For travelers with the spirit of an outdoor enthusiast flowing in their veins, glorious Colorado is an ideal destination. One of the mountain states having half of its area comprised in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is a state in the Mountain West subregion of the United States.
With ample sunshine, towering dunes, and hiking trails, enveloped in layers of nature’s beauty and history along with its vibrant culture, Colorado offers both adrenaline-gushing and serene moments. Gear up for these gorgeous places which are a must-visit in Colorado.
10 Aspen
A winter wonderland, call it even the land of Narnia, Aspen is tucked away in the Elk Mountains and located amid White River National Forest. A renowned destination for skiing as well as its cultural history, it unfolds layers of nature’s beauty.
There are plenty of destinations peculiarly for skiing in the USA, but Colorado boasts quite a few of them. With museums and galleries, concerts, and top-notch restaurants paired with outdoor adventures, Aspen makes a great destination to visit in Colorado.
Try uphill at Buttermilk, attend the Aspen Music Festival, go mountain biking at Snow mass Bike Park, or capture the mesmerizing sunrise at Maroon Bells. Lastly, end the adventure by dining on pancakes and apple strudel at Bonnie’s or gourmet pizzas and burgers at Sundeck restaurant.
9 Garden Of The Gods
With monumental magnificent red rock formations, Garden of the Gods is a place to witness unique geological and ecological facts.
Located a short drive from Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods is an incredible park that is free of charge to visit. Be it nature walks, scenic hiking opportunities, mountain biking, horse riding, or technical rock climbing, the park has ample activities apart from its scenic beauty.
8 Rocky Mountain National Park
If one visits Colorado, visiting Rocky Mountain National Park is inevitable. This gem is loaded with colossal peaks, particularly Trail Ridge Road, which allows visitors to witness the surreal beauty at over 12,000 feet.
Located in north-central Colorado, it is nestled between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, the national sprawls across 415 square miles in total.
Overlook the panoramic views of Long Peaks, Stone Peak, Gorge Lakes, or Hayden Gorge from 11,716 feet or go on hiking trails stretching across 300 miles, visit Alberta Falls or Bear Lake, or encounter a herd of elks grazing in Moraine Park, lastly eat, shop or explore at downtown Estes.
7 Denver
Urban essence plus outdoor adventures equal Denver, also named the Mile High City.
The capital and largest city of Colorado, Denver has plenty of activities such as ascending to the summit of Mount Evans, visiting the Red Rocks Amphitheater, a giant set of red rocks turning into incredible acoustics, visiting Denver’s Museum of Nature and Science, experiment the craft beers, stroll around Denver’s Botanical Gardens or grab a bite in Larimer Square.
Denver has everything for all age groups. Exploring Denver can even be done in 3 days with a careful itinerary.
6 Breckenridge
A charming historic town with all the modern amenities, Breckenridge maintains the vintage as well as the vibrant vibe.
World-class skiing or snowboarding, hiking or biking trails appeal to the more adventurous sort in Breckenridge.
Strolling through its historic street with Victorian architecture, driving to the top of Continental Divide, visiting Country Boy Mine or Isak Heartstone (art not to be missed, curated by a Danish artist), visiting Breckenridge’s museum or participating in snow sculpture championships are a few more must-do attractions.
5 Black Canyon Of The Gunnison
An unexplored gem of Colorado, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is known for its geology. Formed billions of years ago by the Gunnison River, this canyon has various nature trails, towering cliffs, and also remarkable campgrounds.
This national park is located in Western Colorado, near the city of Montrose, and boasts to own the tallest cliff in Colorado, the Painted Wall (2247 feet).
Also, the canyon is remarkably known for forming the steepest mountain descents in North America.
4 Mesa Verde National Park
Depiction of the ancestral legacy of Pueblos around 700 years ago can be witnessed at Mesa Verda National Park, which makes it an impressive archeological preserve.
It seems a time turner has been washed over this place with pit houses, masonry towers, farming, and scenic nature intertwined all together. Also a World Heritage Site, this place is nestled in Montezuma County in southwestern Colorado.
The prominent structures of this place are Cliff Palace, Balcony House, and Square Tower House. As the place has been thriving for 700 years, it’s a must-visit.
3 Hanging Lake
A lake formed by travertine deposition within the Southern Rocky Mountains, Hanging Lake is quite a prominent hiking destination in Colorado.
Be it the charm of turquoise hypnotic water, lush surroundings overall, waterfalls, or cliffside locations, visitors are prohibited from swimming, fishing, or interacting with the lake though. Nestled in the Glenwood Canyon, the trail starts at the base of this canyon and heads upwards through Dead horse Creek Canyon and finally the Hanging Lake.
The trail bestows a stunning sightseeing view.
2 Trail Ridge Road
Not only one of the most scenic roads in Colorado but also across the world, Trail Ridge Road connects the towns of Estes Park with Grand Lake. Visitors will find themselves in the free wilderness as the trail surpasses through 12,000-foot lofty peaks, mesmerizing views of Rocky Mountain National Park, and high alpine tundra.
Also known as “Highway to Sky”, the Trail Ridge Road crosses the Continental Divide (Great Divide) at around 12,183 feet making it a surpassable delight.
1 Florence
A place definitely for couples, Florence in Colorado is deemed to be a romantic destination. While the place is remarkably known for stores selling quirky antiques, good-themed restaurants, cafés and breweries, boutiques, vintage markets, cultural activities, outdoor adventures, and scenic nature, this makes it a good pick to explore.
Also, calling all the adrenaline junkies for “Colorado Mountain Skydive” where travelers can seize the chance to jump out of an airplane from 14,000 feet in the air. The place sounds both adorable and thrilling, right?