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Best Trip Ideas for Visiting Colorado

updated August 24, 2020

Colorado has some amazing destinations to choose from when visiting the state. You will never run out of options for traveling here as there are endless options for exploring, including hiking, rafting, cycling, biking, and camping, just to name a few. When planning a trip to Colorado, it’s important to know this is a vast territory with all sorts of travel variables such as high mountain roads, weather, and crowds to consider when deciding where you’d like to visit. We’ve traveled throughout Colorado extensively, so we have plenty to share about Colorado’s best destinations for your Colorado travel bucket list.

You might also be interested in:

Colorado’s Best Hidden Gems

Top 10 Day Trips from Denver

Best Gear for Colorado Travel

Colorado’s Most Unique Vacation Rentals

1. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 2 HOURS

A visit to Colorado pretty much isn’t complete without a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. This vast wilderness playground is a huge draw for visitors to the state. In fact, the park saw its highest annual visitation ever in 2018 at 4,590,492 documented guests. The most frequented gateway to RMNP is through Estes Park, a vibrant and touristy Colorado mountain town. One of the most frequented attractions is The Stanley Hotel, made famous as the inspiration for The Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s The Shining. There are numerous tour and stay options available as well as fun parties like their famous Shining Ball and Halloween Masquerade, appropriately timed around Halloween.

Even if GPS suggests otherwise, you should absolutely allow at least two hours to arrive to RMNP from Denver. There’s often a bottleneck of sluggish traffic through Estes Park, and this is especially true during the summer months. Add an additional hour or two on either end of your trip if you’d like to park and stroll the shops, galleries, and/or grab coffee or a lite bite.

TIP: There are multiple taffy, ice cream, and t-shirt shops. The first won’t be your last, I promise.

A one-day vehicle pass to RMNP is $25 per vehicle, but a seven-day pass is $35. That’s definitely a bonus if you’re even considering a return trip. An even better deal is to purchase the $80 America the Beautiful annual pass which gets you into over 2,000 federal recreation areas across the US including its 59 National Parks.

You can find a detailed list of fees here, plus a separate link to the park map.

POPULAR RMNP HIKES FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

• Alberta Falls — One of the most visited hikes in RMNP, this is an easy, 1.6-mile roundtrip path rising to a waterfall. It’s a great choice for novice hikers or those wanting to see something really beautiful without a multi-hour commitment.

• Dream Lake — A little longer and steeper than the Alberta Falls trail and accessed from the same trailhead, this is a 2.2-mile trail that is usually heavily trafficked the whole way. You’ll get to see two lakes, Nymph and Dream, and if you want to extend your hike a little further for an even more beautiful experience, you can continue on to Emerald Lake which is 3.1 miles roundtrip.

• Alluvial Fan — Great for the kiddos who love to climb, this isn’t a well-defined trail as much as it is several paths snaking up and down the sides of a tumbling waterfall. Parking is very close, and you’ll get a great experience in under an hour. Also, if you continue further down the road during the late spring and early summer months, you can experience Fall River Road.

• Bear Lake — This is a 0.6-mile flat loop through pines and aspens around a gorgeous alpine lake.

• Bierstadt Lake — One of my personal favorites, this is a 3.2-mile loop trail that rises 626 feet on a switchback hillside with beautiful views of Longs Peak. You can also shave off half of the strenuous uphill trek by hiking here from Bear Lake.

2. GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 4 HOURS

This ancient dune field within Great Sand Dunes National Park is perhaps millions of years old, the highest in North America, and is an absolute must-see Colorado destination. It’s definitely a haul of a drive to get there—a bit much for a day trip if you’re visiting Denver. But there are plenty of cabin and unique vacation rentals in the San Luis Valley, along with several campgrounds, to make it for an easy overnight experience. And if you arrive between April 1st and October 31st, you can camp within steps of the dunes at Pinon Flats Campground. It’s best to reserve sites in advance, which can be done at Recreation.gov.

If you’re not familiar with Recreation.gov, they are a tremendous resource for reserving camping and day use sites, as well as obtaining permits and other information about recreational activities like hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting all across the US.

Interested in knowing the top things to do in and around Great Sand Dunes National Park? Visit our expanded article on the curious and unique attractions that draw people to this surreal landscape.

3. Mesa Verde National Park

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 7 HOURS

At seven-plus hours, Mesa Verde National Park is a monster of a drive from Denver, but it’s more than worth it. Established in 1906 to preserve the dwellings, artifacts, and surrounding heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo who lived here, its well-preserved cliff dwellings are a major draw for visitors to the park. There’s an amazing visitors center and museum, a (not too scary) winding road through the park with several overlooks and points of interest, and during the late spring and summer months, you can book a ranger-guided tour through up to four cliff dwellings.

Interested in more information about how to visit Mesa Verde National Park? Read our Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings Guide on options for exploring this ancient place. Of course, we recommend allowing at least a full day at Mesa Verde for the best experience.

4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 5 HOURS

Is Black Canyon of the Gunnison worth seeing? In our opinion, the answer is an emphatic, yes, it most definitely is. But just like so many of Colorado’s most amazing destinations, it’s not even remotely close to the travel hub that brings many of our visitors here. For this reason, we recommend allowing at the very minimum five days (or more) to really explore one or two of Colorado’s most beautiful sites. Denver is worth exploring too, but like many others who first arrive here, we simply had no idea just how vast the state of Colorado is and how long it actually takes to get from place to place.

From Denver, there are a few different ways you can choose to approach Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. One of them takes you directly west on I-70 and through some of the state’s best territories for skiing, which is great if you’re visiting during the winter season. It also can be a bit harrowing as the roads often are covered in snow and ice. Plus, Colorado doesn’t seem to believe much in guard rails.

The second option is a more south, then west approach through some really interesting mountain towns like Bailey and Buena Vista and through the Pike and San Isabel National Forests. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by absolutely gorgeous terrain along the way.

There are definitely some really fun aspects to visiting Black Canyon of the Gunnison in the winter including snowshoeing and back country camping among this rugged wilderness territory. But some of the roads are closed during the winter, including a portion of the South Rim Drive which allows for some of the most breathtaking views.

For first-timers, we recommend visiting in the summer where you can comfortably camp, hike, and explore without worries of access limitations. Interested in knowing more about Black Canyon of the Gunnison? Check out our expanded guide on the Black Canyon of the Gunnison, including camping considerations, tips on getting there, and important things to know before you go.

5. maroon bells + Aspen

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 4 HOURS

The area known as Maroon Bells in Colorado features two peaks in the Elk Mountains. Why are they called Maroon Bells?Maroon for their color in the morning light, and Bells for their bell-like shape. They are one of the most visited and photographed destinations in Colorado, and there are seemingly endless options for exploring during your visit. The Aspen Chamber has some great local tips for visiting. Located a short distance from Aspen, there’s so much to see both in and around this historic Colorado mountain city—definitely take the gondola ride up the mountain—and you can just about have any sort of stay experience you want from luxury ski lodges and hotels to backcountry huts or camping.

We recommend the Silver Bell Campground, but it’s not open year-round, and it can be a challenge to get a spot due to its popularity. To score a spot in advance, book on Recreation.gov.

6. STRAWBERRY Park HOT SPRINGS

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 3 HOURS

The unique and historic mountain town of Steamboat Springs is a great destination for those looking for a less crowded yet purely authentic Colorado experience. And it’s home to absolutely gorgeous hidden gem that we think is a must-see.

Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of two hot springs to visit while in Steamboat. The other is Old Town Hot Springs and is at the top of our list for things to do when we return again. But we’ve added Strawberry Park Hot Springs to our best trip ideas for Colorado simply because it’s truly a one of a kind Colorado experience.

For starters, the ride to get there adds to the thrill. In the winter, four-wheel drive is critical to avoid getting stuck. All you have to do is see the TripAdvisor reviews for this one, and you’ll understand what we mean. And if you’re like us and you don’t even want to take the chance, you can thankfully book a round-trip shuttle service from Steamboat. It’s a very affordable no-brainer that you’ll be thankful you did.

The soaking pools are set in a mountain valley. The water is a toasty 104-plus degrees. And if you arrive there right before sunset, you’ll get the dual benefits of seeing this Colorado natural beauty as dusk settles in and the stars emerge. Another insider tip: If there’s snow and ice on the ground, and you don’t want to put your wet feet inside your boots or shoes to go from one pool to the next, consider bringing flip flops. We did not, and chose to trek across the ice in our bare feet. In a word, excruciating.

Note: There’s an adult-only policy after dark. Also, clothing is optional after dark so watch where you point that flashlight.

7. hanging lake + glenwood springs

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 2.5 HOURS

Hanging Lake near Glenwood Springs, Colorado has become such a popular hike in the state that a day pass is now required to visit the site. Thankfully, these are reservable, and all the information and reasons for the restrictions can be found here.

It’s a short but steep hike. Think 1,000 elevation gain in the 1.6-mile trek to the top. Once you’ve ascended a seemingly endless staircase of boulders, it’s an absolutely gorgeous experience arriving to its tourmaline-hued pool backdropped by hanging gardens and trickling waterfalls.

Once you experience this must-see Colorado hidden gem, make sure to spend some time (ideally a night or two) in Glenwood Springs. There are two hot springs in Glenwood Springs—the Glenwood Springs Hot Springs Pool and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. Each are completely different experiences. Glenwood is a huge pool set amid a massive resort, while Iron Mountain is a more intimate collection of smaller pools. Both are worth visiting.

If you’re searching for overnight options, we loved our stay and the historic charm of The Hotel Denver, which is located right across from the Amtrak Glenwood Springs Train Station, a popular stop along the California Zephyr route between Chicago and San Francisco.

8. grand lake, Colorado

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 2.5 HOURS

There are a lot of really great reasons to visit Grand Lake, Colorado. First and foremost, it’s the lesser-known western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. And despite sitting on an absolutely gorgeous lake, the historic district swelling in the summer with thousands of additional visitors, this place remains one of the more quaint and undeveloped towns in Colorado.

In the summer, there are endless options for watercraft rental, fishing, swimming, hiking, cycling, ice cream eating, and shopping. There’s even a local shop that sells almost nothing but rubber ducks. In the winter, snowshoeing and snowmobiling are among the popular activities.

Is it worth it to visit Grand Lake, Colorado? See for yourself and read our expanded guide of things to do, places to eat, and best ways to visit this curious off-the-beaten path mountain town.

9. GARDEN OF THE GODS

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 1 HOUR, 15 MINUTES

This sprawling landscape of curious sandstone rock formations was officially donated to Colorado Springs in 1909 by the children of Burlington Railroad head, Charles Elliot Perkins, who bought the 242-acre parcel in 1879 but chose to leave the land in its natural state for the public to enjoy. You can read more about its history and curious name here.

The park is free and open to the public from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

TIP: Self-guided walks, scenic drives, Segway, Trolley, and off-road tours are all available as options to enhance your experience. Never been rocking climbing? You can purchase a tour to try that out too. Here’s a link to upcoming events in the park, including photography workshops, guided hikes, 5K runs, and other quirky events.

Nearby Colorado Springs is well-known across the United States as home to the US Air Force Academy and Peterson Air Force Base, among other nearby military sites. The US Olympic Training Center is also based there and so is the headquarters of the US Olympic Committee.

Popular activities include whitewater rafting, climbing a heart-pumping 2,000-foot former railcar incline in nearby Manitou Springs, taking a lantern tour inside the lightless tunnels of Manitou Grand Cavern, and exploring the cultural histories of the Anasazi people and their cliff dwellings at the Manitou Cliff Dwellings.

But one thing that’s not to miss, if you can handle the twists and turns, is driving to the 14,115-foot summit of Pikes Peak along its scenic highway. Sure, there’s hardly a guardrail in sight. But the white knuckle drive to the top will definitely be a memorable one you won’t soon forget.

TIP: Weather is extremely unpredictable at the summit, so be sure to check the road conditions here and whether it’s indeed open before making plans. Fuel up and allow at least two to three hours for the journey to the top. It’s only a 19-mile drive, but traffic is slow, and you’ll most likely be making multiple stops along the way. Also, at certain times of the year, the uphill gates close as early as 3:00 PM with the downhill gates closing at 5:00 PM. Entrance fees are $15 per person for adults and $5 per person for children ages 6 to 15.

10. bridal veil falls, telluride

DRIVE TIME FROM DENVER — 6.5 hours

Just to the east of one of Colorado’s most popular destinations, Telluride, is a stunning 365-foot waterfall that isn’t to be missed and an added motivator if you’re considering visiting the area. Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest free-flowing falls in the state, drawing visitors from all over the world to this popular Colorado mountain playground known for its skiing, hiking, mountain cycling, plus all forms of extreme adventuring from ice climbing to four-wheeling to rock climbing to traversing a cliffside Via Ferrata. There’s literally no shortage of activities to keep your heart and adrenaline pumping.

To access the falls, there’s a one-way trail to the top which rises 1,650 feet in just 1.8 mile. Perched atop the craggy cliffs is a privately owned power plant of the same name.

Check out the Telluride.com for more inspiration on where to eat, sleep, and play.

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