Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the United States. From its stunning snow-capped mountains to its lush green valleys, it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy visiting Colorado every year. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of great places to explore in this gorgeous state. Here, we’ll explore the top 10 best places to visit in Colorado. From outdoor activities to cultural attractions and beyond, read on for an exciting tour of the Centennial State!
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
#1 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
One of the most beautiful places in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. With its majestic mountains, stunning scenery, and plethora of wildlife, it’s no wonder this park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state.
There are many different things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, whether you’re looking to hike, camp, or just take in the sights. Some of the most popular trails include:
- The Bear Lake Trailhead: This trail offers amazing views of Bear Lake and allows access to several other smaller lakes in the area.
- The Emerald Lake Trail: This moderate trail takes you around Emerald Lake and gives you the chance to see some magnificent mountain views.
- The Alberta Falls Trail: This short but strenuous hike takes you to Alberta Falls, a beautiful waterfall located on the edge of Glacier Creek.
No matter what your interests are, there’s sure to be something for everyone at Rocky Mountain National Park!
2. The Broadmoor
#2 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
The Broadmoor is a historic hotel located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The hotel opened in 1918 and was designed by architect J.C. Thompson. The Broadmoor is known for its luxury accommodations and is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike. The hotel offers a variety of amenities including an on-site spa, several restaurants, and a golf course. The Broadmoor is also home to a museum and art gallery.
See also; The 10 most beautiful places in the United States.
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
#3 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of the top zoos in the United States and is a must-see when visiting Colorado. This world-class zoo is located in Colorado Springs and features over 750 animals from around the world. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is also home to the tallest giraffe exhibit in North America and has a unique indoor/outdoor experience that cannot be missed.
4. Glenwood Springs
#4 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Glenwood Springs is one of the top best places to visit in Colorado. The city is located in the Rocky Mountains and offers a variety of activities for visitors. There are several ski resorts in the area, as well as hiking, biking, and fishing. The city also has a variety of shops and restaurants.
5. Mesa Verde National Park
#5 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Mesa Verde National Park is one of the best places to visit in Colorado. The park is home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the country. Visitors can explore these cliff dwellings and learn about the culture and history of the people who lived there. The park also has great hiking trails, scenic views, and a variety of wildlife.
See also; Top 10 most beautiful tourist attractions in California.
6. Denver
#6 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Denver, the capital of Colorado, is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. With an estimated population of 716,492 in 2019, Denver is the 19th-most populous city in the United States, the fifth-most populous state capital after Phoenix, Arizona, Austin, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio, and the most populous city located west of the Mississippi River.
The Denver downtown district is immediately east of Cherry Creek and approximately 12 mi (19 km) east of the confluence of South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Denver is nicknamed the Mile High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5280 feet or 1609.3 meters) above sea level. The 105th meridian west passes through Union Station and is a common reference point for measurement of elevation.
The City & County of Denver has defined 78 official neighborhoods that together contain a total area of 155 square miles (400 km2).
See also; Top rated tourists attractions in Florida.
7. Aspen
#7 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Aspen is a town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, United States. The town is situated in Pitkin County, at an elevation of about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. Aspen is known for its picturesque scenery, ski resorts, and luxury hotels. The town was founded in 1879 as a silver-mining camp. It rapidly became one of the richest silver-mining districts in the United States.
However, by 1893, the silver mines had played out and the town’s economy collapsed. Aspen then became a resort destination for wealthy Americans who built luxurious mansions and hotels. Today, Aspen is a popular tourist destination for outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. It is also home to several art galleries and museums.
See also; Top 10 coldest places on the earth.
8. Vail
#8 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Colorado is one of the most popular states in the US for outdoor enthusiasts and there are plenty of great places to visit. Vail is a world-renowned ski resort that offers excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as a variety of other winter activities. The town of Vail is also a great place to explore, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars. In the summer, Vail is a great base for exploring the nearby hiking trails and mountain biking trails.
9. Breckenridge
#9 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Breckenridge is one of the top best places to visit in Colorado. The town is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and offers stunning natural scenery, a variety of outdoor activities, and a rich history.
Breckenridge was founded in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush and was originally named after James B. Breckinridge, who served as Vice President of the United States from 1857 to 1861. Today, the town is home to about 4,500 people and is a popular tourist destination for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities. In addition to its outdoor recreation, Breckenridge also boasts a lively après-ski scene with numerous bars and restaurants.
10. Durango
#10 in Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Durango is a town in southwestern Colorado and the county seat of La Plata County. The town is a Home Rule Municipality that is the most populous town between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Salt Lake City, Utah. Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1880. The United States Census Bureau reports that the town has a total area of 6.8 square miles (17.6 km2), all land.
See also; Top 10 most beautiful towns in USA.
Culture and People of Colorado
The culture of Colorado is a mix of different influences, including the state’s Native American heritage, its history as a mining and ranching state, and its more recent influx of residents from other parts of the country. The state has a strong outdoor culture, with many residents and visitors enjoying activities such as hiking, skiing, and camping.
The people of Colorado are diverse and come from different backgrounds. The state has a relatively high percentage of residents who have relocated from other parts of the country, as well as a significant Hispanic population. Colorado also has a thriving arts and music scene, with many artists and musicians calling the state home.
The state’s capital, Denver, is also known for its growing food scene and the number of microbreweries and distilleries. Colorado is also known for its legal marijuana industry which draws many visitors. Overall, the people of Colorado are known for their friendly and open nature and the state is considered welcoming to all.
FAQ: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Colorado
What is the prettiest place in Colorado?
Colorado is one of the most beautiful states. Some most popular places in Colorado that are known for their natural beauty include Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, Maroon Bells, and Telluride.
What is the number 1 attraction in Colorado?
Rocky Mountain National Park is considered the number one attraction in Colorado. The park features 415 square miles of mountains, forests, alpine tundra, and wildflowers, and is home to a variety of wildlife including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
What is the most visited in Colorado?
Rocky Mountain National Park is the most visited attraction in Colorado. The park receives around 4.5-5 million visitors annually. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, as well as spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains.
What is Colorado famous for?
Colorado is famous for its natural beauty, particularly its Rocky Mountains and skiing destinations, like Vail and Aspen. The state also has a rich history, with many landmarks and sites related to mining and the Old West. Colorado is also known for its outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, biking, rafting, and skiing. Additionally, Colorado is known for its craft beer and legal marijuana industry.
What is best time to visit Colorado?
The best time to visit Colorado depends on what you want to do while you’re there.
For skiing and winter sports, the best time to visit is during the winter months (December to March).
For summer activities like hiking, camping and fishing, the best time to visit is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and dry.
For fall foliage viewing, September to October is the prime time.
For festivals and events, check the schedule and plan accordingly.
Overall, Colorado can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit will depend on your personal preferences and planned activities.