20 Beautiful Places in Colorado You Have to See Because Photos Don’t Do Them Justice

Don’t Coloradans always seem ready to go on a hike at a moment’s notice? When you live in a state filled with snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes all around, I’d likely always be dressed in outdoor gear too.

Having road-tripped in a van for two years throughout the West USA, I’ve found Colorado to be packed with jaw-dropping spots that you just have to see in person to believe.

We talked to locals, hiked some of these trails ourselves, and pored over countless reviews and travel forums. Here are 20 beautiful places in Colorado that will leave you speechless and make your Instagram followers jealous.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the crown jewels of Colorado and one of the most popular in the US National Park system. Covered under deep snow for most of the year, the park spans over 415 square miles and more than 355 miles of hiking trails after the spring melt arrives.

Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US, bypasses the park with jaw-dropping views throughout the ride. Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and Emerald Lake are among the most visited spots and all easily hikable. If you’re feeling adventurous, try summiting Longs Peak, but be prepared for a strenuous climb!

2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a dramatic must-see landmark. The red rock formations jut out right in front of you, with Pikes Peak visible in the background. Featuring 15 miles of trails, you can choose to go hiking and biking or just loop around in your car.

The Siamese Twins Trail is an especially popular hike for its fantastic views of Pikes Peak. Rock climbers will love scaling the towering sandstone formations. Don’t miss the precariously perched Balanced Rock, a massive boulder that makes for a fun photo op.

3. Maroon Bells, Aspen

The Maroon Bells are perhaps the most photographed peaks in North America. These iconic twin peaks stand majestically at over 14,000 feet and are reflected perfectly in Maroon Lake. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area has several hiking trails, including the popular Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the more challenging Crater Lake Trail.

During the summer, the wildflower displays are absolutely stunning, and in the fall, the aspen trees turn a brilliant gold.

4. Crystal Mill, Marble

Crystal Mill is one of Colorado’s most photographed landmarks. This historic wooden power plant, perched precariously above the Crystal River, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It takes a 9-mile hike or 4×4 drive from Marble to the mill. The mill is especially exquisite when the surrounding aspen trees turn golden in the fall.

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of up to 750 feet. Hiking to the summit of Star Dune offers unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment.

Adventurous visitors can try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes’ steep slopes. Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the dunes, is a favorite spot for splashing around and cooling off in the summer. The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent place for stargazing.

6. Telluride

Telluride is a mountain town surrounded by towering peaks and outdoor adventure. In the summer, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival draws music lovers from all over, while the winter months transform the area into a world-class ski resort.

Hike the popular Bear Creek Trail or the challenging Via Ferrata, or take the free ride up the Telluride Gondola. Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, is a must-see. Mountain biking, fishing, and white-water rafting are also popular activities here.

7. Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park covers over 52,000 acres and features more than 600 cliff dwellings.

The park’s extensive network of trails includes the Petroglyph Point Trail, which leads to ancient rock carvings, and the Spruce Tree House. Cliff Palace stands as the largest and most famous cliff dwelling. In the summer, there are three different guided ranger tours available that teach you what the lives of the ancient inhabitants would have looked like.

8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has dramatic and dark, steep canyon walls, which drop nearly 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. Split into two districts, it can take hours to drive between the North and South rims.

The South Rim Road is open seasonally with overlooks like the Painted Wall, the highest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet. For the adventurous, the inner canyon routes offer challenging hikes and rock climbing. At the end of the East Portal, Gunnison River is also popular for fishing and kayaking.

9. Durango Train Ride, Durango

The Durango Train Ride in Durango is a nostalgic journey through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. This historic steam-powered train travels along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, chugging through views of rugged peaks, canyons, and forests.

The round-trip to the charming town of Silverton is a full-day adventure, with time to explore the old mining town’s shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Along the way, passengers can enjoy open-air gondolas. The train also offers special themed rides, such as the Polar Express during the holiday season.

10. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Cañon City

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City is home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, spanning 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge at a height of 956 feet. The park has thrilling attractions like the Skycoaster, a giant swing that propels you out over the edge of the canyon, and the zip line that lets you soar high above the gorge.

For those who don’t think dangling precariously over a cliff is a fun time, there is a scenic gondola rides, a historic incline railway, and several hikes nearby. The park’s visitor center also has information on the bridge’s history and construction.

11. Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak, known as “America’s Mountain,” is one of the most famous mountains in the United States. Standing at 14,115 feet, it offers a variety of ways to reach the summit, including driving the Pikes Peak Highway, taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or hiking the challenging Barr Trail.

The summit has a view that stretches for miles and even inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” The Pikes Peak Summit House offers refreshments, including the famous high-altitude donuts.

12. Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs

Hanging Lake is a gorgeous natural waterfall that attracts hikers from all over the world. The trail to the lake is a challenging 1.2-mile climb, but at the top, you’ll find a crystal-clear lake suspended on the edge of a cliff, with lush vegetation and waterfalls cascading into it. The lake has a unique travertine formation and vibrant emerald color.

To protect this fragile ecosystem, a permit is required to hike the trail, and swimming in the lake is prohibited. Nearby Spouting Rock is another must-see, where water gushes out of a cliffside.

13. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a world-famous concert venue and a masterpiece of architecture and nature. The natural amphitheater has incredible acoustics and is surrounded by red sandstone formations.

Hiking trails like the Trading Post Trail and the Red Rocks Trail take you around the unique geology. Concertgoers rave about the experience of watching a show under the stars with the Denver skyline in the background. The park is also popular for yoga sessions and fitness workouts on the amphitheater steps.

14. Vail

Vail is a premier mountain destination known for its world-class ski resort and year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, Vail’s expansive ski terrain and back bowls offer something for every level of skier and snowboarder. The alpine village looks almost like you’re in Europe, with bustling shops, restaurants, and après-ski spots.

In the summer, the area transforms into a haven for hiking, biking, and golfing. Popular trails include the Booth Falls Trail and the scenic Gore Valley Trail. They also have the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America. Adventure seekers can try zip-lining, rafting, or even paragliding.

15. Flatirons, Boulder

The Flatirons are massive slabs of sandstone that rise dramatically from the foothills over a trip to Boulder and the surrounding area. The Chautauqua Trailhead gives you access to several popular trails, including the First and Second Flatiron Trails. Rock climbing enthusiasts will find plenty of routes to challenge their skills.

16. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a historic mining town turned popular ski resort. In the winter, Breckenridge is one of the most visited ski resorts in the country. Don’t miss the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships held every January.

Summer brings hiking and biking opportunities on trails like the McCullough Gulch Trail and the Peaks Trail. The charming downtown area is always lined with Victorian-era buildings for shopping and dining.

17. Dallas Divide, Ridgway

Dallas Divide is a gorgeous mountain pass with vistas of the San Juan Mountains, a particularly beautiful spot during the fall when the aspen trees turn brilliant gold. Photographers flock here to capture the landscapes at sunrise and sunset.

The Last Dollar Road, accessible from the Dallas Divide, is a popular scenic drive with access to hiking trails. The area is also known for its hot springs.

18. Colorado National Monument, Fruita

Colorado National Monument is a part of the larger Colorado Plateau with towering monoliths and deep canyons. The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive has numerous pullouts for photos. Popular hiking trails include the Devil’s Kitchen Trail and the Serpents Trail. The monument is also a haven for rock climbers, with plenty of challenging routes.

19. Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan

Paint Mines Interpretive Park has striking hoodoos, spires, and carved gullies in deep hues of yellow, red, and purple. These colorful formations were created by the erosion of clay deposits and have been used by Native Americans for centuries to make paint.

20. Colorado Dinosaur National Monument, Dinosaur

Colorado Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Colorado-Utah border and features an extensive quarry with hundreds of dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock. The Quarry Exhibit Hall lets you see fossils up close and learn about the area’s rich prehistoric past.

Several hiking trails, such as the Fossil Discovery Trail and the Sound of Silence Trail, take you to spot fossils in their natural setting. The monument is also home to petroglyphs and pictographs left by ancient peoples.

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