best place to visit in Colorado
Why You Should Visit Colorado
Colorado is an incredibly diverse state with stunning landscapes and world-class attractions that make it a premier vacation destination in the United States. From majestic mountains and national parks to lively cities and historic towns, Colorado has something for every type of traveler.
Known for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, Colorado is a haven for nature lovers. The state has 58 mountain peaks over 14,000 feet, raging rivers for whitewater rafting, hundreds of trails for hiking and biking, and some of the country’s best skiing. Colorado’s national parks like Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde preserve spectacular scenery and ecosystems.
Beyond the great outdoors, Colorado also boasts vibrant urban centers. The Mile High City of Denver blends urban energy with laidback vibes and serves as a gateway to the Rocky Mountains. Meanwhile, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins and other Front Range cities provide their own unique culture, cuisine, and attractions.
With its diversity of landscapes and activities, it’s easy to see why Colorado is such a popular travel destination. From skiing powdery slopes to marveling at mountain vistas, rafting roaring rivers to exploring cosmopolitan downtowns, Colorado promises unforgettable experiences for all who visit.
Denver.
Known as the Mile High City, Denver is Colorado’s capital and largest city. Sitting at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver is a vibrant cultural hub filled with museums, parks, and sports venues that make it a top destination to visit in Colorado.
Denver has an extensive arts and culture scene. The Denver Art Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of Native American art. The Museum of Contemporary Art Denver showcases cutting-edge modern exhibits. For performing arts, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts is home to the Colorado Ballet, Denver Center Theatre Company, and Opera Colorado.
Outdoor attractions are plentiful in Denver. At the city’s center is Civic Center Park with its Greek-style buildings. Just east lies the immense Denver City Park featuring lakes, trails, a golf course, and the Denver Zoo. Nearby Washington Park has mountain views, trails, and recreational activities. Further afield are the massive Denver Botanic Gardens and the 650-acre Red Rocks Park famous for its iconic amphitheater.
Sports are huge in Denver. Empower Field at Mile High is where the beloved Denver Broncos football team plays. Coors Field is home to the Colorado Rockies baseball team. Ball Arena hosts basketball and hockey games in addition to concerts. For sports bars and fan atmosphere, LoDo neighborhood is a top destination before and after the games.
With its wealth of attractions, Denver offers something for every visitor to Colorado. The city provides a convenient and lively base to experience the best of what Colorado has to offer.
Rocky Mountain National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States, drawing over 4 million visitors per year. Located about 90 minutes northwest of Denver, the park offers spectacular hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Hiking.
With over 350 miles of hiking trails, Rocky Mountain National Park is a hiking paradise. There are trails for all ability levels, from easy lakeside strolls to challenging mountain summit hikes. Some of the most popular hikes include:
Bear Lake Loop- This easy, 0.5 mile loop around Bear Lake passes by emerald waters and offers great views of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain.
Alberta Falls – Accessible from Bear Lake, this 3.2 mile hike leads to a picturesque waterfall.
Sky Pond** – A strenuous 9 mile hike from Bear Lake to a stunning alpine lake with waterfalls along the way. Experienced hikers only.
Deer Mountain- For a manageable but rewarding summit hike, Deer Mountain’s 6 mile out-and-back trail gains 1,000 feet elevation on the way to incredible panoramic views.
Wildlife Viewing
Rocky Mountain National Park is home to abundant wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, pikas, yellow-bellied marmots, and over 280 species of birds. The best times to see wildlife are at dawn and dusk. Some great spots include:
Elk Meadows:- A large herd of elk often graze here at sunrise and sunset.
Moraine Park”- One of the park’s moose hotspots, especially along the willow-lined creeks.
Sheep Lakes- This higher elevation area is prime bighorn sheep territory. Look for them on the hillsides with binoculars.
Scenic Drives
Driving through Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning mountain vistas. Don’t miss these scenic road trips:
Trail Ridge Road: – The highest paved continuous road in the US winds for 48 miles over the Continental Divide, reaching 12,183 feet.
Old Fall River Road: – A one-way 11 mile dirt road open seasonally to vehicles under 25 feet, with spectacular views.
Bear Lake Road:- This route accesses the popular Bear Lake area, as well as viewpoints like Alberta Falls and Glacier Gorge.
With epic hiking trails, abundant wildlife, and scenic drives, Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Come experience the majestic beauty of the Colorado Rockies in this natural wonderland.
Colorado Springs – Majestic Mountains and Awesome Attractions.
Nestled at the foot of the iconic Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is a scenic city with plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. The stunning red sandstone formations of the Garden of the Gods showcase the area’s incredible natural beauty. Don’t miss hiking and biking the numerous trails that wind through the park’s unique rock formations.
Be sure to also drive the 19-mile Pikes Peak Highway up to the summit of Pikes Peak, which tops out at over 14,000 feet elevation. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views. Or save your legs and take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway for a scenic ride to the top.
In addition to the incredible scenery, Colorado Springs is home to the impressive United States Olympic & Paralympic Training Center. Tour the state-of-the-art facilities where you can watch athletes train in various sports. The center offers an inspiring look into the preparation it takes to compete at an Olympic level.
With amazing natural attractions like the Garden of the Gods and adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities on Pikes Peak, plus attractions like the Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs has something for everyone. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular destinations in the state.
Aspen.
Nestled high in the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is an iconic upscale ski resort town known for its stunning scenery, luxury accommodations, and famous residents. Sitting at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, Aspen offers crisp mountain air, 300 days of sunshine per year, and of course, world-class skiing.
The Aspen Mountain ski resort, also known as Ajax, offers 76 trails spread out over 675 acres and 3,267 vertical feet. For intermediate and advanced skiers, the Ajax has plenty of mogul-filled runs and steep chutes to challenge your skills. Beginners can enjoy lessons and green runs on the lower part of the mountain. Off the slopes, Aspen offers high-end shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and hotels. Many multimillion dollar homes dot the hillsides, some owned by celebrities like Kevin Costner and Jack Nicholson.
While skiing may be the main draw, summer activities in Aspen are also spectacular. Hiking trails wind through fields of wildflowers with panoramic mountain vistas. Mountain biking down singletrack trails through the aspen groves is another popular warm weather activity. For a dose of culture, the Aspen Music Festival and School hosts concerts and events throughout the summer. It’s clear why Aspen remains one of Colorado’s premier mountain destinations year-round.
Telluride.
Nestled high in the rugged San Juan Mountains, Telluride is one of Colorado’s most charming and historic mountain towns. Originally founded in the 1870s as a mining community, Telluride has an exceptionally well-preserved main street lined with colorful Victorian buildings, earning it designation as a National Historic Landmark District.
Beyond its historic appeal, Telluride is best known today as a world-class ski destination. The slopes of the Telluride Ski Resort offer some of the most spectacular ski terrain in North America, including plenty of steep chutes, bumps, and tree runs to challenge experts as well as wide open groomed cruisers perfect for intermediates. The ski area is also famous for having the highest concentration of 13,000 and 14,000 foot peaks in North America. Telluride is truly a breathtaking place to ski.
When the snow melts, Telluride becomes a lively summer destination. Outdoor recreational activities like hiking, biking, and river rafting abound. For culture lovers, Telluride hosts numerous festivals and events, most notably the Telluride Film Festival each fall. This prestigious 10-day event attracts Hollywood stars and international filmmakers premiering some of the year’s best independent and documentary films. Between the slopes, scenery, history, and events, Telluride offers an unforgettable Colorado experience.
Breckenridge.
Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most popular ski towns, known for its exceptional skiing, charming Main Street, and fascinating history. Founded in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush, Breckenridge was one of the west’s largest mining camps. Today, Breckenridge Ski Resort spans five peaks and has some of the best beginner and intermediate terrain in the country. The quaint downtown along Main Street boasts colorful Victorian architecture and bustling restaurants, bars, and shops. Take a stroll down Main Street to pop into the local boutiques, art galleries, and cafes housed in historic buildings. Don’t miss grabbing a drink at one of Breckenridge’s many breweries or trying a local Bourbon vanilla ice cream cone. Aside from winter sports, Breckenridge offers outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fly fishing during the warmer months. Whether you’re a ski buff, history lover, foodie, or outdoor enthusiast, Breckenridge’s lively energy and mountain backdrop guarantee a memorable Colorado vacation.
Vail
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, the picturesque town of Vail offers world-class skiing, upscale shops, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations. With over 5,200 acres of skiable terrain, Vail Mountain is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. The mountain has something for every level of skier or snowboarder – perfectly groomed beginner runs, wide intermediate cruisers, and steep double-black chutes for the experts. The mountain’s impressive vertical rise of 3,450 feet gives you plenty of opportunity to rack up vertical footage.
The village at the base of the mountain boasts an Alpine feel with chalet-style architecture and cobblestone streets lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Shop for designer fashions at Luxey Life or fine jewelry at ALP Diamonds. Take a break from skiing to enjoy an exquisite meal at one of Vail’s award-winning restaurants like LaTour or Sweet Basil. At night, live music, festivals, and a lively après ski scene give the village an energetic vibe.
With luxurious hotels like the Four Seasons and the Sebastian, Vail offers a sophisticated mountain getaway. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day or arrange a private mountain guide through your hotel’s concierge service. With its ideal blend of incredible skiing, upscale amenities, and natural beauty, it’s no wonder Vail is consistently ranked as one of the top ski destinations in the world.
Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Great Sand Dunes National Park, located in southern Colorado, features the tallest sand dunes in North America. The centerpiece of the park is the 30 square miles of massive sand dunes, which tower up to 750 feet tall against the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visiting the park allows you to experience this unique landscape unlike anywhere else in Colorado.
The park offers a variety of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking in the sand dunes provides a fun challenge as you trudge through the shifting sands. Bring along a sled or saucer to slide down the dunes for an adrenaline rush. For longer hikes, take the 1.5 mile Medano Pass Primitive Road or trek up to High Dune, which rises 650 feet for incredible views.
Camping is a popular way to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the sand dunes. The park has a campground with first-come, first-served sites nestled next to sand creek. Wake up to spectacular sunrises over the dunes and enjoy stargazing at night. Backcountry camping is also allowed, letting you pitch a tent right amongst the sandy landscape.
With its stunning scenery and abundant recreation, Great Sand Dunes National Park is a must-visit destination in Colorado. Come experience the tallest sand dunes in North America and make unforgettable memories hiking and camping in this natural wonder.
Conclusion
Colorado is home to some of the most beautiful and exciting destinations in the United States. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the lively cities, there are endless possibilities for adventure and exploration.
The top places to visit in Colorado include Denver, the vibrant capital city with arts, culture, and entertainment; Rocky Mountain National Park, with awe-inspiring peaks, trails, and wildlife; and Colorado Springs, a hub for outdoor activities against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Scenic mountain towns like Aspen, Telluride, Breckenridge, and Vail also allow visitors to immerse themselves in the state’s natural splendor while enjoying charming main streets lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a unique landscape of towering sand dunes that you won’t find anywhere else.
With so much natural beauty and so many vibrant cities and towns to choose from, Colorado has something to offer every type of traveler. The state should be at the top of your list for your next US destination. Whether you want to hike through majestic mountains, ski world-class terrain, try adventurous activities, or simply relax in a charming mountain town, you’ll find it all here. Start planning your Colorado vacation today!
