The Best Places to Vacation in Colorado: National Parks and More

Colorado has consistently been a top vacation destination because it has something for everyone. For many people, majestic natural areas and outdoor recreation are the first things that come to mind when they think of Colorado. But the state also has several cultural and historical attractions, thriving cities with unique venues, and world-class amenities. This guide covers the best places to vacation in Colorado.

We’ll explore urban destinations and discuss smaller towns, outdoor recreation, historical sites, and nature locations.

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 visit 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.

Garden of the Gods

Colorado Springs is also popular for its proximity to natural areas. Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark located within the city. The 1341-acre park is famous for its red rock formations. Steamboat Rock, Balanced Rock, and the Three Graces are some of the more famous and beloved rock formations. Visitors can enjoy rock climbing, horseback riding, and nature trails.

Pikes Peak

Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in America. It is located just twelve miles west of Colorado Springs in the Pike National Forest. It stands at 14,115 feet and is a National Historic Landmark. You can get to the summit via car, the world’s highest cog railway, or you can even climb the mountain.

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. Check out the historic Old Town Hot Springs. In the summer, the town is a destination for mountain bikers, with hundreds of miles of trails. Steamboat Springs made its name as a skiing destination. They even branded themselves as Ski Town, U.S.A.®. The Steamboat Ski resort is the major draw, offering 297 named trails. A $220 million multiyear renovation and improvement project has just been completed, giving visitors an even better skiing experience. 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.

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. Visitors who are concerned about or susceptible to altitude sickness may want to spend a day or two in Denver to acclimatize before exploring other 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 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. Their signature offering is Beer Bath Hydrotherapy, which allows you to relax in a cedar hydrotherapy tub filled with hops, barley, and herbs. And, of course, they have a taproom with a rotating selection of local craft beers.

Denver is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for all the amenities of a big city but still want easy access to nature and outdoor activities.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

The famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre is just outside of Denver. The venue is notable for the distinctive red sandstone formations that flank the amphitheater. Well-known and up-and-coming acts play Red Rocks throughout the concert season. You’ll definitely want to catch a show at this iconic venue. The park also features hiking and biking trails, a visitor center, and a trading post.

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. But don’t forget Telluride in the summer. 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.

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. Vail is a major winter destination. Visitors in the summer can expect 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.

Explore Colorado’s National Parks

There are four National Parks in Colorado. They all have something unique to offer. Rocky Mountain National Park is the easiest to access and busiest due to its proximity to the Front Range Urban Corridor, where most of Colorado’s population resides. The other three parks are more remote but are worth the trip. Consider making a circuit of all four of the National Parks in Colorado. A complete loop is about 1,000 miles, but it’s never more than a six-hour drive between parks.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The closest National Park to Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park provides four seasons of outdoor activities. Its 415 square miles contain mountains, lakes, meadows, trails, wildlife, and more. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding are available throughout the park in the winter. The park is busiest in the summer. They use 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.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Located in western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park contains the deepest sections of the majestic Black Canyon. The Gunnison River carved Black Canyon into one of the narrowest, deepest, and darkest canyons. Black Canyon is 2,722 feet at its deepest point and only 40 feet wide at the river at its narrowest point. The Painted Wall is the tallest cliff in Colorado, rising 2,250 feet above the river. There are campgrounds and hiking trails. Note that trails into the canyon are very strenuous.

Mesa Verde National Park

Located in the far southwest of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park is 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. It’s a 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.

Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve

Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve has alpine lakes, trails, and its famous sand dunes. It’s an International Dark Sky Park, which is perfect for stargazing on clear nights. 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.

Colorado for History Lovers

Colorado has several attractions, historic sites, and museums that appeal to history lovers of all kinds and ages. There are excellent museums in the major cities, but here we’re highlighting some places that are a little more off the beaten path.

Bent’s Old Fort

Located in Otero County in southeastern Colorado, Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site offers a chance to see a reconstructed adobe trading post and learn about the history of trading along the Sante Fe Trail. The original fort was constructed in 1833 and abandoned in 1849. It was eventually reduced to rubble but reconstructed in 1976 to coincide with the Colorado Centennial. Visitors can step back in time and learn about the history of westward expansion and early white settlers in Colorado.

Camp Amache

Students of history will want to visit the Amache National Historic Site in Granada. Formerly known as the Granada Relocation Center, Camp Amache held 10,000 incarcerated Japanese Americans during World War II. Visitors can learn about the forced relocation of Japanese Americans, most of whom were US citizens, from the West Coast. Amache is located about one hour east of Bent’s Old Fort, so you might want to see both National Historic Sites in a single trip.

National Mining Hall of Fame

Located in Leadville, the highest incorporated city in the US at an elevation of 10,119 feet, the National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum allows visitors to learn more about the work of miners and the mining industry. Mining has played an important role in Colorado’s history. Visitors can explore some of this history along with exhibits of mineral specimens and an elaborate model railroad.

Florissant Fossil Beds

One of the richest fossil deposits in the world is at Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument. Visitors can learn about the unique history and geology of this formation. There are thousands of fossils of insects and plants. Particularly striking are the petrified redwood stumps, some over fourteen feet wide. The fossil formation is approximately 34 million years old. This National Monument is less than an hour west of Colorado Springs.

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

Colorado truly has something for everyone. Many people think of Colorado as a winter sports paradise, which it certainly is. However, the state also features thriving cities with interesting art and culture scenes. National Parks and historic sites are spread throughout the state and offer recreation, entertainment, and education throughout the entire year. We hope this guide inspires you to explore some of the many great attractions Colorado has to offer.