16 Best Places to Visit in Colorado that Make You Feel Like a Modern Pioneer

Colorado has more than 270 towns and cities, which can make it increasingly challenging to pick which ones to visit. The state boasts mountain towns, cities, national parks, and hot springs, and that’s only the beginning of what it offers.

As someone who lived in Colorado for about two years and frequently goes back to visit, I know the can’t-miss destinations that you need to check out for yourself.

Here, you’ll find the inside scoop on the best places to visit in Colorado that you can take advantage of on your next getaway.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the United States. With over 265,000 acres, it offers breathtaking mountain views, alpine lakes, scenic roads, and plenty of wildlife. It’s perfect for hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and more.

While the park is beautiful in every season, I recommend visiting in the fall to see the aspen trees turn bright yellow with their fall foliage. It’s an unforgettable sight.

2. Denver

Denver, the capital of Colorado, is an excellent destination for city life. You can shop at numerous malls, dine at various restaurants, and enjoy the outdoors, with over 250 parks throughout the city.

Many people recommend visiting Larimer Square, and while it’s a lively spot with excellent shopping and dining, I suggest heading to the less touristy River North Art District or RiNo. Here, you’ll discover vibrant street art, numerous breweries, unique shops, and fantastic food trucks.

3. Telluride

Telluride is one of Colorado’s most fantastic mountain towns, although it takes some effort to get there. It’s known for its rugged mountains, charming main street, top-notch skiing, and frequent celebrity sightings. While I could talk about its beauty all day, you must see it yourself.

If you’re wondering when the best time to visit is, feel free to make a trip during the winter or the beginning of spring. It boasts one of Colorado’s best ski mountains, offering excellent conditions for skiers and snowboarders of all levels and ideal conditions in March for those with an early spring break. The town truly comes alive during ski season, with snow-covered peaks and festive lights creating a magical atmosphere.

4. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain towns. It’s a popular destination known for its famous skiing, a charming town with shops, restaurants, bars, and fun events year-round.

While many love visiting in winter, myself included, Breckenridge is great to visit any time of year. It offers fantastic hiking and mountain biking trails in spring, summer, and fall. This is primarily because it’s surrounded by legendary 14ers – mountains over 14,000 feet high.

I recommend checking out Quandary Peak if you’re up for a strenuous hike. Reaching the summit is a workout, but the surreal views are well worth it.

Besides skiing and hiking, I also love Breckenridge for its events, especially Oktoberfest. This is when Main Street is closed off for live music, fun activities, and plenty of great German beer for adults to enjoy.

5. Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is widely known for its hot springs, charming downtown area, and fantastic snow. While most people are familiar with Steamboat Springs Resort, did you know the town is also home to one of Colorado’s most budget-friendly ski mountains? It’s called Howelsen Hill, a small but worthwhile spot to explore for skiers and snowboarders looking to hit the slopes but not spend a fortune.

Even though I love visiting during winter, Steamboat is terrific throughout the year. You can appreciate plenty of outdoor activities in fall, winter, and spring, with plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore. Plus, don’t miss out on Strawberry Hot Springs for a relaxing end to your day of adventures.

6. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve often gets overshadowed by Rocky Mountain National Park, but it deserves plenty of recognition. The park spans 150,000 acres and features the highest sand dunes in North America. Here, you can experience dramatic dunes in the middle of Colorado, with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a stunning backdrop. It’s an incredible sight.

Although the park is great to visit any time of year, it is especially popular in summer when snowmelt from the surrounding mountains creates a creek at the base of the dunes. This unique beach-like experience in the middle of Colorado allows families, adults, and kids to sunbathe on the sand and cool off in the creek, just like at the beach.

If beach activities aren’t your thing, the park offers fun activities like hiking, sandboarding, and camping. I recommend staying a few nights at the campground to fully appreciate the dunes. Plus, the park is an International Dark Sky Park, perfect for stargazing.

7. Palisades

Palisade is one of those local Colorado hidden gems I hesitate to share because of how charming it is, but it truly deserves recognition. This small town on the western side of Colorado, near the Utah border, is Colorado’s wine country. With over 30 wineries and beautiful views of rolling vineyards set against red mountains, it’s a must-visit for wine lovers.

I recommend adding Palisade to your Colorado bucket list to enjoy its wines and proximity to the Colorado National Monument, known for its stunning red rock formations, hiking, and camping.

8. Aspen

Aspen is not just one of my favorite towns in Colorado but in the world. It’s home to four of the best ski resorts, with amazing terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

While Aspen shines in winter with its ski slopes, Christmas lights, and bustling atmosphere, it is also a fantastic year-round destination with plenty of outdoor adventures. You can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, rafting, and more in spring, summer, and fall.

While in the area, be sure to visit the Maroon Bells to see some of Colorado’s most stunning mountain peaks. While beautiful in every season, the fall foliage around the Maroon Bells is genuinely breathtaking.

Between its iconic mountains, excellent shopping, top-notch restaurants, and high-end accommodations, you simply have to explore the town for yourself.

9. Fort Collins

Fort Collins is known as the beer capital of Colorado, making it a must-visit for craft beer enthusiasts like me! With over 20 breweries in town, there’s plenty to choose from, but my favorite is SweetWater Brewing Company. The breweries offer a funky atmosphere with outdoor seating, bar food, or food trucks, creating a great environment for adults and kids to enjoy.

Even if you’re not a craft beer fan, Fort Collins is still one of Colorado’s best places to visit. Its parks, art scene, and outdoor activities make it a fantastic destination. Located in the foothills of the mountains, it’s a perfect base for biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, and more. As a lesser-known Colorado town, Fort Collins offers a more local experience that you’re sure to love.

10. Vail

Similar to Breckenridge, Vail is another one of Colorado’s most iconic ski resorts, and the two happen to sit 36 miles apart. Vail is famous for its picturesque Vail Village, a classic ski village that looks almost European with shops, restaurants, accommodations, slopeside views, and beautiful mountain architecture. It’s one of the prettiest mountain areas in Colorado.

The ski slopes at Vail are among the best in the world, offering great options for beginners and intermediates. However, it’s especially renowned for its legendary back bowls, featuring seven bowls for advanced skiers and snowboarders. This unique terrain attracts avid skiers and snowboarders from around the globe.

But Vail isn’t just for skiers; the Village area offers something for everyone, including world-renowned spas. In the non-winter months, Vail is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, golfing, and enjoying live events, including summer concerts. With so many activities year-round, you’ll always have things to do in Vail.

11. Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a great option if you’re looking for a city vibe but want to avoid Denver. It’s the second-largest city in Colorado and is full of accommodations, restaurants, and shopping. While you could visit just for the city atmosphere, there’s much more to do in and around town.

Colorado Springs sits at the base of several mountains, making it the perfect base for hiking and mountain biking adventures. Some of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors near the city include hiking Pikes Peak, tackling the Manitou Springs Incline with over 2,700 steps, and exploring the famous Garden of the Gods with its stunning red rock formations, ideal for rock climbing, hiking, and strolling around.

12. Boulder

Boulder is a charming town just 30 minutes northwest of Denver. It’s known for being close to the mountains and for being the home of the University of Colorado Boulder. This lively college town is perfect for catching a football game and exploring a laid-back mountain community.

Head to Pearl Street to enjoy a variety of restaurants, breweries, bars, and shops. It’s perfect for strolling, enjoying the atmosphere and views, and soaking in the Colorado sun at the many outdoor seating areas. One of my favorite spots to eat is T/aco, famous for its delicious tacos, different types of chips and salsa, and cold drinks.

Beyond the great food and drink scene, Boulder is next to the mountains, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and others. Whether exploring the infamous Flatiron mountains or strolling downtown, you’ll always enjoy visiting this vibrant town.

13. Crusted Butte

Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s best spots to visit. It’s a ski town famous for its excellent slopes but less crowded than others due to its remote location. What makes Crested Butte unique is its local charm. You won’t find chain restaurants or shops, just beloved local spots.

While winter is fantastic for skiing and holiday decorations, the best time to visit is during the wildflower season in early summer. Crested Butte’s wildflowers are among the state’s finest, and there is even an annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival to celebrate them.

14. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park covers 30,750 acres and is just outside the small town of Montrose. It’s a stunning place to visit, with dramatic cliffs, scenic overlooks, and a beautiful rim offering fantastic canyon views.

The top activities here are hiking, scenic drives, and camping. It’s perfect for nature lovers and is best explored from May through September to avoid snowy or icy road and trail conditions.

15. Glenwood Springs

Glenwood Springs is popular for its hot springs, especially the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Resort. It’s one of the best hot springs I’ve visited, offering incredible facilities and amenities.

The springs heat two pools naturally, and stunning mountain views surround the area. Winter makes the experience even more beautiful, with snow falling around you as you relax in the hot springs. The resort also has locker rooms, showers, and snack concessions, making it a fantastic hot springs experience, especially for those seeking a more upscale vibe.

In addition to the springs, Glenwood Springs is a charming small town with excellent restaurants and hotels. I recommend trying the Glenwood Canyon Brewpub for delicious beer, burgers, and potato tots after a day spent soaking in the hot springs.

16. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park may be smaller than other national parks in Colorado, but its 52,000 acres offer plenty for visitors to discover. What sets this park apart is its archaeological sites and deep historical significance. While you can enjoy typical national park activities like scenic views and hiking, Mesa Verde also allows you to dive into the history of the Ancient Pueblo people.

You can explore over 600 dwellings where they once lived, offering a surreal experience of walking in their footsteps. Additionally, you can admire the creativity and craftsmanship displayed in structures like the Cliff Palace and other buildings throughout the park. It’s an excellent destination for national park enthusiasts and a great place for history buffs!

This article originally appeared on Travel Binger.

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