Colorado

We flew out to Denver in August 2023. While we were there, we visited Pike’s Peak, Colorado Springs, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Denver Botanic Gardens, Boulder, and Red Rocks. Here is a video of some of our time there.

We quickly visited Colorado during a February 2017 road-trip, which included the four-corner states, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah as well as Nevada.

Colorado is a fantastic destination with a wide range of attractions and activities. Here are some top travel recommendations:

Denver

1. Denver Art Museum: Explore a vast collection of art from around the world.

2. Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Attend a concert at this iconic outdoor venue.

3. Denver Botanic Gardens: Wander through beautiful themed gardens.

4. Union Station: Visit this historic train station with shops, restaurants, and bars.

5. 16th Street Mall: Enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment along this pedestrian-friendly street.

Rocky Mountain National Park

1. Trail Ridge Road: Drive along this scenic highway with breathtaking views.

2. Bear Lake: Hike around this picturesque lake and enjoy the surrounding trails.

3. Wildlife Viewing: Look out for elk, moose, and other wildlife.

4. Longs Peak: For experienced hikers, attempt the challenging climb to the summit.

5. Camping: Spend a night under the stars in one of the park’s campgrounds.

Aspen

1. Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, and other nearby resorts.

2. Maroon Bells: Visit these iconic twin peaks and enjoy the stunning scenery.

3. Aspen Art Museum: Explore contemporary art exhibits.

4. Hiking and Biking: Enjoy the extensive trail system in the area.

5. Aspen Music Festival: Attend concerts and events during the summer festival.

Boulder

1. Pearl Street Mall: Stroll through this vibrant pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and street performers.

2. Flatirons: Hike the trails around these iconic rock formations.

3. Chautauqua Park: Enjoy outdoor activities and cultural events.

4. Boulder Farmers Market: Visit one of the best farmers markets in the country.

5. Celestial Seasonings Tea Factory: Take a tour of this famous tea factory.

Colorado Springs

1. Garden of the Gods: Explore the stunning red rock formations and hiking trails.

2. Pikes Peak: Drive or take the cog railway to the summit for incredible views.

3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Visit this unique mountainside zoo.

4. Manitou Springs: Explore this charming town with its mineral springs and quirky shops.

5. U.S. Air Force Academy: Tour the campus and visit the Cadet Chapel.

Telluride

1. Telluride Ski Resort: Enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding.

2. Telluride Film Festival: Attend this prestigious film festival held annually.

3. Bridal Veil Falls: Hike to Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall.

4. Mountain Village: Take the free gondola to this charming village with shops and restaurants.

5. Hiking and Biking: Explore the extensive trail system in the area.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

1. Sandboarding and Sledding: Try sandboarding or sledding down the dunes.

2. Medano Creek: Splash around in this seasonal creek at the base of the dunes.

3. Hiking: Explore the dunes and surrounding mountains.

4. Stargazing: Enjoy some of the best stargazing in the country.

5. Camping: Camp under the stars in the park’s campgrounds.

Colorado offers a mix of urban adventures, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences. 

Check out our recommendations on Trip Advisor to help plan your next trip or to book a tour. You can also use Yelp and Open Table for more ideas as well as restaurant reservations. More photos from our visit are posted on Instagram and Facebook.