13 Best Places to Vacation in Colorado: Cities, National Parks, & More

Colorado has consistently been a top vacation destination because it has something for everyone. You can enjoy majestic natural areas, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and historical attractions. This guide covers the best places to vacation in Colorado, including Denver, Crested Butte, Vail, and Great Sand Dunes National Park.

We’ll explore urban destinations, smaller towns, outdoor recreation, historical sites, and nature locations. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or solo, you'll find your perfect destination below.

1. Colorado Springs

Located 70 miles south of Denver, Colorado Springs has several unique attractions, making it a major tourist draw. The United States Air Force Academy is a great place to go if you’re interested in military history, mid-century architecture, and scenic views. Unfortunately, the breathtaking Cadet Chapel is currently closed for renovations, but there is still plenty to explore on the campus. If you like Olympic sports, you know Colorado Springs as the home of the United States Olympic Training Center. Visitors will want to explore the recently opened United States Olympic & Paralympic Museum. It’s a celebration of the history and accomplishments of Team USA.

Other popular places to visit in Colorado Springs are Gardens of the Gods and Pikes Peak. Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark famous for its red rock formations, rock climbing, and nature trails. Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in America and stands at 14,115 feet and is a National Historic Landmark. You can get to Pikes Peak's summit via car, the world’s highest cog railway, or you can even climb the mountain.

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

2. Steamboat Springs

If you’re looking for a scenic mountain town with easy access to outdoor recreation, look no further than Steamboat Springs. It’s located just west of the Continental Divide in northwest Colorado. As the name implies, the town is home to a number of natural hot springs. We recommend checking out the historic Old Town Hot Springs.

In the summer, Steamboat Springs is one of the best places to vacation in Colorado during summer for mountain bikers, with hundreds of miles of trails. In the winter, it's the ideal destination for skiing. They even branded themselves as Ski Town, U.S.A.®. The Steamboat Ski resort is the major draw, offering 297 named trails. The resort town has managed to maintain some of its down-home Western charm while still providing high-end amenities and up-to-date services.

3. Denver

The Mile High City is the largest city in Colorado and the entry point into the state for many visitors who arrive by plane. Denver is a thriving city with a host of cultural and entertainment venues. If you're concerned about altitude sickness may want to spend a day or two in Denver to acclimate before exploring places at higher elevations. We put together a guide to help you make the most of one day in Denver and a guide for two days or a weekend in Denver.

There’s a lot going on in Denver. Denver has some great museums. Be sure to check out the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Museo de las Américas. It’s also home to Colorado’s professional sports teams. No matter the time of year, at least one team is playing.

Denver is also noted for its robust beer scene. There are tons of breweries, brewpubs, and beer bars. A truly unique place to enjoy Denver’s beer scene is Oakwell Beer Spa. It’s a day spa with beer-inspired spa services, including Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, a cedar hydrotherapy tub filled with hops, barley, and herbs. There's also a self-serve taproom with a rotating selection of local craft beers.

Denver is one of the best Colorado vacation ideas if you’re looking for all the amenities of a big city but still want easy access to nature and outdoor activities.

4. Telluride

When many people think of Telluride, skiing is the first thing that comes to mind. The Telluride Ski Resort is a favorite location for advanced skiers. The resort features all of the amenities you would expect, including fine dining, luxury lodging, and boutique retail.

Telluride is also one of the best places for a summer vacation in Colorado. The Telluride Balloon Festival is a hot air balloon festival that takes place over the first weekend in June every year. The area also offers ample mountain biking and hiking trails, many of which feature scenic views and alpine lakes.

5. Vail

The Vail Ski Resort consistently ranks as one of Colorado's most popular ski resorts. This is certainly a well-earned distinction. Vail has the largest skiable terrain area of any resort in Colorado.

While Vail is a major winter destination, summertime offers smaller crowds and a more laid-back experience. The Ford Amphitheater has a concert series that runs all summer. The Vail Dance Festival is also a favorite summer event. And like most mountain towns, Vail also has spectacular hiking and biking trails that are worth exploring.

6. Boulder

Tucked along the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers an unbeatable mix of outdoor adventure and mountain city charm. Whether you're hiking the Flatirons, biking the Boulder Creek Path, or wandering around Chautauqua Park, the natural beauty is stunning year-round. The city is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with easy access to world-class climbing, trail running, and cycling.

Beyond the trails, Boulder has a vibrant cultural and culinary scene. Pearl Street Mall is a must-visit pedestrian promenade lined with boutiques, breweries, and street performers. Grab a coffee from a local roaster, shop for artisan goods, or enjoy a meal at one of the city's many farm-to-table restaurants. Thanks to its lively energy, eco-conscious mindset, and breathtaking surroundings, Boulder blends small-town ease with big-adventure possibilities.
With so much to see and do in Boulder, it's one of the best places to vacation in Colorado with family or for an adults-only vacation.

7. Crested Butte

Often called "The Last Great Colorado Ski Town," Crested Butte is a hidden gem with some of the best mountain scenery in the state. In the winter, Crested Butte is a paradise for skiers and snowboarders who prefer less-crowded slopes and more laid-back vibes than the big resorts. During summer, the area transforms into a wildflower haven — so much so that it’s home to the annual Crested Butte Wildflower Festival.

Crested Butte is also one of the most charming places to visit in Colorado. The downtown area is full of colorful Victorian buildings, cozy cafes, and local shops that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Outdoor lovers can explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, paddle on nearby lakes, or take a scenic drive over Kebler Pass.

8. Ouray

Known as the "Switzerland of America," Ouray is a picture-perfect mountain town tucked in a box canyon in southwestern Colorado. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and waterfalls, the views here are breathtaking from every angle. There are also public and private hot springs that offer a peaceful way to relax while enjoying the scenery.

Ouray is also famous for its adventurous spirit. Jeeping and off-roading are big draws in the summer, especially along the scenic and rugged Imogene and Engineer Passes. In winter, it becomes an international destination for ice climbing thanks to the world-renowned Ouray Ice Park. With its charming downtown, historic buildings, and friendly small-town vibe, Ouray makes an unforgettable stop on any Colorado itinerary.

9. Durango

Durango is a picturesque mountain town nestled in the heart of southwest Colorado at nearly 6,500 feet in elevation. The city offers Wild West heritage and ample outdoor activities. Durango was founded in 1880 by the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and still offers historic charm. Main Avenue is one of the best areas to explore with Victorian-era storefronts, the iconic Strater Hotel, art galleries, and craft breweries.

Coal-fired steam locomotives still roll through Durango, carrying visitors on a nostalgic ride through the rugged San Juan Mountains. There are also more than 300 miles of trails, perfect for a hiking or biking vacation in Colorado. During winter, you can enjoy world-class skiing and snow biking at Purgatory Resort and snowmobiling through snowy backcountry.

Durango isn’t just a thrill-seeker’s paradise; it’s also a place to relax. There are several hot springs resorts in the area, perfect for unwinding year-round.

10. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park provides four seasons of outdoor activities. Its 415 square miles offer mountains, lakes, meadows, trails, wildlife, and more. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are available throughout the park in the winter. Meanwhile, the park is busiest in the summer and also offers camping for a unique experience.

The is the closest national park to Denver, about two hours away. However, there are places even closer to spend the night in Estes Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park uses a Timed Entry Permit System during the peak season from May through October, so you’ll need to make a reservation to get into the park ahead of time.

11. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is located in western Colorado, with Montrose being the largest nearby city. The park is home to some of the most dramatic canyon views in the country. Carved by the powerful Gunnison River, the canyon is incredibly deep, narrow, and steep — earning its name for the dark shadows that often blanket its walls. At its deepest point, the canyon plunges 2,722 feet, and in places, it's only about 40 feet wide at the riverbed. One of the park’s standout features is the Painted Wall, the tallest cliff in Colorado, soaring 2,250 feet above the river.

The park offers several hiking trails and scenic overlooks. However, hiking into the inner canyon is extremely challenging and best suited for experienced adventurers. There are also campgrounds for those who want to stay overnight.

12. Mesa Verde National Park

Mesa Verde National Park is located in the far southwest of Colorado and home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan sites. The park is famous for Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. These cliff dwellings are over 800 years old.

The park UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park. It’s a great place to learn about the history of the Ancestral Puebloans, go hiking, and stargaze.

If you're looking to spend the night, there is lodging within Mesa Verde National Park. There are also a few small towns nearby, including Mancos and Cortez.

13. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America. There are also alpine lakes and trails. If you’re going to hike the dunes, it’s best to do so in the early morning or evening. The sand can reach temperatures of up to 150°F.

It's also an International Dark Sky Park, which is perfect for stargazing on clear night. Great Sand Dunes is an amazing place to camp overnight. There are also several hotels nearby.

Colorado Vacation FAQs

There are a lot of great places to vacation in Colorado. That means there are also lots of decisions to be made and questions to be answered. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about visiting Colorado.

When is the best time to visit Colorado?

You can enjoy all four seasons in Colorado. That means the best time to visit largely comes down to what’s on your itinerary and your availability. If you’re interested in skiing and other winter sports, you’ll need to plan accordingly. But most locations have fun things to do year-round. The summer is the busiest season for most places that aren’t ski resorts. Vacationing before or after peak season can be an excellent way to avoid the crowds and have a more relaxing experience.

How long should I spend in Colorado?

There’s so much to see and do in Colorado that some people come for a vacation and end up spending the rest of their lives in the Centennial State. You won’t be able to see everything in a single vacation, but a week should allow you enough time to see at least a few of your top-priority destinations.

How should I get to Colorado?

For visitors traveling a long distance, Colorado is easy to fly into. Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and has frequent flights from many domestic and international locations. If you’re flying into one of the smaller airports, there is a good chance that you’ll need to connect through Denver.

Should I be worried about altitude sickness when visiting Colorado?

Some visitors to Colorado experience altitude sickness and other effects of the higher elevation. This tends to be most common above 8,000 feet of elevation. Two of the best things you can do to mitigate the effects of altitude are to hydrate and increase altitude slowly. In Colorado's high and dry air, you will need to drink more water. Taking a day or two at a moderate elevation before going high into the mountains can help. For example, consider spending a few days in Denver before heading into the Rockies. If you have questions about altitude sickness or conditions that may make you susceptible, consult a medical professional for specific advice.

Conclusion: Best Places to Vacation in Colorado

We hope you found this article helpful and are excited for the perfect getaway. With so many Colorado vacation ideas, there's truly something for everyone. Whether you're hoping to enjoy winter sports, experience art and culture scenes, or enjoy warm weather during summer, Colorado has you covered!

If you plan to stop in Denver, be sure to book a spa day at Oakwell Beer Spa for one of the most unique experiences in the state.