24 Best Places To Visit In Colorado - Updated 2024

Priyanjali
Priyanjali 
Updated
| 13 min read

Lit up with 300 days of glorious sunshine and engulfed in a wealth of natural beauty is Colorado, one of USA’s premier tourist destinations, offering the best of adventure, nature, culture, history, and tons of fun. Colorado’s Great Plains are richly covered with expansive prairie grasslands, accentuated by majestic granite mountains in the backdrop, through which stream rushing rivers. These hide some of the region’s most exquisite flora as well as fauna. As for the activities, there’s museums, historical forts, and a multitude of adventure activities, such as skiing, hiking, rafting, and plenty of other such options to engage in. Plus, a plethora of delightful culinary experiences at fine-dining restaurants, farm-to-table eateries, wineries, vineyards, and breweries. We’ve put together the best places to visit in Colorado, USA to make yours an all-rounded experience. Bookmark this article and you’re good to go.

1. Boulder (from USD 645.0)

Home to the famous University of Colorado, Boulder is liberal politics, bohemian culture, and a booming high-tech industry. While the main town attracts intellectuals, scholars, and individualists, travel west of the city and you’ll have the majestic Rockies rising out abruptly. While it is impossible to experience everything that this idyllic town has to offer in a single day, this tour puts together the best of all major aspects. Slip into your comfy shoes and explore Boulder’s historic, pedestrian-only Pearl Street and then the stunning snow-capped Rocky Mountains. While there, you can also explore opportunities to get some mountain biking, hiking, or snowboarding done. Tour guides provide pretty insightful information, so remember to keep your ears open while soaking in the picturesque views.

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Private Boulder Tour from Denver

Duration: 4 hours

2. Aspen (from USD 40.0)

Aspen, home to more than 200 different runs on its four ski slopes, is a winter wonderland of snow activities. It sees hordes of tourists heading there to pack in a thrilling time skiing in their vacations, making the town a skiing kingpin. But, there’s more. Hitch this one-hour-long tour and kick off the sojourn from the Wheeler Opera House, through several of the town’s streets and historical areas. Once done, you’re free to explore Aspen’s pristine Alpine lakes, the Elysian Maroon Bells, fascinating museums, and the town’s thriving food scene.

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Highlights of Aspen Tour

Duration: 1 hour

8 reviews

3. Colorado Springs

? of ? ? ? (Kissing Camels, aka. our backyard) at Moonset, shot on 01/25/2016 by Lars Leber. The moon was setting...

Posted by Garden of the Gods Resort and Club on Tuesday, 26 January 2016

Perched underneath the Pikes Peak is western USA’s first resort town, Colorado Springs, which lures hikers, climbers, and lazy vacationers alike. Whether it is scaling the city’s grand red sandstone formations or relaxing at the Renaissance-style Broadmoor Resort, there’s plenty to do here. The Garden of the Gods, on the west side of the city, is famous amongst hikers and thrill-seekers, while Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame or the Colorado Spring Pioneers Museum is a hit with history buffs. Although, if not hiking or climbing, you must head to The Garden of the Gods to check out the Kissing Camels formation, a limestone formation that resembles a pair of lip-locked dromedaries. Quite a picture-worthy site.

Kissing Camels formation

Address: Garden of the Gods, 1805 N 30th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80904, USA

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4. Telluride

The gondola will be open until 2 a.m. Wednesday, June 19 through Sunday June 23 during 46th Telluride Bluegrass Festival so festivarians can get home safe.

Posted by Mountain Village on Wednesday, 19 June 2019

Once a thriving mining town, Telluride is now a popular ski resort with an array of high-end restaurants and boutiques. While summers here are all about fishing in the rivers and lakes, riding trails, and walking around, winters are all about getting some skiing done. Hitch an easy 12-minute gondola ride and you’ll get to Telluride’s coveted Mountain Village, which is truly a winter wonderland with tons of sports options. Then there is the Bridal Veil Falls, in the city, that you must also see. But, if you’re done with all that, Telluride sure knows how to party and have a good time. Head to one of the town’s bars or the Town Park and you’ll know just what we’re talking about.

Mountain Village

Website: Mountain Village

Opening hours: 6:30am - 12am (daily)

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Colorado Tour Guide

Stephanie Eley

Stephanie Eley

I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com

Tours by Stephanie

5. Gunnison

Posted by Héctor Iván Alarcón on Thursday, 29 June 2017

Gunnison is a humble mining and cattle town. Due to its proximity to its more famous and expensive neighboring towns, Gunnison is often chosen for its affordable lodging options. Plus, since the town is also home to the Western State College of Colorado, there’s quite a bit of college crowd as well. Free shuttle buses ply from Gunnison to Crested Butte in winters, making the town a pretty feasible option for those on a shoestring budget. As for exploring Gunnison itself, you can stroll through the town’s Victorian-style house-lined streets for a relaxing time. Else, there’s fly-fishing, mountain biking, and tons of other activities that you can engage in.

Western State College of Colorado

Address: 1 Western Way, Gunnison, CO 81231, USA

Website: Western State College of Colorado

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6. Crested Butte

Crested Butte, Colorado
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Corey Leopold used under CC BY 2.0

Touted as a remarkable skiing location is Crested Butte, about 4.5 hours’ drive southwest of Denver. Here, you can tour through the entire town on the Mountain Express bus totally free of cost and spend your buck on activities you really want to engage in. The town is a much cheaper alternative to the jazzier Aspen or Vail, but just as stunning. There’s no waiting in long queues, no overcrowding on the ski slopes, or a raucous atmosphere in town. Head over for a walk along the Elk Avenue, lined with colourful wooden buildings, in the downtown and you’ll understand what we’re talking about. There are boutiques, stores, restaurants, and tons of other interesting little shops that you can raid.

Elk Avenue

Address: Elk Ave, Crested Butte, CO 81224, USA

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7. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, Glenwood Springs Picture: Mid day swim - Check out TripAdvisor members' 4,702 candid photos...

Posted by Glenwood Springs Inn on Saturday, 28 July 2018

Glenwood Springs is famous for its thermal hot springs. It is perched at the end of the Glenwood Canyon, at the confluence of Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers, and has been a top tourist destination since decades. Although there’s a ton of fun activities owing to the city’s appeal, it is the springs that remain the primary focus. Head to the Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, famous of its largest mineral hot springs worldwide, for a truly fantastic experience. Else, there’s sky diving, paragliding, and of course, skiing that entertain the tourists. Glenwood Springs also makes for an inexpensive counterpart to the more famous Vail or Aspen, but is only about an hour away from both, so tourists can easily shuttle between the cities. The Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon is among the most gorgeous sights, with gushing waterfalls cascading over the cliffs. There’s also a wealth of Old West history that one can explore here.

Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

Address: 415 E 6th St, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601, USA

Website: Glenwood Hot Springs Resort

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8. Grand Junction

2018-09-30 Colorado National Monument 2012-11-09
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Gordon Leggett used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Essentially an agricultural town, Grand Junction is favoured for its proximity to the state’s wine belt and of course, the many natural wonders of the area. Right from the Colorado National Monument to the red-rock canyons, rife with mountain biking trails, to the numerous Grand Mesa lakes and the mighty Colorado River, there’s quite a bit to do around this otherwise ordinary town. Within the city itself, it is the downtown that can make for quite a charming experience. There are multiple restaurants, art galleries, shops, and public events happening here and there among other stuff.

Colorado National Monument

Address: Rimrock Dr, Fruita, CO 81521, USA

Website: Colorado National Monument

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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9. Durango

Durango and Silverton Railroad

Posted by Rick Shay on Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Embellished with impressive Victorian houses and tree-lined streets is Durango. Perched on the banks of the Animas River, Durango’s setting is quite an attractive feature, drawing increasing numbers of tourists. The town’s most appealing aspect remains the scenic train ride on the coal-fired Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad that journeys along the Animas River valley, through canyons and mountain scenery, to Silverton. You can hitch the open-sided or the Victorian-style gondolas and soak in sumptuous views of the area around. The ride has several strategic stops, great for hikers to access the splendid San Juan National Forest. Check out their website for train schedules and book yourself a ride.

Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

Website: Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

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10. Silverton

Downtown Silverton, Colorado
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Alex Reinhart used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Colorado’s mining town and a registered National Historic Landmark is Silverton, amongst the best-preserved towns of the 19th century. Set amidst snow-capped peaks, the colourful facades along Silverton’s Blair Street have seen little change since the town’s silver-mining days in the 1880s. The 19th- and 20th-century buildings along the Greene Street are also quite a sight to behold, including that of the 1902 County Jail, which houses the famous San Juan County Historical Museum. As for the more adventurous souls, there’s biking, snowmobiling, fly-fishing, hiking, or skiing at the Silverton Mountain to engage in. Else, just soak in some of the wonderful purity that Silverton’s scenic environ exudes.

Blair Street

Address: Blair St, Silverton, CO 81433, USA

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11. Breckenridge

<div class="fn">
Peak 1 Of The Tenmile Range And Lake Dillon</div>
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Eric Johnson used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Breckenridge is humble, friendly, and a great winter vacation destination for skiing enthusiasts and cycling, backpacking, mountain biking, or hiking in the summers. It is a quick drive away from skiing kingpins, such as Denver and Vail. Essentially a resort town, Breck, as it’s fondly known as, is also gifted with the stunning natural scenery of the Tenmile Range and wildflower-strewn meadows that litter the town’s overall landscape. Once done exploring, you can enjoy yourself a fun time in the many recreational events that are hosted here throughout the year. Plus, there are plenty of bars, cafes, and art galleries that you can raid. And, the Summit Ski Museum and Mountain Top Children’s Museum also make for pretty interesting visits.

Breckenridge

Address: Colorado 80424, USA

Website: Breckenridge

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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12. Greeley

Greeley Stampede carnival

Posted by Angelina Garza-Alarcon on Monday, 16 June 2014

Greeley is about 80.5 kilometres (50 miles) northeast of Denver, the point at which Cache la Poudre and South Platte rivers converge. Primarily an agricultural town, Greeley’s economic mainstay is the many agri-businesses that thrive and the various agricultural festivals and feasts that are regularly hosted here. But, that’s not the only thing to entertain travellers. Greeley is hosts some great cultural events that draw quite a footfall. See if the town’s famous Greeley Stampede or the First Friday art walks are being held during your visit and participate in them to know what we’re talking about. Else, Downtown Greeley has many other smaller, but equally fun events that keep happening, which you can attend. Apart from this, there’s Fort Vasquez, the Centennial Village Museum, and the Colorado Model Railroad Museum that you can check out in Greeley.

Greeley

Address: Weld County, Colorado, United States

Website: Greeley

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13. Manitou Springs

Pikes-Peak-Cog-Railway Train-24 2012-10-21
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Milan Suvajac used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Manitou Springs is an attractive weekend getaway destination for the many restaurants, art galleries, and shops that line its streets. It is also popular as a spa town for those looking to pack in lots of laid back fun in a short span. Apart from this, the town’s major calling point is the limestone cavern, Cave of the Winds, where impressive light shows are conducted for guests to enjoy. Plus, there are the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings from the 12th-14th centuries. Else, hitch a ride on the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and climb up the Pikes Peak’s summit to enjoy some breathtaking views of the area along the way.

Manitou Springs

Website: Manitou Springs

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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14. Golden

Posted by Golden History Museum & Park on Tuesday, 20 September 2016

It was hunter Rufus Sage’s discovery of gold flakes in the Clear Creek’s waters that got Golden its name as well as fame. By the time 1860s hit, the town was already a trade bigwig and also Colorado Territory’s capital. The Territorial Capitol in the Loveland Building, located in the city’s downtown, dates from that period, so remember to check it out. Else, you can head to the Golden History Museum for an in-depth study of the city’s past. The Clear Creek History Park is another great place for seeing historic, 19th-century buildings. Golden will definitely not disappoint history buffs.

Golden History Museum

Address: 923 10th St, Golden, CO 80401, USA

Website: Golden History Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 4:30pm (closed on Tue)

Price: Free

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15. Pagosa Springs

Every Guest Matters, Every Day Matters. http://presidian.com/development/

Posted by The Springs Resort & Spa on Tuesday, 26 June 2018

Home to the world’s deepest natural hot springs is Pagosa Springs in southern Colorado. An ideal destination, Pagosa Springs offers some striking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and recreational activities for every season. Head to the geothermal hot springs at The Springs Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs, or the Healing Waters Resort & Spa if you’re feeling like unwinding in the waters of the mineral springs. Else, there are multiple snow sports options in the Wolf Creek Ski Area for the winter vacationers or packing in some summertime fun by the river, engaging in some water sports or fishing. You can even try camping, mountain biking, or hiking in the San Juan National Forest. For a touch of culture and history, a trip to the Chimney Rock National Monument is a must. You can even try catching one of the fabulous dramas, comedies, or musicals at the Pagosa Springs Center for the Arts.

Pagosa Springs

Address: Archuleta County, Colorado, United States

Website: Pagosa Springs

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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16. Fort Collins

Posted by Colorado Brewers' Festival on Thursday, 5 July 2018

Just a short drive from Denver, Fort Collins is the ultimate day-trip destination with superb distilleries, breweries, cafes, shopping, outdoor activities. Whether it is exploring the charming Old Town’s many speciality stores or admiring the vibrant art scene strewn everywhere or touring through one of the many amazing breweries in the town, Fort Collins is pretty darn interesting. Beer lovers, see if the two-day Colorado Brewers’ Festival is being hosted around the time of your visit and try making it for the event, you’ll love it. The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery is yet another place you mustn’t forget to check out – one of the coolest and most exciting museums you’d have ever seen!

Colorado Brewers’ Festival

Address: Washington Park, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States

Website: Colorado Brewers’ Festival

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17. Georgetown

Loop Railroad, Georgetown, CO 9-24-13h (10632218864)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user inkknife_2000 used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Just about 40 minutes’ drive from Denver is Georgetown, attracting thousands of tourists to its thriving shopping scene, interesting sightseeing locations, and comfortable Victorian BnBs. Head to Hotel de Paris Museum or the Hamill House Museum for some pretty great historical information. For a tryst with nature, Georgetown Wildlife Viewing Area or the Guanella Pass Scenic Byway are the best options, but what really takes the cake here is a round-trip on the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which takes visitors from Georgetown to nearby Silver Plume, on a narrow-gauge steam train, allowing some fabulous views of the locale and an optional tour of the Lebanon Silver Mine. Also try gorging on some tasty fare at Lucha Cantina, Dusty Rose Tea Room, or Kaffeehuset.

Georgetown Loop Railroad

Address: 646 Loop Dr, Georgetown, CO 80444, USA

Website: Georgetown Loop Railroad

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18. Cripple Creek

Posted by M'chel Bauxal-Gleason on Monday, 3 June 2019

One of the best-preserved towns of the 19th century after Silverton, Cripple Creek is every bit a goldmine (quite literally). The Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, on the southwest side of the Pikes Peak, is one of the town’s most visited sites. It was discovered by hiker Mollie Kathleen who chanced upon a gold-laced piece of quartz, giving way to the town’s gold strike; you can hitch yourself a tour of the site and learn some pretty informative stuff. Although active mining has stopped at the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine, visitors can still see gold veins on the site’s walls. Or, if you’re done exploring this, catching one of the theatre performances being staged at the Butte Theater may also be worth your while. Cripple Creek is also one of the American states where gambling is legal, so throw away some of that money… without a worry!

Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

Address: 9388, Highway 67, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813

Website: Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine

Opening hours: 9:45am - 4pm (daily)

Price: 2 - 25 USD

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19. Ouray

What can I say about having someone who comes home and asks "Where does our adventure take us today?" Today that was...

Posted by Chaos Photography on Tuesday, 23 July 2019

About 37 kilometres (23 miles) from Silverton lies Ouray, famous as USA’s Switzerland, set amidst San Juan Mountain’s peaks and home to the sulfur-free Ouray Hot Springs. Considering that it’s a fairly small town, Ouray offers many activities. A hike or rock climb across the Box Canyon Falls Park, rife with flower-carpeted fields, gorgeous scenery, waterfalls, and an array of colours, will make for an absolutely brilliant experience. Once done with all this, Ouray’s Main Street has plenty of options for you to wedge out – Ouray Brewery or a meal at one of the amazing eateries is something you can consider.

Box Canyon Falls Park

Address: Box Canyon Rd, Ouray, CO 81427, USA

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

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20. Vail (from USD 89.0)

Vail, USA’s second-biggest and Colorado’s ritziest town, attracts many globetrotters to its famed skiing slopes and Swiss-inspired landscape. Nearly every one of Vail’s buildings resembles a typical European chalet and cobblestone walkways are strewn with interesting places. This guided segway tour will take you through some of the town’s landmarks – Ford Park, The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the Vail Village, the Gore Creek Path, and several others – accompanied by some insider information about each. Do hitch one for a wholly unique experience.

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Vail Segway Tour from Vail Village

Duration: 90 to 120 minutes

319 reviews

21. Steamboat Springs

Posted by Main Street Steamboat Springs on Saturday, 29 November 2014

Regardless of the time of the year you visit, Steamboat Springs will have something to entertain you; be it hiking, fishing, or camping in the summers or skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing in the winters. Plus, there are rides on the Steamboat Gondolas that are a real treat for soaking in the scenic beauty. The Strawberry Park Hot Springs has a great mineral spring pool where you can spend time, unwinding. Else, the Main Street Steamboat Springs (the downtown) has a host of fun activities that you can engage in, such as Tread of Pioneers Museum and Howelsen Ice Arena.

Main Street Steamboat Springs

Address: 141 9th St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487, USA

Website: Main Street Steamboat Springs

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22. Silverthorne

OZ's Silverthorne Performing Arts Center featured on 9news and the cover of the Summit Daily News. http://ozarch.com/2015/11/silverthorne-performing-arts-center/

Posted by OZ Architecture on Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Enveloped between Buffalo and Red mountains on the west and Ptarmigan Mountain and the Continental Divide on the east is Silverthorne. It is located in the Blue River Valley and there’s hunting, hiking, fishing, animal spotting, boating, and so much more to do here. Plus, skiing in the winters. And, we have good news for culture vultures too – you can catch a show at the Silverthorne Performing Arts Center and have yourself a fun time.

Silverthorne Performing Arts Center

Address: 460 Blue River Pkwy, Silverthorne, CO 80498, USA

Website: Silverthorne Performing Arts Center

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23. Buena Vista

Posted by The Buena Vista River Park on Monday, 1 April 2019

Perched on the foot of the Continental Divide is the town of “good view”, or Buena Vista. Flowing through the Browns Canyon National Monument, the Arkansas River runs adjacent to the town and brings the best of water activities for the tourists to indulge in. The South Main River Park in the town is among the best venues for any such activities. Just travel a little outside of the main township and you can also go for a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Mount Princeton Hot Springs or the Cottonwood Hot Springs.

South Main River Park

Address: Riverpark Road & South Main Street, Buena Vista, CO 81211, USA

Website: South Main River Park

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24. Denver (from USD 40.0)

best places to visit in colorado | denver
Source: www.viator.com

Inhabiting the junction of Cherry Creek and Platte River on the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is Denver, Colorado’s state capital and home to a vibrant downtown, abundant parklands, and an array of museums. Hop on to the tour’s air-conditioned coach and you will be taken through the city’s landmarks starting with the 19th-century Larimer Square, the city’s oldest and perhaps the most upscale neighborhood, and driving in to see Capitol Hill’s stunning Victorian mansions. Then, it is a journey around the Civic Center Park to admire the city’s government buildings and the Denver Art Museum. This tour will present the best of America’s Mile-High City in a nutshell, so hitch it.

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Denver City Highlights Tour

Duration: 3 hours

183 reviews

The fantastic Rocky Mountain state

With the many things to do, it’s never really a bad time to visit Colorado. Festivals, events, and an endless number of fun things to do make it a top vacation spot for kids and adults alike. We’ve done the legwork and put together some of the best things to do in Colorado, USA, so get cracking with your planning as soon as possible!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Priyanjali, a writer and traveler, identifies as a self-proclaimed aesthete dedicated to achieving fulfillment in her personal and professional life. Her skill lies in transforming intangible...Read more

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