The 41 Best Places to Visit in Colorado (By a Local)

As a longtime local, I can point you to the absolute best places to visit in Colorado. From the top travel destinations to a few hidden gems, this is the only list you’ll need to decide where to go and what to see!

After reading, bookmark my guide to the best things to do in Colorado for more awesome activities.

📺 Want a video version of this list? In this 5-minute video, Abigail rounds up her 14 favorite places to go in Colorado 👇:

41 Best Places to Visit in Colorado

Denver

Take in the sights in the Mile High City.

📍 Google Maps | Top Denver Things to Do

The Mile High City is a great place to start your visit, and likely your point of entry. As one of the best cities in Colorado, Denver features several fantastic art museums and art galleries, a science museum with amazing displays of local gems and minerals, lots of outdoor activities, and more fun things to do.

There’s even a river for kayaking and tubing that runs right through several of Denver’s neighborhoods. If you’re a sports fan, Denver is home to six pro teams, so there’s always a game or match on somewhere. After a day of exploring, grab a bite while admiring the historic buildings in Larimer Square.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for places to stay in Denver, check out our ranking of the best Denver area hotels. 

Rocky Mountain National Park 

Pull on your hiking boots and enjoy endless views of mountain peaks.

📍 Google Maps | Rocky Mountain Website | Where to Stay in Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is about a two-hour drive from the Mile High City, making it one of the best Denver day trips. The drive and the destination both offer spectacular views!

Just about every spot at the park gives you a scenic view of the Rocky Mountains, and you may spot moose, elk, marmots, and adorable pikas roaming the park. Hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park lead to summits, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.

The scenic Trail Ridge Road is a must for summertime visitors. It’s the highest continuously paved road in the U.S. and climbs to more than 12,000 feet above sea level.

Be sure to plan ahead when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park — reservations are required during peak season.

Maroon Bells

Head to nature-lovers’ paradise, a must-see in Colorado.

📍 Google Maps | Maroon Bells Website

There’s a good chance you’ve actually seen the Maroon Bells before. Located near Aspen, they’re a frequently used stock shot of Colorado because they’re just that awe-inspiring.

Maroon Bells is also one of the state’s most popular places to see and given tourists’ interest, there’s a reservation system during the summer. You can either reserve a parking spot or a seat on the shuttle from nearby Aspen. 

Plan ahead and don’t be deterred by crowds. Trust me, Maroon Bells is one you don’t want to miss.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Visit one of Colorado’s more remote national parks.

📍 Google Maps | Black Canyon of the Gunnison Website

Visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park for a variety of outdoor adventures. Popular pastimes include hiking, fishing, and simply admiring the views carved out by the Gunnison River.

This national park is one of the four national parks in the state and is in a less-developed area, with the small town of Crawford about half an hour away. Head here if you’re looking for quiet and a chance to appreciate nature.

Durango

Ride a historic train through the picturesque wilderness.

📍 Google Maps | Durango Website | Best Hotels in Durango

Durango is in southwestern Colorado, about a six-hour drive from Denver, and it has a Colorado feel all its own! There are hiking and mountain biking trails, river rafting opportunities, and scenic drives nearby. See our guide on what to do in Durango for more.

One unique experience is to hop aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, one of the best train rides in Colorado. For more picturesque views, take the San Juan Skyway and Million Dollar Highway drive, beginning in Durango. You’re also not far from Mesa Verde National Park and the Four Corners Monument.

Silverton

Coast down the Million Dollar Highway into one of Colorado’s best mountain towns.

📍 Google Maps | Silverton Website | Where to Stay in Silverton

If you take the narrow-gauge train from Durango, you’ll end up in the former mining town of Silverton. The town is a National Historic Landmark, and along with being the destination of the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Train, it’s a stop on the San Juan Skyway as well.

If you’re in need of vacation ideas, Silverton has plenty. You can shop for souvenirs, grab a bite to eat, head out hiking, go on a Jeep tour, or try an ATV ride in one of Colorado’s best mountain towns.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Sled and sandboard down some of the tallest dunes in North America.

📍 Google Maps | Great Sand Dunes Website

The sand dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park are actually the tallest dunes in North America! Here, visitors can hike, splash in Medano Creek (in certain seasons), and even sled down the dunes. All the while, you’re surrounded by amazing views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains. 

Boulder

Enjoy outdoor recreation and plenty of breweries in this quirky college town.

📍 Google Maps | Boulder Website | Where to Stay in Boulder

You’ll find lots of fun things to do in Boulder, a funky college town just a 45-minute drive from Denver. The area has plenty of nearby hiking trails and mountain biking paths to explore the nearby Flatirons — the flat rocks that give Boulder a striking backdrop.

Pearl Street Mall is a popular strip, with shops, restaurants, and breweries where you can unwind after a day of outdoor activities. 

Snowmass Village

Take part in year-round activities in this popular ski town.

📍 Google Maps | Snowmass Website

Lots of people only think of ski towns in winter, but they offer plenty to do year-round! Snowmass is home to one of Colorado’s top ski resorts and is a prime place for winter sports. But in summer, it’s a great destination for mountain bikers, hikers, fishers, and more.

Kids will also love the activities at The Lost Forest, including an alpine coaster, a treetop challenge course, and a climbing wall.  

Pikes Peak

Hike, drive, or ride a train up one of Colorado’s 14ers.

📍 Google Maps | Pikes Peak Website

Pikes Peak towers 14,115 feet above the sea. You can get to the top several ways — by hiking (which is definitely a lot of work!), biking, driving the Pikes Peak Highway, or booking a spot on The Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.

For a fun adventure, you can take guided Jeep tours to the top which gives you a lot of info about the history of this destination. 

Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

Perch yourself high above one of Colorado’s deepest canyons.

📍 Google Maps | Royal Gorge Website

Royal Gorge’s suspension bridge crosses high above the Arkansas River, giving you amazing views of the canyon if you’re brave enough to cross.

There’s also an adventure park at the gorge, featuring the highest zipline in the country, a rollercoaster, and aerial gondolas that carry you over the canyon. It’s a one-of-a-kind attraction and a great option for families. 

Colorado Springs

Discover several of the best places to go in the state’s second-largest city.

📍 Google Maps | Colorado Springs Website

Colorado Springs is about an hour’s drive south of Denver, and this travel destination offers a great base camp for more adventures around the state!

Top activities in Colorado Springs include visiting the Garden of the Gods, The Broadmoor Seven Falls, and taking a scenic drive up nearby Pikes Peak or down to Manitou Springs. There are also several great day trips worth experiencing.

Glenwood Springs

Soak in several of Colorado’s hot springs in this charming mountain town.

📍 Google Maps | Glenwood Springs Website

Glenwood Springs sits perched in the mountains just off I-70, about a three-hour drive east of Denver. The town is best known for its large swimming pools that are fed by the hot springs in the area.

Many people enjoy sitting in the spring-fed pools during a peaceful snowfall. But Glenwood Springs is popular year-round — it’s home to several of the top hot springs in Colorado, after all.

You can also take an ATV tour or hit the nearby Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park for a fun day in the mountains! Glenwood is also a short drive from Hanging Lake, so nature lovers can hit that hiking trail while you’re there. 

🚗 Getting There: If you’re headed to Glenwood from the Denver area, be aware that the status of I-70 could make or break your trip. Be sure to check traffic reports before you start the drive! 

Telluride

Take a road trip to this far-off ski town, one of the best vacation spots in Colorado.

📍 Google Maps | Telluride Website | Best Hotels in Telluride

Telluride is a long drive from Colorado’s major metro areas, but the untouched beauty of the area makes it a big draw year-round.

Whether you enjoy warm or cold weather outdoor activities, you’re sure to find something to do in this gorgeous mountain town. Check out our guide to the best activities in Telluride to get planning.

Crested Butte

Spot summer wildflowers and ski deep powder in this beloved destination.

📍 Google Maps | Crested Butte Website

Head to Crested Butte if you want to do some fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, golfing and so much more! Winter brings skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and sleigh rides through the cold winter air. 

The abundance of activities for all seasons makes Crested Butte one of the most underrated getaways in Colorado. See Abigail’s list of things to do in Crested Butte to get planning.

Vail

Enjoy world-class skiing while staying in this Bavarian-inspired mountain village.

📍 Google Maps | Vail Website

A lot of people know of this destination thanks to the world-famous Vail Ski Resort. Don’t get me wrong, skiing is definitely a great reason to visit Vail, but there is so much more to this popular vacation spot.

Vail offers fun activities year-round. In summer, the ski gondolas convert for mountain biking. Vail also has gorgeous hiking trails, and the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are free and a beautiful spot to wander and relax. Don’t forget about the world-class shopping and dining in the village, too!

Grand Junction

Explore towering redstone cliffs and rock formations in this western region.

📍 Google Maps | Grand Junction Website | Where to Stay in Grand Junction

Grand Junction is a great spot to visit, especially if you’re coming into the state from nearby Utah. The town of Grand Junction has its own vibe, different from Denver but very Colorado-feeling all the same!

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails, along with rafting, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities in Grand Junction. 

Pagosa Springs

Head to Pagosa Springs, the best place to visit in Colorado for peaceful relaxation.

📍 Google Maps | Pagosa Springs Website | Best Hotels to Stay in Pagosa Springs

As its name implies, Pagosa Springs features incredible hot springs. They’re fed by the Mother Spring aquifer, which is more than 1,002 feet deep — certified as the world’s deepest geothermal spring.

Besides the springs, Pagosa also has several impressive waterfalls you can visit, and quaint downtown shopping and dining. See our guide to the best things to do in Pagosa Springs.

Palisade

Sip wine in the Colorado sunshine.

📍 Google Maps | Palisade Website

Palisade is near Grand Junction, but just enough off the beaten path. It’s in the heart of Colorado’s wine country, and you can spend a day touring wineries and vineyards.

Palisade is also renowned for its delicious peaches and produce and you can schedule a farm tour as well. 

Buena Vista

Enjoy water activities and mountain sports in this picturesque mountain town.

📍 Google Maps | Buena Vista Website | Where to Stay in Buena Vista

Disclosure: These images were taken on a complimentary media experience

Buena Vista sits along the Arkansas River, making it a great place to visit for rafting. There’s also lots of fishing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and many more activities in Buena Vista!

There are several hot springs for relaxing in Buena Vista as well. Cottonwood Hot Springs Inn & Spa is in town, and Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort is just a short drive away.

Garden of the Gods

Take a hike at one of the most family-friendly and fun places to go in Colorado.

📍 Google Maps | Garden of the Gods Website

Garden of the Gods Park is one of Colorado’s best tourist attractions. The red rock formations with the Rocky Mountains behind make a beautiful, scenic picture.

The hiking trails are mostly paved, so strollers and wheelchairs can be easily pushed. Look for fun formations like the Sleeping Giant and the Kissing Camels on your walk through the park.

Golden

Tube down Clear Creek, mountain bike, and more.

📍 Google Maps | Golden Website | Best Places to Stay in Golden

Golden is about a twenty-minute drive from Denver. Most people associate the town with the famous Coors Brewery, but there are also many other breweries and some distilleries in its historic downtown.

Some of the top things to do in Golden include tubing on Clear Creek and browsing the quaint shops on Washington Avenue, along with hiking and mountain biking in a nearby park. Golden Gate Canyon is one of the premier places for outdoor recreation and ranks as one of Colorado’s best state parks.

Dinosaur National Monument

Discover the stories of ancient peoples, carved into these colorful cliffs.

📍 Google Maps | Dinosaur National Monument Website

Dinosaur National Monument is on the western edge of Colorado and actually extends into Utah as well. You will, of course, learn about the dinosaurs that lived here, but you’ll also be able to view petroglyphs from early people.

You can read about the settlers and outlaws who ended up in this rocky, barren region for lots of different reasons. Like the rocks, their stories are definitely colorful! 

Colorado National Monument

Experience quintessential views of the Wild West.

📍 Google Maps | Colorado National Monument Website

Colorado National Monument is in Fruita, just next to Grand Junction near the western edge of the state. It preserves a very Western-looking landscape, and you could easily picture John Wayne riding through the canyons here! 

Take the historic Rim Rock Drive for the full view of the land and one of the best road trips in Colorado. Or go hiking or mountain biking in the park for more stunning overlooks. Wildlife viewing is popular here — be sure to watch for bighorn sheep and eagles flying high above the park. 

Estes Park

Explore the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park.

📍 Google Maps | Estes Park Website | Where to Stay in Estes Park

Estes Park is just outside the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a great place to stop after visiting the park and a more underrated vacation spot.

You’ll find lots of fun things to do in Estes Park. There are hiking and biking trails, or you could try horseback riding in summer, and skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, and more in winter.

Estes Park is nestled in the Rockies, so whatever you do, you’ll be surrounded by amazing views of the mountains. 

Breckenridge

Visit this mountain town any time of year for spectacular sights and activities.

📍 Google Maps | Breckenridge Website | Where to Stay in Breckenridge

Breckenridge offers fantastic winter skiing and views of snow-capped mountains. Without question, Breckenridge Ski Resort is the town’s key draw.

But the ski town also features many incredible things to do beyond winter. Summer is great for hiking and there are plenty of mountain biking trails.

If you get a chance to visit in the fall, the colorful foliage in the mountains near Breckenridge is fleeting but unforgettable! The season’s yellow aspens are hands-down one of the best things to see in Colorado.

Mesa Verde National Park

Tour the largest cliff dwelling in North America.

📍 Google Maps | Mesa Verde Website

The cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park are a reminder of the ingenuity of the ancient native civilizations that lived in Colorado long ago.

The cliff dwellings were built with great care so that the Ancestral Pueblo people stayed warm in winter, cool in summer, and had places to preserve food and to worship and mingle. 

If you need a nearby town to base yourself on, Mancos is less than a ten-minute drive. Durango is a bigger town with more options for lodging and is a little over half an hour away.

Ouray

Witness the charm and beauty of the “Switzerland of America.”

📍 Google Maps | Ouray Website

Ouray bills itself as the Switzerland of America, and the charming town tucked into the San Juan Mountains is one of the best places to see in Colorado.

Try horseback riding, go rock climbing, or try your skills at Ouray’s ice park. The town also hosts an international film festival every June.

Hanging Lake

Climb to one of Colorado’s most iconic attractions.

📍 Google Maps | Hanging Lake Website

Hanging Lake is just a short drive from Glenwood Springs. The hike, too, is pretty short — but pretty steep! You’re rewarded at the end with views of a beautiful lake that’s an unusual bluish-green shade. The color is due to minerals that dissolve in the lake, and to keep its pristine beauty, no swimming is allowed.

It’s one of the best hikes in Colorado and highly popular among locals and tourists alike. Note that Hanging Lake operates on a reservation system so be sure to plan ahead!

Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre

See a show at this world-famous music venue.

📍 Google Maps | Red Rocks Website

Red Rocks is just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Denver, and it’s one of the best places to check out if you’re a rock fan — both the geologic and the musical kind!

The park has some of the top hiking trails near Denver where you can look for dinosaur fossils. In the visitor center, you’ll learn about all the musical acts that have been performed at Red Rocks since it was built. 

Aspen

Visit Colorado’s most luxurious ski town, a haven for outdoor and art lovers.

📍 Google Maps | Aspen Website | Best Places to Stay in Aspen

Aspen has a reputation for being a playground for the rich and famous, but it’s a great place to visit — even if you’re not a multimillionaire!

You’re close to Maroon Bells and other outdoor areas. Aspen also has lots of music venues, a film festival, spas and yoga classes, horseback riding opportunities and so much more! See our guide to what to do in Aspen to plan your trip.

Red Feather Lakes Area

Raft, kayak, and fish within meditative scenery.

📍 Google Maps | Red Feather Lakes Website

The Red Feather Lakes area of northern Colorado is one of those less-explored places, which makes it an attractive option if you don’t want crowds!

The Cache La Poudre River has plenty of rafting, fishing, kayaking, and more water activities and the Shambhala Mountain Center is a unique Buddhist retreat where you can meditate in the midst of all this beauty.

Grand Lake

Enjoy both water and land activities at this beautiful mountain lake.

📍 Google Maps | Grand Lake Website

Grand Lake is just before the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, which makes it one of the best towns to visit while you spend some time in the park.

There’s also plenty to do in Grand Lake itself including boating, fishing, and hiking in summer and cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowshoeing in winter.

Steamboat Springs

Discover endless activities in Steamboat, one of the best places to visit year-round.

📍 Google Maps | Steamboat Springs Website | Top Places to Stay in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is iconic for its skiing or snowboarding! In summer, you can hike, paddleboard on the lake, swim, fish, and more.

Regardless of the time of the year, Strawberry Park Hot Springs is a must. Read our full guide to the best things to do in Steamboat Springs and get planning your Colorado adventure now!

Fort Collins

Drink craft beer and more in this northern college town.

📍 Google Maps | Fort Collins Website | Where to Stay in Fort Collins

Fort Collins is a college town that’s also known for its breweries like the New Belgium Brewing Company. Their popular beer, Fat Tire, pays tribute to another popular activity: mountain biking. 

There are also many trails to hike near Fort Collins, and there’s plenty of shopping and great dining. In fact, Disneyland’s Main Street was modeled after Fort Collins’ downtown area. Here, you’ll find several of the best things to do in Fort Collins.

Leadville

Enjoy many Colorado activities in North America’s highest incorporated city.

📍 Google Maps | Leadville Website | Where to Stay in Leadville

Leadville is an old mining town that’s the highest incorporated city in the U.S. Leadville is located less than half an hour from the Copper Mountain ski resort, and you’ll find tons of fun things to do in Leadville in winter, summer, or any season.

But, for a real hidden gem, check out the even closer (and much cheaper!) Ski Cooper. Ski Cooper offers lift-accessed downhill skiing and snowboarding and is the perfect place for a kid’s first ski experience.

The next-door Tennessee Pass Nordic Center also offers groomed cross-country ski trails if you want a slower pace. In summer, the area is one of the best spots for fly fishing, hiking, and biking. 

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Whitewater raft over adrenaline-pumping rapids.

📍 Google Maps | Visit Arkansas Headwaters Website

The Arkansas Headwaters is one of the country’s most popular places for kayaking and whitewater rafting tours. The river also has excellent fishing, especially for rainbow trout.

There are lots of other outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and watching for native wildlife in the area.

The recreation area is in the town of Salida, one of the best small towns in Colorado that’s also fun to explore in itself.

San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway

Wind through one of Colorado’s most scenic mountain ranges.

📍 Google Maps | San Juan Skyway Website

The San Juan Skyway is a 235-mile loop through many southwestern Colorado towns, that takes in many of the best places in the state. You can start in Durango, but you have the option to stay and visit or spend the night, in towns including Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, or Cortez as well.

One part of this scenic byway is known as the “Million Dollar Highway,” either because there’s still plenty of gold in them thar hills, or because the views themselves are worth a million bucks. 

Georgetown

Admire the Victorian architecture and natural beauty while on a scenic train tour.

📍 Google Maps | Georgetown Website

Georgetown is tucked into the mountains along I-70, just under an hour’s drive from Denver. The town has historic buildings with quaint shops and restaurants, and the drive up Guanella Pass in summer and early fall is breathtaking.

You can also ride the Georgetown Loop Railroad, where you can stop for a silver mine tour or pan for gold.

📚 Read Next: Check out our guide on places to visit in Washington state. It’s another one of the best states for outdoor lovers!

Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway

Drive the highest paved road in North America.

📍 Google Maps | Mt. Evans Scenic Byway Website

The Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway is about a ninety-minute drive from Denver, but well worth it! You’ll be driving on the highest paved road in North America, and as you might expect, you’ll get some amazing views.

The drive ends at the top of Mount Blue Sky, one of Colorado’s “fourteeners” — mountains that tower over 14,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, be sure to keep an eye out for mountain goats!

Oh, and be aware that Mount Blue Sky now requires timed entry reservations, so be sure to plan ahead. It’s one of the best attractions in the Denver area, so it fills up fast!

Castle Rock

Shop ’til you drop at one of the state’s largest outlet malls.

📍 Google Maps | Castle Rock Website

Nestled between Denver and Colorado Springs, Castle Rock is an often overlooked place.

You’ll find more things to do in Castle Rock than you might expect: from shopping at one of Colorado’s best outlet malls to climbing the rock that gives the city its name, to brewery hopping, and even zip lining.

Nederland

Explore miles and miles of trails in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

📍 Google Maps | Nederland Website

Nederland is especially beautiful during the fall. Autumn is when the leaves on the aspens are turning gorgeous shades of bright yellow all around Nederland.

It’s fun the rest of the year, too, with hikes in the Indian Peaks wilderness, or skiing at the nearby Eldora Mountain Resort. Nederland is also along the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, so you can take a drive for even more views.

For more, check out Abigail’s list of the best things to do in Nederland.

***

Thanks for reading! Check out our guide to staying in Colorado for more ideas, and leave a comment letting us know your favorite Colorado destination!