Craving mountain adventures, national parks, and vibrant cities? Head to Colorado! From snow-covered peaks and alpine lakes to red rock canyons and craft beer hubs, Colorado is a four-season playground. Whether you're hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or strolling through Denver’s arts district, the Centennial State offers bold beauty and outdoor thrills year-round.
Colorado Highlights:
- For Hikers: Explore Rocky Mountain National Park – Trek alpine trails, spot wildlife, and drive the scenic Trail Ridge Road.
- For Skiers: Hit the slopes in Aspen, Breckenridge, or Vail – World-class ski resorts with charming mountain towns and après-ski vibes.
- For Culture: Visit Denver’s RiNo District – Discover murals, galleries, breweries, and inventive eateries in the Mile High City.
- For History Buffs: Step back in time at Mesa Verde National Park – See ancient cliff dwellings from ancestral Puebloan peoples.
- For Red Rock Fans: Catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Iconic natural venue with perfect acoustics and unforgettable sunsets.
Best Time to Visit Colorado
The best time to visit Colorado is in the summer (June–August) for hiking, road trips, and festivals, and in the winter (December–March) for skiing and snowboarding. Fall (September–October) offers brilliant foliage and fewer crowds, while spring brings wildflowers and shoulder-season deals.
How to Get to Colorado
- By Air: Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary hub. Regional airports in Aspen, Vail (EGE), and Colorado Springs (COS) offer mountain access.
- By Car: I-70 and I-25 provide scenic cross-state routes from neighboring states and cities like Salt Lake City and Albuquerque.
- By Train: Amtrak’s California Zephyr runs from Chicago to San Francisco with stops in Denver, Glenwood Springs, and more.
Where to Stay in Colorado
- For Mountain Luxury: The Little Nell (Aspen) – Five-star alpine elegance with ski-in/ski-out convenience and fine dining.
- For Outdoor Access: The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park) – Historic (and haunted!) hotel near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park.
- For City Comfort: The Crawford Hotel (Denver) – Sleek boutique stay inside Union Station, with restaurants and transit below.
Best Things to Do in Colorado
1. The Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
Rating: ★★★★★
Location: Canon City, Colorado
Recommended For: Thrill-seekers, families, photographers, and adventure travelers with a head for heights.
What I Love: ♥ "Walking across the suspension bridge with the gorge yawning below? Goosebumps. Then add the Cloudscraper Zipline and Skycoaster—pure adrenaline with a view that stops you mid-breath."
- Walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge—the highest suspension bridge in the United States.
- Soar above the gorge on the Cloudscraper Zipline or take in the view from the aerial gondolas.
- Explore family-friendly attractions like the Tommy Knocker Playground, Waterclock, and the scenic Plaza Theater.
Cost: Admission fees vary by season and age group—check the park’s website for current rates and packages.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for the best weather and full access to rides and attractions.
Local tips: Wear good walking shoes, and arrive early to beat crowds on the bridge and zipline; hours change seasonally.
Distance: About 1 hour southwest of Colorado Springs, CO.
How to Get to Royal Gorge Bridge & Park: From US-50 in Canon City, follow signs to Co. Road 3A. The park is well-marked and accessible by car.
Address: 4218 Co. Road 3A, Canon City, Colorado, 81212Phone: Not listed; visit website for contact options
2. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Museum
Location: Durango, Colorado
Recommended For: History buffs, train enthusiasts, families, photographers, and scenic adventure lovers.
What I Love: ♥ "There’s something magical about steam and mountain air—chugging through canyons on a coal-fired train that’s run since 1882? Unreal. It’s like stepping into a moving postcard, with history and high-altitude drama all in one ride."
- Ride the original 1882 route on a narrow-gauge, coal-fired steam train through the rugged San Juan Mountains.
- Learn with historic onboard narration and explore railroad museums in both Durango and Silverton.
- Experience a 45-mile, 4.5-hour journey of breathtaking cliffs, pine forests, and mining-town charm.
Cost: Ticket prices vary by season and seating class—check the official website for updated fares and ride options.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall for full route access and clear mountain views.
Local tips: Book early in peak season, bring a jacket (even in summer!), and visit the museum before your train departs.
Distance: Located in downtown Durango, about 3.5 hours southwest of Colorado Springs.
How to Get to Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Take US-550 into downtown Durango and follow signs for Main Avenue. The depot is centrally located with parking nearby.
Address: 479 Main Avenue, Durango, Colorado 81301
Phone: 970-247-2733
3. Denver Botanic Gardens
Location: Denver, Colorado
Recommended For: Garden lovers, families, nature photographers, plant enthusiasts, and anyone needing a peaceful city escape.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s like wandering the world without leaving Denver—roses and irises one moment, bonsai and South African blooms the next. The Mordecai Children’s Garden? A wonderland for little explorers with dirt and water at their fingertips."
- Stroll through 24 acres of native and international gardens, showcasing drought-tolerant and ornamental plants.
- Explore global garden zones including Japanese gardens, tropical greenhouses, and South African flora.
- Play at the Mordecai Children’s Garden with hands-on soil and water activities, picnic tables, and stroller-friendly features.
Cost: General admission fees vary by age; free days offered throughout the year—check the website for details.
Best time to visit: Spring through early fall for peak blooms; winter for greenhouse and indoor displays.
Local tips: Weekday mornings are quieter; bring water, and don’t skip the bonsai courtyard or greenhouse walks.
Distance: Located in central Denver, about 10 minutes from downtown.
How to Get to Denver Botanic Gardens: From downtown, head east on Colfax Ave or 6th Ave and turn north on York Street. Parking is available on-site and nearby.
Address: 1007 York Street, Denver, Colorado 80206
Phone: 720-865-3501
4. Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Recommended For: Art lovers, culture seekers, students, creatives, and families interested in immersive arts experiences.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s not just a museum—it’s a creative spark. Between Native American artifacts, modern art, live performances, and hands-on classes, there’s this energy that pulls you in and makes you want to create something yourself."
- Explore rotating exhibits and a permanent collection rich in Native American, Hispanic, and modern American art.
- Experience cultural performances and theatrical productions that span history, storytelling, and innovation.
- Create through year-round classes in painting, pottery, filmography, and more—open to all skill levels and ages.
Cost: Admission varies by event and exhibit; discounts may be available for students and members—check the website for current details.
Best time to visit: Year-round for classes, exhibits, and performances. Fall and winter often bring exciting new programming.
Local tips: Free parking is available right across from the main entrance on Dale Street—super convenient!
Distance: Centrally located in downtown Colorado Springs, about 1 hour south of Denver.
How to Get to the Fine Arts Center: From I-25, take Exit 143 (Uintah Street) east, then south on Cascade Avenue to Dale Street. The center is located at the corner of Cascade and Dale.
Address: 30 W Dale St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Phone: 719-634-5581
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens
Location: Fort Collins, Colorado
Recommended For: Garden lovers, plant enthusiasts, horticulture students, photographers, and anyone seeking seasonal color and botanical inspiration.
What I Love: ♥ "Rows upon rows of blooms, each perfectly grouped by genus and color—it’s like walking through a living paint palette. And knowing it's all part of high-altitude research? Just makes it cooler."
- Stroll through vibrant displays of over 1,000 flower cultivars arranged by genus and hue.
- Admire seasonal plantings—from annuals blooming May through October to fall pansies and hardy perennials year-round.
- Learn about plant performance in Rocky Mountain climates at this working research and trial garden.
Cost: Free and open to the public year-round—no admission required.
Best time to visit: Late May through mid-October for peak annual displays; early spring for pansies and year-round for perennials.
Local tips: Visit on weekday mornings for quiet strolls; bring a notebook if you’re a gardener looking to jot down standout varieties.
Distance: Located on the Colorado State University campus, just minutes from downtown Fort Collins.
How to Get to the CSU Annual Flower Trial Gardens: From downtown Fort Collins, head south on College Ave, turn east on Lake Street, then south on Remington Street. Gardens are near the Center for the Arts.
Address: 1401 Remington St, Fort Collins, CO 80523
Phone: (970) 491-7179
6. Telluride Mountain Village Gondola
Location: Telluride, Colorado
Recommended For: Sightseers, skiers, hikers, mountain bikers, families, and anyone seeking scenic alpine transit.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s public transit—but make it breathtaking. Gliding 10,500 feet above the San Juans for free? Unreal. Cozy winter blankets and bike racks just seal the deal."
- Ride the only free gondola of its kind in the U.S., connecting Telluride and Mountain Village in just 13 minutes.
- View stunning San Juan Mountain panoramas from your enclosed cabin, perfect in any season.
- Access ski runs, hiking trails, and biking routes directly from gondola stations—gear racks included.
Cost: Completely free to ride—no ticket required.
Best time to visit: Year-round; ski season for snowy vistas, summer for alpine biking and wildflower views.
Local tips: Ride at sunset for epic golden-hour views; grab a blanket at stations during winter rides.
Distance: Located in downtown Telluride, steps from lodging, shops, and trails.
How to Get to the Telluride Gondola: From CO-145, follow signs into Telluride or Mountain Village. Main boarding stations are at 301 W. San Juan Avenue (Telluride) and Gondola Plaza (Mountain Village).
Address: 301 W. San Juan Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435
Phone: 877-358-7122
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
7. Aspen Art Museum
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Recommended For: Contemporary art lovers, creatives, cultural travelers, families, and lifelong learners.
What I Love: ♥ "Free admission, mountain views, and mind-bending art—what’s not to love? Every exhibit feels fresh, and their workshops and rooftop vibes give it a cool, creative pulse you can’t miss in Aspen."
- Explore rotating exhibitions of bold, thought-provoking contemporary art by regional and international artists.
- Join free lectures, hands-on workshops, and educational programs open to all ages and skill levels.
- Enjoy Aspen’s cultural side, then hit the slopes, trails, or boutiques just steps from the museum.
Cost: Free admission for all visitors—no ticket or reservation required.
Best time to visit: Year-round; exhibitions rotate regularly, and seasonal programming offers unique events.
Local tips: Head to the rooftop café for mountain views and a relaxing art break; check the events calendar for free guided tours.
Distance: In the heart of downtown Aspen, walkable from nearby hotels, shops, and restaurants.
How to Get to the Aspen Art Museum: Located just off South Galena Street on East Hyman Ave. Paid street and public lot parking available nearby.
Address: 637 E. Hyman Ave, Aspen, CO 81611
Phone: 970-925-8050
8. Tread of Pioneers Museum
Location: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Recommended For: History buffs, families, Old West enthusiasts, museumgoers, and anyone interested in Colorado heritage.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s like stepping back in time—but better. Between the pioneer chuckwagon, outlaw tales, and Queen Anne architecture, the museum’s packed with stories that bring the West to life."
- Tour the 1901 Zimmerman House, a beautifully preserved Queen Anne-style home full of regional history.
- Discover exhibits on skiing, agriculture, indigenous history, and outlaws like Harry Tracy of the Wild West era.
- View artifacts including an extensive firearms collection and a replica pioneer-era chuckwagon.
Cost: Modest admission fees apply; discounts available for seniors, students, and children—check their website for details.
Best time to visit: Year-round; indoor exhibits make it a great stop during both winter ski trips and summer adventures.
Local tips: Plan for 1–2 hours; the staff often share extra stories and local insights—don’t be shy about asking questions!
Distance: Located in downtown Steamboat Springs, just blocks from shops, dining, and the Yampa River.
How to Get to the Tread of Pioneers Museum: From Lincoln Avenue (US-40), turn north on 8th Street. The museum is at the corner of 8th and Oak Streets—look for the charming white-and-green historic home.
Address: 800 Oak St, Steamboat Springs, CO 80477
Phone: 970-879-2214
9. Bishop Castle
Location: Rye, Colorado
Recommended For: Road trippers, castle lovers, photographers, offbeat explorers, and fans of wild DIY architecture.
What I Love: ♥ "It’s one guy. One guy built a castle—with iron dragons and towers scraping the sky. It’s quirky, bold, and jaw-dropping. Climbing those narrow staircases feels like stepping into a dream… or a dare."
- Marvel at soaring turrets, steel dragons, and intricate wrought iron—all hand-built by one man, Jim Bishop.
- Explore this still-growing fortress nestled deep in the San Isabel National Forest—entry is always free.
- Climb spiral stairs, walk across narrow bridges, and take in sweeping views—adventure and wonder guaranteed.
Cost: Always free; donations appreciated via on-site collection box.
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for dry, mild weather and easier access through the mountains.
Local tips: Wear sturdy shoes and be cautious—construction is ongoing and some parts aren’t fenced. Keep a close eye on children.
Distance: About 1 hour southwest of Pueblo, Colorado; 2.5 hours from Denver.
How to Get to Bishop Castle: From I-25, take Exit 74 to Colorado Route 165 west toward Rye. Follow the scenic mountain road for about 24 miles—look for signs near San Isabel.
Address: 12705 Colorado Rte. 165, Rye, Colorado 81069
Phone: 719-564-4366
10. Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Location: Cripple Creek, Colorado
Recommended For: History lovers, adventure seekers, geology buffs, and anyone curious about life underground.
What I Love: ♥ "Descending 1,000 feet into a real gold mine? Absolutely wild. Add firsthand stories from former miners, gold veins in the walls, and a ride through tunnels carved in 1889—it’s raw, rugged, and unforgettable."
- Descend 1,000 feet underground via elevator into authentic gold mining tunnels from the late 1800s.
- Tour led by former miners and descendants, filled with gritty stories and rich Colorado history.
- See a century’s worth of mining equipment, plus a real gold ore vein still embedded in the rock.
Cost: Tour prices vary by age group—check the official website for up-to-date rates and seasonal hours.
Best time to visit: Late spring through early fall when the seasonal diner and gift shop are open and tours run daily.
Local tips: Not for the claustrophobic! Bring a jacket—it’s cool underground. Arrive early on weekends to avoid wait times.
Distance: About 1 hour west of Colorado Springs; 2.5 hours from Denver.
How to Get to the Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine: From Colorado Springs, take US-24 west to Divide, then head south on CO-67 toward Cripple Creek. The mine is just north of town along Highway 67.
Address: 9388 Hwy. 67, Cripple Creek, Colorado 80813
Phone: 719-689-2466
Visit Carlson Vineyards
Carlson Vineyards is a family-owned vineyard and winery located in Palisade, Colorado in the heart of Colorado's wine country. They are focused on producing premium Colorado wines.
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