Colorado Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit & Top Attractions
Nicknamed the Centennial State, Colorado is home to breathtaking mountain ranges, stunning national parks, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re hitting the slopes in Aspen, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, or enjoying Denver’s craft beer scene, this guide covers the best places to visit in Colorado.
Where is Colorado?
📍 Location: Western United States
🌆 Major Cities: Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Aspen
⛰️ Bordering States: Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah
🔗 Visit Colorado Tourism
🌆 Major Cities: Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Aspen
⛰️ Bordering States: Wyoming, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah
🔗 Visit Colorado Tourism
Best Time to Visit Colorado
❄️ Winter (December-February): Perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the Rockies.
🌸 Spring (March-May): Ideal for wildflower blooms and fewer crowds.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for hiking, camping, and national park visits.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Experience stunning fall foliage in the mountains.
🌸 Spring (March-May): Ideal for wildflower blooms and fewer crowds.
☀️ Summer (June-August): Best for hiking, camping, and national park visits.
🍂 Fall (September-November): Experience stunning fall foliage in the mountains.
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Top Attractions & Destinations in Colorado
1. Rocky Mountain National Park – A Hiker’s Paradise
One of the most famous national parks in the U.S., featuring majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and scenic drives.
🏔️ Best Things to Do:
- Drive Trail Ridge Road – The highest continuous paved road in the U.S..
- Hike Bear Lake & Emerald Lake Trails – Easy hikes with breathtaking scenery.
- Spot Wildlife – Look for elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
📍 Location: Northern Colorado
🔗 Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
🔗 Visit Rocky Mountain National Park
2. Denver – The Mile High City
Denver offers a mix of urban culture, outdoor adventures, and craft breweries.
🏙️ Top Attractions:
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre – A stunning concert venue and hiking spot.
- Denver Art Museum – Features Western and Indigenous art.
- Union Station & LoDo District – Great for dining, nightlife, and shopping.
📍 Location: Central Colorado
🔗 Visit Denver
🔗 Visit Denver
3. Aspen & Vail – World-Class Ski Resorts
Aspen and Vail are premier ski destinations known for luxury resorts and breathtaking slopes.
🎿 Best Things to Do:
- Ski at Aspen Snowmass or Vail Resort – Some of the best skiing in North America.
- Explore Maroon Bells – The most photographed peaks in Colorado.
- Enjoy Après-Ski – Sip craft cocktails and relax in mountain lodges.
4. Colorado Springs – Home of Pikes Peak
A beautiful city at the base of Pikes Peak, offering outdoor adventures and historic sites.
🏞️ Top Attractions:
- Garden of the Gods – Unique red rock formations perfect for hiking.
- Pikes Peak Scenic Drive – A breathtaking 14,115-foot summit drive.
- Manitou Springs – A quirky town with natural mineral springs.
📍 Location: Southern Colorado
🔗 Visit Colorado Springs
🔗 Visit Colorado Springs
5. Great Sand Dunes National Park – A Desert Wonderland
This one-of-a-kind national park features the tallest sand dunes in North America.
🏜️ Must-Do Activities:
- Sandboarding & Sledding – Ride down the dunes for a thrilling experience.
- Hike to Star Dune – The tallest dune at 750 feet.
- Stargazing – One of the best places for night sky viewing.
📍 Location: Southern Colorado
🔗 Visit Great Sand Dunes
🔗 Visit Great Sand Dunes
Best Outdoor Adventures in Colorado
⛷️ Skiing in Breckenridge – A top ski resort with charming mountain town vibes.
🌄 Hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison – A dramatic steep-walled canyon.
🚣 Rafting the Arkansas River – One of the best whitewater rafting spots in the U.S..
🏕️ Camping in the San Juan Mountains – A less crowded yet stunning mountain range.
🌄 Hiking in Black Canyon of the Gunnison – A dramatic steep-walled canyon.
🚣 Rafting the Arkansas River – One of the best whitewater rafting spots in the U.S..
🏕️ Camping in the San Juan Mountains – A less crowded yet stunning mountain range.
Where to Stay in Colorado
🏨 Luxury Hotels & Resorts:
- The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs) – A five-star luxury mountain resort.
- Four Seasons Resort Vail – An elegant stay in the heart of ski country.
🏕️ Best Campgrounds & Lodges:
- Glacier Basin Campground (Rocky Mountain NP) – Beautiful alpine scenery.
- Dunton Hot Springs – A secluded luxury cabin retreat.
Tips for Visiting Colorado
✅ Stay Hydrated & Acclimate to Altitude – The high elevation can cause altitude sickness.
✅ Pack for Changing Weather – Even in summer, the mountains can be chilly.
✅ Book National Park Lodging Early – Reservations sell out months in advance.
✅ Try Local Craft Beer – Colorado is home to over 400 breweries.
✅ Pack for Changing Weather – Even in summer, the mountains can be chilly.
✅ Book National Park Lodging Early – Reservations sell out months in advance.
✅ Try Local Craft Beer – Colorado is home to over 400 breweries.
Nearby Travel Destinations
If you’re visiting Colorado, consider exploring these nearby states:
- Utah – Visit Arches & Canyonlands National Parks (5-hour drive from Denver).
- New Mexico – Discover Santa Fe’s art scene and Taos’ ski resorts (4-hour drive from Colorado Springs).
- Wyoming – Explore Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (6-hour drive from Denver).
Final Thoughts
With its majestic mountains, world-class skiing, and stunning national parks, Colorado is a must-visit destination. Whether you're hiking the Rockies, hitting the slopes, or exploring vibrant cities, this adventurer’s paradise has something for everyone.
For more Western U.S. travel guides, check out our Utah Travel Guide and New Mexico Travel Guide.