Colorado · 27 Places · Best June-August, September-October
Colorado is a Rocky Mountain state renowned for world-class skiing, stunning national parks, and vibrant outdoor culture. From the soaring peaks of the Rockies to the red rock canyons of the southwest, Colorado offers some of America's most dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Colorado, nicknamed the Centennial State, became the 38th US state in 1876 and has grown into one of America's most popular destinations. The state encompasses 58 mountains over 14,000 feet, world-famous ski resorts, five national parks, and a thriving food and craft beer scene centered in Denver. Colorado's combination of urban sophistication and unspoiled wilderness makes it unique among US states.
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The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of America's most visited national parks featuring dramatic alpine scenery, abundant wildlife including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep, and over 350 miles of trails. Trail Ridge Road reaches 12,183 feet making it the highest continuous paved road in the US.
America's only UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated entirely to archaeology, Mesa Verde preserves over 600 ancient cliff dwellings built by Ancestral Puebloan peoples. Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in North America with 150 rooms and 23 kivas.
One of the world's most iconic outdoor concert venues, Red Rocks is carved into naturally occurring red sandstone formations that provide perfect acoustics. Even when no concert is scheduled, the park is open for hiking with spectacular views of Denver and the plains.
A stunning free public park featuring dramatic red sandstone rock formations rising up to 300 feet against a backdrop of snow-capped Pikes Peak. The park has 15 miles of trails, a free visitor center, and is one of the most photographed places in Colorado.
Home to North America's tallest sand dunes rising 750 feet above the San Luis Valley floor, with the dramatic Sangre de Cristo Mountains as a backdrop. The unique landscape includes a seasonal creek, conifer forests, and alpine lakes just beyond the dunes.
The most photographed mountain scene in Colorado, the Maroon Bells are two peaks over 14,000 feet perfectly reflected in Maroon Lake. Surrounded by the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness, the area offers world-class hiking and fall aspen foliage.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Denver's most historic and prestigious hotel since 1892, The Brown Palace features a stunning atrium lobby with stained glass ceiling and has hosted every US president since Teddy Roosevelt. This National Historic Landmark sits at the heart of downtown Denver.
Check rates on Booking.comColorado's grandest resort, The Broadmoor is a magnificent Spanish Renaissance palace at the foot of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs. With three PGA championship golf courses, a world-class spa, and nine restaurants, this five-star resort is one of America's finest.
Check rates on Booking.comAspen's most storied hotel, Hotel Jerome has operated since 1889 and is a National Historic Landmark. This beautifully restored Victorian hotel offers mountain sophistication with the renowned J-Bar cocktail lounge and an exceptional location on Aspen's main street.
Check rates on Booking.comAspen's only ski-in/ski-out five-star property, The Little Nell sits steps from the Silver Queen Gondola base. This intimate 92-room hotel is renowned for its impeccable personalized service, Element 47 restaurant with 20,000-bottle wine cellar, and the best ski access in Aspen.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
One of Denver's most acclaimed restaurants, Fruition is a James Beard Award nominee led by chef Alex Seidel. The intimate 50-seat restaurant showcases Colorado farm-to-table cuisine with ingredients from the chef's own Fruition Farm.
Chef Jennifer Jasinski's flagship restaurant on Larimer Square has been a Denver dining institution for over 15 years. The Mediterranean-inspired menu with local Colorado ingredients earned multiple James Beard nominations.
Chef Alex Seidel's farm-to-table restaurant inside Denver's Union Station features a curated provisions shop, excellent cocktail program, and seasonal American cuisine highlighting Colorado's best local farms and producers.
Chef Dana Rodriguez's award-winning Italian restaurant at Denver Union Station features hand-crafted pastas, an extensive Italian wine list, and James Beard-nominated service. One of Denver's finest dining experiences.
Denver's premier steakhouse with prime dry-aged beef, an exceptional wine and cocktail program, and a stunning two-story space. Chef Troy Guard's flagship is consistently ranked among Colorado's best restaurants.
A Denver cult favorite in RiNo with slow-cooked meats, Colorado green chile, and an energetic atmosphere in a converted warehouse. Work and Class embodies Denver's no-pretense, flavor-forward dining ethos.
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Colorado is a large state best explored by car. Denver has good public transit, but mountain towns require driving or shuttle services. The state's dramatic terrain means roads can be challenging in winter.
Daily spend by tier in USD, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $35 | $120 | $300 |
| Food (per day) | $20 | $50 | $120 |
| Transportation | $10 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $15 | $15 | $40 |
| Daily total | $80 | $200 | $500+ |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Colorado.
Acclimatize for 24-48 hours before strenuous hiking or skiing - altitude sickness is a real risk above 8,000 feet and can affect even fit, healthy people
Check weather forecasts before mountain drives - snow and ice can close passes year-round and visibility can drop to zero quickly
Always tell someone your hiking plans and expected return time before venturing into backcountry
Carry water and snacks - Colorado's dry climate and high altitude cause rapid dehydration; drink 3-4 liters per day when active
Wear sunscreen SPF 50+ - UV radiation is 25-50% stronger at Colorado's elevation than at sea level
Watch for afternoon thunderstorms in summer - lightning is deadly above treeline and storms develop rapidly from noon onward
Never approach wildlife, especially moose (more dangerous than bears), elk during rut season, and black bears - maintain 75-foot minimum distance
Check road conditions at cotrip.org before driving mountain passes - conditions change rapidly
Cannabis is legal in Colorado but cannot be consumed in public spaces, vehicles, or national parks - designated consumption areas exist
Carry bear spray when hiking in backcountry areas - black bears are active throughout Colorado and encounters are possible
Layer your clothing - mountain weather can change from warm and sunny to cold and snowing in minutes at altitude
Snow chains or AWD/4WD are required on many mountain roads during winter under Colorado Traction Law - know the rules before driving
Wildfire smoke can significantly affect air quality June-August - check airnow.gov before outdoor activities
Drinking water from streams and lakes requires filtration even in Colorado's remote backcountry - giardia is present
Flash floods can occur in narrow canyons during summer rainstorms - never camp in canyon bottoms and check weather before canyon hikes
Colorado is generally a safe destination with typical urban crime concerns in larger cities and specific outdoor safety risks related to altitude, weather, and wildlife. The most significant risks are altitude sickness, rapidly changing mountain weather, and traffic accidents on mountain roads. Prepare appropriately for outdoor activities and the high-altitude environment. Emergency services: police at 911, medical at 911.
The best time to visit Colorado is June-August, September-October. Colorado has a semi-arid continental climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. The state's extraordinary elevation range (3,315 to 14,440 feet) creates dramatically different microclimates - De
Entry requirements follow United States rules. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Colorado is the US Dollar (USD). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Colorado: English, Spanish. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Colorado include Rocky Mountain National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Garden of the Gods, and Great Sand Dunes National Park. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
Car is king in Colorado outside of Denver metro. Mountain roads require AWD or 4WD in winter. The state has excellent scenic drives but distances between destinations can be significant.
