unpopular places to visit in colorado

The Colorado Sun

Telling stories that matter in a dynamic, evolving state.

8 quirky places to visit in Colorado this summer for newbies and natives alike

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

• Original Reporting

The Trust Project

Story first appeared in:

Let’s start with an understatement: There’s a lot to do in Colorado. We’ve got four national parks, nine national monuments, 26 scenic byways, 28 historical landmarks and some nationally renowned cultural destinations, like Red Rocks Amphitheatre and the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. 

And Coloradans take advantage of this abundance. A 2022 report by Longwoods International , the most recent annual data available, shows that the largest percentage of overnight travelers in Colorado came from — wait for it — other parts of Colorado. Same with the percentage of day trippers (defined as traveling to a destination 50 miles or farther from home) in Colorado, with close to 50% coming from elsewhere in the state.

And visiting all of these destinations is big business . According to a report by Dean Runyon Associates , tourism generated a record $27.7 billion in traveler spending in 2022, generating $1.7 billion in local and state tax revenue. 

These are not “COVID numbers,” said Hayes Norris, spokesperson for the Colorado Tourism Office. Meaning the effects of COVID — a drastic decline in revenue and then a sharp recovery as destinations opened back up — aren’t felt very strongly in the data. Though we’re technically still in recovery, Norris added, the numbers reflect an industry that has regained balance. 

Part of that delicate balance is making sure that as destinations become more popular they aren’t overrun, or “loved to death,” as some mountain towns can attest. Luckily for Coloradans, there are still plenty of places that don’t require timed entry slots, but are just as culturally intriguing, geologically spectacular or historically significant as some better-known counterparts. 

Below we’ve picked out eight sites to introduce you to the state you already know and love. 

TANK Sonic Arts

A rusting steel water tank on the hillside above Rangely, the oil town on the western edge of Colorado, shouldn’t strike anyone as peculiar. Until you listen closely. 

The water tank was moved to Rangely in the 1960s by a utility company that needed it for fire suppression, but as the story goes, the shale beneath it couldn’t support the water meant to fill it. So it was sold off and conveniently abandoned, becoming a space where local musicians and curious townspeople wandered into to toss rocks, clang on the walls and shuffle their feet. 

☀️ MORE COLORADO SUNDAY

A workers’ co-op rises from the remains of a colorado mushroom farm, a broken bridge leaves an isolated colorado community scrambling to save summer, a small durango college is trying to reckon with its dark legacy — and help students do the same.

The tank’s parabolic floor and 65-foot concave roof, wrapped in a cylinder of steel, creates a reverberation that lasts up to 40 seconds, Alex Ross would report in The New Yorker many decades later.

In 1976, composer and sound artist Bruce Odland was touring Colorado, creating a sonic collage of the places he visited. While recording ambient sounds outside of Rangely on his last stop, a pick-up truck with two oil workers pulled up beside him. “Get in” they deadpanned, and the traveling sound artist hesitantly complied. They took him to the water tank and demonstrated its sonic significance. 

The tank became and remained an unofficial stop for sound artists and musicians for decades. It wasn’t until 2012, when the threat of demolition loomed over the tank, that Odland and others formed Friends of the TANK and began renovating it to host concerts and sound camps. 

With a few coats of paint, a wider door to fit large instruments and a new city designation as a public assembly hall (not to mention over $100,000 in donations and lots of elbow grease by artists and locals), the tank became the TANK Center for Sonic Arts. Its title, beautifully and purposely ambiguous, reflects the open-ended manner in which people visiting the tank use its acoustics. 

Visitors can hum, bang and strum around the TANK on Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., but to really experience its sonic potential, check out their website for upcoming concerts, sound installations and the annual Summer Solstice Festival . 

More information at tanksounds.org .

While you’re there …

A 20-minute drive north from the TANK travelers will find the Colorado entrance of Dinosaur National Monument , full of deep river canyons, preserved petroglyphs and, of course, plenty of dinosaur fossils. 

Last Chance Module Array

Last chance.

The name alone is enough reason to stop in Last Chance, but a second, easy-to-miss reason sits 2 miles due south of the town’s main — and only — intersection. There you’ll find Last Chance Module Array , the third installment of Studio M12’s “Prairie Module” series, quietly awaiting your arrival. 

Like the Eastern Plains that surround it, the artwork is simple in structure but complex in its beauty. It’s a region that critic Madelyn Boyson, in her review of the artwork , describes as a place where “the sky is too close and everything else is unreachable.” 

Six wooden frames are spaced steps apart from one another, creating an exploded cube, meant to evoke the image of a barn raising. The structure is made of cedar finished in the Japanese tradition of “yakisugi,” a process of charring, cleaning, then painting the wood with natural oils. The process works double duty, giving the wood a polished finish and fortifying it against the elements, which can be exceedingly harsh in this part of the state . 

Pairing the beautiful with the practical is routine in the Eastern Plains. Here, the wide grasslands give way to crop fields, and both lifestyles and landscapes are dictated by the seasons. Reminiscent of this marriage is the Module’s alignment with the sun — its main structures perfectly frame sunrise and sunset during the summer and winter solstices. 

More information at m12studio.org .

Fifty miles east in Joes is another arts oasis called Prairie Sea Projects , a site of creative residencies and community gatherings inspired by the Eastern Plains. 

Mishawaka Song Confessional

The funny thing about secrets is, the longer you hold them in, the more they become a story worth telling. Maybe you have a secret like this. An anecdote you’ve thought about so long it takes on a narrative arc. Maybe it has an overtone of humor, or guilt or gravity. If this triggers something in you, you might want to make a stop at the Mishawaka Song Confessional. 

The Song Confessional is a vintage phone booth on the Mishawaka Amphitheater grounds. It was set up by Zac Catanzaro and Walker Lukens, Texas-based musicians who co-host a podcast by the same name. 

Anyone can anonymously record a confession into an iPad app set up in the booth. The recording is sent to the Song Confessional studio, based in Austin, Texas, where they match musicians with a few compelling confessions. The musicians pick one and schedule a day in the studio to record the confessional song. Finally, the confession, the song and a little bit of behind-the-scenes commentary are broadcast on KUTX and the Song Confessional podcast.

The project was partially born from an experience that Lukens, a songwriter himself , had while touring. A woman approached him to tell him how much his latest album helped her sift through the grief of her mother’s recent passing. The album, Catanzaro recalled in an interview with The Colorado Sun, wasn’t made around any themes or overtones of grief. But that’s the magic in music: People will hear what they need to hear. 

So they reverse engineered the feeling. “What if we did make a song that was entirely about you?” Catanzaro asked. 

The hosts field a few hundred confessions every year, Catanzaro said, ranging from silly and embarrassing to deeply traumatic. The podcast also ranges from lighthearted and gossipy to thoughtful and reflective, often over the course of a single episode. 

Let someone else think about your secrets, for once. 

More information at themishawaka.com .

Catch a concert at the gorgeous, riverfront Mishawaka Amphitheater or grab a bite to eat at their restaurant. “The Mish” has poor cell reception so plan to ditch your phone and immerse yourself in the music. 

Dinosaur Print Tracks

A 27-acre mining claim on the mountainside above Ouray is chock full of memories for the Charles kids, whose family has owned the land for three generations. But it wasn’t until 2021 that the family realized the land also contains moments etched in ancient history: A looping line of 134 dinosaur tracks, believed to be the longest continuous track on Earth. 

The Charles kids used to hike up to the mining claims every summer with their father, Jack, to make improvements to their hard-rock mine — including building a bunk bed shack to sleep in that they nicknamed the “Tiltin’ Hilton,” according to the Ouray County Plaindealer . The family used the dinosaur tracks as natural dog bowls, since their pups would drink water collected in the tracks during the hikes.

In 2021, a group of scientists and students from Fort Lewis College in Durango, tipped off by a Ouray geologist, asked the family for permission to study the tracks. Once their origin and significance were determined, the Charles sisters initiated talks with the Forest Service to research and protect the site.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Forest Service purchased the parcels from the Charles family for $135,000. The Forest Service intends to install interpretive signs along the tracks, which can be accessed via the Silvershield Trail . The agency will assess whether more infrastructure is needed based on the site’s popularity, though the fact that seeing the tracks requires a 1,600-foot ascent over 2 miles may keep the public at bay.

More information at fs.usda.gov .

U.S. 550 — nicknamed the “Million Dollar Highway” for either the cost to build it or the views it offers, depending on whom you ask — departs from Ouray, sweeps through the San Juan Mountains, through historic mining towns (some active, some ghost) and ends, 70 miles away, in the fun southwestern town of Durango.

Wheeler Geologic Area

While other natural landmarks around the state grapple with how to control increasingly large crowds , Wheeler Geologic Area in the La Garita Wilderness , east of Creede, is moving in the opposite direction. Colorado’s first national monument and, at one time, the second most popular attraction after Pikes Peak, had its National Monument status stripped in 1950 thanks in part to low visitation. And it hasn’t climbed out of that hole since. 

Part of the reason is its rugged approach. Depending on where you launch, the hike to the unusual hoodoo formations — made out of the ash of an ancient volcanic eruption, and sculpted by over 25 million years of erosion — can range between 7 and 14 miles one-way. There is one rugged road, Forest Road 600 from Hanson’s Mill, that is only recommended for high clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicles, side-by-sides or mountain bikes. 

But for those willing and able to put in the work, the payoff is in the quiet trails, dark nights and a geologic spectacle that rivals the state’s fourteeners. 

Nestled into the junction town of Del Norte is the General Specific Store , one of the most carefully and stylishly curated antique shops in the state. Right next door you’ll find Trade and Post , a funky beer store, wine club and record shop in one.

El Santuario de los Pobladores

Over a decade ago the will of a recently deceased woman left Our Lady of Guadalupe , Colorado’s oldest church, with a lump sum of money. The generous gift came with a stipulation: The church couldn’t blow it all on maintenance. It had to be used for something more generative. 

The church board got together and decided to create a prayer sanctuary that reflected their Catholic teachings. They commissioned Ronald Rael , an award-winning architect with deep family roots in the San Luis Valley , to design the structure. 

Rael envisioned a circular, handbuilt adobe labyrinth, divided into quadrants to reference the Catholic Church’s four sets of mysteries, known as the Mysteries of the Rosary . The structure took over a decade to build and was entirely resourced through donations and volunteer work — resulting in a 6-foot-high, 140-foot-diameter circular labyrinth known as El Santuario de los Pobladores.

To visit the labyrinth, visitors must call the church ahead of time and make sure someone is on site. The phone number is listed on their website . 

More information at ologo.com .

Peek into the oldest church in Colorado before heading to Rael’s other San Luis Valley creation, “ Skylos ,” 50 miles north at the renovated Frontier Drive-Inn . 

Pawnee National Grasslands

Weld county.

There was a period between the 1880s and 1930s when the Pawnee National Grasslands had pretty much anything but grass. After the forced removal of the Lipan Apache, Arapaho and Cheyenne people native to that area , and following the passage of the Homestead Act of 1862, thousands of farmers and cattle drivers moved to the area, laying down crops and kicking up dust. 

This story first appeared in Colorado Sunday , a premium magazine newsletter for members.

Experience the best in Colorado news at a slower pace, with thoughtful articles, unique adventures and a reading list that’s a perfect fit for a Sunday morning.

The Dust Bowl in the 1930s caused many to abandon the area, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Soil Conservation Services began replanting native grasses and trees in an effort to restore the area’s soils, before transferring the land to the U.S. Forest Service in 1954.

These days, the Pawnee National Grasslands are made up of 193,000 acres of shortgrasses, situated in a 30-by-60 mile rectangle between Colorado 14 and the Wyoming border. A second swath of land is located to the west of Crow Creek. 

The grasslands are the antithesis of Colorado’s more iconic natural attraction: the Rocky Mountains (though you can see them from the grasslands on a clear day). Where the Rockies are full of sharp ridgelines stabbing the sky, the Pawnee grasslands roll on seemingly forever, in faded yellows, browns and greens that lay close to the earth. And where you’ll find big crowds and reservation requirements at some of Colorado’s more popular parks, the Pawnee grassland’s dirt roads provide miles of solitude, with dispersed camping for those who don’t mind windy nights. 

If you like vintage iconography or beer — or better yet, both — head into Sterling for a drink at Parts and Labor , a brewery and taproom located in a renovated Cadillac repair shop.

Pueblo Levee Mural Project

The murals started illegally and at night. In 1978, a group of local Pueblo artists known as the TEE HEEs lowered themselves onto the 65-foot tall, 45-degree Pueblo levee to paint a massive blue fish. The illicit art act inspired others to dangle themselves over the Arkansas River, lashed to paint buckets and lamps. A bathtub was painted, containing the thrashing blue fish. Then a squad of rubber ducks showed up on the scene.

The following year local artist Dave Roberts started organizing a May paint-a-thon, providing paint and encouraging others to contribute to the otherwise blank or graffiti-covered concrete slab (it also became legal to paint the levee with a permit). 

In 1995, the murals covered close to 3 miles and the levee was declared the “World’s Longest Painting” by Guinness World Records. It has since undergone a reconstruction, wiping out some of the original murals, and lost its world record title to a painting in South Korea. But artists from all around Colorado, especially southern Colorado and the San Luis Valley, are working hard to help the levee reclaim its title. 

There are still miles of murals, with more being added during the warmer months, that can be viewed from across the river on the Pueblo River Trail. 

More information at pueblolevee.org .

Pueblo is full of artistic anomalies, including Neon Alley , a collection of vintage neon signs on display 24/7 in the historic downtown area.

Type of Story: News

Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Parker Yamasaki Arts & Culture Reporter

Parker Yamasaki covers arts and culture at The Colorado Sun as a Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellow and former Dow Jones News Fund intern. She has freelanced for the Chicago Reader, Newcity Chicago, and DARIA, among other publications,... More by Parker Yamasaki

Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places to Visit in Colorado

Alpine lakes, hot springs, mining towns, mountain towns, sand dunes, and 14ers: the sheer variety of travel destinations that make up any list of the best places to visit in Colorado is magnificent.

Known for its snowcapped peaks, national parks, hiking trails, skiing, and beyond, Colorado is, without a doubt, one of the coolest states to visit in the USA.

If you’re looking for some new Colorado vacation spots to add to your itinerary, this Colorado bucket list is for you.

Here are the coolest places in Colorado to visit!

Table of Contents

Colorado National Parks For Your Bucket List

Cool cities + small towns to visit in co, more of the best places to visit in colorado.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Colorado is home to four stunning national parks to visit–and despite the Centennial State’s reputation for its incredible Rocky Mountain landscapes, each park is incredibly unique and well worth a visit!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Welcoming more than 3 million visitors each year, Rocky Mountain National Park is not only the state’s most popular national park, it’s easily one of the top places to visit in Colorado as a whole!

From snowcapped mountains to alpine lakes, and from challenging hikes to relaxing scenic drives, Rocky Mountain National Park has options for all kinds of travelers–the only thing you truly need to justify a visit is an appreciation for alpine beauty.

Some of the most popular things to do in RMNP include visiting Bear Lake, hiking to Emerald Lake and Dream Lake, driving the beautiful Trail Ridge Road, and checking out Old Fall River Road (either by car or by foot depending on the season).

If you’re visiting in winter, don’t worry, much of the park is still accessible–just be prepared to lace up your cross country skis to visit some of the most popular lakes!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

From Megan of Red Around the World

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park  is an often-overlooked national park in Gunnison, Colorado–but if you add it to your list of beautiful places in Colorado to visit, there’s no doubt that you’ll be blown away.

It is one of the deepest canyons in North America at 8,043 feet deep.  It’s hard to imagine that, even when you’re there looking at it.  It’s easiest to visit the South Rim just outside of Gunnison which is also where you can access the river at the bottom of the canyon.

There is also access to the North Rim which is perfect if you want to get away from the already meager crowds. 

Keep in mind that though the two rims look close to each other on a map, they’re a couple hours worth of driving apart.

While the park isn’t bursting with hiking trails, there are quite a few to choose from and just as many amazing viewpoints to stop at. 

Keep your eyes peeled for bears while you’re exploring the park.  

Even if you just have a couple of hours, it’s totally worth visiting.  Most of the trails are short, under three miles round-trip. 

The Oak Flat Loop Trail is great for people looking to hike below the rim but not all the way to the river.  It’s two miles round-trip and can be narrow in some places, so be careful. 

Also make sure to drive down to the river, even if just for the experience.

Mesa Verde National Park

From James of Parks Collecting

Mesa Verde National Park  is home to 600 cliff dwellings. 

The Ancient Puebloans built their villages in overhangs in the side of steep cliffs and climbed down from above, using hand and footholds carved directly into the cliff. 

Today, you can see many of them from overlooks at the top of the mesa and see some of them up close on guided tours.  Bear in mind that you need to climb down ladders or steep steps to visit them.

The cliff dwellings are truly incredible to see.  Highlights include Cliff Palace (the largest), Long House, and Balcony House (where you need to crawl through a very narrow tunnel to exit).

Each year, some of the other dwellings are also opened up to small group visits, with a ranger as a guide.  You need to hike to these, and often climb down the original hand and footholds (with the help of modern-day chains to make it safer). 

Whether you see the cliff dwellings from overlooks, on a guided tour, or a small group back-country hike, you are sure to be fascinated by them.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

From Rai of A Rai of Light

Great Sand Dunes National Park, found in the Saguache and Alamosa Counties of southern Colorado, encompasses more than 100,000 acres of open-air adventure.

The fascination not only lies with the tallest sand dunes in North America, but also the surrounding landscape that features forests, snow-capped mountains, and rivers.

There is so much to do that 3 days is the minimum number of days to spend in and around the surrounding area. Top sights in the preserve include High Dune, Zapata Falls, Medano Pass.

Sandboarding is a popular activity and should not be missed. Other activities worth trying include sledding, horseback riding, and hiking to catch a beautiful sunrise .

The park is always open and no reservations are required. However, the best time to visit is during spring and fall.

The closest town is Mosca, but the park is easily reached from any major city as the San Luis Valley Airport is a mere 45-minute drive from the park’s entrance.

Known as the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, the charming small town of Estes Park easily ranks among the best places to visit in Colorado.

With its beautiful downtown (don’t miss a chance to stroll along the riverwalk!), its huge prevalance of elk living in and around the town, its beautiful lake, and the world-class nature of nearby hiking opportunities, Estes Park belongs on any Colorado bucket list.

While in Estes Park, be sure to stop by the historic Park Theatre, consider a whitewater rafting trip, go for a scenic drive, check out one of the town’s breweries, and pay a visit to the beautiful Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining.

Even if you don’t check in, the hotel is still worth a peak!

And, of course, the main attraction lies just outside of town: no trip to Estes Park is complete without plenty of time spent in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Where to Stay in Estes Park

• Mountain Shadows Resort: Get into the rustic feel with these incredible cottages in Estes Park. Cottages have private terraces, hot tubs and wooden 4-poster beds.
• Hotel Estes : These fabulous pet friendly cabins are close to Rocky Mountain National Park with mountain views, great facilities such as an outdoor swimming pool for those warmer months.

Crested Butte

From Martina + Jurgen of PlacesofJuma

Crested Butte in the Rocky Mountains is probably one of the most recommended places to visit in Colorado.

It is famous as a ski resort and is also considered to be the capital of wildflowers, making Crested Butte a fantastic year-round travel destination in Colorado.

In winter, the challenging ski slopes attract the best skiers and snowboarders. The cross-country ski trails, which are located around the city, add a special beauty to the unique landscape.

In the warm months, mountain bikers and hikers come to experience the unique nature of the region and the splendor of the flowers.

But not only is the surrounding nature gorgeous, but the town is also pretty too!

Crested Butte is an extremely pedestrian-friendly town, and walking around, you will discover picturesque historical buildings, great restaurants, and plenty of mountain views.

We also recommend a visit in July, when the famous Crested Butte Wildflower Festival takes place.

Where to Stay in Crested Butte

• Nordic Inn: This comfortable hotel is a great place to rest after exploring. There is a Great Room with complimentary games and views over Mt. Crested Butte, there is also a large hot tub to enjoy. Rooms are spacious and really cosy.
• Public House Lofts: As the name suggests these rooms are over a really great bar called Public House, perfectly located for getting home quickly at the end of the evening! The rooms are modern, comfortable and really well designed. Definitely a great spot to stay in Crested Butte.

Colorado’s capital city is arguably one of the trendiest and fastest-growing cities in the country–and given that Denver offers a fantastic array of things to do while also being located within proximity of epic mountain hikes, it’s no surprise.

Known for its breweries, parks, and proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park as well as popular mountain towns like Boulder and Estes Park, Denver makes a fantastic weekend getaway destination .

While you’re in Denver, consider catching a game at Coor’s Field, seeing a show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, strolling down the 16th Street Mall, stopping by Larimer Square, and–of course–hitting up a few of those popular breweries.

If you’re looking to add some museum-hopping to your Denver itinerary , the city also has you covered, from classics like the Denver Art Museum to more unique options like the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum.

Steamboat Springs

From Liz of Peanuts or Pretzels

Steamboat Springs might be a popular ski town in Colorado and home to many former Olympians, but a visit here can feel less like your typical Colorado ski resort vacation and more like an adventure.

This is a town with a vibrant local community, humorous traditions, and lively Western history.

A four-season destination, there’s plenty of things to do year-round in Steamboat. But for many, winter is the most magical time.

Winter sports are everywhere, not just the main ski resort.

The locals even have their own hill in the center of town and during the Winter Carnival each February, the town comes alive with ski contests (complete with light-up costumes and fireworks), outdoor concerts, sculptures, and parades where horses pull thrill-seekers on skis over jumps right through the middle of town!

After all of that winter fun, take a soothing dip in one of the  hot springs around town , such as Strawberry Hot Springs, a local favorite for its natural scenery tucked back in a canyon. 

Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs

• For a premium place to stay, book into the Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas . This is a classic excellent quality large hotels with all the facilities you would expect. Guaranteed great stay
• Chalet Val d’Isere is also a fabulous option but with more of a homely vibe. There are just a few rooms and it is a classic ski lodge style cabin complete with plenty of cozy features.

Breckenridge

From Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler

Consistently ranked among the best places to visit in Colorado, Breckenridge is a charming town in the heart of the Rockies with non-stop activities and scenic beauty.

Visit the craft breweries and fabulous restaurants in this town surrounded by mountain peaks. Breckenridge chefs feature local farm-to-table ingredients. In Breckenridge’s historic district you can learn the story of this old mining town.

Breckenridge is famous for its world-class cross country and alpine skiing, making it one of the most classic Colorado vacation spots. The Breckenridge ski resort boasts 5 mountains and 187 trails.

In the summer you will find wildflowers as you hike into an alpine meadow or a cascading waterfall. In fall, the blazing colors of the aspens are spectacular.

Breckenridge is an outdoor enthusiast’s mecca. Rafting, ziplining, fly fishing, and biking are a few of the outdoor adventures to try. Hikers will love the hundreds of nearby trails.

Don’t miss a chance to take the free gondola ride up into the mountains. It’s not unusual to see moose or a bald eagle from your vantage point high above the meadows.

Where to Stay in Breckenridge

• The Ranahan: These aparthotel suites are perfect for your stay in Breckenridge. Each room has its own kitchenette but the hotel also has great on site facilities including a fabulous bar and outside fire pit area.
• Mountain Valley Lodge : A great Marriott resort with all the expected facilities, rooms are really spacious and all have great views of the mountains. There is also an onsite spa, swimming pool and ski storage.

Glenwood Springs

From Mark of Summer Camp Hub

Glenwood Springs is a city right by the Rocky Mountains famous for being home to some of the best hot springs in Colorado .

It’s renowned as an excellent Colorado vacation spot for just about everyone, including families and would-be adventurers. 

If you’re looking to soak in hot springs, you need to visit Iron Mountain Hot Springs. There are 16 hot springs you can enjoy while getting a scenic view of the Rocky Mountains.

If you’re looking to go hiking, then the Glenwood Canyon is readily available with hikes like the Grizzly Creek and the Hanging Lake. 

There are also plenty of other outdoor thrilling activities you can do like paragliding and rafting.

If you’re visiting as a family, there are plenty of outdoor kid-friendly activities children can participate in.

With such a huge opportunity for children to receive an outdoor education, it’s no surprise that there are numerous summer camps in the state  and city. 

Apart from outdoor adventures to partake in, be sure to visit the famous comedy shows that go on at the Glenwood Vaudeville Revue.

Where to Stay in Glenwood Springs

• Glenwood Springs B&B: Fancy staying in a piece of history? This quaint B&B is over 100 years old and is exceptionally well maintained. Many of the rooms have deep claw-foot bathtubs and if that isn’t enough water for you there is a huge jacuzzi for guests.
• Hanging Lake Inn: For something more classic this Inn is a great option. Facilities are fresh and modern, and there is a lovely porch area with views of the hills.

Manitou Springs

From Melissa of Navigation Junkie

Manitou Springs is a historic city located just outside of Colorado Springs with roots tracing back to the Pikes Peak gold rush.

It is the perfect Colorado bucket list destination for some small-town charm, natural beauty, culture, and fun!

A visit to Manitou Springs would not be complete without taking a  self-guided walking tour of the springs. There are eight springs in total along a 1.4-mile trail through town, each with its own unique mineral content.

The Manitou Cliff Dwellings, authentic relocated Pueblos, is another must-visit spot in Manitou Springs.

For some more hiking, climb the Incline near Pikes Peak for some stunning views, or if you prefer not to hike, drive the Pikes Peak Highway to the summit.

After a long day of exploring, find plenty of food and bar options in downtown Manitou Springs.

If traveling with kids, be sure to check out the world-famous Penny Arcade for games, kiddie rides, and prizes! And finally stop in at Pike’s Peak Ice Cream for some tasty treats and ice cream! 

Where to Stay in Manitou Springs

• Cliff House: Looking like something out of a fairy story this fabulous hotel has wonderful old-world charm, pretty views, and some rooms even have working fireplaces!
• Magnuson Grand : For more of a classic modern hotel this is a great option. The facilities are lovely and there are mountain views throughout. It is also minutes away from the waterfalls and Garden of the Gods.

From Daria of The Discovery Nut

Telluride is a small but mighty town with colorful mining history and unparalleled landscapes that draw visitors from all over the country. 

Tucked away in the box canyon in San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado, Telluride is definitely an exclusive destination as it’s not easy to get to. It takes about 5-6 hours from Denver to get here, and the local airport doesn’t have big commercial flights. 

Telluride is a scenic destination that is renowned for its year-round outdoor opportunities, gorgeous nature, and a vibrant art scene, so it’s not just skiing that brings so many people here (Although Telluride does have some great slopes). 

Telluride also offers some of the best hiking trails in Colorado from the iconic Blue Lakes a short drive away to Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail that can be accessed from downtown Telluride.

For an amazing experience, take a free gondola between Telluride and Mountain Village from where you can get a panoramic view of the San Juan Mountains. 

Visitors also enjoy an ice rink at Hotel Madeline or get a tour of the area to learn about its history of silver mining.

Downtown Telluride is home to a big art scene with several galleries and you can easily participate in one of the organized tours. 

Where to Stay in Telluride

• Mountain Lodge: This classic chalet style aparthotel offers wonderful fully equipped, spacious apartments. It is nestled in the mountains and has onsite spa facilities and a great restaurant.
• The Bivvi Hostel: Don’t let the hostel name fool you! The facilities here are excellent are there is more to offer than crowded dorm-rooms. Private rooms are spacious and have private bathrooms. Shared facilities onsite feature billiards, a hot tub, garden and pretty terrace.

From Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

Vail, Colorado is one of the best places to visit in the state.  Known for its world-class ski runs and luxurious accommodations, Vail is a sought-after destination worldwide. 

You can travel to Vail year-round but the best time to visit Vail is in the winter.  With over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, Vail Ski Resort is not only one of the biggest in the United States but it’s also extremely popular. 

From the legendary back bowls to the bunny hill, Vail mountain offers something for every ability level. 

Vail Village is full of boutique shops, fun bars, and tasty restaurants.  One of the best bars in Vail Village is Vendetta’s.  Come here for a fun environment, apres drinks, and cheap pizza.  

If you are looking for more of an intimate dining experience reserve a table at one of the several on-mountain restaurants like Game Creek. 

Whatever it is that peaks your interest, Vail, Colorado is a Colorado travel destination for the whole family to enjoy.  

Where to Stay in Vail

• Lodge at Lionscreek: The location for this hotel is perfect, it is right next to the transit point for the ski lifts. Ski equipment is also available for rental on site if you don’t bring your own. The facilities are excellent, rooms have views over Gore Creek and are all private apartment style with their own kitchen facilities, some of the larger ones also have beautiful dining spaces in case you want to host!
• Tivoli Lodge: For a hotel set up this is a great option, rooms are fabulous and quite large. The hotel itself is a few meters away from several slope and ski lifts, it also has an onsite cocktail lounge for après-ski!

Pagosa Springs

From Agnes of The Van Escape

Pagosa Springs is a town picturesquely situated on the San Juan River in the southwestern part of Colorado.

It is worth adding it to the  road trip itinerary, especially when you plan also visit Durango and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Pagosa Springs will be the perfect stop for a longer break on the US-160W route.

The town is famous for its magnificent thermal springs, thanks to which it owes its name. In Ute, “pagosah” means “healing waters.” Pagosa is the home of the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring.

So, the best thing you can do in this town is soaked up the hot springs and relax.

The mineral-rich waters fill the baths at The Springs Resort & Spa, The Overlook Hot Springs, and Healing Waters Resort & Spa. Each of them is open to the public.

In addition to the hot springs resorts, there are interesting and picturesque hiking trails around Pagosa Springs. You can admire fabulous waterfalls like Treasure Falls or Piedra Falls. Moreover, rafting and kayaking trips are popular on the San Juan River.

Where to Stay in Pagosa Springs

• The Nightingale Motel: Well located with pretty views and excellent rooms, complete with private balcony. There is also an onsite bar to refresh after visiting the hot springs.
• For a homely self contained option the Fireside Cabins are fabulous. Decor is in keeping with the mountain theme and the kitchens are well equipped with everything you need.

Colorado Springs

From Jenny of Limitless Hiker

Spend a weekend or even a long weekend exploring Colorado Springs . It’s the perfect amount of time to experience the highlights of this small town in Colorado.

Colorado Springs is well known for its Manitou Springs Incline which gains nearly 2,000 feet of elevation over less than 1 mile. Whether you’re looking for a tough workout to start training for Colorado 14ers (14,000-foot mountains), or just want to challenge yourself, this incline trail is a must.

Colorado Springs is also known for the beautiful Garden of the Gods park.

The Garden of the Gods is known for its bright orange rock formations. It’s a popular spot among rock climbers or you can spend some time biking around or even hiking around.

Next on the list of must-see places in Colorado Springs is Pikes Peak. Which is the only 14er in this area. You have the option of hiking to the top, which is 26.2 miles round trip with around 7,500 feet of elevation gain, or you could also hike one way and have someone pick you up at the top. The other alternative is to drive to the top. 

After you’ve had a good workout from all of that hiking, head over to the SunWater Spa and soak in their hot springs. This is a rewarding treat after a hard workout.

Where to Stay in Colorado Springs

• The Lodge at Flying Horse is a stunning option for your stay in Colorado Springs. The resort is a European-style 18-hole golf course with views across the grounds and incredible facilities.
• To stay in the heart of Downtown book into Kinship Landing . Rooms are clean and stylish, and if you are on a budget they have great dorm rooms available.

From Ankita of My Travelling Stilettos

Nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen is the most famous ski resort town in the US and one of the best vacation spots in Colorado.

Long snowy winters thanks to the elevation of 8000 ft and proximity of four world-renowned Ski Resorts made it the favorite ski destination for celebrities and private citizens alike.

It is situated 200 miles away from Denver and can be reached easily by road.

Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, snowmobiling, sledding are the most popular activities to do in the winter.

Not an adventure junkie? Explore Aspen town.

Visit Wheeler Opera House and Hotel Jerom, catch glimpses of annual film and music festivals or experience a fine dining meal from the plethora of world-class restaurants.

Spring and falls are the ideal time to take mountain gondola rides to the top of Elks Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views along the way.

Aspen has many hiking and mountain biking trails to enjoy when it is not snowing.

Where to Stay in Aspen

• Limelight Hotel is a superb option in Aspen, and great value for money. There is a hot tub, outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace to enjoy in warmer months. Rooms are spacious and many include kitchenettes.
• The W also has a fabulous hotel here in Aspen with all the top range facilities you would expect. Rooms are excellent with luxury details, such as fluffy bathrobes and towels. There are also bikes available for free use should you want to explore Aspen on wheels.

Grand Junction

From Trijit of Budget Travel Buff

Looking to get beyond Colorado’s famous ski towns and find some  cheaper places in Colorado to visit that are still worthy of a Colorado bucket list? Look no further than Grand Junction.

Located at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado rivers, Grand Junction is such a beautiful place that offers everything from natural scenic views to Colorado adventures without burning a hole in your pocket.

It is just a short drive away from Utah and around 245 miles away from Denver. Not only for outdoor adventures but this popular Colorado town is also known as Colorado’s Wine County as it is home to many wineries.

From exploring historic downtown to wine tasting and hiking nearby trails, you will find plenty of things to do in Grand Junction.

Discover Grand Junction’s historic downtown district which is filled with varieties of mixed art galleries, sculptures, local boutiques, restaurants, and breweries.

Next, visit the Colorado National Monument, where you just may think that you’ve been transporated to the rocky landscape of southern Utah.

Located just a short drive from downtown, these natural stunning landscapes of red rock formations will leave you awestruck.

Grand Junction is also a great place for wine lovers. If you visit this place in summer or spring, don’t miss a wine tasting tour. Enjoy the views of the vineyards while sipping on some of the best quality wines.

Where to Stay in Grand Junction

• Castle Creek Manor: A lovely B&B with a friendly homely vibe and mountain views. Some rooms have balconies, perfect for taking in the fresh air.
• Grand River Inn: With spacious rooms and rustic decor this is a lovely choice for Grand Junction

From Krystianna of Delightfully Denver

One of the most underrated places to visit in Colorado is the town of Golden!

This town has deep-rooted wild west vibes and is home to some amazing attractions that you won’t want to miss when visiting this state. Plus,  one day in Golden  is all you need.

Even though Denver is home to Coors Field, Golden is actually where Coors Brewery is located.

The brewery hosts tours for the public, and you can even catch a shuttle bus from downtown Golden to easily get there if you’re traveling without a car.

Golden is also one of the best towns near Denver for hiking. There are a few mountains to hike here, including Lookout Mountain and Table Mountain, and both are equally great.

Downtown Golden is lovely too. There’s a huge “Welcome to Golden” sign that gets decorated for the holidays. You can find a bunch of local shops and restaurants throughout downtown Golden like Woody’s Wood Fired Pizza.

If you’re wondering where to go in Colorado and want to visit a small western town, Golden is the perfect place!

Where to Stay in Golden

• Table Mountain Inn: With mountain views and rustic decor this is a great place to stay in Golden
• The Silk Pincushion: As expected with such a quirky name this adorable hotel is a charming place to stay in Golden, perfect for a home style welcome.

From Corritta of It’s a Family Thing

One of the best-kept secrets of Colorado is Canon City. I know you may be wondering what makes this one of the best places in Colorado, and that’s the Royal Gorge Bridge.

Only an hour away from Colorado Springs, Canon City is a small town with a big bridge. The Royal Gorge Bridge is the highest suspended bridge in the United States. The bridge is over 900 feet above the Arkansas River.

It is a sight to see and even more amazing to walk. Along with walking across the over 1200 footbridge, you can also ride the gondola across the gorge, zipline, or fly on the royal rush sky coaster.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can head down to the gorge and enjoy a train ride along the Arkansas River. You can relax and have dinner while learning more about Canon City.

If you are up for an adventure, you can raft on the Arkansas River. Take of the waters while taking in the beautiful scenic views.

In the spring, you can enjoy the music and blossom festival, which is a celebration of the upcoming cherry and apple crop.

Canon City is the perfect small-town with diners, shops, boutiques, and few traffic lights. Be sure to stop at Julian’s Taco Shop downtown; you won’t regret it.

Where to Stay in Canon City

• Hampton Inn: For good simple accommodation this is a great choice in Canon City. It is also walking distance to Royal Gorge Bridge.

From Dymphe of Dym Abroad

Aurora is one of the best places in Colorado. You find the city to the east of Denver.

There are lots of great things to do and see in the city of Aurora. For example, there are a lot of outdoor activities and there is beautiful nature.

One of the best things to do in Aurora is going to Cherry Creek State Park. This is a beautiful park with lots of places with water. It is the perfect place for a relaxing walk while seeing the Rocky Mountains in the background.

Another great thing about Cherry Greek State Park is that there are many water activities. Besides that, another great thing to do in Aurora is visiting the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum. This is a very interesting museum to visit.

Also, you should go to Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre. This is a very large outdoor amphitheater where many events throughout the year take place.

Where to Stay in Aurora

• Woolley’s Classic Suites : With old-world touches and mountain views this is a great option for your stay in Aurora.

Mount Evans

From Allison of She Dreams of Alpine

If standing on the summit of a 14er is on your Colorado bucket list, don’t miss a trip to Mount Evans.

You can reach the 14,265-foot summit of this mountain in multiple ways, so you get to decide how hard you want to work to get to the top.

Mount Evans is located about 60 miles west of Denver, along Mount Evans Scenic Byway (aka Highway 5), which is the highest paved road in the whole country.

You can actually drive it straight to the top with only a short stroll to the true summit from the parking lot.

For the extra bragging rights and experience of hiking a 14er , pull off earlier on the road and park at Summit Lake trailhead.

From there, hike approximately 4.5 miles round trip (with 2300 feet of elevation gain) to get to the summit of Mount Evans.

If you prefer pedal power, you can bike to the summit as well.

Be aware that the road to the trailhead and summit is closed in winter, so plan to visit Mount Evans in spring, summer, or fall.

Where to Stay in Mount Evans

• The Ranahan: These aparthotel suites are perfect for your stay in nearby Breckenridge. Each room has its own kitchenette but the hotel also has great on site facilities including a fabulous bar and outside fire pit area.

From Jesal of Tourist to Travellers

Grand Lake Colorado, the largest natural lake in Colorado is a picturesque sight with snow-capped mountains and a breathtaking backdrop of the wild Rocky Mountains, and it ranks among the best Colorado vacation spots!

At 8300 feet above sea level, the scenery is unmatched and the sprawling greenery is soothing to one’s eyes.

It’s also an ideal basecamp for the adventure seeker.

While visiting Grand Lake, be sure to take a scenic walk along the lakeshore, relax on the beach, take a few hikes to enjoy the scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife.

You could hire a cozy cabin in the woods and spend some time with your loved ones.

If you’re visiting this beautiful place in Colorado during winter, consider trying out skiing or snowboarding during your trip.

Where to Stay in Grand Lake

• Grand Lake Townhome : This fully equipped self-catered holiday home is great for small groups or a couple if you want plenty of space! There is a wonderful deck with great views, it is even known to spot Moose right in front.
• Grand Lake Lodge: For catered options with the same cabin feel is this lodge right in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is also a hot tub and pool available to use.

Willow Lakes

From Meg of Fox in the Forest

Willow Lakes in Colorado brings the drama of the Colorado Gore Range to life.

If you’re up for a challenging hike that makes up for every drop of sweat with fantastic scenery, this is definitely one of the best places in Colorado to please your adventurous soul!

Known for its rugged trails, fantastic mountain views, and jaw-dropping views of alpine lakes (one which is backdropped by an impressive series of gendarmes, the Zodiac Spires), Willow Lakes will greet you every step of the way with yet another wonderful view (usually better than the last!).

Another highlight? The entire trail is lined with flowers, which makes it one of the best  wildflower hikes in Colorado !

One of the coolest things to do at Willow Lakes (aside from dropping your jaw to the ground at the scenery) is camping in one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado.

Where to Stay in Willow Lakes

There are several campsites along the last mile of the trail. Few things in life are as amazing as spending a night under the stars here!

[convertkit form=3386343]

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

5 thoughts on “Colorado Bucket List: 25 Cool Places to Visit in Colorado”

There is a flaw in this article, Grand Lake is a very nice small mountain town. And yes there is a lake called Grand Lake, but the big lake is called Lake Granby.

Not a flaw. Lake Granby is man-made. The article states that Grand Lake is the largest natural lake in CO, which is in fact, true.

I can’t believe Ouray wasn’t on the list.

Tourist from back east has visited Ouray several times. Great area to visit, hike and view mountains. Definitely an oversite! Friendly. Great camping nearby Norman and Linda

This brings back memories. Thank you so much.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Discover Which Colorado Mountain Town is right for you

Local’s Epic Picks for 37 Super Unique Things to do in Colorado

• July 1, 2022
• By foxintheforest

Last Updated on February 16, 2024 by foxintheforest

With everything from red rock deserts to towering snow-capped mountains there are a lot of unique things to do in Colorado. But it doesn’t stop at just fantastical landscapes. Thanks to a diverse culture, there are plenty of weird things to do in Colorado too.

From funky festivals to spotting dinosaur tracks, you’ll never be bored in the Centennial State. I’ve lived in Colorado for over 13 years and you won’t find any better info on the most unique places to visit in Colorado anywhere else on the web.

So if you’re looking to experience the strange in Colorado like a local, not a tourist, then you’re in the right place.

About this Guide to Unique Things to Do in Colorado

Inside this local guide to unique places to visit in Colorado you’ll find:

• Helpful info about visiting Colorado
• Amazingly unique things to do in Denver
• A look at the most unique things to do in Colorado Springs
• Fun and funky Colorado events
• Unique experiences in Colorado
• Additional Colorado travel resources

The Best Time to Visit Colorado

Colorado is an awesome place to visit year-round, but if you want the ideal times to visit, try to plan your trip between July and September. This is also the most crowded time in Colorado, followed by the winter ski season – typically January through March.

Spring and fall are also great times to visit if you’re not into camping and you want to avoid the crowds. In essence, the best time to visit Colorado is whatever works best for your type of trip and unique personality!

How Long to Visit Colorado?

When it comes to how long you’d like to visit Colorado, that largely depends on where you are going and where you’re arriving from. If you’re flying into DIA, you can experience unique things to do in Denver or Colorado Springs over a quick weekend.

However, if you’re looking to get into the mountains, you’ll want at least 4 days in Colorado . 1-2 weeks on a Colorado road trip will let you experience the best of the state.

What is Something Unique You Might See in Colorado?

There are tons of unique things to see in Colorado. You might spot dinosaur tracks or the remains of a great ancient civilization. There’s a chance you could be hiking to the top of a Colorado 14er near Denver and see someone carrying a keg of beer (yup, seen it).

The promise of an amazing sunset is possible nearly every day anywhere in the state. Or you may spot a ribbon of road that tiptoes across a steep canyon along the Million Dollar Highway. The point is, Colorado

Unique Things to Do in Denver

When it comes to things to do in Colorado , Denver is a hub for interesting activities. From one of the few naturally occurring amphitheaters in the world to immersive art experiences you can’t find anywhere else, Denver is packed with unique experiences.

Enjoy Red Rocks Amphitheater

Located in the hills of Morrison, Red Rocks Amphitheater is more than just a stunning concert venue. Catching a show at this naturally occurring amphitheater is arguably one of the most unique things to do in Colorado.

You can catch an incredible outdoor show with views of Denver in the distance, but you can also use the stairs to work out by running up and down them or participating in a yoga class. There is also a network of trails surrounding the amphitheater itself if you want to go for a hike.

Cost: Varies

Worship at the International Church of Cannabis

What looks like a traditional church on the outside is anything but traditional inside. The Elevationists of the International Church of Cannabis have decorated the interior with technicolor murals which are the perfect backdrop for getting high in the pews.

The church, located in downtown Denver, is open to the public during daily guided meditations and laser light shows.

Immerse Yourself in Meow Wolf

Denver is home to the third permanent exhibition of Meow Wolf, which originated in Santa Fe. Convergence Station is a trippy immersive visual and auditory art experience that tells a narrative story.

Its completely immersive exhibits are suitable for curious adults and children alike. A visit to this exhibition should definitely be at the top of your list of unique things to do in Denver.

Cost: $35-45

Go Back in Time at the Molly Brown House

The Molly Brown House Museum brings you back to Denver in the 1880s when silver mining was booming. Molly Brown took ownership of the house in 1898 before she garnered her “unsinkable” nickname for surviving the Titanic and helping others into her lifeboat.

The museum features a self-guided tour of rooms of the house as well as interesting facts about Molly Brown’s life.

Cost: $14-16

Discover Who’s Buried in Buffalo Bill’s Grave

Up on Lookout Mountain in Golden , just west of Denver, Buffalo Bill Cody was buried in 1917. While some residents of Cody, WY, say his body was switched and he actually rests there, you can go visit the grave and try to determine for yourself.

You’ll also get some great views of the town of Golden and Denver in the distance from the top of Lookout Mountain.

Local Tip: Link this visit up with the Lariat Loop, one of the most scenic drives near Denver .

Follow Dinosaur Tracks

One of the more unique things to do in Colorado is hunt for dinosaurs. Dinosaur Ridge is a stretch of closed-off road in Morrison where you can walk or take a guided bus tour to see about 300 dinosaur tracks.

Follow the footprints of triceratops and brontosaurus and even see bones from the Jurassic era at the site where the first stegosaurus was found. If you just can’t get enough of the dinosaurs, you can take a tour with a geologist or visit the Morrison National History Museum.

Cost: $10-15

Savor a Steak at The Buckhorn Exchange

The original steakhouse in Denver, The Buckhorn Exchange was founded in 1893. Along with steak, the menu options include buffalo, elk, Colorado lamb, and even alligator and rattlesnake.

But the true specialty is the Rocky Mountain oysters – which aren’t actually oysters at all, but a dish made of bull testicals.

Unique Things to Do in Colorado Springs

For a different adventure, head south to Colorado Springs. Home to the US Air Force Academy, tall mountains, and several interesting landmarks, Colorado Springs is a host of unique experiences in Colorado.

Marvel at Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is absolutely one of the most beautiful places in Colorado . With red sandstone towers looming over the landscape, you’ll encounter stunning views any way you turn on the trails that wind through the park.

Get a Workout on the Manitou Incline

If the stairs-stepper at the gym is getting old, take your workout outside to the Manitou Incline. The Incline heads up 2,768 steps (2,000 feet of elevation gain) in just under a mile, so you’ll definitely be feeling leg day.

And what goes up must come down, so factor in another 4 miles of descent on the Barr Trail.

Cost: Free (but reservation required)

Drive to the Top of Pikes Peak

Hiking a 14er is a right of passage in Colorado, but did you know you can also drive to the top of a 14er?

The Pikes Peak Highway takes you straight to the summit, so you can see the view without the work. (You can also drive to the top of Mt. Evans in Evergreen , one of the best 14ers near Denver .)

Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge

The highest suspension bridge in America spans the Arkansas River in Cañon City. While you can just drive across the bridge, you can also visit the Royal Gorge Bridge and Adventure Park to jump on a zip line, ride a rollercoaster, and head up an aerial gondola with “gorge”-ous views

Cave of the Winds

The limestone caverns at Cave of the Winds are millions of years old, and you can explore the underground labyrinth with a standard cave tour or a haunted lantern tour for a spookier experience.

You can also add on some thrill-seeking with a ropes course, a “Bat-a-pult” ride, and a climbing wall at Cave of the Winds Mountain Park .

Cost: $26-54

Paint Mines Interpretive Park

Named for the brightly colored clay that makes up the landscape, Paint Mines Interpretive Park features colorful clay formations, hoodoos, and towers of sandstone.

A 3.5-mile loop trail (one of the best hikes in Colorado) allows you to explore the interesting landscape. Be on the lookout for local animals including coyotes, mule deer, and horned toads.

Paint Mines is also a paradise for birdwatchers, who might spot a variety of songbirds, falcons, and hawks.

Unique Places to Visit in Colorado

Hanging lake.

Arguably one of the best places to visit in Colorado , Hanging Lake is one of the most unique Colorado lakes in the state.

The easy to moderate 3.1-mile Hanging Lake hike takes you up a canyon right near Glenwood Springs . Once you reach the top you’re treated to a fairy tale scene. Tranquil waters with trickling waterfalls await you.

Local Tip: Make a pit stop on the way back to Spouting Rock, one of the top waterfalls in Colorado . You’ll need to plan in advance, since the only way to make it to Hanging Lake is with advanced permits. Permits sell out on weekends during the summer almost immediately, so reserve yours as quickly as possible.

Cost: $12 per person

  Local Tip: Hanging Lake has been experiencing temporary closures due to trail maintenance from the 2021 landslides (yup, even in 2024). Always check on the permit website for the most accurate and up-to-date info!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison

As one of the top weekend getaways in Colorado , the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is often overlooked in favor of its more popular cousins. Skipping out on this low-key, remote, yet stunning deep canyon is a mistake – especially the North Rim of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison .

The black and white granite walls drop an impressive 1,200 feet to the roaring river below. Avid hikers can make the intrepid journey to the bottom on one of the rudimentary trails along the north or south rim.

While adventurous rock climbers can try their luck at one of the difficult multi-pitch climbs in the area. But if you just want to experience vertigo from the top, there are plenty of rim hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison that deliver dizzying views.

Cost: $30 (or National Parks Pass)

Ouray Ice Park

Enjoying the Ouray Ice Park is one of the more unique experiences in Colorado. It’s the only place in the state where you can learn to ice climb in a relatively controlled environment. As one of the top things to do in Ouray , a visit to the Ouray Ice Park needs to be on your to-do list.

Visiting the park with your own gear is totally free, or you can hire a local guide to show you the ropes. Climbing ice is a weird, yet adventure-filled sport and the Ouray Ice Park is place to do it. Local Tip: If you do visit, consider making a small donation to keep the park running.

Crystal Mill

Perched above the Crystal River in the town of Marble, the old wooden Crystal Mill is a popular photo spot. The drive to the mill is extremely rugged, and a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle is required.

You can also get there via a 7-mile round trip hike which also passes Devil’s Punchbowl.

Canyon of the Ancients

Located near Durango, the Canyon of the Ancients is a National Monument featuring more than 6,000 archeological sites to explore – the highest density of such sites in the country.

Get into ancient history with Ancestral Puebloan structures, pottery, and more. Plenty of nearby BLM land makes it a great place to camp during your visit.

Local Tip: Visit with respect. It is a felony to remove any artifacts from this area.

Cost: $3 during peak season (March-October), free the rest of the year.

Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument is a departure from the Rocky Mountains and looks like a canyon dropped in from the desert. The monument is located on the Colorado Plateau, which is also home to the Grand Canyon and Arches , and has a similar landscape.

The Colorado National Monument is truly one of the most unique places to visit in Colorado. Rim Rock Drive stretches 23 miles through the valley and up to the top of the canyon to give you an overview of this glorious area.

Cost: $25 (or National Parks Pass)

Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Tower

The Devil’s Head Fire Lookout Tower in the Pike-San Isabel National Forest is the last remaining actively staffed fire lookout tower in Colorado and has been in continuous use since 1912. You can check out the fire lookout at the end of a 1.4-mile hike, but be prepared to climb a serious set of stairs to reach the top of the tower.

Note: The trail to the fire lookout tower was closed for construction for all of 2021. A specific reopening date has not yet been announced, although it is expected to reopen in 2022.

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde sits on ancestral Pueblo lands and showcases the cliff dwellings in the canyons and on the mesas of this stunning landscape. As one of the best national parks to visit in winter , Mesa Verde is an excellent option during the cooler months.

You can explore the park’s many hiking trails, but please be aware that the area is an ancestral home that should be honored and treated with the utmost respect.

Cost: $20-30 (or National Parks Pass)

Bishop Castle

An impressive structure located in Rye (near Pueblo), Bishop Castle has been painstakingly constructed by Jim Bishop over the past 60 years.

As one of the top unique things to do in Colorado, a visit to this weird landmark is a must. Sashay through the Grand Ballroom, climb the turrets and towers and soak in the panoramic views from the bridges. And definitely don’t miss the fire-breathing dragon!

Four Corners Monument

The Four Corners Monument is found in southwest Colorado and marks the only place where 4 states meet. You can stand in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado all at the same time.

The monument is part of the Navajo Nation, and a vendors market is on the site where you can support artisans and purchase native artwork.

Unique Events in Colorado

Frozen dead guy days.

This winter festival celebrates an actual frozen dead guy, Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, whose cryogenically frozen body was stored in a shed on his grandson’s property.

Now Frozen Dead Guy Days is a yearly tradition in Nederland in March with coffin races, frozen turkey bowling, and a frozen t-shirt contest. The signature event is the Blue Ball, featuring live music, food, and specialty drinks.

Cost: $25-30

Ullr, the Norse god of snow, is the namesake for this annual Breckenridge festival celebrating all things winter. As one of the top things to do in Breckenridge , you’ll want to reserver your ticket to this time-honored event.

Ullr Fest traditionally kicks off with a giant bonfire to appease the Norse god, often stoked with kindling of old skis and Christmas trees. A massive (potentially record-breaking) shotski is also part of the festivities.

Cost: TBD – 2022 prices have not been announced.

Mike the Headless Chicken Festival

Mike the Headless Chicken is a legend in Fruita, and the town honors him and his will to live (he was originally destined to be dinner) with a festival every summer. Participate in a Peep-eating contest, check out the poultry show, or join the Run Like a Headless Chicken 5K to celebrate the legend of Mike.

Great American Beer Festival

Beer makers and beer lovers flock to this annual festival in Denver, which awards brewers for the best beers of the year.

Attendees get unlimited beer samples, so you can try everything from sours to stouts and belgians to barleywine. You can also participate in PAIRED, which offers unique beers paired with food creations from award-winning chefs.

Local Tip: The GABF is one of the top things to do in Colorado during fall . Tickets typically sell out immediately, so grab yours as soon as they are live.

Cost: $85-199 ($30 tickets available for designated drivers)

Unique Activities in Colorado

Summit a 14er.

Standing on top of a mountain is a rite of passage for many Coloradans. As for submitting a peak above 14,000 feet high – also called a Colorado 14er – it’s one of the most unique Colorado experiences.

However, even the easiest 14ers in Colorado present a real challenge. Be sure to have solid experience hiking and be prepared to hike your first 14er.

Great beginner mountains include: Handies Peak, Grays and Torreys Peak , and Mt Quandary.

Cost: Free, except for Mt Quandary and Culbera Peak

Go Rock Climbing

Colorado is a climbing mecca , no matter your style! From sport climbing at Shelf Road and Clear Creek Canyon to trad climbing at Eldorado Canyon and Lumpy Ridge, you will never run out of routes here.

If you love crack climbing, head to Escalante Canyon on the Western Slope for a taste of desert sandstone. And definitely don’t miss the Flatirons, the iconic formations right in Boulder.

Local Tip: If you don’t have the technical skills to rock climb outside on your own, you can hire a guide to take you out and literally show you the ropes.

Cost: Free, depending on location (certain areas may have entrance fees or permits)

Ice Skate on a Lake

If you’re looking for things to do in Colorado besides ski , then grab your skates! There are several places to go ice skating in Colorado , and many of them happen to be au naturale.

Evergreen offers excellent outdoor ice skating on a frozen lake. More advanced outdoor skaters will never get bored of the countless frozen alpine lakes over winter.

Cost: Free depending on location (some areas charge a fee)

Drive on an Ice Track

Did you know that Steamboat Springs is home to the largest winter driving facility in the country? The Bridgestone Winter Driving School is a one-of-a-kind track facility that’s designed to teach you how to stay safe on treacherous winter roads.

Classes are divided into different “gears” where you can learn the basics of winter safety (perfect for newly-minted winter drivers) all the way to professional performance driving on ice. The track is slick, but the vehicles are slicker – with brand new, state-of-the-art Bridgestone Blizzak tires and a lineup of fully loaded Toyotas to spin around for the day, you’ll get to learn in style.

Cost : $329 and up for various courses

Do a Via Ferrata

A new and upcoming pastime in the Centennial State is to challenge yourself at one of the many Colorado via ferratas . Known as the “iron way” these high-altitude obstacle courses use cables and iron ladders to traverse across precarious cliffs.

Via Ferratas are growing in popularity across the state, but you don’t want to miss the Ouray via Ferrata , Arapaho Basin via Ferrata, or the Telluride via Ferrata .

Avid climbers and experienced via Ferrata enthusiasts can often go on their own, while less experienced parties can always head out with a local guide.

Cost: Varies from free to a fee plus a guide.

Drive the San Juan Scenic Byway and Million Dollar Highway

If you’re into top-notch mountain views from the comfort of your car, then you’ve got to check out the Million Dollar Highway . As one of the most unique things to do in Colorado, you can drive the scenic (and sometimes scary) stretch of road from Ouray to Silverton.

Extend your journey along one of Colorado’s most scenic drives by indulging in a several-day trip across the San Juan Scenic Byway, an extension of the Million Dollar Highway that gives you even more drool-worthy mountain views.

Swim in an Alpine Lake

So it’s no secret that people love to enjoy the many alpine lake hikes in Colorado . But have you ever tried to take a dip into these frigid watering holes?

If the polar plunge is your thing, then you might want to hike to an alpine lake for a swim. But be warned, the bottoms are often slippery, muddy, and rocky while the water is freezing.

With countless alpine lakes available to you, there are far too many to name, but virtually all of them allow swimming if you dar.

Cost: Almost always free, but a few alpine lakes require a paid pass (varies) to access.

Raft Down a River

Rafting in Colorado is a great way to get the views and thrills. There are many amazing places to hit the white water in Colorado, with each one offering everything from beginner floats to intense class 4 and 5 rapids. A few fan favorites include:

• Clear Creek Canyon
• Arkansas River
• Browns Canyon
• Cache la Poudre
• Animas River
• Yampa River
• Glenwood Canyon

Sandboard the Great Sand Dunes

So since this is one of the few places in the US where you can sandboard, heading to the Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unique things to do in Colorado. The park is one of the prettiest national parks in the USA , mostly because it’s home to the largest sand dunes in North America.

You can hike up the dunes and sandboard down for a truly unique experience. Afterward, head to camping at the Sand Dunes National Park where you’ll be treated to sunset views over the dunes and the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the background.

Cost: $25 (or free with a National Parks Pass)

Stay in a Hut or a Yurt

For a unique place to stay in Colorado, spend the night in a hut or a yurt. The 10th Mountain Division rents out huts which make great home bases for skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.

In warmer weather, you can stay in one of the yurts found in six Colorado state parks – Golden Gate Canyon, Sylvan Lake, Mancos, Pearl Lake, Ridgway, and State Forest.

Cost : Varies

Go Dog Sledding

If you dream of a dog-powered adventure, you can make it happen in one of the many Colorado mountain towns that offer dog sledding tours. Alpine

Adventures in Leadville will take you on a 6-mile tour near many of the best resort areas in the state, while Durango Dog Ranch offers evening trail runs under the stars.

Monarch Dog Sled Rides provides awesome excursions along with education about the sport of mushing.

What is the Number 1 Attraction in Colorado?

Rocky Mountain National Park is the most popular attraction in Colorado. In fact, it’s the 4th busiest national park in the country with over 4 million visitors annually. Thanks to its close proximity to the Mile High City, it’s also one of the best weekend getaways from Denver .

In terms of unique things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, a few favorites include:

• Drive Trail Ridge Road in the early morning and spot wildlife
• Go for a sunrise hike to Emerald Lake
• Check out unique lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park, such as Sand Beach Lake.

What is the Prettiest Place in Colorado?

The prettiest place in Colorado is a hotly debated topic – thanks to the diverse landscapes. Rocky Mountain National Park gets high marks as does Hanging Lake.

Many people consider Lone Eagle Peak to be the prettiest mountain in Colorado. However, don’t discount the beauty of the Great Sand Dunes, the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, or some of the best state parks in Colorado .

Additional Local Colorado Travel Resources

Planning a trip to Colorado? Don’t miss out on these local resources:

• How to Hike Like a Pro in Colorado
• The Local’s Guide to Visiting Colorado
• What You Need to Know About Camping in Colorado

Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Let’s connect!

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.

• Most Underrated Towns In Colorado

Revered as one of the mountain states , Colorado is full of vivid and sculptural landscapes, featuring mountains, forests, canyons, rivers, and more. Views of wildlife and plenty of different activities and adventures make the state even more appealing.

Many tourists make their way through the popular cities of Denver , Aspen , and Boulder , but there are many small towns that do not get the love they deserve. Below, you will find a list of the most underrated towns in Colorado and why you should visit them.

Located on the shores of Grand Lake , the biggest and deepest lake in Colorado , the town of Grand Lake has lots to explore. The community is also known as the western entrance to the Rocky Mountains, meaning there is plenty to do and see.

The town offers numerous activities aside from sightseeing and hiking, including boating and golfing, and snowmobiling in the winter months. If you are looking for somewhere to get away, whether it's for a weekend or a little longer, Grand Lake is the place to be.

Situated within the Rocky Mountains and near Roosevelt National Forest , is Estes Park, a small town full of big adventures. Hike through the woods, and take in the views of Big Thompson River which runs through the town, enjoying the wildlife and time well spent.

The small town is also home to the Stanley Hotel . The hotel is a popular tourist destination for anyone who loves spooky and ghostly, yet historical and educational, tales and adventures. If you are on the hunt for scenic views and exciting evenings, pay a visit to Estes Park.

Ridgway is the perfect location for an avid hiker  as it is chock full of mountainscapes and trails. There are even natural hot springs one mile south of the town, so you can stop and relax before continuing on.

The town boasts many trails for mountain biking and ATVing, which is ideal if you have an itch for adventure. The music and cultural scene are also bustling for a small town, with plenty of concerts, classes, and workshops available year-round.

With a population of approximately 100, Crestone is a very small town. While it was originally settled as a mining town, it is now known as a regional spiritual center. The town hosts several groups of major world religions , such as Buddhism , Hinduism , and other practices.

Crestone is also just below the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and near the San Luis Valley, so there is plenty to see and explore. It's the perfect spot for an enriching and enlightening experience. 

Another historic mining town, Silverton has become a National Historic Landmark because of its history with the gold rush mines in the 1870s. The town is set in a mountain valley, surrounded by 13,000-feet peaks, as well as national forests , meadows, and plenty of trails.

After you have traversed through the mountainscape, take a gander at the town's ornate homes, lavishly constructed thanks to the success of gold miners. Visitors will also find many eclectic gift shops and restaurants, making this a one-stop destination for sightseeing, shopping, and a bite to eat.

Frisco, Colorado , is home to year-round attractions, including historic buildings that explain the town's role in Colorado's silver boom. The community is also popular for its access to the Dillon Reservoir, which is a beautiful lake perfect for swimming, boating, and photographing.

The famous ski resorts are a fantastic attraction for those on a winter getaway, while fall, spring, and summer call for a hike through the White River National Forest with views of the Frisco mountainscape.

Nederland, Colorado, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Image credit: Jim Guy via Shutterstock

Located only 17 miles west of Boulder, Nederland is full of history and recreational activities. It is the access point for the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, which is ideal for fishing, biking, hiking, and camping.

Nederland was once a mill site for silver ore from the rich mines nearby, and for tungsten ore during World War I . The town also provides easy access to Eldora Mountain Resort, a ski resort that is only five miles away.

One of Nederland's most popular events is the Frozen Dead Guy Days in March, which pay tribute to a Norwegian man who was cryogenically frozen in the 1980s. Coffin races, a polar plunge, and other chilly-themed activities make it a thrilling trip.

Rich with history, stories, hiking paths, lookout points, and even shopping, the small town of Nederland boasts something for everyone.

Small Towns and Big Adventures!

If you are heading toward Colorado in search of scenic views, charming towns, and fewer tourists, these locations should be first on your list! They are full of history, adventure, and activities that will keep you entertained for the perfect getaway, no matter what time of year it is.

Have you visited any of these underrated towns in Colorado? Share in the comments below!

More in Places

6 Senior-Friendly Towns in Upstate New York

10 Lovely Small Towns to Visit in South Dakota This Summer

The Best Small Towns in Pennsylvania for a Weekend Retreat

8 Senior-Friendly Towns in the Southern United States

9 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Florida

Maine's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape

7 Senior-Friendly Towns in Illinois

6 Coolest Towns in New Hampshire for a Summer Vacation in 2024

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

The Best Places to Visit in Colorado — National Parks, Small Towns, and Hot Springs Included

From stunning national parks to quirky small towns, these are 20 of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Alessandro Bruno/500px/Getty Images

Colorado is perhaps best known for the Rocky Mountains that stretch across the state and offer up hiking and biking in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. But what most people don’t know about Colorado is that the state also has beautiful red rock formations set in the dry desert, ancient cliff dwellings, and alternative towns that dance to the beat of their own drums.

The one thing that binds everyone who lives in or visits Colorado is a love of nature and the outdoors — be it river rafting, climbing 14,000-foot peaks, or wildflower viewing. And as someone who grew up in the state (and lives here now), I’ve spent several decades exploring the vista-rich Centennial State. These parks, monuments, towns, and sites showcase the variety of experiences the state offers. Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Colorado.

Related: 10 Best Small Towns in Colorado

Rattlesnake Canyon Arches

marekuliasz/Getty Images

Utah’s Arches National Park has the world’s highest concentration of natural arches, but right across the border in Colorado is the world’s second-highest concentration. And in Colorado, you don’t have to pay a national park entry fee (or battle the crowds) to see them. Rattlesnake Canyon Arches boasts 35 natural arches tucked in a canyon on a 123,400-acre preserve. 

Related: 10 Best Colorado National Parks and Sites

Larimer Square

Stewart Cohen/Getty Images

Colorado may be known for its natural beauty, but the draw of downtown Denver is impossible to overlook. Larimer Square was the city's first designated local historic district for good reason — the city block is perfectly picturesque with shops and eateries that round out the Colorado experience. The square is a short 10-minute walk from the heart of the city: Union Station.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

It doesn’t get more Colorado than watching a golden eagle soar above a steep gorge. The sighting is part of the experience at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in western Colorado. The national park is marked by a deep, river-carved gorge with sheer walls. For the coolest view, check out the Painted Wall cliff that looks as if it was painted with giant stripes.

Colorado National Monument

DeniseBush/Getty Images

When you think of the American West, chances are you imagine something like the Colorado National Monument , which sits high on the Colorado Plateau and includes natural wonders like sheer canyon walls, towering monoliths, herds of bighorn sheep, and soaring eagles. In this grand landscape, there is plenty to keep you busy — including the beautiful Rim Rock Drive, year-round camping, and hiking and biking.

Douglas Rissing/Getty Images

Aspen is by no means a hidden gem, but it’s popular for a reason. The beautiful mountain town has four ski areas (that you can access with one lift ticket) and a surprising amount of culture for a town of around 7,000 people. And it wouldn’t be a trip to Aspen without a stop by the Maroon Bells , the most photographed mountains in North America.

Mesa Verde National Park

Zack Frank/500px/Getty Images

This national park in southwestern Colorado is considered to be one of the state’s most sacred places. It was once inhabited by the Ancestral Pueblo people who built their homes in the sandstone cliffs. That heritage (and architectural wonder) is protected within this park, which is also a World Heritage Site and an International Dark Sky Park.

Amache National Historic Site

Hyoung Chang/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images

One of the most significant moments in Colorado’s history is not known by many. The Amache National Historic Site , also called the Granada Relocation Center or Camp Amache, is where thousands of Japanese Americans were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. Today, the eastern Colorado site shares the stories of the more than 10,000 people who passed through the camp — the majority of whom were U.S. citizens.

Pagosa Springs

CampPhoto/Getty Images

There are plenty of natural hot springs throughout the state (just check out the state’s hot spring loop ), but one of the best is found in Pagosa Springs, a small town that sits over the world’s deepest hot spring. I’d argue the best spot to soak is The Springs Resort & Spa , which has terraced tubs set along the river, but if you want to save a buck, you can also soak in the totally free “ hippy dip ” across the river.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s most visited national park. It is just over an hour’s drive from downtown Denver and is unique in that it spans the Continental Divide. In the fall, the Old Fall River Road and Trail Ridge Road are particularly colorful drives, while mountaineers come to summit Longs Peak, the park’s tallest mountain.

Remember when I said that Colorado was home to “alternative towns that dance to the beat of their own drum”? I was talking about Crestone, a tiny town of just under 150 people that is committed to sustainable living and spirituality. Throughout the town, you’ll find a variety of off-the-grid homes and spiritual centers and sites like the Crestone Mountain Zen Center and the Tashi Gomang Stupa .

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Jeremy Poland/Getty Images

Just west of Denver, you’ll spot giant red rocks that seem to shoot out from the earth. This rock structure was long ago harnessed to create a natural amphitheater that has become world renowned for its unique sound quality. In fact, playing at Red Rocks has become a goal performance for many big-name artists.

Glenwood Springs

Chelsea Ulrich/Getty Images

When it comes to mountain towns with all-around appeal, it’s hard to top Glenwood Springs. The “larger” mountain town (just over 10,000 people), is set on the interstate making it easy to access from Denver (2.5 hours away). The town has three developed hot springs, a mountaintop adventure park that can only be accessed by gondola, and a river that provides opportunities for paddlers and fishers.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

rovingmagpie@flickr.com/Getty Images

The Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is one of those places that you might not expect to find in Colorado. The park protects a natural phenomenon: giant mounds of sand that were collected at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America and the mysterious “surge flow” of Medano Creek . 

Crested Butte

krblokhin/Getty Images

Like every other Colorado mountain town , Crested Butte has wonderful hiking and biking trails and great skiing, but what sets it apart is the abundance of wildflowers that earned it the nickname “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” There’s even an annual 10-day festival celebrating the blooms.

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Matt Champlin/Getty Images

In the dry, red rock canyons of southwestern Colorado is this archaeological wonder. The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument encompasses a whopping 174,000 acres that contain clues to the daily lives of ancient Indigenous people, including more than 8,300 recorded villages, cliff dwellings, shrines, kivas, petroglyphs, and other historic sites. 

Steamboat Springs

Karl Weatherly/Getty Images

Steamboat Springs is yet another Colorado hot spring and ski town, but unlike the others on this list, Steamboat has a unique American West feel. Here, cowboy hats are just as common as Chacos, and the landscape lends itself to people who like to get outside. There are two ski areas, geothermal hot springs, and a state park directly to the north. 

Denver Union Station

georgeclerk/Getty Images

Many cities have a train station, but Denver has turned their transportation hub into the heart of the city. The 1914 Beaux-Arts train station , which is also a historic landmark, consists of 10 chef-owned restaurants and bars, a boutique hotel, and a handful of unique shops (and there are four bee hives on the roof). Once you’ve shopped and eaten your fair share, you can hop on the bus, light rail, or Amtrak to your next destination. 

Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images

The city of Durango is perched where the mountains meet the desert, providing a landscape that has a little of everything. There are hot springs, ski areas, mountain biking trails, and plenty of fun to be had on the Animas River that runs through town. In the summer, a top to-do is riding the 19th-century Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad from Durango to Silverton, Colorado over a mountain pass.  

Dinosaur National Monument

Peter Unger/Getty Images

Like dinos? Colorado has you covered. At this national monument , which straddles the Colorado-Utah border and passes into both states, there’s endless proof that dinosaurs once roamed the Colorado landscape. The monument includes dinosaur remains that are embedded in the rocks, petroglyphs from early humans, and plenty of outdoorsy things to do including river rafting, hiking, and camping.

Ed Freeman/Getty Images

Boulder is a college town with easy access to Denver and the mountains. To the west of the city sit the Flatirons, rock formations lined with trails, while the downtown neighborhood of Pearl Street Mall has everything from art galleries to inventive eats and unique boutiques.

Related Articles

Protect Your Trip »

The 25 top things to do in colorado, according to a local.

Expect plenty of epic adventures and spectacular scenery in Colorado.

Top Things to Do in Colorado

Getty Images

Adventurous travelers will find a home in Colorado. Snowcapped mountains, rushing rivers and dramatic canyons create a rugged yet stunning landscape well worth exploring. Meanwhile, cities like Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs provide a taste of culture – and plenty of relaxing activities for those not up for hiking or skiing. Read on for the top things to do in the Centennial State.

Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park draws millions of people every year to explore its 147 lakes and 355 miles of trails, which appeal to hikers and backpackers of all experience levels. Visitors recommend the park's flat lake trails – such as Lily Lake Loop, Bear Lake trail and the Lake Irene trail – for beginners. Intermediate climbers may enjoy the 4.1-mile Emerald Lake trail, which requires 744 feet of elevation gain. Many experienced hikers set out to complete Longs Peak: This mountain is a 14er (a peak that exceeds 14,000 feet) with a nearly 5,000-foot elevation gain, reserved for ambitious and very skilled hikers willing to start the hike early (think: 3 a.m.) and pack all the appropriate gear.

Don't miss the chance to drive the Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. With a high point at more than 12,000 feet, Trail Ridge spans nearly 50 miles and runs from Estes Park in the east to Grand Lake in the west, and it's known as the highest continuous paved road in the country. It has several designated pull-over areas and is well maintained, according to visitors, but that doesn't mean it's not frightening: The twisting turns and dramatic drops may make your stomach churn. The road is only open from May to October because of its dangerous winter weather conditions.

Rocky Mountain National Park operates on a timed entry reservation system during the summer (May to October), and entry to the park during every season requires a vehicle entrance pass. Keep in mind that backpacking requires a wilderness permit. If you're planning to visit multiple national parks in a year, consider purchasing the America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass .

Insider tip: The 9.4-mile trek to Sky Pond is worth doing for gorgeous views of surrounding peaks.

The Mile High City is full of educational museums, trendy restaurants, historical sites and top-notch views. For a taste of culture, stop at the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver and the Denver Botanic Gardens. Or, catch a Broadway show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. If you're visiting with children, the Denver Zoo is a great place to spend the day, as is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. The many unique tour offerings , including brewery outings and graffiti tours, can help you experience as much of Denver as possible. For a low-budget activity, plan a picnic in City Park, which offers views of the surrounding mountains and lots of space for the kids to run around.

When night comes, stroll through Larimer Square to find breweries and bars. Some top-rated breweries include Great Divide Brewing Company and Ratio Beerworks. The Five Points area is also an excellent place to explore in the evening thanks to its vibrant nightlife scene, live musical performances and noteworthy street art. Colorado's capital city offers plenty of lodging options as well, from upscale hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Denver to boutique hotels like Hotel Teatro to more budget-friendly alternatives .

In November, attend Denver Arts Week, where artists, filmmakers, performers and more flock to Denver to showcase their creative projects. Entire neighborhoods, such as the RiNo Art District, are transformed into alfresco art museums during this week as artists paint colorful murals on storefronts and walls. One of Denver Arts Week's most noteworthy events is the Denver Film Festival, which showcases critically acclaimed films and features a star-studded red carpet event.

Insider tip: In terms of food and drink, you can't go wrong with Barcelona Wine Bar, which boasts a plethora of delicious tapas and a variety of wines. (Just make sure you book a reservation for this popular restaurant.) If you're a fan of speakeasies, try Williams & Graham – where you enter the bar through a bookcase – or Retrograde, where you enter the space-themed bar through a freezer in the Frozen Matter ice cream shop.

Surf or sled at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

While you won't find any traditional surfing experiences in landlocked Colorado, that doesn't mean you can't try your hand at the sport. Armed with a sandboard or sand sled (made specifically for sand, as snowboards, snow sleds and skis won't work unless the sand is very wet) as well as a bit of courage, visitors can surf or sled down the massive dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

Keep in mind that there are no equipment rental facilities within the park; instead, you'll have to rent a board or sled from a shop in the nearby San Luis Valley. Oasis Store, located 4 miles from the entrance, is the closest rental store option. The first dunes are located about half a mile from the main parking area, but surfing and sledding are allowed anywhere on the dunefield away from vegetated areas. There are plenty of other activities you can enjoy throughout Great Sand Dunes, including hiking and swimming in Medano Creek. The park is also a top Colorado camping location .

Insider tip: Make sure to bring appropriate footwear as the sand can get very hot.

Stay at the famed Stanley Hotel

An inspiration for Stephen King's "The Shining," The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park – about 5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park – embraces its position as one of the most haunted hotels in America . The historic hotel offers several visitor-recommended tours, including The Shining Tour, where you can peek at one of the axes used in the movie.

Despite these sinister ties, the Stanley Hotel is one of the best hotels in Estes Park for good reason: It touts renovated premium suites, spa treatments, guided outdoor excursions and a plethora of premier dining options. There's plenty to do in the greater town of Estes Park, too, like horseback riding , attending the fall Elk Fest and exploring the free Estes Park Museum.

Insider tip: Visit Estes Park in the fall to hear the beautiful yet eerie elk bugling.

Address: 333 E. Wonderview Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517

Garden of the Gods

There are several ways to explore the towering red rock formations in Garden of the Gods , located 5 miles northwest of downtown Colorado Springs , one of which is hiking. Some highly recommended hiking routes include the easy Central Garden Trail and the moderate Palmer Trail.

Jeep tours are another way to explore Garden of the Gods. Visitors can take a 90-minute narrated Jeep tour to Balanced Rock and hear about the history of the park; embark on a 90-minute outing to Glen Eyrie's Queens Canyon and enjoy a scenic overlook; or ride to waterfalls, tunnels and other picturesque areas on a two-hour excursion. Or, step back in time with a trolley tour, offered hourly.

Insider tip: After a day of exploring Garden of the Gods, grab a bite to eat at Pizzeria Rustica in the Old Colorado City area of Colorado Springs. The quattro formaggi (four cheese) pizza is to die for, and the gelato is a delicious way to cool down after hiking.

Summit Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak, a 14er located approximately 30 miles west of Colorado Springs, has inspired many stories and songs, including "America the Beautiful." You can ascend the mountain in a number of ways. Driving is the easiest way to summit, and there are plenty of places to pull over and admire the views on the way up. Keep in mind that the drive requires reservations and can be difficult, especially for those afraid of heights (which is why guided shuttle tours are also available).

Another popular way to reach the top is via The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. The railway offers breathtaking vistas as it sweeps passengers up the mountain. At the top, passengers can soak in the scenery before boarding the train down. The entire trip lasts about three hours. You can purchase tickets online before you go; keep in mind that tickets sell out about two weeks in advance in the summer.

The last way up the mountain is on foot. Only skilled hikers and bikers should attempt to scale Pikes Peak via the Barr Trail, which is about a 25-mile round trip. Summiting via the Crags Campground route is shorter, at 14.5 miles, but still difficult. Either way, the grueling hike will be worth it once you make it to the top and witness incredible panoramas of Colorado Springs and the surrounding area. Plus, you can reward yourself with a Pikes Peak doughnut or other treat at the Summit Visitor Center, which sits at 14,115 feet in elevation.

Insider tip: Afternoon storms in the summer are a common occurrence in Colorado, so if you're hiking, make sure you're descending around noon to avoid dangerous lightning.

Many visitors appreciate the charming, small-town vibe of Boulder, located 25 miles northwest of Denver. Pearl Street Mall is a top Boulder attraction , as the alfresco shopping area is lined with a plethora of boutiques and cafes. You'll probably see your fair share of street performers as well. Plus, with the University of Colorado Boulder in close proximity, there are many trendy restaurants and nightlife options.

Past visitors recommend The Buff for breakfast, The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse for lunch or afternoon tea, and The Sink for dinner – and don't forget to grab a drink at one of the city's many breweries in between meals. If you're visiting in the summer, check out the Boulder Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays for farm-fresh produce, live music and more. For convenient lodging options near downtown, book a stay at the St Julien Hotel & Spa or Hotel Boulderado .

If you do find yourself in the Boulder area, hiking the Flatirons is a must. These giant sandstone peaks are intertwined with miles of hiking trails, and there are routes for hikers and climbers of all skill levels. Most hikes begin at the popular Chautauqua Trailhead, which also offers an expansive park area perfect for relaxing and admiring the Flatirons if you're not in the mood to climb or hike.

Insider tip: A great hike away from the hustle and bustle of Boulder life is the 7.9-mile Walker Ranch Loop, an 8-mile drive from Chautauqua. For a less heart-pumping experience, touring the Celestial Seasonings tea factory is a blast and includes free tea sampling.

Mesa Verde National Park

It's not too often that scenic hiking areas are also steeped in history, but Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado certainly has both. This national park consists of an array of preserved cliff dwellings originally built centuries ago by Ancestral Puebloans, who lived and worked in the cliffside quarters for 700 years until finally abandoning them in late A.D. 1200. Now, the remnants of this ancient civilization draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Additionally, the park is associated with 26 Native American tribes.

During your visit, make time to see Cliff Palace – the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The site features 150 rooms and 23 kivas (ceremonial underground rooms) that you can view only by guided tour. There are also plenty of hiking trails in the surrounding area. A visitor-favorite path is the moderate Point Lookout Trail (2.1 miles out and back), which boasts sweeping views of the park. The Petroglyph Point Trail (a 2.4-mile loop) is also popular, as you can admire the petroglyphs drawn on the canyon walls.

Ski in Aspen

Millions of visitors travel to this town, located about 200 miles west of Denver, each year for its ideal ski conditions and massive slopes. Aspen Snowmass is one of the country's largest ski resorts , one of Colorado's top ski destinations and one of Aspen's most popular attractions . The resort offers more than 5,000 acres of skiable terrain and nearly 50 chairlifts across four mountains – Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk – making it a prime ski destination for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are also some trails for beginners, as well as many opportunities for lessons.

Even if you're not a fan of skiing, the après-ski scene makes Aspen worth a visit. You'll find skiers flocking to the town's lounges, taverns and upscale eateries after a day on the mountain. There are several award-winning hotels in the area – such as The Little Nell and Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection – where guests can stay close to the slopes, making for an extra easy ski day.

Catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

A trip to this venue will take any concert experience to the next level. The bleacher-style seats at Red Rocks Amphitheatre are built into a cliff and surrounded by towering sandstone structures. Visitors rave about the venue's acoustics, saying it's one of the best and most unique places to witness a live performance. Concerts are usually scheduled between April and November; consult the event schedule to see when your favorite artists are performing.

Even if you can't make it for a show, Red Rocks is still a great place to visit during the day. There are several hiking trails around the concert area, including the easy Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles) and the intermediate Red Rocks and Morrison Slide trails (3 miles). Plus, from high up in the stands, you'll get panoramic views of the surrounding area. In the summer, the venue even presents drive-in movie events and morning yoga sessions.

Insider tip: You can also find plenty of beautiful hiking in nearby Mount Falcon Park, including the highly rated 3.2-mile Turkey Trot Trail loop.

Address: 18300 W. Alameda Parkway, Morrison, CO 80465

Relax in the hot springs of Glenwood Springs

The small town of Glenwood Springs is situated along the Colorado River and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. The mineral waters responsible for the town's fame come from the nearby Yampah spring, which naturally heats to about 122 degrees. In town, there are three main areas for visitors to enjoy the hot springs. Glenwood Hot Springs Resort is home to the world's largest hot springs pool, big enough for visitors to swim laps in the 90- to 93-degree water. The venue is kid-friendly and doesn't require reservations.

Another option is Iron Mountain Hot Springs, which offers a quieter atmosphere complete with 17 soaking pools – heated between 98 and 108 degrees and connected by heated walkways – and rain showers to ensure visitors can cool off when necessary. Reservations are required and weekend access often sells out, so make sure to book a time slot in advance. The Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves is another thermal attraction in Glenwood Springs, and it's one of the only vapor caves on the continent. This underground area naturally releases therapeutic steam, which visitors can enjoy by descending into the caves and lounging on the benches. Reservations for the caves are required.

Go whitewater rafting

The Arkansas River – which starts in central Colorado and runs all the way to Arkansas – features miles of fast-flowing water, perfect for adventurous rafters. Though it might seem intimidating, there are plenty of easy routes for first-time rafters or those looking for a relaxing excursion.

Lower Browns Canyon offers a few mild rapids with enough time in between to enjoy the mountain scenery. Similarly, a trip to Little Gore Canyon is sure to be leisurely and may appeal to families with younger children. The Royal Gorge trip, however, is reserved for adventurous travelers seeking steep drops, big splashes and constant rapids. The Pine Creek route, which originates near the Granite Gorge, is another strenuous option for advanced rafters. Check out U.S. News' roundup of the best whitewater rafting tours in Colorado to plan your trip.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

A mining village that flourished in the late 1800s, this southwestern Colorado town maintains its Wild West charm to this day. The main street is lined with quaint stores and restaurants, which are set against the dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. You won't see many fast food restaurants or chain stores here, but you will find plenty of outdoor activities in Telluride . The town offers noteworthy skiing options at Telluride Ski Resort. The free gondola is also a great activity, as it'll bring you on a scenic ride to the mountains.

While there are numerous winter adventures to be had, the spring, summer and fall months are what make this town stand out. Telluride has a thriving arts district and is a hot spot for festivals, including popular festivals for film, jazz and bluegrass. Visitors enjoy Telluride for its small-town atmosphere and history.

Drive the Million Dollar Highway

There are many theories as to how this scenic highway got its name, but no matter what you believe, it's certain that the road provides million-dollar views. Start your drive in Ouray, a small town northwest of Telluride that's known as the "Switzerland of America" thanks to its European-looking storefronts and the surrounding mountains.

The 25-mile highway stretches from Ouray to Silverton and features awe-inspiring vistas, but be warned that the drive is not for the faint of heart. The road clings to the side of a cliff and provides dizzying views of the canyon below – and the lack of guardrails only adds to the danger. The road does eventually level out so drivers can relax and enjoy the scenery, but keep in mind that if you're scared of heights, this drive might not be the one for you. Be sure to check for icy or snowy conditions before making the journey.

Grand Lake is one of the best spots in Colorado for swimming, fishing, boating and soaking up some sun. This top Colorado lake – the largest in the state – is located a few miles southeast of the Grand Lake entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park and about 100 miles northwest of Denver. On the sandy shores of the lake, you'll find plenty of kids playing, adults sunbathing, and maybe even a moose or two testing the waters.

Visitors say the area is well maintained, and they appreciate the designated picnic spots. Not to mention, the jaw-dropping view of the surrounding mountains reflecting off the lake is sure to take your beach day to the next level. The lake offers a marina where visitors can opt to rent motorboats or kayaks to explore the water. The small town around the water – also called Grand Lake – features several cafes, restaurants and shops to enjoy during your visit. If you venture to Grand Lake in winter, there will still be many activities to partake in, such as ice fishing and ice hockey.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

This national park packs plenty of scenery into a small area. Dark, jagged peaks slice into the earth, creating dramatic canyons and breathtaking views. Black Canyon of the Gunnison doesn't have as many easy hiking opportunities as other parks due to the steep nature of the canyon. For this reason, many visitors say driving is the best way to take in the views. The park is small enough that if you're driving, you can see it all in a day – though there's a good chance it'll take a long drive to get there, as it's located about 260 miles from Denver.

When arriving at the park, you can choose to explore either the North Rim or the South Rim. The North Rim offers three trails and five overlooks that you can visit by car but is overall less developed than its counterpart; many visitors prefer the South Rim for its four hiking trails and 12 overlooks. Each rim features a campground as well, but the South Rim Campground is much larger and includes more amenities.

Insider tip: Bring a canopy tent if you plan to stay in the South Rim Campground as the trees are short and don't offer much in the way of shade. Also, make sure to drive around the park at sunset for spectacular views.

Ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Take a train back in time on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Construction on this historic railroad began in 1881; once it was completed in 1882, the railroad brought tons of gold and silver from the mountains to the towns. People also used this train to travel between towns, and they quickly realized the scenery along the way was nothing short of stunning. The railroad winds through the San Juan Mountains and chugs up Cascade Canyon – a visitor-favorite view.

The train from Durango to Silverton takes less than four hours; passengers can explore the historic mining town of Silverton for two hours before returning for the train ride back. You'll have to reserve tickets in advance online or by calling.

Breckenridge

If you're looking for an easy getaway from Denver, head to Breckenridge for some of the best ski conditions in the state. Breckenridge Ski Resort has a whopping 187 trails and 35 lifts as well as several terrain parks. The free gondola, which runs from the downtown area to the base of the ski mountain, is a great way to enjoy the mountain views even if you don't plan on hitting the slopes.

Downtown Breckenridge has plenty to offer in the way of food, beverages and treats as well as clothing stores, souvenir shops and a thriving arts district. The surrounding area offers a variety of hiking and biking trails – such as the highly rated McCullough Gulch Trail, the Hoosier Pass Loop and the Sawmill Reservoir trail.

Insider tip: A romantic dinner at Hearthstone Restaurant can't be beat. Give the lamb a try; it's spectacular!

Visit Colorado's wine country

Most people associate Colorado with craft beer and countless breweries . However, you may be surprised to learn that Colorado also produces its fair share of wine. The state's "wine country" is located on the western edge of Colorado near the city of Grand Junction, where the cool, dry mountain climate and high elevation work together to create an ideal wine-making environment.

You'll find wineries and tasting rooms galore in Grand Junction and nearby Palisade. According to recent visitors, some of the top options include Carlson Vineyards Winery & Tasting Room, Varaison Vineyards and Winery, and Peach Street Distillers. Some visitors recommend touring Colorado's wine country on an e-bike for an extra dose of fun. When it comes time to rest, turn down at one of the best hotels in Grand Junction , most of which are conveniently located near the bars and restaurants of Main Street.

Insider tip: A stay at Palisade's Wine Country Inn makes for the perfect romantic getaway in Colorado . Make sure to take advantage of the property's daily complimentary wine tasting in the afternoon. In addition to wine, Palisade is known for its peaches; consider taking a peach farm tour with Suncrest Orchard Alpacas – which includes walking with your very own fluffy alpaca.

While this Colorado town is famous for its excellent ski offerings, Vail is also a great place to kick back and spend your time getting pampered. During the day, shop (or window-shop) for everything from outdoor gear to art, before taking a relaxing stroll through the meticulously landscaped Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Afternoon wine tastings at 4 Eagle Ranch or Root & Flower will make your day extra indulgent. When evening comes, splurge on upscale Japanese cuisine at Matsuhisa or contemporary American favorites at Sweet Basil.

Luxurious accommodation options also abound in Vail. If you're looking for top-notch spa offerings, book a stay at the European-inspired Sonnenalp hotel. The on-site spa offers massages, body treatments, scrubs, facials, indoor and outdoor whirlpools, and even an oxygen bar if the altitude gets to you. If you'd rather relax in the comfort of your guest room, consider staying at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail , where certain accommodations feature spacious living room areas, cozy furniture and gas fireplaces alongside mountain views.

Cross the Royal Gorge Bridge

If you want to get your heart pumping, look no further than the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park , located about 60 miles southwest of Colorado Springs. The bridge is the highest suspension bridge in the U.S. at 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Crossing the bridge is not for the faint of heart, but don't worry – the engineering feat is supported by 4,100 sturdy cables and can hold more than 2 million pounds. If you're still (understandably) nervous about walking over the bridge, however, some visitors recommend riding the Aerial Gondola across it first.

There's an activity for everyone at the park, from the three-story Playland for kids to the Cloudscraper Zip Line – the highest zip line in America – and the Royal Rush Skycoaster for thrill-seekers. Travelers recommend going in the offseason for smaller crowds.

Address: 4218 County Road 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212

Enjoy family-friendly fun in Steamboat Springs

This northwestern Colorado city is known for its ski offerings and hot springs. The ski mountain offers 182 trails, 23 lifts and four terrain parks, each for a different skill level. After skiing, pay a visit to the Old Town Hot Springs in the heart of downtown, which features several designated pools as well as two waterslides open seasonally. If you're not into downhill skiing, you can still enjoy other Steamboat Springs activities , including cross-country skiing , horseback riding, snowmobiling , ice skating, tubing and scenic gondola rides. In the summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking and fly-fishing; there are also many local lakes perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.

If you're planning to spend the night in Steamboat Springs , recent travelers recommend staying at the Sheraton Steamboat Resort for modern appliances and gorgeous views.

Go leaf peeping

The fall season in Colorado is particularly stunning as the trees, most notably aspens, start to change color. You can hike among the vivid yellow, orange and red leaves in a multitude of mountain destinations, such as Kenosha Pass located 65 miles from Denver (but be warned that this is one of the most popular leaf-peeping spots ). To avoid the crowds, head to Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, which boasts one of the largest and most photographed aspen groves in the country. The leaf-peeping season typically runs from September to mid-October, but the exact timing depends on a variety of factors, such as whether there's an early freeze.

Insider tip: If you're heading to Kebler Pass, spend some time in the charming town of Crested Butte. The Secret Stash offers a range of pizzas as well as the delicious and popular "Crack Fries."

Drive the highest road in North America

The Scenic Byway to Blue Sky, which begins 33 miles west of Denver, climbs to the peak of Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) and offers stunning mountain views along the way. You'll start in Idaho Springs, then gain about 7,000 feet in elevation as you twist and turn along the 28-mile road to the 14,130-foot summit. Keep your eyes peeled for wild animals such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep and marmots.

Due to potentially dangerous winter conditions, cars are only permitted to drive to the peak from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and reservations are required. If you're an avid hiker, you also have the option to complete the challenging hike to the peak, but note that it's one of the more popular 14ers to climb.

Experience small-town life in Salida

Visiting small towns like Salida is one of the best ways to experience the Centennial State. Salida sits about 140 miles south of Denver and offers plenty of quaint Colorado charm. As you walk down F Street, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time thanks to preserved buildings reminiscent of the Wild West and retro stores like the F Street Five & Dime and the Salida Pharmacy & Fountain. The downtown area is the state's largest historic district. At the end of the street, you'll find the Arkansas River and the adjacent Riverside Park, which is a perfect spot for lounging, picnicking or exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skiing and snowboarding might be the first activities that come to mind when putting together your winter Colorado itinerary, but consider a variety of cold weather offerings across the state:

• Take the family dog-sledding
• Go snow tubing at Frisco Adventure Park
• Enjoy a sleigh ride dinner in Steamboat Springs
• Head to Breckenridge for the International Snow Sculpture Championships
• Ride the Polar Express Train from Durango to Silverton
• Eat pierogies at the Denver Christkindlmarket
• Explore more than 70 installations at Meow Wolf

It's no surprise that a summer in Colorado means partaking in myriad outdoor adventures:

• Rock climb in Eldorado State Park (and receive a stamp in your Colorado Parks Passport )
• Get your adrenaline pumping on a zip line
• Visit Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs
• Ride the Alpine Slide in Winter Park (the longest alpine slide in the state)
• See the stunning Maroon Bells
• Explore the colorful Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Colorado Springs
• Hike around Dinosaur National Monument

And plenty of other activities await if you're not in the mood to lace up your hiking boots:

• Watch a play at the Shakespeare Festival in Boulder
• Take a flight in a hot air balloon above the Rocky Mountains
• Catch a baseball game at Coors Field
• Attend the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, south of Colorado Springs
• Explore a ghost town like St. Elmo or Independence Ghost Town near Aspen

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Leilani Osmundson has lived in Colorado for most of her life, including four years in Boulder while she attended the University of Colorado Boulder . She spends her free time hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing and paddleboarding around the state, and has experienced much on this list.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Places to Visit in Colorado
• The Best Places to Hike in the U.S.
• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.
• The Best Carry-on Backpacks

Tags: Travel , Colorado Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best whale watching in santa barbara.

John Rodwan May 29, 2024

The Best Travel Purses

Rachael Hood May 24, 2024

The Best Beach Games

Gwen Pratesi May 24, 2024

The Best Branson Shows

Carrie A. Back May 23, 2024

The Best Beach Toys for Kids

Amanda Norcross May 23, 2024

The Best Charleston Tours

John Rodwan May 23, 2024

The Best Savannah Tours

John Rodwan and Ann Henson May 23, 2024

The Best NYC Dinner Cruises

Jessica Colley Clarke May 23, 2024

The Best Cooler Bags

Sharael Kolberg May 22, 2024

The Best Beach Blankets

Gwen Pratesi and Sharael Kolberg May 22, 2024

16 of the best things to do in Colorado

Sep 7, 2023 • 10 min read

Experience the beauty of Colorado with these top things to do © gcosoveanu / Getty Images

With more than 300 glorious days of sun and majestic landscapes to match, it’s no wonder Colorado beckons to outdoorsy types .

You'll find adventures to be had in just about every corner of the state, from hiking trails and white water rapids to world-class mountain resorts and towering sand dunes.

But Colorado offers more than adrenaline rushes and Instagram moments. It’s also known for its layers of history, its vibrant art and music scene, its cowboy culture and tasty craft brews. Here are the best things to do in Colorado that showcase the variety the state has to offer.

1. Enjoy the fall colors in Aspen

Just beyond the cowboy-meets-Hollywood glam of Aspen , the twin Maroon Bell mountains rise dramatically over a long mirrored lake. Surrounded by thick aspen groves, fall brings a sea of fluttering yellow and orange leaves. It’s sublime, a dream and one of the best places in the state to see fall colors .

Planning tip: The trail near the lake can get crowded this time of year, especially in late September when the leaves are at their peak. Arrive before 8am for a parking spot, some solitude and the best chance at seeing wildlife. Otherwise, take the shuttle from town and hike deep into the aspen groves towards Crater Lake to take in the beauty without the crowd.

2. Explore ancient cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde National Park is a one-of-a-kind place, the largest and best-preserved Native American archaeological site in the US. Nestled in a stunning landscape of canyons and mesas near the  Four Corners region, Mesa Verde is home to more than 5000 Ancestral Puebloan sites that developed over hundreds of years before being abruptly abandoned in 1300CE for reasons still unknown.

What remains is one of the most exhilarating adventures in the West: clambering down ladders, crawling through tight tunnels and peering into elaborate cliff dwellings, all to puzzle over what life was once like here.

3. Hike in Rocky Mountain National Park

If there’s any place that’s quintessentially Colorado, it’s  Rocky Mountain National Park . Every view is a picture postcard: a vast landscape of granite peaks and shimmering lakes, flower-filled meadows and dense forests.

But it’s no secret that RMNP can get jam-packed, especially in summer. Lose the crowds by leaving the roadside viewpoints and lacing up your hiking boots instead.

The park has 300 miles of trails catering to all levels of ability and ambition, from an easy stroll around Bear Lake to an epic trek up Longs Peak. Impressive vistas and perfect solitude also can be found on hundreds of thousands of acres of backcountry, areas home to herds of elk, scattered bighorn sheep, black bears and more.

4. Visit the ghost town of St Elmo

Following a bumpy dirt road to the abandoned mining settlement of St Elmo, it’s easy to imagine the prospectors who plied this same roadway, following tales of precious metal found deep in the Rockies. Tucked into the base of the Collegiate Peaks, St Elmo is Colorado’s best-preserved ghost town.

More than 40 buildings are still standing, most dating to the 1880s when the town hit its apex. Wandering past the saloon, billiards hall, courthouse and jail, visitors get a peek into Colorado’s past, when gold and silver ruled these hills. It serves as a modern-day reminder of the quick riches and busted dreams of the past, the making and breaking of the West. 

5. Throw back a Colorado craft brew

Colorado takes its beer seriously, treating craft brewing like a high art. Almost any town you visit – from tiny Del Norte to beer-centric Fort Collins – has a favorite local brew or two (or 20). One thing’s for sure: you won’t go thirsty for an IPA in Colorado.

Planning tip: If you’re here in September, try to score tickets to the  Great American Beer Festival . Held in Denver, the festival draws more than 1000 master brewers from across the nation, vying for Best of Show medals in categories like Best Coffee Beer, Best Barrel-Aged Strong Beer and many more. Best of all is the camaraderie of you and 60,000 beer buddies, all tasting outstanding beers one ounce at a time.

6. Catch a concert at Red Rocks

There’s something about attending a concert at  Red Rocks : the sounds of instruments and song, the sight of people dancing, an umbrella of dark sky above and the iconic 400ft-high red sandstone monoliths standing guard on either side. Once a sacred gathering place of the Ute tribe, today Red Rocks is world renowned for its natural acoustics and stunning beauty, a one-of-a-kind amphitheater.

It’s no surprise big name bands like The Beatles, U2, Jimi Hendrix and The Grateful Dead have played and recorded albums here and that the venue continues to draw the world’s best musicians and performers. Just 15 miles from Denver, it’s easily accessible, too.

Planning tip: Do like locals do and catch the sunset before the show.

7. Soak in Glenwood Hot Springs

Perched at the end of a gorgeous canyon at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, present-day Glenwood Hot Springs have been treasured for their healing properties for centuries. Long before the arrival of Europeans, the Ute bathed in these same steamy thermal waters, which they called yampah (great medicine).

Today, a historic resort sits on the site, the hot springs pumping out 3.5 million gallons of mineral water a day, flowing through two pools, one a whopping 400ft long.

Planning tip:  Temperatures range from 93°F to 104°F, warm enough to soak in even on a snowy January day. Bring your swimsuit and, if need be, your ski hat.

8. Drive the Million Dollar Highway

Deep in the San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway connects the towns of Ouray and Silverton, is a mind-blowingly scenic drive, and one of Colorado’s best road trips . Twenty five miles of hairpin turns and tight S-bends cut through the Uncompahgre Gorge, whose steep mountainsides loom large and close, rising into lofty, mist-shrouded peaks, while the valley floor lies far below, dotted with fir trees and wildflowers.

Planning tip: Drive with caution. The road is formidable, even in good weather, and the lack of guardrails doesn’t help. Take advantage of pullouts. The Red Mountain Pass (11,018ft) is a favorite for its 360-degree views.

9. Hula hoop in Telluride

It supposedly all started back in the '90s when Colorado ski-bum band String Cheese Incident started chucking hula hoops into the crowd at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Festival-goers turned the toys into dance partners, and the fad stuck. You can count on a large contingent of "hoopers" at every Telluride Bluegrass Festival show.

It’s just one of the many odd-ball pleasures of this amazing celebration of folk music and mountain life, held in  Telluride every summer and drawing big-name bands and thousands of revelers. Telluride itself is stunningly beautiful, nestled in a narrow box canyon, surrounded on three sides by rugged peaks and even a waterfall. It's not easy to get to, but it's well worth the effort.

10. Surf down the tallest dunes in North America

Great Sand Dunes National Park sits like a surreal work of art next to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, an undulating dune field covering more than 30 square miles, its sandy peaks reaching hundreds of feet above the brush-covered valley floor. Climbing the dunes can be slow going – one step forward and a half step back in the ever-shifting sand – but that makes sand surfing down all the sweeter.

Special wood boards definitely make for the best ride, and they can be rented from the  Great Sand Dunes Oasis just outside the park or in nearby Alamosa. Sport your ski goggles and long socks, if you got ‘em – the sand gets everywhere.

Planning tip: If you’re here in late spring, count yourself lucky. The Medano Creek emerges temporarily alongside the dunes, creating a beach for water play, tubing and, of course, sandcastle-making.

11. Discover Denver’s street art

Unexpected and totally fabulous, Denver ’s trendiest neighborhood, RiNo (River North) – a one-time industrial wasteland that's now the heart of cool – is draped in murals covering every sort of surface, from restaurant doorways and parking lot walls to alleyways, power boxes and garage doors.

Bright, opinionated and ever-changing, the artwork stops you in your tracks, speaking volumes about Denver’s diversity of people and thought, and its history and day-to-day life. Prepare to be wowed.

12. Paddle the Arkansas River

Brace yourself for icy waters as you paddle into a roaring set of waves on the Arkansas River, one of the longest and wildest rivers in the state. With more than 150 miles of open water running from Leadville to the scenic Royal Gorge, the Arkansas has everything from extreme rapids to mellow ripples and includes the iconic class-II run through Browns Canyon National Monument.

Planning tip: The best paddling happens between late May and early July. Pick up a trip in Buena Vista or Cañon City.  

13. Ski Vail, the state's best ski resort

You might think  Vail is merely a playground for the rich and famous, and not a serious ski resort. Think again: beyond the glitz and glam (and shocking prices), Vail is truly one of the world’s finest ski resorts, boasting more than 5000 skiable acres, 195 trails, and some of the best on- and off-piste terrain anywhere.

The front side is a paradise of silky corduroy – Vail’s groomers are artists indeed – ranging from mellow greens to long rowdy black diamonds like Blue Ox. But don’t miss the backside, especially the legendary Blue Sky Basin and seven – count ‘em, seven – bowls. There’s so much steep ’n deep that you’ll lose track of what you’ve skied or ridden. Colorado has many outstanding ski resorts, true, but Vail will steal your heart. 

14. Touch dinosaur bones

A must-see stop for dinophiles is  Dinosaur National Monument , located in the desolate northwest corner of Colorado. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can actually reach out and touch a dinosaur skeleton, snarling in its final pose, petrified eternally in rock and stone.

Home to one the largest fossil beds in North America, the dinosaur quarry here also shows off some 1500 prehistoric bones embedded in a cliff face. You’ll see everything from allosaurus to stegosaurus.

Planning tip: Ranger-led walks, talks and tours explain the site, and a bunch of hands-on exhibits add to the fun.

15. Summit a fourteener

Standing at the peak of a 14,000ft mountain, taking in the view from the top of the world, is practically a rite of passage in Colorado. The state’s 50-plus " fourteeners " offer access and challenge to all levels of hikers, from those reachable only with technical climbing expertise to the two peaks with roads right to the top.

Whether you decide to drive to the top of  Pikes Peak (or take the cog train), hike the 3-mile trail to Quandary Peak near Breckenridge or make a run at Mt Elbert (the tallest of them all), they all deliver big.

16. Sport your Stetson at the National Western Stock Show

Saddle up for one of the country’s biggest stock shows – the  National Western Stock Show – a Denver tradition since 1906. Held every January, come here for more than 20 rodeos, 15,000 farm animals, dancing horses, dog shows and even yoga with baby goats.

Don’t miss the iconic kick-off parade, when dozens of Longhorn cattle are herded right through downtown Denver, high heels and power suits giving way to cowboy hats, chaps and impressive belt buckles.

This article was first published Jun 18, 2021 and updated Sep 7, 2023.

Explore related stories

Dec 11, 2023 • 6 min read

Skiing isn't for everyone but there are plenty of people who still love snow vacations. These are the best alpine villages in the US for non-skiers.

Jun 18, 2022 • 10 min read

Jun 14, 2022 • 8 min read

Apr 21, 2022 • 7 min read

Apr 9, 2022 • 4 min read

Dec 26, 2021 • 10 min read

Nov 10, 2021 • 8 min read

Feb 5, 2021 • 3 min read

Nov 9, 2020 • 2 min read

Sep 14, 2020 • 6 min read

The 12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado, in Every Season

The state’s spectacular mountains, cities, parks, and preserves await—whatever the season..

• Copy Link copied

Rocky Mountain National Park has it all: pretty meadows, alpine lakes, and imposing mountains.

Photo by Bailey Berg

You could spend decades—as I have—exploring Colorado’s stunning scenery and top attractions and still have more to see and do. No single trip can cover everything that makes the state a traveler’s dream destination. AFAR’s roundup of things to see and do in Colorado offered 16 tips to get you started, including driving the peak-to-peak scenic byway, visiting Denver Art Museum, and soaking in Iron Mountain Hot Springs. However, if you want to hit the highlights, here are your main targets, divided up by season.

The best places to visit in Colorado in fall

Colorado is spectacular year-round, but autumn’s colors and temperatures make it a particularly magical time to visit.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Visiting the dunes typically means overnighting at the park’s campground , because few accommodations exist near this remote spot some 230 miles south of Denver. But campers are rewarded with dusk and dawn’s light shows on the sand dunes, which ripple beneath the sawtooth Sangre de Cristo mountains. Summers are scorching, but in fall, sand surfaces remain comfortable all day. Scramble across the dunes, or rent a sandboard to surf the slopes like waves.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton is the quintessential Colorado getaway for those who can afford it ($1,400 per night is typical). Guests cozy into hand-built log cabins that combine historic patina with western art and worldly comforts like sustainably made beds and linens. Rates include food and drink that make every meal feel special—think roasted pork with charred leek grits followed by poached rhubarb panna cotta—but the steaming springs are this getaway’s raison d’être. Views from the rustic yet luxe bathhouse showcase aspen groves that turn amber in autumn, and one guest cabin (Well House) includes its own spring-fed soaking tub.

Hit up Rocky Mountain National Park in shoulder season for all the beauty and less of the crowds.

Courtesy of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park

Most of this park’s 4.3 million annual visitors flock here in summer, so I go in September for fewer traffic backups on Trail Ridge Road (a must-do drive traversing treeless alpine tundra). Fall is also mating season for the park’s elk herd, and the possibility of hearing bulls’ distinctive bugles adds extra magic to any hike. I always glimpse elk along the Moraine Park Loop, a 5.5-mile circuit that can be shortened to preference.

Best places to visit in Colorado in winter

Snow envelopes much of the state in the winter months, turning urban areas into winter wonderlands and promising world-class outdoor activities.

Meow Wolf Convergence Station

In fall 2023, Denver’s fun house of immersive art installations launched Sips (With a Z), a cocktail bar and lounge dedicated to providing “a sanctuary of chill amidst the hubbub of quantum travel.” Mirrored walls reflect a mashup of classical sculpture and graffiti art, and vintage furniture provides myriad perches for pondering the installation’s experiential art. The bar is only open to Meow Wolf Denver visitors and event guests. While the previous art triggered sight, sound, and touch, the new lounge also titillates our sense of taste.

Telluride, Colorado, is all about the skiing. And the views. And the restaurants...

Photo by CSNafzger/Shutterstock

Sure, it’s far from major cities, but I wager that the only winter enclaves with mountain vistas that rival Telluride’s are in the Alps. These jagged southwest Colorado slopes offer scenery so jawdropping, I always feel dazzled, regardless of the snow conditions. And several mountaintop eateries showcase the splendor. Perched at 11,966 feet, Alpino Vino ranks as the highest restaurant in North America and serves Italian food and wine specialties within a cozy stone and log cabin. More tableside panoramas (and an award-winning wine list) await at Allred’s at 10,551 feet.

Bluebird Market hosts live music and offers a wide range of foodie delights including empanadas, crepes, and burgers.

Courtesy of Town of Silverthorne/Nate Cordero

Silverthorne

Once little more than a refueling stop for motorists traveling Interstate 70, Exit 205 is now an appealing home base for three nearby Colorado ski resorts (Arapahoe Basin, Keystone, and Breckenridge) and a destination in its own right. Stay at Hotel Indigo , the chain’s first mountain property housing an upscale tequila bar and indoor swimming pool. Go snowshoeing or Nordic skiing at Raven Golf Club (free to the public; rent gear at Gore Range Sports) and enjoy après at the Bluebird Market food hall , where weekends find live bands entertaining drinkers at the central bar.

Best places to visit in Colorado in spring

Visitor numbers drop during the spring, but Colorado still puts on a show as flowers bloom and the arts scene wows guests.

Casa Bonita featured in an episode of South Park .

Photo by Shutterstock

Casa Bonita

Coloradoans Trey Parker and Matt Stone (creators of the South Park animated TV series) spent $40 million to renovate this Denver icon of Mexican food and carnivalesque stunts. Summer 2023 kicked off its much-anticipated reopening. Diners (up to 2,100 of them, at capacity) still line up with trays for meals, now designed by James Beard–nominated chef Dana Rodriguez. Cliff diving continues in the waterfall-fed pool, and the multi-level dining room delivers more spectacle than ambiance.

Crowds taper but deals abound during this destination’s shoulder season. April and May are when Aspen’s celebrated restaurants often offer discounted menus and drink specials, and at these elevations (the Snowmass base village sits at 8,104 feet), snow blankets the slopes well beyond the resorts’ mid-April closing date, making for prime ski conditions—and rowdy parties. At Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro , the springtime ritual includes uncorking staggering quantities of champagne on the summit-ringed outdoor deck.

Fruita offers a laid-back, walkable base for exploring the great outdoors.

Courtesy of Fruita

Idyllic weather and blooming cactus make spring my favorite time to visit Colorado’s canyon country, and Fruita is the best home base. From here, it’s a 15-minute drive to the sculpted red rock sandstone spires of Colorado National Monument and 5 minutes to world-famous mountain bike trails. Fruita’s walkable downtown includes the Hot Tomato , delivering Jersey-style pizza that’s good as gospel. Live music often enlivens the pedestrian block, and for sips, there are wineries in Palisade, 30 minutes east.

Best places to visit in Colorado in summer

Colorado’s hiking and biking trails come into their own during the warmer months while road-tripping offers an easy way to see much of the state—in an EV on many of the scenic byways .

Crested Butte

After 25 years in Colorado, I still gape at the beauty of Crested Butte , because in a state that’s chockablock with pretty views, this town tops the list. Sheer peaks rise up beside the streets’ grid, where colorful, mining-era Victorians line the sidewalks. No highway noise ruins the mountains’ quiet, and only merry sounds emerge from main street bars and eateries. The surrounding trails wind through aspen groves and meadows that are deservedly famous for July’s display of wildflowers.

The 180-room Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch offers a host of guest activities including skiing, golf, fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and mountain biking.

Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

Bachelor Gulch

Come summer, the Bachelor Gulch base area of Beaver Creek ski resort becomes the scene of a daily lawn and pool party that encapsulates what’s splendid about Colorado. Views include aspen-covered mountainsides, and adventures on foot or bike follow trails leading into wildflower meadows. Play a round of cornhole on the lawn, then relocate to Wyld ’s patio for plates showcasing Colorado-grown produce. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch (renovated in 2022) to cool off in its outdoor pool and sip rosé from the surrounding loungers.

Fort Collins

Visit during Colorado State’s summer break, and you won’t have to elbow your way into this city’s esteemed breweries. (Crooked Stave makes some of my favorite sours.) Nationally known New Belgium Brewing organizes the annual Tour de Fat each August, when a parade of 20,000 wildly costumed cyclists pedal the streets. I make the 100-year-old Armstrong Hotel my downtown home base and stroll from its classy-hip rooms to such downtown shops as Scrumpy’s Hard Cider Bar, which pours drink made from local homeowners’ apple trees.

10 Most Underrated Scenic Spots To Visit In Colorado This Summer

Ditch the tourist hotspots this summer and explore the most scenic under-the-radar spots in Colorado!

• Bridal Veil Falls: A hidden gem with fantastic views and easy access. Hike or bike for a magical experience amid nature's beauty.
• Maroon Bells: Explore the most photographed peaks in North America. Enjoy stunning views and hiking opportunities in the Elk Mountains.
• Boulder Falls: A short, easy trail leads you to a charming 70-foot waterfall in Boulder Canyon. Perfect for a quick nature break.

Colorado, also known as the Centennial State, has a legendary reputation for its dramatic landscapes. When enjoying epic summer vacations in Colorado , almost every tourist will take a hike through the fields of columbines and paintbrushes in the San Juan Mountains, go on adventures in Rocky Mountain National Park, or kayak on the serene waters of Grand Lake, the state's largest natural body of water.

However, beyond all of these renowned spots and natural treasures, there are many gems hidden under the radar in the Centennial State waiting to be discovered. This summer, you can escape the crowds at the popular spots and forge your own path through Colorado's hidden wonders.

This Is The Most Peaceful Place To Live In Colorado

10 bridal veil falls, telluride, a hidden canyon housing colorado's tallest free-falling waterfall.

Just outside the quaint mountain town of Telluride, Colorado , there's a hidden gem called Bridal Veil Falls. It's a giant waterfall, 365 feet tall, tucked away in a steep, colorful canyon. You can hike or bike the easy trail up the canyon, and you'll be rewarded with incredible views of the cascading water surrounded by tall rocks.

Sometimes, on sunny days, rainbows appear in the mist at the bottom of the falls, making the scene even more magical. For those who want more adventure, connecting trails lead to Blue Lake, Lewis Lake, and other scenic destinations within the Bridal Veil basin.

9 Maroon Bells, Aspen

Take a picture beside north america's most photographed mountains.

Just a scenic 16 miles west of Aspen and 10 miles southwest of Snowmass Village lies a breathtaking natural landmark - the Maroon Bells, which people can hike to . These twin peaks, Maroon Peak and North Maroon Peak, are the undisputed crown jewels of the Elk Mountains.

There's an easy 3.2-mile trail around Maroon Lake that gives you amazing views of the mountains. If you're looking for a tougher hike, you can explore other mountain towns in Colorado that are perfect for vacations in the summer, aside from Maroon Bells.

You might need to book a reservation and acquire tickets for visiting Maroon Bells before getting to Aspen.

8 Boulder Falls, Boulder

A 70-foot waterfall nestled in scenic boulder canyon; enjoy short and easy hikes with scenic rewards.

While not the tallest waterfall in Colorado, Boulder Falls holds its own charm. When you visit other waterfalls, you might have to hike for an average of 20 minutes before you arrive at the iconic spot. But here, there's a short, easy trail that takes you from your car right to the base of the falls.

The whole walk is less than a quarter-mile, so it's perfect for families with kids or people who want a quick nature break. The waterfall is the main attraction, but there's more to see in Boulder Canyon during your summer vacation in Colorado.

10 Mountain Towns In Colorado To Retire

7 betty ford alpine gardens, vail, one of the most beautiful and highest botanical gardens in north america.

Spanning over five acres, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens offer a meticulously curated collection of over 2,000 plant varieties. These include over 500 different wildflowers and alpine plants, of which a good majority are native to the Rocky Mountain region.

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens aren't just about the flora. The 120-foot cascading waterfall in the Alpine Rock Garden adds a touch of serenity and grandeur to the landscape.

There are several iconic spots in Vail beyond the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, too. During the summer months, enjoy hiking and biking trails, explore local shops and art galleries, or experience world-class dining.

After summer ends, the entire area of Vail transforms into an underrated fall destination , so even those who don't make it here during the warm season can still have the fun and enjoy the scenery during the autumn.

6 Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs

A geological gem above glenwood springs.

Suspended 700 feet above the floor of Glenwood Canyon, Colorado, lies Hanging Lake, a breathtaking natural wonder that has captivated visitors for over a century. It's located in the town of Glenwood Springs, one of the many beautiful towns in Colorado perfect for a vacation.

Getting to Hanging Lake involves a hike of about 1.2 miles, with some climbing. The trail goes through a thick forest with spruce and aspen trees, and you might catch glimpses of the canyon walls.

Once you reach the lake, the view is amazing. The turquoise water reflects the cliffs, making a perfect picture. You might even see colorful fish swimming around.

5 Independence Pass, Central Colorado

Travel on the highest paved continuous through-road in the state.

Independence Pass stands tall at an elevation of 12,095 feet (3,687 meters). It is the highest paved through-road in the state (after Cottonwood Pass). This route is a beautiful drive on Highway 82 that takes you from Aspen to Twin Lakes. The road winds through the Sawatch mountains for 32 miles.

There's even a fast-moving stream called Skull Creek that you can hear next to the road for a while. Plus, thanks to the duality of this location, you can also spend an enjoyable spring in Aspen nearby before summer begins.

4 Cliff Palace, Mesa Verde National Park

The largest cliff dwelling in north america with impressive prehistoric esthetics.

Cliff Palace will inspire you to visit Colorado’s beautiful old towns to bask in the prehistoric wonders. Why? It's a giant, ancient apartment building built into a cliff! It has over 150 rooms, special round rooms for ceremonies (kivas), and lots of small storage spaces.

Walking among the ruins of Cliff Palace is a journey back in time. You can see the round kivas with holes in the roof, which were used for special religious ceremonies. You'll also find storage rooms and grinding stones which speak volumes of their agricultural prowess.

There are over 600 cliff dwellings in Mesa Verde National Park, some with just one room and others with many floors. Other neat places to see include Balcony House, Spruce Tree House , and Long House, which all show different ways the Ancestral Puebloan people built and lived.

3 Bear Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park

A short, flat, and easy yet super scenic hike offering views of bear lake, hallett peak, and longs peak.

The Bear Lake Loop is a short and easy trail around Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. It's a great hike for anyone because it's nice and flat. The trail is perfect for birdwatchers, too; you might see big ospreys flying high up, little dipper birds by the water, and colorful warbler birds singing in the trees.

As you walk up the trail, you’ll see Hallett Peak and Longs Peak, which are usually giant snow-covered mountains during winter. There are also green fields around the lake. On a clear day, you might even see Trail Ridge Road , which is the highest paved road in North America, going up and down the mountains!

Skip Rocky Mountain: Visit Colorado's Most Underrated National Park

2 great sand dunes national park & preserve, alamosa, colorado’s best sandboarding location.

Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado is one of those places in America that don't feel real ; it's a surreal spectacle consisting of a giant sandbox. It's in the middle of a big valley and has the tallest sand dunes in North America, some even as high as 750 feet!

This park is fun for everyone in the summer, no matter your age or what you like to do. You can climb the dunes, go for a hike in the area, or just relax and look at the cool scenery.

1 Treasure Falls, Pagosa Springs

The perfect hiking adventure for nature enthusiasts leading to a cascading 105-feet-tall waterfall.

Treasure Falls is another one of the most underrated but scenic spots in Colorado to visit in summer, located nearly 15 miles from Pagosa Springs. It's 105 feet tall and crashes down into Falls Creek which flows into the San Juan River.

After your hike, head to Pagosa Springs for a relaxing soak in their famous hot springs! It’s a perfect way to unwind after your adventure. You can also check out the shops, art galleries, and restaurants in town. All of these adventures are perfect for tourists who want to remain under the radar.

How to Spend One Week in Colorado

Best Road Trips

Top Things to Do

Where to Go Hiking

Best State Parks

Best Breweries

Ski Resorts

White Water Rafting

Cross Country Skiing

Rocky Mountain National Park

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Colorado's Most Beautiful Places

The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Colorado

Towering, snow-capped mountains, waterfall hikes, natural hot springs tucked into valleys, golden galaxies of aspen trees in the fall—Colorado puts on quite the show. The state is packed with Instagram-worthy photos around every (hairpin) curve, from the northern Front Range to the southern valley.

But a few destinations stand out as shining stars. These are the kinds of places that will take your breath away. So stunning that they seem impossibly otherworldly.

Here are the 12 most beautiful places in Colorado, in no particular order.

Garden of the Gods

TripSavvy / Kathleen Messmer

The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a National Natural Landmark and one of the most amazing places in Colorado for its towering rock formations that seem to defy physics. These monstrous red rocks perched along a fault line were uprooted and tossed about during the earthquake that formed the Rocky Mountains and nearby Pikes Peak.

What remains today is a free, 1,367-acre park with trails winding between a natural attraction like nowhere else on Earth, with towers, boulders, spires, and rocks that resemble fun shapes like kissing camels and praying hands. It’s no wonder the Garden of the Gods is the most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak area. With accessible parking and numerous paved trails, this beautiful natural landmark is easily enjoyed by people who use mobility aids.

Also scenic nearby is the Cave of the Winds, a unique, 500-million-year-old, underground, naturally-occurring cave system. You can walk through these caves and underneath Colorado Springs; the view is amazing, though the photo opps in this dark world are not so much. 

Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park, in southern Colorado, not far from Durango, is stunning in its physical display, depth, and history. Mesa Verde is home to some of the best-preserved ancestral Pueblo sites in the nation.

Here you will find dramatic cliff dwellings built into the sides of steep mountainsides and underground "kivas," ancient circular rooms made of stone. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features more than 4,700 archeological sites you can hike, walk through, climb, and drive past. Impressive highlights include the massive Cliff Palace and Balcony House, which you can only access by climbing a high ladder and scrambling through a narrow cave.

The ancient sites, rock carvings, and remnants of the past are the easy highlight, but the panoramic views across the plateau and deep into valleys are also amazing. 

Mesa Verde's accessibility guides can help you plan your visit if you have limited mobility, vision, or hearing impairments.

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

pete.lomchid/Getty Images

Head to San Luis Valley in southern Colorado for these views, ones that are far from what you'd expect to find in land-locked Colorado. This park is home to the nation's tallest sand dune. This dune, called the Star Dune, reaches 750 feet.

Prepare to be amazed by towering dunes with purple mountain peaks (the Sangre de Cristo mountain range) in the background. In the foreground, there's a calm creek that you can splash in. This national park is equally as impressive as it is surprising.

Rent a sled or snowboard and go "sandboarding" down the peaks. Hike the dunes if you're up for it (it can get excruciatingly hot); best to set out early in the day when it's cooler. If you have limited mobility, you can reserve a special sand wheelchair while visiting the park. Someone will need to push you, which can be tricky, even with the balloon tires, but it is likely your best bet for traveling short distances around the dunes. Note that there are certain weight and body size limitations these wheelchairs can accommodate. Call ahead at 719-378-6395 to make a sand wheelchair reservation or any accessibility-related questions. 

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Colorado is home to four national parks, all of which are different and beautiful in their own way. But one place that takes our breath away year after year is the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park near Gunnison and Montrose. There’s something unreal about the black mountain walls of the narrow gorge. 

A favorite photo here is the unusual Painted Wall, named for the series of intricate pink-white markings crawling across the dark, 2,250-foot-tall cliff. This rock face shoots up from the Gunnison River, earning it the honor of the highest vertical rock wall in the state. 

You can experience this park in various ways, such as hiking, camping , and kayaking. You’ll probably want to spend more time on the South Rim if you have limited mobility. There are two accessible campsites located on the South Rim, as well as accessible restrooms. Visitors can also enjoy the visitor center and the following South Rim lookouts with limited mobility: Chasm View Overlook, Sunset View Overlook, and Tomichi Point Overlook. Balanced Rock Overlook, on the North Rim, is also accessible. If you decide to watch the Black Canyon Movie while visiting the South Rim Visitor Center, remember that headphones with audio descriptions are available upon request.

The Million Dollar Highway

David Brossard/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

There are so many fantastic points to visit in the southwestern area of Colorado near Ouray that it’s impossible to narrow it down. Luckily, this one highway crosses many of them. The Million Dollar Highway is one of Colorado's most beautiful road trips; it gives tons of photographic-worthy bang for your buck, without you having to get out of your car. 

Stop in the historic mining town of Silverton, which is still bustling today, and gaze at the colorful, Victorian buildings that line downtown.

Then visit a ghost town : Animas Forks also used to be a mining town, but this one was forgotten after the gold rush died. You have to access it via four-wheel drive, but if you don’t mind the slight diversion, a mountain ghost town is a quintessential Colorado tourist stop. See abandoned wooden shacks and the echo of a time past.

The Million Dollar Highway also brings you past ancient hot springs, like the Durango Hot Springs (which has a history dating back to the Ancient Pueblo people in 1000); the San Juan National Forest (1.8 million acres for outdoor adventure); the charming, small town of Ouray (perched in a circular valley with multiple hot springs); and the Box Canyon waterfall (285 feet tall).

Maroon Bells

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove  

Maroon Bells, near Aspen, are two of Colorado’s most famous mountains and are well known for their views. They are among the most photographed mountains in the country. 

The views of the Rocky Mountains all come together in this perfect blend of alpine lakes, meadows, and forests.

Also in this area is Independence Pass Summit, which is one of the best routes to drive to see the aspen leaves changing in the fall. This high mountain pass offers endless views. Plus, you can see more fourteeners (mountains taller than 14,000 feet above sea level) than at any other place in the state. 

Royal Gorge

narawon/Getty Images 

The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park near Canon City will astound you. You can walk across the highest suspension bridge in the country (if you dare). It's worth rallying your courage because the views from the middle of the bridge are unreal, stretching in either direction of the valley. You'll feel like a bird as you look down, down, down 1,200 feet into the canyon of the Arkansas River. The bridge, visitor center, gondolas, and theater are all wheelchair accessible. Unlike many places, there aren't wheelchairs available to rent, so you must bring your own.

You can also experience the gorge via the gondola, where you can sit and take in the views from above. If you're a wheelchair user and want to ride the gondola, you will have to ride it round trip as there is no accessible ramp to exit the ride at the south end. Also, remember that your wheelchair or mobility aid must be 30" wide or less to fit inside the gondola entrance.

You can also enjoy this view from a different perspective: from below, on the train, or on white-water rafting. These rapids get pretty wild, so it's far from the relaxing way to do the canyon. Not all beauty comes effortlessly.

Bridal Veil Falls

Brad McGinley Photography/Getty Images

Bridal Veil Falls near Telluride is Colorado’s tallest waterfall. It spills an incredible 365 feet down the canyon.

To access this site, you can either hike or drive, meaning these falls are accessible for those with limited mobility. The only thing to remember is that you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle to make the journey. The hike is not extreme. It’s less than 2 miles each way and takes most hikers less than an hour each direction.

Telluride is a stunning destination, so after enjoying this dramatic waterfall hike, plan some time to take in the nearby scenery. Telluride is an old Victorian mining town built in a box canyon. It offers excellent skiing in the winter, so views here are accessible (and impressive) year-round.

Hanging Lake

Rachel Jeffrey/EyeEm/Getty Images

This is another of Colorado's most scenic hikes. Hanging Lake, near Glenwood, is a magical geological phenomenon; this crystal clear lake seems to impossibly hang to the edge of the mountain, glowing green from mossy rocks. Gentle waterfalls spill from a cliff into the lake.

The rare lake, a national natural landmark, was formed by travertine deposition.

You'll need a permit to access Hanging Lake, which costs $12/per person during peak season and $10/per person during the off-season. The hike down to the lake is short but relatively rigorous. Trails can get packed in the busy season, so hike out early in the morning, preferably on a weekday, and leave no trace. Don't try to go into the lake or disturb the fragile ecosystem. Unlike Bridal Veil Falls, you cannot drive down to Hanging Lake, so this is not an option for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

Trail Ridge Road

Regula Heeb-Zweifel/Getty Images

Trail Ridge Road, outside Estes Park in Rocky Mountain National Park, shows its beauty in the form of tall mountains—from 12,000 feet above sea level. That’s above tree level.

This is the highest continuous, paved road in North America and the highest paved road in any national park. You can see as far as Wyoming in the north if you stand on top. It feels like you can see to the edge of the planet.

Trail Ridge Road is on the National Register of Historic Places.

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The views atop a fourteener are hard to top, but they’re also often not accessible to everyone. Luckily, you can experience a fourteener without having to break a sweat. Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs tops out at 14,115, which means jaw-dropping views. But you can hitch a ride to the top on the world’s highest cog train and check off two bucket list items at once. If you need to bring a wheelchair or mobility aid on the cog train, call the Ticket Office at 719-685-5401 to let them know in advance.

Seven Falls

Sujata Jana/EyeEm/Getty Images

The Broadmoor Seven Falls is considered Colorado's most famous waterfall. This impressive site features seven waterfalls spilling 181 feet down from South Cheyenne Creek. To one direction is the flat prairie. To the other are the steep-walled canyon of the foothills. Look for the Pillars of Hercules, rising 900 feet above the canyon, just 41 feet apart.

Gazing at these falls is just the beginning of this attraction. You can go hiking, ziplining, dining, and shopping at this privately-owned site. Access Seven Falls through The Broadmoor , a luxurious resort in Colorado (you must take a special bus from the resort to the trailhead because there's no public parking). While shuttles are wheelchair accessible, note that stairs leading up to the top of the falls and the hiking trails at the top are also inaccessible for mobility aid users. Unlike some other waterfall hikes in Colorado, this one is not free. 

12 Best Small Towns in Colorado

The Best National Parks Near Las Vegas

The 18 Best Places to Go Swimming in Colorado in the Summer

The Top 9 Destinations for Fishing in Colorado

The 10 Most Scenic Road Trips in Colorado

Colorado's Top 5 Waterfall Hikes

Top 8 Things to Do in Rocky Mountain National Park

Your Trip to Colorado: The Complete Guide

Yellowstone National Park: The Complete Guide

The Best Small Town in Every State

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: The Complete Guide

The Best Places to Go Camping in Colorado

9 Best Things to Do in Colorado Springs

The Top 15 Things to Do in Colorado

Top National Parks for Disabled Visitors

The 10 Best Hikes in Colorado

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

• Trip Planner

6 Popular Places to Visit in Colorado

September 1, 2023 By //  by  Shawn Reeser

Colorado is a popular place to visit that inspires travelers with stunning landscapes and natural glamour. The region is mesmerizing with a diversification that ranges from great peaks and rolling hills, to brooks, rivers, forests, and high plains desert.

There are endless resources for hikers, mountain bikers, climbers and other outdoorsman of all sorts. Breathtaking drives via the local parks and on the state highway are among the ideal ways of seeing all the wonderful sites that this state has. The remains of cultures that lived here long ago and dinosaurs that roamed are visible and can be acknowledged by visiting certain monuments and national parks.

Colorado has preserved many unique natural formations, several of which remain unknown to a large part of first time visitors. We’ll go over some of the top places to visit in the state. They include the most popular national parks and monuments. Most parks charge an admission fee, but one of them below is free to visit.

Here are among the best places to visit in Colorado , in no particular order:

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

This national park is situated a few miles from charming Estes Park . There are rising peaks, forests, alpine lakes, pasturelands and a ton of of wildlife, which display nature at its best. The park has more than one hundred peaks that are over ten thousand feet. They include Longs Peak, the highest one at 14,259 feet. It’s visible from Denver and the northern front range.

Rocky Mountain National Park is is busy year round. The most popular summer activities include camping, bouldering, climbing, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The winter season also has its fascinations, including snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Most roads are open throughout the year, however some may be closed due to the weather condition, including the national scenic byway, Trail Ridge Road .

2. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is a very fascinating place. Cliff Palace, which is the park’s centerpiece, is among the most iconic places in the whole of Southwest. Ranger-led tours are often hosted during the high season of summer and they allow visitors to climb ladders right into the center of the dwelling. Those who are not up for this activity can view the site from a neighboring overlook.

There are many archeological sites of the Ancient Puebloan people within Mesa Verde, situated by Cortez . A beautiful year round road gives access to the various sites, most of which are on the mesa top. Several hiking trails do not need a ranger tour and lead to wonderful ruins including petroglyphs.

3. Garden of the Gods Park

Based in Colorado Springs , this is a remarkable landscape with jagged stone towers and fins, which jut up to three hundred feet from the ground. There are also huge boulders and rock piles dotting the landscape and distant mountains that complete the scene. Fifteen miles of trails, many of which are short and easy, let you get close to sheer rock formations and move through the surreal scenery.

Garden of the Gods is popular for rock climbing and many other activities such as mountain biking and hiking. A museum resides in the park, which showcases a twenty minute video on the park geology. The Visitor Center views are awesome and an on-site cafe that has big windows is a wonderful venue for enjoying a meal.

4. Black Canyon Of The Gunnison Park

Each first-time visiter to this land of wonder should not exclude a trip to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison . With a depth of around 2,000 feet, the canyon has always been one of the most remarkable sightseeing attractions of the state, giving viewers a real insight into the immensity of nature.

Tourists can easily locate it just 75 miles away from the Grand Junction near Montrose . The conditions for hiking are rather difficult, yet newcomers that are more adventurous will be able to locate campgrounds to set up tents in both the Eastern and Southern sides, deep within the canyon. However, there’s also easy camping found in either side in the form of car campgrounds.

5. Colorado National Monument

One of the most underrated elements in the state, yet nonetheless one of the largest and most impressive natural mountain sceneries in the world has to be the Colorado National Monument . Spread throughout a total area of 23,000 acres, the monument is anything but the average mountain landscape travelers are used to.

Plateaus, canyons and massive structures of weather–shaped rocks start right outside the cities of Grand Junction and Fruita . They follow the Rim Rock Drive road from both sides, throughout the entire distance. The road in itself is both a renowned biking track, and a classic standoff spot in most of the classic Western flicks. The premiere peak of this unusual and amazing park stands in the form of a massive boulder at the top of a rock column, right in the middle of the entire landscape. This almost out-of-this-world formation is called Balance Rock and weights over 600 tons.

6. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Apart from all the other mountain-based wonders of Colorado, arguably the most impressive sight and presence in the state is actually represented by the tallest dunes of sand in the entire North America. It’s located right outside the community of Mosca , hidden away in the San Luis Valley. The highest dune is called Star Dune and goes over 750 feet.

Surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this spectacular extended desert scenery is simply breathtaking through its magnitude and a mecca symbol for Colorado. It’s a tremendous place to visit any time of year, and located in the one of the top star gazing locations around, the San Luis Valley .

There are many more unique landscapes, ruins and rock structures in Colorado that are worth a visit. Stop by one of its natural or manmade landmarks some something that newcomers and natives will appreciate With so much to explore here throughout the year, no matter what type of traveler you are, you’ll have a memorable adventure.

About Shawn Reeser

Shawn is a front range local who loves to share about Colorado. He's usually off on an adventure somewhere mysterious.

Join our Colorado travel community

Get In Touch

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer—Terms of Service

Things To Do

• Travel Blog
• Colorado Activities
• Colorado Events
• Colorado Towns
• Colorado Hotels
• Colorado Restaurants
• Colorado Transportation
• Made in Colorado

Fall Activities

• Federal Lands
• Ghost Towns
• Hot Springs
• Ski Resorts
• State Parks
• Train Rides

Business | Dave Taylor: Where can I watch that movie?

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Boulder Area
• University of Colorado
• Business Spotlight
• Science & Environment

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

A: We live in an era of digital abundance where the challenge has transformed from “Is it available?” to “Where can I find it?” Streaming channels are also evolving at a rapid pace, merging, upgrading catalogs, adding and removing on-demand content on a daily basis.

Movie studios are suddenly worth more for their film libraries than the potential of them releasing a new blockbuster. Old films incur no additional cost or risk, but a new release might cost $100 million and fall flat at the box office (or prove unpopular on its streaming channel).

Quite a few companies have tried to create streaming media guides where you indicate what services you use, and it creates a custom search engine. I have not found any that work very well, however.

A site that I think does a better job than most is JustWatch.com. For example, if I wanted to watch the original 1979 “Mad Max” film in preparation for the new movie “Furiousa,” JustWatch lists the following options:

• MAX – free with subscription, HD, includes subtitle options for various languages

• AppleTV Plus – $3.99 rental in 4K

• Hulu with MAX – with subtitles in various languages

Look closely at the accompanying screenshot, and you’ll see that the full list shows that MAX, Max on Prime Video and Peacock all offer the film in HD if you’re a subscriber. Rental options, all at $3.99, include AppleTV Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home and Microsoft.

JustWatch can also search for TV shows. Though based on the services it analyzes, you’ll most likely get the opportunity to buy access. I did find that the hit 2006 series “Heroes” is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, however.

What JustWatch doesn’t include, however, are free services like Tubi and, more importantly, your cable TV service. The latter you’ll need to search manually through the on-screen interface.

What about using AI?

I asked ChatGPT about where to watch the old TV series “Gilligan’s Island.” Its answer was quite underwhelming, basically saying “I dunno.”

But, when I asked Perplexity.AI to summarize where I could watch the show, its results were great:

• Tubi TV (free with ads)

Purchase/Download

• Amazon Prime Video

• Apple TV

• Vudu

• Google Play Movies

The classic sitcom is not currently available on major subscription streaming platforms but can be streamed for free on Tubi or purchased/downloaded on the listed digital retailers.

This type of data analysis is exactly where AI systems can really shine. Now, to get every possible streaming choice — including Xfinity — in the database, which might be just months away.

As The Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.) might have said, “I dunno, that’s a tough one, little buddy!”

Dave Taylor has been involved with the online world since the beginning of the Internet. He runs the popular AskDaveTaylor.com tech Q&A site and invites you to subscribe to his weekly email newsletter at AskDaveTaylor.com/subscribe/ . You can also find his entertaining gadget reviews on YouTube at YouTube.com/AskDaveTaylor .

More in Business

Travel | 6 LGBTQ+ celebrations around the world worth a trip

Business | As a key labor union pushes into the South, red states push back

Business | colorado bankruptcies surge 51% in april.

Travel | Hitting the road? Expect higher gas prices over Memorial Day

Greenwood Village, nestled in the heart of Colorado, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern amenities, making it...

When it comes to finding the freshest, most high-quality meats in Longmont, savvy locals choose Your Butcher Frank. Nestled at...

Discover Excellence in Boulder Real Estate with RE/MAX Patrick Dolan Choosing the Best Real Estate Agent Boulder is crucial whether...

High Plains Bank: A Trusted Partner for Local Farmers Farming is a challenging yet vital part of the Wiggins community,...

Longmont, Colorado, is a city with a vibrant spirit and a community that loves good spirits just as much! At...

Watch CBS News

60 Minutes goes inside the Vatican with Pope Francis

By Brit McCandless Farmer

May 19, 2024 / 7:14 PM EDT / CBS News

This week on 60 Minutes, correspondent Norah O'Donnell sat down with Pope Francis for a historic interview . The head of the Catholic Church for more than a decade, Francis had previously never spoken at length with an English-language American broadcast network.

In a wide-ranging conversation lasting more than an hour, O'Donnell spoke with the pontiff about such topics as the wars in Ukraine and in Israel and Gaza ; the Church's handling of its sexual abuse scandals; and the conservative backlash against the pope's more progressive approach.

O'Donnell interviewed Francis at Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican guest house where he has lived since his election in 2013, rather than the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, where popes have historically resided. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis is the first Jesuit pope in papal history.

• Pope Francis: Interview Transcript

O'Donnell said the pontiff was generous with his time and asked to greet the whole production crew before beginning the interview.

"I think what you see in the interview with Pope Francis is just how warm he is, engaging," O'Donnell said. "He's funny. He's very thoughtful on a number of issues."

One issue Francis stays informed on is the war in Gaza. There is one Catholic church in the Gaza Strip, the Holy Family Church, and the pontiff told O'Donnell he calls there every evening at 7 p.m. and speaks with the priest, Father Youssef Asaad. Some 600 Gazans — Catholic and non-Catholic alike — have taken shelter in the church compound, which is in the north of Gaza City.

"I listen," the pope told O'Donnell through an interpreter. "The other day they were happy because they managed to eat some meat. The rest of the time they eat flour, things made of flour. Sometimes they go hungry. And they tell me things. And the other people there also speak to me at times. There is a lot of suffering."

CBS News' O'Donnell, who was raised Catholic and attended the Jesuit-founded Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., said her background was helpful in understanding the language, teachings, and doctrine of the Catholic Church, including those that are controversial or unpopular.

"The Catholic Church is at a crossroads, no doubt, because of the sex abuse scandal and because many people think that the Catholic Church is out of touch with modern times," O'Donnell said.

During the interview, she asked Francis about the state of the Catholic Church and the fact that many Catholics in the U.S. don't attend mass anymore regularly on Sunday.

"I would tell them that there is always a place, always," Francis answered. "If in a certain parish, the priest is not accessible, I understand. Let them find another. But there is always a place in the Church for each and every one."

During his papacy, Francis has tried to be more inclusive while not changing the doctrine of the church. Under his leadership, the church has welcomed same-sex couples and divorced Catholics, a departure from the traditional teachings of the church. The pontiff has also spoken out on issues such as climate change.

Because this more progressive approach has created a division with traditionalists, O'Donnell asked him how he saw his legacy.

"Church is the legacy, the Church not only through the pope, but through you, through every Christian, through everyone…" Francis answered. "We all leave a legacy, and institutions leave a legacy. It's a beautiful progression. I get on the bandwagon of the Church's legacy for everybody."

The video above was produce by Brit McCandless Farmer and edited by Scott Rosann.  

• Pope Francis
• Vatican City
• Catholic Church

Brit McCandless Farmer is a digital producer for 60 Minutes, where her work has been recognized by the Webby, Gracie, and Telly Awards. Previously, Brit worked at the CBS Weekend Evening News, CBS This Morning, CNN, and ABC News.

More from CBS News

Court orders Israel to halt military offensive in southern Gaza city of Rafah

Mahomes and Reid stand by Butker after controversial speech

Diplomatic efforts for Israel-Hamas hostage talks expected to resume next week

Transcript: Sen. Chris Murphy on "Face the Nation," May 26, 2024