10 Splendid Places to Visit in Colorado

Colorado is an amazing place to visit. There is something for everyone at any time during the year. There are four distinct seasons that provide many opportunities for people to explore, enjoy, and be entertained. Colorado’s diverse landscape from the plains to the Rocky Mountains and to the great plateau of the Western Slope is another reason why it is a great place to visit. Here are ten places to visit when you go to Colorado; there is so much to see and do in Colorado that I lumped some places together on the list.

1 National Parks and National Forests

There are four National Parks in Colorado and each has its own specialty. Be sure to check out the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (West Colorado), Rocky Mountain National Park (Northern/Central Colorado), Great Sand Dunes National Park (Southern Colorado), and Mesa Verde National Park (Southwestern Colorado). You can also google and visit any of the eleven National Forests that are found in the state as well.

2 Ski towns/resorts

Colorado is well known for great skiing. There are over 20 ski resorts in Colorado. Some of the most popular resorts are Vail, Aspen, Keystone, Breckenridge, Winter Park, Copper Mountain, Monarch, Telluride, and Steamboat Springs.

Spring is still often ski season, so you will be able to hit the slopes often up until late April. Ski towns/resorts are not just for the winter season. These resorts are equipped with a variety of attractions during the summer and fall seasons as well.

3 The Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Colorado has many natural geological features. One of the most amazing features is the Garden of the Gods in world-known Colorado Springs. It is a registered National Natural Landmark with sandstone peaks reaching 3oo feet.

4 Trains

Trains are an important part of Colorado’s history. There are many places to visit that have train rides and attractions for those who love them. Choose a place from this list to visit: Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Leadville Colorado & Southern, Rio Grande, Cumbres & Toltec, Georgetown Loop, Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge, and the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.

5 Historic mining towns

People flocked to Colorado during the Gold Rush Days, so mining is another great part of the history of this state. You can visit around 47 mining towns, some of which have tours of actual working mines. There are also fun ghost towns from long ago like Tincup or St. Elmo. Central City and Blackhawk now host casinos for those who like to gamble.

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6 The Dinosaur National Monument and other National Monuments

For those who love National Monuments, visiting Dinosaur National Monument is a must stop. Colorado also has seven more monuments to visit on your trip. Surrounded by a wide variety of public lands, there are tons of things to explore and enjoy.

7 The Royal Gorge

The canyon of the Arkansas River, the Royal Gorge is like a mini Grand Canyon with fun attractions and activities for all ages. Rafting is one of the most popular activities. But, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and BASE jumping are generally forbidden so keep it in mind when booking a ticket.

8 The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park

Known for its old world charm, unique architecture, and magnificent setting, the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park is a famous hotel not only for its history and ghost sightings, but also because the Stephen King movie, The Shining was filmed there.

9 Hot springs

Colorado also boasts of 30 hot springs throughout the state with the most popular ones like Idaho Springs, Steamboat Springs’ many hot spots, and Glenwood Springs’ historical site where Doc Holiday was said to visit.

10 The Red Rocks and Dinosaur Ridge, Morrison

More geological features and attractions can be found at the Red Rocks Amphitheater and Dinosaur Ridge in Morrison. Dinosaur Ridge is where you can see and follow actual dinosaur footprints, and the Red Rocks Amphitheater is a great place to take in a concert or special event.

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Whether it be in the mountains, in the sand dunes, or the valleys, you will be sure to find an amazing place to explore and to make memories when you visit “Colorful Colorado.”