Welcome to colorful Colorado. Colorado is a western US state in the Mountain West subregion. The beauty of its towns and cities is filled with natural splendor, charming attractions, wide cultural attractions and unique outdoor offerings. It is a fascinating place that millions of tourists visit Colorado Springs every year.

The state has various natural attractions that range from beautiful alpine lakes to high deserts, rivers, majestic Rocky Mountains, wildlife, rolling hills, and waterfalls.

Outdoor enthusiasts can have unforgettable outdoor fun in a mountain town while visitors enjoy scenic drives through state highways and parks. Colorado is an unbeatable destination. If you’re into hiking, skiing or sightseeing, want a quiet escape into nature, or explore the state’s rich history and culture, Colorado is the place for you. Today I will try to give you a complete travel guide of the best places to visit in Colorado and things to do in Colorado through my Tale of Journey.

Best places to Visit In Colorado

Here are the 16 best places to visit in Colorado:

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

It covers approximately 265,807 acres and exposes a wonderful range of mountain environments in northern Colorado.From the roaring mountain peaks and meadows down to alpine lakes, abundant wildlife, and pristine forests, this park is a beauty.

It consists of a vast network of trails ranging from half-mile paths to multi-day hikes that are truly beautiful. You can hike through alpine meadows, scale challenging mountains, or simply sit down and take in the quiet of nature. Other places of interest include the famous Trail Ridge Road, passing through the alpine tundra of the park, and Emerald Lake, a stunning glacial lake with towering peaks surrounding it.You will most likely encounter bighorn sheep, deer, elk, and other critters while hiking, fishing, horseback riding, camping, climbing, or bouldering.

2. San Juan National Forest

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

The San Juan National Forest, which covers more than 1.8 million acres of beautiful landscapes such as lofty mountains, rich forests and alpine lakes in the southwestern region of Colorado is at its best. It was founded in 1905 and has numerous outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing and wildlife viewing. The San Juan Mountain range with its rugged terrain is part of this forest adorned by important trails such as the Colorado Trail or Continental Divide Trail.

This place is full of history and biodiversity with old mining towns around it; moreover there are other animals like elk, black bears and bald eagles living here too. In winter time visitors come to ski, snowshoe or use snowmobiles on its slopes. In whatever way you seek adventure or relaxation; nature enthusiasts do not forget San Juan National Forest all through the year.

3. Pike-San Isabel National Forest

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

Pike-San Isabel National Forest is located in central Colorado and covers an area of over 2.25 million acres, from alpine peaks to dense forests. Various such majestic mountains, which include a number of 14,000-footers like Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert, are home to excellent possibilities for hiking, camping, and skiing. Rich wildlife, such as elk, black bears, and bighorn sheep, thrive in these forests. Some of the famous hotspots include scenic byways like Guanella Pass and Collegiate Peaks Wilderness. Visitors have opportunities to hike one of the many trails, fish in lakes, and view areas of awesome beauty. The forest is open year-round-from snowshoeing, and boating, to viewing wildlife.

4. Denver

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

Denver, situated at the base of Rockies, is a colorful urban area where people can enjoy both outdoor adventures and other urban cultural activities. Nestled within Denver’s valley at the base of the Rocky Mountains are stunning mountain views; it is easily accessible to hiking, skiing and other outdoor activities. It has an exciting and growing arts scene with some of the best museums, galleries and theaters you will ever find anywhere as well as lively music and nightlife culture.

Denver is also known for its historical experiences such as Denver Art Museum, Union Station, and old Larimer Square. Moreover; due to its altitude being one mile above sea level, this city receives sun shine for over three hundred days every year thus making it good paradise for those who love staying outdoors.

5. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

It is fascinating to note that Colorado Springs’ Garden of the Gods, which is located just one and a half hours from downtown Denver, doesn’t charge anything at all. One can therefore witness why this place could easily serve as a state park considering how it is befittingly free. The striking contrast of towering reddish-brownish stone formations, soaring sandstone pillars, and impressive views of Pikes Peak Garden of the Gods against the snow-capped Rockies is astounding.

On the other hand, if you’re looking at different activities to engage in while here there are lots of them including photography, walking, hiking or trail running, doing picnics, and rock climbing too! For instance, Kindergarten Rock had one of my most liked multi-pitch climbing routes around.

This site is just amazing and if you happen to be passing through Colorado do not think twice about stopping by here; it’s an absolute must-see! Besides Denver, it is incredibly easy to make a day trip out of it too.

6. Great Sand Dunes National Park

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

In southern Colorado, you’ll find Great Sand Dunes National Park – this North American tallest sand dunes whose park spans across a 30-square-mile area of towering dunes which can go up to heights of 750 feet. The park envelops 30 square miles of daunting dunes with grasslands, wetlands, and alpine forests. It’s possible to hike, standboard, or sled down the dunes as well as enjoy scenic Medano Creek that flows at their base seasonally. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are also accessible through trails that go beyond the sand where one can witness beautiful scenery and wild animals.

In addition, stargazing is popular within the park because it has dark skies during night hours. Founded in 2004, the park is committed to preserving its unique landscapes and rich biodiversity making it an ideal destination for adventurers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts.

7. Vail

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

Vail, Colorado, is a preeminent mountain destination boasting world-class skiing and outdoor adventure. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Vail offers the striking alpine setting of endless recreational opportunities throughout the year. Throughout winter, the slopes-the biggest and most varied-hold their attraction for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. In summer, one goes hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and golf amidst the breathtaking natural setting. Vail Village: The village is enchanting, with European-inspired architecture complete with a mix of high-end boutiques and fine dining restaurants and cozy cafes-a haven for a relaxing getaway.

It would house a real sense of community, festivals, and cultural events, including the Vail Film Festival and Bravo! Vail Music Festival. This chaperoned city of Vail will not let any thrill hunter or serenity seeker in the mountains go without an experience.

8. Dinosaur National Monument

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

With Colorado and Utah, this area has often gained praise due to the richness of its paleontological history and the landscapes that form its surroundings. Actually established in 1915 for the protection of dinosaur fossils, the park preserves a large cache of prehistoric remains embedded in the rock formations with the Quarry Exhibit Hall displaying over 1,500 fossils in place. This monument is renowned for its fossil discoveries, as well as for the rugged canyons, beautiful river systems, and prehistoric petroglyphs created by Native American tribes.

Various recreational activities one can enjoy include hiking and camping rafting along the Green and Yampa Rivers and even visiting other cultural sites. Dinosaur National Monument fills a gap in dinosaurs and for any others searching for a link to the prehistoric past.

9. Mesa Verde National park

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

Renowned for its well-preserved ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde National Park, located in Colorado is home to over 5,000 archaeological sites including the famous Cliff Palace which was built between 600 and 1300 CE. This park provides a window into the lives of our forefathers who built these elaborate stone villages among the alcoves found on steep slopes of canyons. There are so many things you can do while at this location such as viewing various petroglyphs and hiking through various scenic landscapes displaying both natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Mesa Verde has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO; it safeguards an exceptional part of Native American history allowing visiting tourists to interactively engage with their distant past via guided trips, learning programs, and beautiful pathways.

10. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

With a dramatic and sheer-walled canyon formed by the Gunnison River, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located parallel to western Colorado. It is home to some of the most precipitous cliffs in North America, with depth measuring over 2,700 feet. This creates a stunningly inviting landscape because of its dark rock walls that tower high above the river below.

One can explore its scenic overlooks, hike through many trails, or try out climbing routes to see diverse wildlife and wonderful views. Camping, fishing, and stargazing can also be done in this pristine wilderness. It is outdoor lovers photographers, and nature enthusiasts who find solace in this national park as they seek solace from America’s most rugged natural wonders.

11. Telluride

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

Telluride, located within the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a beautiful place with good-looking scenes and a busy cultural environment. Once it was a mining town, now this place has become a favorite point for outdoor lovers as well as people who appreciate culture. Telluride sits surrounded by steep mountains and severe forests. This wonderful location provides skiing and snowboarding during winter. In summer, you can do things like hiking, mountain biking, and various festivals.

Additionally, its Victorian architecture ensures that it looks historical in nature while its specialized boutiques provide items rarely found elsewhere and classy food joints. People from different parts of the world visit here to attend her famous film festival or one among many music events held yearly thus making it an ideal place for relaxation or adventure-seeking individuals.

12. Aspen

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

It is the center of White River National Forest; indeed, Aspen’s surroundings are dominated by the stunning peaks of the celebrated Elk Mountains. During the late 1800s, the town developed as a silver mining center.
Famous for ski resorts, Aspen is a year-round destination for thrill seekers and luxury travelers. In winter, the place attracts skiers worldwide to its four premier ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.
In addition, one can go snowshoeing, hot air ballooning, fly fishing, hiking, biking, and rock climbing against a backdrop of outstanding natural beauty.

13.Royal Gorge Bridge & Park

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

In Colorado, is The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, a wonderful natural site. It is the most elevated suspension crossover in the US, crossing over the Arkansas River from a very long distance. Tourists can gaze at magnificent vistas of the gorge, take daring zip rides, or walk around on footpaths in the park. There are also different sorts of family fun activities such as; a petting zoo, a mini-golf course, and an exhibition about local history amongst others.

14. Breckenridge

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

Breckenridge in Colorado is a mountain town with a beautiful landscape that lies in the Rocky Mountains. It has a blend of lively outdoor activities such as hiking, biking in the mountains, or snowboarding. You can have an awesome view on Tenmile Range, visit historical places along Main Street, or have tasty local delicacies. If you want some adventure outside or just peace and quietness, go to Breckenridge.

15. Crested Butte

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

The Crested Butte is an old mining coal town further west of Gunnison County. The town sits in the Elk Mountain range and has affectionately come to be called the gateway to the Elks. It was termed the wildflower capital of Colorado and otherwise known as “the last great Colorado ski town.”

It is, consequently, most known for having steep slopes and extreme terrain. Smack in the middle of the Elk Mountains, it’s a skier’s and snowboarder’s dream in winter, with over 1,500 acres of diverse terrain. By summer, the area around town turns into a playground for hiking, mountain biking, and wildflower viewing.

Even though Crested Butte is not the most convenient town in Colorado, it has full of exactly what people love.

16. Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland

#Best Places To Visit In Colorado

Wonderland, Colorado’s land of scenic beauty and recreation, is embodied by the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests as well as Pawnee National Grassland. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, there are magnificently adorned mountains, woodland thickets, and alpine lakes in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. People come here to hike, camp, and see wild animals. On the contrary, Pawnee National Grassland presents vast prairies alongside exceptional grassland ecosystems that are ideal for bird watching, walking along trails through the plains, and experiencing the culture of this region. Hence both represent wide-ranging outdoor adventure opportunities such as high-landscapes to flat prairies featuring an abundance of flora and fauna.

I try to share my favorite hikes and best places to visit in Colorado with this blog. I’m so happy to call Colorado and I want to share some of my favorites with you. I really hope you enjoy, please let me know your Colorado travel experience through Tale of Journey.

Happy Travel!!