of the most popular hikes in the state is Hanging Lake, which is found in Glenwood Canyon. It is just under one point two miles each way, and very much of a climb, but the turquoise lake at the summit is worth it all. Here you must have a permit to hike Hanging Lake, which you should obtain in advance in visitglenwood.com.
Glenwood Canyon alone is a spectacular 12 mile stretch on Interstate 70 whose formation is made of massive walls up to 1300 feet high. You have the option of biking, kayaking or rafting through it. This town can be a top priority in your list in case you enjoy visiting and exploring unique destinations.
6. Denver: The Mile High City
Denver is not merely a place to have a layover or a base point to visit the mountains. The personality of the city is its own. More than 300 days of sunshine, an exploding craft beer industry with 70 plus breweries, and hoods that seem to be their own mini-town. RiNo (River North Art District) is full of murals, galleries, as well as the top restaurants in the state.
Denver is likely to be the best city to visit in Colorado, especially when one is a first-time visitor. You have Red Rocks Amphitheatre (one of the most recognizable concert locations in the world), Larimer Square to shop, eat, Denver Art Museum, and quick access to mountain day trips. People watching can be done at the 16 th street Mall and a Coors Brewery tour in the adjacent Golden is an enjoyable activity of the afternoon. In case you are a sports fan, watching a Rockies match in Coors Field is a sound experience even when you are not a huge baseball enthusiast.
7. Telluride
Telluride is the Colorado town that you would desire to leave your job and go to the mountains. No joke. This old mining town is now one of the most picturesque ski resorts in the country nestled in a box canyon and surrounded by 13,000 foot mountains. But it is not an only winter place.
The summer in Telluride is even better. The free ride offered on gondolas between Telluride and Mountain Village is locuted and gives insane views that you will not get anywhere. Hiking Bridal Veil Falls, the highest free falling falls in Colorado with a height of 365 feet. Amazing annual festivals are also held at the town such as film festivals, blue grass festivals, and wine festivals. It is among the must see places in Colorado that makes individuals surprised by how much it has to offer in addition to skiing.
8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This is one which the competitor, in nearly all cases, passes by, and that is a shame. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is among the most dramatic and least visited national parks in Colorado. In certain locations, the canyon walls fall more than 2,000 feet and the smallest opening is 40 feet at the river level. It is steep, dark and greatly impressive.
The majority of visitors visit only the South Rim of the park that has a number of different overlooks, which can be reached by motor vehicles. The most outstanding is Painted Wall View where the tallest cliff face of Colorado is visible at 2250 feet. The inner canyon routes are not maintained and the routes are steep to those who are adventurous hikers, but indeed the experience of having to reach the bottom of the canyon at the Gunnison River makes it a worthwhile good place to visit in Colorado. The park is not as crowded as Rocky Mountain or the Sand Dunes and this is one of the attractions.
9. Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs
The America the Beautiful song was inspired by the America Mountain Pikes Peak, and it is known as the American Mountain. The peak is 14,115 feet tall and on a clear day, it overlooks the plains and sees into the neighboring states. You may make the scenic drive through the Pikes Peak Highway or ride the historic Cog Railway (which has been recently refurbished and is running smooth) or too you may hike the Barr Trail and have a 13 mile one way adventure.
The visitor center on the summit deals with the legendary high altitude donuts and they are even better at 14,000 ft. It is currently one of the most reachable fourteeners in Colorado, and it is a good choice when someone does not want to spend the entire day in the backcountry but wants the high-altitude experience. When you feel like you are asking yourself where to go in Colorado to enjoy a combination of a landscape and convenience, Pikes Peak will meet all your criteria.
10. Ouray: The Switzerland of America
One of the greatest places to see in Colorado is without any doubts Ouray. It is a small town that is located along a very small valley with 13,000 foot mountains, and has natural hot springs and waterfalls, as well as some of the most scenic off road trails in the state. One of the most scenic and excruciatingly frightening roads you will ever have to drive is the Million Dollar Highway (US 550) that links Ouray with Silverton.
Box Canyon Falls are in a brief walk of the downtown and worth visiting. Ouray Ice Park (free to the audience) is the unique park of its sort in the world, where the ice-climbers are climbing frozen waterfalls during the winter. Ouray Perimeter Trail is a moderate 6 mile trail which experiences nonstop mountain views and is open throughout summer. The natural pool of hot springs in the town is the best place to spend the end of any adventure day.
11. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde is not any other national park in the nation. It is the sole one that is devoted fully to the conservation of the cultural heritage of the Ancestral Puebloans that dwelled here more than 700 years. The dwellings hacked out of the sandstone are simply intriguing and a must visit site to all travelers.
Cliff Palace is the biggest cliff dwelling in all of North America which has 23 kivas and 150 rooms. It can be explored at close quarters through a ranger guided tour. Balcony House entails the use of climbing ladders and going through a tunnel making it a more adventurous choice. It is one of such tourist places in Colorado that provides an entirely new level of your journey since it is not merely about scenic beauty. It concerns history, culture and knowing of who existed on this land way before us.
12. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is among the top places to visit in Colorado . It is a historic mountain town throughout the year and has the world class skiing and summer activities that include mountain biking in addition to gold panning. The town is at approximately 9,600, thus it has that real high Colorado atmosphere.
Breckenridge Ski Resort has a total of 5 peaks in wintertime that cover more than 2,900 acres of skiing area. During summer, the mountain will become an attraction of hiking, zip line and alpine coasters. Breckenridge downtown is very pedestrian and full of restaurants, art galleries, local stores that are located in colorful Victorian houses. It is also near other resort towns such as Keystone and Frisco and hence a great base camp in case you are touring Summit County.
13. Estes Park
Estes Park is the entrance city to the Rocky Mountain National Park, and it too is full of its charisma. The Stanley Hotel also adopted in the novel, The Shining by Stephen King, has very creepy and interesting tours. Taffy shops, local restaurants and stores of outdoor gear are also found in downtown.
The Elks are also free to roam about town, particularly during the fall in the rutting season. It is one of such surreal experiences when you will be walking in the street and a huge bull elk will be just passing in the street. Estes Park is the place to be in case you want to see beautiful places to visit in Colorado with that small town atmosphere and access to mountains. Lake Estes is also an excellent place to go kayaking and the Aerial Tramway provides breathtaking chances of the continental divide sights, without having to sweat.
14. Durango
Durango is a places to travel in Colorado that resembles going back to time. Since 1882, the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been operating and it takes its passengers through a scenic 45 mile trip through the San Juan Mountains. The train ride in itself is enough to make the trip.
Durango also has a vibrant downtown besides the railroad with awesome restaurants, breweries, and stores. The Animas River passes right through the town and is a favorite location to tube, kayak and fish. It is also the starting point to Mesa Verde and San Juan Skyway scenic drive. Durango is a city that should be part of your anchor stop in case you are considering a northern to the southern Colorado loop.
15. Crested Butte
Crested Butte was referred to as the last great Colorado ski town and after visiting it, I know why. It has such small town mountain atmosphere that many other resort towns have forfeited. No franchise joints on the high street, but local ones with its own personality.
During the summer season, the city of Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado. The fields above town are above all colorful in late June and through July and it is indeed one of the prettiest of seasons in Colorado. Mountain biking is widespread here as well and trails of all levels are available. During winter, the ski resort has been characterized by the expert terrain that is challenging and a relaxed atmosphere that brings out a local hill rather than a large-scale commercial resort. It is among the most ideal destinations in Colorado where tourists seek some realness rather than glitz.
Colorado Destinations at a Glance: Quick Comparison Table
This table will allow you to compare fast the top places to see in Colorado depending on what is the most important in your trip.
| Destination | Best Season | Avg. Daily Budget | Crowd Level | Best For |
| Rocky Mountain NP | Jun to Sep | $50 to $100 | High | Hiking, Wildlife |
| Garden of the Gods | Year Round | Free Entry | High | Families, Photos |
| Maroon Bells | Sep to Oct (Fall) | $60 to $120 | Moderate | Photography, Hiking |
| Great Sand Dunes | May to Jun | $40 to $80 | Low | Unique Experience |
| Glenwood Springs | Year Round | $80 to $150 | Moderate | Hot Springs, Rafting |
| Denver | Year Round | $100 to $200 | Moderate | City Life, Breweries |
| Telluride | Jun to Sep / Dec to Mar | $120 to $250 | Moderate | Skiing, Festivals |
| Black Canyon | May to Oct | $30 to $60 | Low | Solitude, Canyon Views |
| Pikes Peak | May to Oct | $50 to $80 | High | Accessible Summit |
| Ouray | Year Round | $70 to $130 | Low | Hot Springs, Drives |
| Mesa Verde | May to Oct | $40 to $80 | Moderate | History, Culture |
| Breckenridge | Year Round | $100 to $250 | High | Skiing, Nightlife |
| Estes Park | May to Oct | $60 to $120 | High | RMNP Gateway, Elk |
| Durango | May to Oct | $70 to $140 | Moderate | Train Ride, River |
| Crested Butte | Jun to Jul / Dec to Mar | $80 to $180 | Low | Wildflowers, Skiing |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Colorado?
It is definitely one of the most frequent questions I receive, and the true answer to it is: it depends on what you want to do. Colorado is truly a year round resort, yet every season is a very different experience. Here is the breakdown.
Summer (June to August)
Most Colorado places are in peak season during summer. The tracks are well marked, the mountains are in blossom and the days are hot and the nights cool in the mountains. Hiking, camping, road trips and festivals are best at this time. The downside? Crowds. The most frequented places such as Rocky Mountain National Park and Maroon Bells are booking in advance.
Fall (September to October)
Fall is my personal favorite. The aspen trees change their bright tones of gold and orange, the crowds decrease and the temperatures remain comfortable to hike in. Aspen, Telluride, and Crested Butte are also the best places to be in late September when the leaf peeping is at its best. When you are looking where to visit in Colorado to take pictures that will literally make people stand up, come during fall.
Winter (November to March)
Colorado turns into a snowboarding and skiing heaven in winter. The world class destinations are Breckenridge, Vail, Steamboat Springs, Telluride and Aspen. Hot Springs are more enchanted when they are snowing. All you have to do is to be ready to be stopped on the mountain passes and you should have chains at all times.
Spring (April to May)
The shoulder season is spring. The snow is melting, waterfalls roar with the highest water level, and the prices reduce. It is good season of budget travelers, but there are still high elevation trails that are possibly covered with snow. During spring melt, medano creek at Great sand dunes is best towards the end of May and early June.
Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Colorado
I have my share of these mistakes and therefore, trust me on them. By avoiding these traps, you will have a much easier time travelling.
- Underestimation of the altitude: This is because most of the popular spots are located above 8,000 feet. Consume more water, go slow on the first day and extreme increments are to be avoided until you have acclimatized at least 24 hours.
- Failing to book ahead: Rocky Mountain National Park, Hanging Lake, and the Maroon Bells shuttle all perish. Book these weeks in advance.
- You just need to pack one way of weather: Colorado weather is rapidly shifting. Summer thunderstorms in the afternoons are usual and the temperature may vary by half a degree between morning and afternoon. Layers are essential.
- Passing southern Colorado: A majority of the first time tourists are confined to Denver, Boulder, and the I-70 corridor. The less crowded and enormous payoff is Southern Colorado (Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes, Durango, Ouray).
- Attempting to view the whole in a single visit: Colorado is enormous. Explore a single region and know it thoroughly instead of taking a wild goose Chase. It is better to have a concentrated journey rather than a frenzied one.
- Failure to observe wildlife safety: Never venture into elk and moose, or bears. Maintain a distance of 75 feet minimum. Elk in the Estes Park appear to be peaceable but suddenly charge, particularly in the fall rutting period.
Tips from Experience: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Colorado Trip
These are the useful things that nobody ever explains to you until you are on the highway. Take notes.
- Hire a SUV or four-wheel drive car when you are traveling out of the main highways. Mountain passes and dirt roads may be rough and some trailheads may require greater clearance.
- Gas up in the town before travelling to rural territory. The gas stations in the mountain towns are very far and tend to be much higher.
- Download offline maps. There are few or no cell service in most mountainous regions, canyons and even national parks.
- Always carry sunscreen during wintertime. There is nothing casual about the UV in the high altitude. In February you can get a sunburn skiing.
- It should be checked on COtrip.org before any mountain drive, particularly during the months of October to May. Due to snow, passes may put up abruptly.
- When you are planning a multi stop trip, it may be an idea to explore the travel planning resources and guides to get a feel of the best route to follow. In order to get destination inspiration, visit our site by looking at the new travel guides.
Colorado Hidden Gems Most Guides Miss
The majority of articles concerning places to visit colorado include the same 10 locations. These are just some of the locations which should have a lot more attention and make your trip look less of a cookie cutter and more personal.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
This park is approximately an hour east of Colorado Springs, and contains colorful formations comprising of hoodoos and spires that resemble those that are found in Utah. It is also free, uncrowded and an ideal place to spend a morning of photography. The structures consist of clay deposits which are colored and have been eroded over a period of thousands of years.
Strawberry Hot Springs, Steamboat Springs
Strawberry is wild and natural as opposed to the more commercial hot springs. The pools are hidden in mountainside and are enclosed with trees. During winter, it requires a 4WD vehicle or a shuttle to get there. There is no clothes after midnight and this contributes to the rustic atmosphere.
The Million Dollar Highway
It is one of the most picturesque and exciting rides in the whole country as one runs from Ouray to Silverton via US 550. Narrow roads, steep slopes, lack of guardrails at places, and simply unbelievable mountainous landscape. It is the best parts of colorado driving reduced into approximately 25 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Colorado
1. What are the top attraction sites in Colorado as a first time visitor?
In case it is your first time, then begin with Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods and either Breckenridge or Glenwood Springs. These are places that will provide you with a good combination of urban, nature, and mountain town without having to spend a lot of time in the backcountry.
2. How many days do you need for a Colorado trip?
A minimum of 5 to 7 days will be sufficient to explore one region. You would need 10 to 14 days in case you want to venture into northern and southern Colorado. You can go through the state faster than you can miss the good ones.
3. What is the best month to visit Colorado?
The peak months of most travelers are September. By the time of the end of Labor Day, the crowds have thinned, the fall colors begin to appear and it is still warm enough to hike. In the case of skiing, the most favorable snowing seasons are in January and February.
4. Is Colorado expensive to visit?
It can be, particularly, in resort towns such as Aspen, Vail, and Telluride. Most of the best places to go in Colorado are, however, free or cheap. National parks are priced at 35 a car, camping is cheap as 15 a night and towns such as Salida, Durango and Alamosa are far cheaper.
5. Do I need a car to explore Colorado?
Yes, absolutely. Denver has public transit, although the majority of the best places to see in Colorado are by car. Hire an all wheel drive or an SUV in case you intend to venture out of the road.
6. What is the best scenic drive in Colorado?
The best two are the Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton. Amazing though so different. Trail Ridge is broad and open; the Million Dollar Highway is narrow and nitrous.
7. Is Colorado safe for solo travelers?
Very safe. Colorado is one of the most hospitable states that do not need a companion to have a good time. Hiking community is welcoming, mountain towns are close and hostels and shared accommodation are abundant. All you have to do is normal precautions when hiking, and you should remember to inform someone of your intentions.
8. What are some once in a lifetime things to do in Colorado?
Climb a fourteener (more than 58 mountains over 14,000 ft.), sandboard at Great Sand Dunes, ride the Durango to Silverton train line, bathe in Strawberry Hot Springs in winter and drive the Million Dollar Highway. These are the experiences that are not replicable anywhere.
9. What should I pack for a Colorado trip?
Layers, layers, layers. An outer layer of good base, fleece or down jacket, rain shell, hiking boots, sun screen (SPF 50 minimum), sun glasses, a reusable water bottle and a hat. In the summer months, morning can be cool up in the air. The right travel gear is life and death.
10. Can I visit Colorado on a budget?
Definitely. This means staying in camp rather than hotel, preparing your own meals, exploring the free places like Garden of the Gods and not going to the resort towns of the state with big names but going on a trip to Ouray, Salida and Alamosa. See our tips to budget travel tips to save more.
11. What wildlife can I see in Colorado?
Elderly people usually see elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, black bears, marmots, pika, coyotes, and bald eagles. The best wildlife viewing spots are rocky mountain national park and Estes park, the fall season is when wildlife is the best.
12. Are Colorado’s national parks crowded?
Rocky Mountain NP and Great Sand Dunes are the most visited places, however, time plays a role. Go during weekdays, early in the day and pick shoulders (May or October) to beat the worst of the crowds. Black Canyon of the Gunnison and Mesa Verde are far less noisy all through the year.
Final Thoughts
Colorado is a state that is among the few states that have completely different areas to be explored. Whether it is alpine lakes and desert dunes, old cliff dwellings and busy city streets, the points of interest in Colorado are as varied as it is beautiful.
Choose the places that are in tune with your travel style, book in advance about the permits and weather and allow yourself ample time to actually enjoy in every stop. That is all one will need to make an amazing trip.
