12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado (Road Trip Guide)
Towering red rock canyons, turquoise alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, scenic drives through the Rockies and some of the most dramatic national parks in the US – Colorado is one of those places that make you want to stop every five minutes and take it all in. It’s also a huge state, so deciding where to go and what to prioritise can be tricky. Here are the 12 best places to visit in Colorado, plus everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable road trip.
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Colorado is a year-round outdoor adventure playground that keeps on giving. With such diverse landscapes, you could be hiking to an alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks one day, and the next you’re driving through dramatic canyons or wandering around a pretty mountain town.
From iconic national parks like Rocky Mountain National Park to scenic towns like Aspen and Estes Park, there are so many incredible places to go in Colorado – whether you’re planning a full Colorado road trip or just a long weekend.
Many of the best places to visit in Colorado are best explored in summer when the mountain roads reopen, hiking trails are clear of snow, and alpine lakes turn that striking shade of turquoise you can’t quite work out if it’s real or not.
Colorado is also incredible for wildlife spotting, and we saw animals here we’d never seen before. As you drive through the mountains, keep your eyes peeled and cameras handy for elk, moose, eagles, black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and plenty more – sometimes right by the side of the road.
In this guide, we’re sharing the places to go in Colorado that we think are actually worth prioritising – from famous highlights to quieter off-the-beaten-path spots – plus tips for planning your Colorado itinerary, including the best time to visit, how to get around and how many days we’d recommend.
Our Colorado trip was actually our first holiday together back in 2017 when we lived in Whistler, so it will always hold special meaning to us. And, while we’ve updated all of the information and some of the photos in this guide, we’ve kept some of the old photos in, so excuse the poor quality, but enjoy photos of us looking so young!
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Contents
Why Visit Colorado?
Colorado is one of those places that makes you want to stop and pull over every 5 minutes. One minute you’re driving through winding mountain roads with views of endless snow-capped peaks in every direction, the next you’re passing a herd of elk by the side of the road or driving through a massive canyon.
It’s ideal whether you’re planning a full Colorado road trip itinerary or just a long weekend away. You’ve got the top spots like Rocky Mountain National Park and Garden of the Gods, which are a must-visit for a reason, scenic drives like the Trail Ridge Road and the Independence Pass and beautiful towns like Aspen and Estes Park.
Colorado is one of the best places in the US for outdoor adventures. Hiking, paddleboarding, wildlife spotting, biking, hot springs, scenic train rides, even skiing in winter – there are so many things to do in Colorado you could easily stay for weeks.
One of the things we loved most about our trip was the variety. Some of the top places to visit in Colorado are famous for good reason, but some of the quieter, less touristy spots ended up being real highlights. It’s a state that rewards slowing down, taking the scenic route and stopping whenever there’s a lookout.
Map of the Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Use the map below to help plan your Colorado road trip and see where each destination is. Some places are easy day trips if you’re staying for a long weekend in places like Colorado Springs or Aspen, while others are best combined into a longer Colorado itinerary.
Our top tip: Colorado is actually much bigger than it looks on a map. Distances are further than they appear, and combine that with windy mountain roads and plenty of stops at lookouts, and it can take longer to drive than you realise.
Quick Guide: Best Places to Visit in Colorado by Type
If you’re planning a trip, not every stop needs to make the list, especially if you only have a few days. It’s best to slow down and spend longer somewhere rather than rushing to your next destination and not fully appreciating where you are.
Some places are best for first-time visitors, some are perfect for a summer road trip, some for avid hikers and others for scenic viewpoints if you don’t fancy being too active.
Best Cities to Visit in Colorado
If you want a mix of scenery, good food and drink and easy access to outdoor adventures, start with Denver, Colorado Springs and Aspen.
Denver is great for a city break with mountain views, amazing food and a thriving craft beer scene. It’s also close to the Red Rocks and the Rocky Mountain National Park for hiking. Colorado Springs is perfect for Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and incredible mountain scenery. Aspen is smaller and more luxurious, with epic hiking, snow-capped peaks, scenic drives, and plenty to do all year round.
Top Places to Visit in Colorado in Summer
If you’re looking for places to visit in Colorado in summer, this is when the state really opens up – mountain roads reopen, hiking trails are clear of snow, and the lakes and wildflowers are at their best.
Maroon Bells is one of the most famous spots for a reason, with gorgeous lake reflections and year-round snowy peaks. Twin Lakes is great for water-based adventures like paddleboarding and kayaking, and always feels quite peaceful. Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic drives in the world, with vast mountain views and wildlife, and Emerald Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the best hikes for your classic Colorado views.
Best Scenic Stops for a Colorado Road Trip
You don’t need to spend a whole day in many of these places. Some are a quick stop as you’re passing through, and others can be visited in a couple of hours before moving on to your next destination.
Garden of the Gods and Cave of the Winds are stops just before Colorado Springs on your way from Twin Lakes. Garden of the Gods is also one of the best places to visit in Colorado for free. Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the state and can be easily hiked in a few hours from Glenwood Springs before driving on to Aspen through Glenwood Canyon and the Independence Pass.
Best Places to Visit in Colorado for First-Time Visitors
For a first trip, we’d prioritise Denver, the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado Springs and Maroon Bells. This gives you a great mix of cities, mountains, scenic drives, wildlife and classic Colorado scenery without trying to cover too much.
The 12 Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Whether you’re planning a full Colorado road trip itinerary or just looking for a few unforgettable stops to add to your trip, these are the places we think are most worth your time.
Here are the 12 best places to visit in Colorado.
Hanging Lake
Why Visit Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado and one of the most popular things to do in Glenwood Springs. It’s tucked away inside Glenwood Canyon in the White River Forest National Park and is famous for its striking emerald water, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls spilling down the rocks into the lake.
It feels really unexpected. You start the hike next to a rather busy highway and suddenly arrive somewhere that couldn’t be any different. A peaceful oasis surrounded by dramatic scenery.
Things to Do at Hanging Lake
The main reason to visit is to hike to Hanging Lake itself. At 1.9km, it’s a short hike, but it’s pretty steep and rocky. There are plenty of places to stop for a break overlooking the fairly epic Glenwood Canyon (more about that later).
Our Top Tip
To hike Hanging Lake, you’ll need to book a permit in advance, and tickets sell out quickly in summer. Try to book an early morning slot as it’s cooler and much quieter before the crowds arrive.
Where to Stay
Glenwood Springs is the best base for visiting Hanging Lake. It’s a lovely mountain town with hot springs, good restaurants and easy access to both Hanging Lake and Glenwood Canyon.
Twin Lakes
Why Visit Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes was our favourite stop on our Colorado road trip itinerary and hands down the most peaceful place we visited.
It sits at the base of Mount Elbert, Colorado’s highest peak and has incredible mountain views, calm water, and feels really relaxed and laidback. Compared to some of the busier spots in the state, it feels much quieter – it’s the perfect place to slow down and recharge.
Things to Do at Twin Lakes
The main reason for visiting is simply to enjoy the lakes. Exploring them by kayak or paddleboard is one of the best things to do in Colorado, especially in the morning when the water is calm, and the whole place feels incredibly peaceful. Fishing is also popular.
There are also several hiking trails nearby. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do any hiking here, but there are routes around the lakes, as well as longer trails into the surrounding mountains. If you’re short on time during your Colorado road trip, Twin Lakes also works perfectly as a scenic stop between Aspen and Colorado Springs, as you literally drive straight past it.
Our Top Tip
Head up to Lakeview Campground for one of the best views of Twin Lakes that you can reach by car.
The best reflections of the mountains in the water are early morning, so try to visit early.
Where to Stay
The village of Twin Lakes has a few accommodation options, including some beautiful luxury cabins overlooking the lakes, as well as cheaper, cosy cabins just a short walk from the water.
Alternatively, if you’d prefer more restaurant options and a slightly livelier atmosphere, Buena Vista is a great base.
We planned to camp at Lakeview Campground; however, we arrived a bit late in the season, and it was closed, so we found a spot right next to the lake. (I’m fairly sure you’re not actually allowed to do this, but we had been driving for a long time and were out of accommodation options. Learn from our mistake and plan ahead!)
Maroon Bells
Why Visit Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells is one of the most famous places to visit in Colorado, and honestly, it deserves the hype. It’s so iconic that they’re some of the most photographed mountains in the US!
The two snow-capped peaks stand at over 4,300 metres, towering above Maroon Lake, and on a clear, calm day, they’re perfectly reflected in the water (which, unfortunately, it wasn’t when we visited).
This is one of those places where photos never quite do it justice – you really have to see it in person to fully appreciate just how incredible it is. The mountains are absolutely massive and make you feel so unbelievably small standing next to them.
If you’re planning a Colorado road trip, Maroon Bells are definitely worth prioritising.
Things to Do at Maroon Bells
The main reason for visiting is the famous lake view, but there’s so much more to do in the area.
If you’re short on time or don’t fancy too much hiking, the short 1.5-kilometre trail around Maroon Lake is perfect for soaking up the views. There are also longer hikes like the Crater Lake Trail, which take you further into the mountains and away from the busiest areas.
It’s also one of the best places to go in Colorado for wildlife spotting, so keep on the lookout for elk, deer and moose.
Our Top Tip
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Maroon Bells, when the whole area lights up with golden aspens and deep red colours. In summer, the wildflowers are beautiful, and the mountains feel completely different.
Visit as early as possible. Sunrise is when the reflections on the lake are at their best, and it’s much quieter before the crowds arrive. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Colorado, so it gets busy quickly.
During summer, access is limited, and you’ll need to book a parking space or shuttle bus in advance. These sell out fast, so plan ahead.
Where to Stay
The pretty alpine town of Aspen is the best base for visiting Maroon Bells and is only a short drive away. It has great bars and restaurants, and some gorgeous hotels, making it a lovely place to stay for a few nights.
It does come with quite a hefty price tag, so if you’re looking for somewhere more budget-friendly, Snowmass, Glenwood Springs or Buena Vista can be good alternatives, depending on your Colorado itinerary.
Emerald Lake
Why Visit Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is one of the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Colorado for first-time visitors.
The trail takes you past Nymph Lake and Dream Lake (more on those later) before reaching the crystal-clear water of Emerald Lake itself. Tucked away in the Rockies, it sits at the base of Hallett Peak and the jagged summit of Flattop Mountain, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the park.
Things to Do at Emerald Lake
The main reason to visit is the hike and, of course, the lake itself. The Emerald Lake Trail is around 5.3km return, with a steady uphill climb but nothing too strenuous.
The views are incredible the entire way. You’ll pass Nymph Lake first and then Dream Lake, before finally reaching Emerald Lake at the end – all the while being surrounded by huge mountain peaks and beautiful alpine scenery.
If you’re visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike is easily one of the best things to do in Colorado and a hike we’d definitely recommend prioritising.
Our Top Tip
Start the hike as early as possible. Parking at the Bear Lake Trailhead fills up incredibly quickly, especially in summer, and this is one of the busiest areas in the park.
If you’re here between May and mid-October, you’ll need a timed entry reservation for Rocky Mountain National Park, so make sure you book that in advance. You also need a park pass, which can either be bought in person at the entrance or online in advance.
Sunrise is especially beautiful, and visiting early means you’ll avoid both the biggest crowds and the afternoon thunderstorms that are common in summer.
Where to Stay
Estes Park is the best base for visiting Emerald Lake and the Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a lovely mountain town with plenty of restaurants, cosy cabins and great access to some of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer.
If you want to stay inside the park itself, there are campgrounds and lodges nearby. These book up quickly, especially in summer.
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Glenwood Canyon
Why Visit Glenwood Canyon
Glenwood Canyon is one of the most scenic places to visit in Colorado, and it deserves more than just driving straight through.
It was carved by the Colorado River over 3 million years. It stretches for 20km, and the 400-metre cliffs rise dramatically on either side of the highway.
If you’re planning a Colorado road trip, Glenwood Canyon is a natural stop between Denver and Aspen.
Things to Do at Glenwood Canyon
The drive is just one of the few ways you can enjoy the canyon.
The Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path runs alongside the river and is perfect for walking or cycling – a much more relaxed way of taking in the scenery than in the car. Hanging Lake, which we talked about earlier, is here and one of the most popular hikes in Colorado. The trail also offers some great views of the canyon as you climb higher.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go rafting on the Colorado River, stop at viewpoints along the highway, or head into the laidback mountain town of Glenwood Springs for its famous hot springs and a stroll around the town.
Glenwood Canyon is also a great place for wildlife spotting, particularly bighorn sheep, deer, elk, black bears, mountain lions and bald eagles.
Our Top Tip
Don’t treat Glenwood Canyon as just a drive-through stop. Combine it with Hanging Lake or a stroll around Glenwood Springs.
Early morning or late afternoon is especially beautiful when the light hits the canyon walls.
Where to Stay
Glenwood Springs is a great base for visiting Glenwood Canyon and is one of the best places to stay on a Colorado road trip. It’s a lovely mountain town with hot springs, good restaurants, and easy access to both the canyon and nearby hikes.
It also works perfectly as an overnight stop between Denver and Aspen.
Garden of the Gods
Why Visit Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is one of the best places to visit in Colorado for free and one of the most unique yet iconic stops on any Colorado itinerary.
Just outside Colorado Springs, the park is famous for its huge red rock formations that rise straight out of the ground, with Pikes Peak towering in the background.
What makes it even better is how easy it is to visit. Unlike many of the longer hikes and remote spots, you can see some amazing views with very little effort, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time.
Things to Do at Garden of the Gods
The famous rock formations are the main draw, and there are several ways you can explore them.
The most popular way is on foot. There are around 24km of trails winding around the red rocks, ranging from short, easy walks to longer hikes.
The Perkins Central Garden Trail is the easiest and most popular route. It’s a 2.4km paved loop, fully wheelchair accessible, and takes you through some of the most impressive rocks in the park. If you’d like something longer, some of the trails stretch to around 10km.
You can also explore the park by bike, horse, segway or jeep tour, and rock climbing is another popular way to experience the dramatic landscape.
You can spot lots of wildlife, including deer, bighorn sheep, foxes and plenty of birds of prey.
Our Top Tip
Visit early in the morning or around sunset if you can. The light on the red rocks is much better, temperatures are cooler in summer, and it feels far less crowded than in the middle of the day (and it gets busy!).
The park is completely free to visit, including parking. If the car park is full, you can park at the Visitor Centre or the overflow car park and use the free shuttle to reach the trails.
Where to Stay
Colorado Springs is the best place for visiting Garden of the Gods and one of the best cities to visit in Colorado for a mix of city, mountains and easy access to outdoor adventures.
There are plenty of hotel options, from budget stays to luxury resorts, and it’s also a great base for visiting Pikes Peak and Seven Falls.
Browse all activities at Garden of the Gods
The Broadmoor Seven Falls
Why Visit the Broadmoor Seven Falls
The Broadmoor Seven Falls is the only waterfall in Colorado to make it onto National Geographic’s list of international waterfalls.
Despite the name, there aren’t actually seven waterfalls. Instead, the water makes seven leaps as it cascades down the rock face through a narrow box canyon.
The walk leading up to the falls has been named “the grandest mile of scenery in Colorado”, and it really lives up to it. You follow a path alongside a creek through the canyon, with huge towering cliffs on either side – it feels incredibly dramatic.
The walk is around 1.3km along a paved road with a very slight incline, so it’s easy and accessible for most people.
Things to Do at Broadmoor Seven Falls
One of the best things to do in Colorado is to experience the waterfall from different angles. You can stand at the base and look up at the 55-metre cascade, or climb the 224 steps alongside the falls for a closer view and a completely different perspective looking back down into the canyon.
If you’d prefer something easier, there’s also an elevator that takes you partway up, making this one of the more accessible things to do in Colorado.
At the top, you’ll find a few short hiking trails that open up wider views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
If you’re after something a bit more adventurous, there’s also a zipline course that takes you high above the canyon, giving you a completely different perspective of the cliffs and waterfalls.
This is one of the best places to visit in Colorado, and can easily be combined with Garden of the Gods and lunch in Colorado Springs for a great day out.
Our Top Tip
It’s worth visiting later in the afternoon if you can. After dark, the falls are illuminated, which gives the whole place a completely different feel.
You’ll need to park at 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd, Colorado Springs (The Norris Penrose Event Center) and take the free shuttle bus to the entrance.
We’d recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak times.
Where to Stay
Seven Falls is in Colorado Springs, one of the best cities in Colorado and a great base for exploring the surrounding area.
If you’re after something unique and more luxurious, The Broadmoor is a gorgeous resort with mountain views and wilderness experiences.
Trail Ridge Road
Why Visit the Trail Ridge Road
The Trail Ridge Road is one of the most scenic drives in the US, and easily one of the best places to visit in Colorado for incredible mountain views (especially if you don’t want to hike for them).
It spans 77km between Estes Park and Grand Lake and reaches over 3,700 metres in elevation. As you drive, you climb above the tree line into the alpine tundra, where the landscape completely changes, and the views stretch for miles in every direction across the endless mountain peaks.
Driving the Trail Ridge Road is easily one of the best things to do in Colorado. The roads wind through the mountains and across wide open ridgelines; you’ll want to continually pull over and take photos.
Things to Do on the Trail Ridge Road
You’ll want to spend a few hours driving the Trail Ridge Road rather than doing it all in one go. There are tons of viewpoints you can stop at and take in the views, as well as short walking trails where you can explore the alpine tundra more closely.
Depending on your Colorado itinerary and if you’ve got more time, you can turn it into a big hiking day with several trailheads along the drive, taking you further into the surrounding mountains.
This is also one of the best places in Colorado for wildlife spotting. Within 5 minutes of being on the road, we’d seen moose, elk, deer and a coyote!
Our Top Tip
Take your time driving the Trail Ridge Road. No one’s driving particularly fast as everyone is enjoying the views and spotting wildlife.
Start as early as possible, as it’ll be quieter and the drive will take longer than you think. We hiked to Emerald Lake before the drive and didn’t reach Grand Lake until it was dark, as we kept stopping. This wasn’t ideal, as we then had to drive to Glenwood Springs and arrived really late.
Check the road conditions before you go. The road is only open from late spring to early autumn due to snow, and opening dates vary each year depending on weather conditions.
If you don’t have a car, you can book a tour of the Rocky Mountain National Park with a knowledgeable guide. This is a great way to experience the Trail Ridge Road as the guide will point out wildlife and areas of interest along the way.
Where to Stay
Estes Park is the best base for driving the Trail Ridge Road, with lots of accommodation options for every budget and plenty of bars and restaurants.
On the other side of the Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake is much quieter and a great place to stay if your Colorado road trip is continuing west. We actually drove all the way to Glenwood Springs, which, in hindsight, was a bit ambitious.
If you’re heading in that direction, we’d recommend staying in Grand Lake instead and starting the drive early the next morning.
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Cave of the Winds
Why Visit Cave of the Winds
This was a bit of a spontaneous stop on our Colorado road trip, just before we reached Colorado Springs. We hadn’t heard of it or planned to visit, but we saw the signs and decided to pull over – mainly because the views looked pretty good.
Cave of the Winds is a network of caves tucked into the side of a mountain. We actually didn’t go into the caves ourselves and just enjoyed the views over the surrounding landscape, which are worth the stop on their own.
If you do have the time, though, it’s worth heading inside. The caves take you underground through narrow passageways, rock formations and chambers that have been forming for millions of years, offering a completely different experience to the rest of your Colorado itinerary.
Things to Do at Cave of the Winds
There are quite a few ways to experience the caves, depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.
There are several cave tours, ranging from easy, well-lit walking routes to more adventurous experiences where you’re crawling and squeezing through tighter spaces, all while learning about the history and formation of the caves.
Above ground, there’s also an adventure park with a mix of activities. You’ll find an obstacle course that takes you out to a viewpoint looking directly into the canyon, an aerial ride with incredible views (perfect if you’re after a bit of a thrill), climbing walls and more.
Our Top Tip
Book your tours and activities in advance, especially in summer, as time slots fill up quickly.
If you’re not sure which tour to choose, the Discovery Tour is a great starting point and suits most people. But if you’re after something a bit different, the more adventurous tours are what really make this place stand out.
Where to Stay
Colorado Springs is the best base for visiting Cave of the Winds and is one of the best cities to visit in Colorado for a mix of things to do and easy access to nearby spots, including Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls and Pikes Peak. It’s a great city for food and drink, with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Dream Lake
Why Visit Dream Lake
Dream Lake is one of the most popular spots in the Rocky Mountain National Park, and easy to include in your Colorado itinerary if you’re already hiking to Emerald Lake.
It sits slightly lower down along the trail and offers wide-open views across the water to the surrounding peaks.
Things to Do at Dream Lake
If you’re hiking to Emerald Lake, you’ll naturally pass Dream Lake, so make sure you stop to take it all in rather than rushing by. If you’re short on time or don’t fancy the longer walk, the route to Dream Lake is an easy 3.2km out-and-back hike.
Our Top Tip
Arrive early in the morning if you want a chance to park at the Bear Lake Trailhead, or you can use the shuttle.
Also, the earlier you arrive, the calmer the water will be, and you may be lucky to see Hallett Peak beautifully reflecting in the water.
Where to Stay
As with Emerald Lake, Estes Park is the best base for visiting Dream Lake and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
It’s also one of the most convenient places to stay in Colorado, with easy access to the park and plenty of accommodation options for every budget, as well as great bars and restaurants.
Nymph Lake
Why Visit Nymph Lake
Nymph Lake is the first stop on the way to reach Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, and it’s well worth a quick break to enjoy the views.
It’s smaller than the other lakes, but it’s full of lily pads and surrounded by forest, so it feels really calm and peaceful (although it’s the busiest).
Things to Do at Nymph Lake
If you just want a quick taste of Rocky Mountain National Park scenery, hiking to Nymph Lake is one of the best things to do in Colorado, as it’s a 1.8km round-trip with an elevation gain of 77m. The trail is also paved and well-maintained due to the volume of traffic.
There are picnic benches dotted around the lake, and it’s a great spot for photos, especially when the water is covered with lilies.
Our Top Tip
This lake is the busiest of the three, as many people stop here and don’t go any further. So arrive as early as possible when it’s at its quietest and most peaceful.
If you’re here in summer, the area will be full of colourful wildflowers. We visited in September, so unfortunately, we were a bit late to see them.
Where to Stay
As with Dream Lake and Emerald Lake, Estes Park is the best base for visiting Nymph Lake.
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Denver
Why Visit Denver
Denver is often the start or end of a Colorado road trip itinerary, but it’s much more than just a hub. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Colorado if you want a mix of city life and easy access to the mountains.
The city itself has such great energy. It’s relaxed, outdoorsy, people are out enjoying the 300 days of sunshine a year, and it has a thriving food and drink scene.
Why Visit Denver
Denver is often the start or end of a Colorado road trip itinerary, but it’s much more than just a hub. It’s one of the best cities to visit in Colorado if you want a mix of city life and easy access to the mountains.
The city itself has such great energy. It’s relaxed, outdoorsy, people are out enjoying the 300 days of sunshine a year, and it has a thriving food and drink scene.
Things to Do in Denver
Denver is so much more than just the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
It’s known for its booming culinary scene, where you can really experience the city’s creativity and culture. It’s especially known for its breweries, with a huge craft beer scene and plenty of places to try local beers. There are also great cafes, cocktail and rooftop bars with incredible views across the city out to the mountains. Our favourite is Peaks Lounge.
One of the best things to do in Denver is a food tour of some of the city’s top restaurants, trying some amazing local food and learning about the chefs behind them.
Visiting Red Rocks Amphitheatre is one of the top places to visit in Colorado and one of the most famous spots in Denver. Colorado is littered with giant red rock formations, and this place is one of the most impressive.
It’s actually a concert venue built into the red rocks, and musicians including The Beatles, Sonny & Cher, Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Nicks have played here. Check the schedule to see if there are any performances on for your Colorado road trip. If not, there are several hiking and biking trails you can explore.
If you’re after museums, the Denver Art Museum is one of the best, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces if you just want to relax for a bit.
If you don’t want to keep checking in and out of hotels, Denver is a great base for day trips. Within a couple of hours, you can be hiking in the Rocky Mountains, driving scenic mountain roads, spotting wildlife, or relaxing by a peaceful lake.
Browse some of the best day trips from Denver below and click on an image to learn more.
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Our Top Tip
If you can, time your visit with a concert or event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Unfortunately, we didn’t, but we’ve seen videos and photos, and it looks like a proper, unique bucketlist experience with the acoustics and dramatic scenery.
Spend a few days in Denver soaking up the atmosphere. Don’t just rush through it as a start or end of your Colorado road trip.
Where to Stay
Downtown Denver is the most convenient area to stay, especially around Union Station, where you’ll have easy access to transport, restaurants and bars.
If you fancy somewhere with a bit more character, RiNo (River North) is a great option with lots of independent cafes, breweries, concert venues and art galleries.
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Which Places in Colorado Are Actually Worth Prioritising?
With so many amazing places to visit in Colorado, it’s not always easy to decide where to prioritise – especially if it’s your first visit, or you’re short on time. Here’s how we would prioritise it based on our experience.
If It’s Your First Time in Colorado
If you want a mix of everything Colorado is known for, focus your time on Denver, the Rocky Mountain National Park (driving the Trail Ridge Road), Colorado Springs (visiting Garden of the Gods) and Maroon Bells.
This gives you a great balance of city, mountains, scenic drives, dramatic landscapes and wildlife spotting, without trying to cram too much in. It’s the perfect introduction to the state and works well as a shorter Colorado itinerary or the start of a longer road trip.
If You’re Looking For Quieter Spots
Colorado is incredibly popular, and for good reason. Many of the must-visit spots are super crowded by mid-morning. Saying that, however, there are a couple of places we visited that were much quieter, and you could escape the bulk of the crowds.
Twin Lakes is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places we stayed at. With spectacular mountain views and a really relaxed feel, this was one of our favourite places on our Colorado road trip. Glenwood Canyon is another great option, especially if you spend a bit of time and explore the hiking trails, as most people drive straight through.
If You Love Hiking
If hiking is your top priority, the Rocky Mountain National Park is your best base.
The trails to Emerald Lake, Dream Lake and Nymph Lake are some of the best in the park, but there are endless trails which will take you further into the mountains and also away from the crowds.
Hanging Lake with its striking turquoise colour is another standout – it’s short but steep, and the views at the top make it one of the most memorable hikes in Colorado.
If You’re Short on Time
If you only have a few days, we’d recommend basing yourself in either Denver or Colorado Springs and exploring from there.
Denver gives you a great mix of food, drink and easy access to the mountains, while Colorado Springs is perfect for visiting Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls and Cave of the Winds.
Both are easy to get to and work really well if you’re not planning a full Colorado road trip, but still want to see some of the best places to go in Colorado. They’re also only an hour apart, so you could spend a few days in each and get a great taste of this beautiful state.
Tips For Planning Your Colorado Road Trip
Best Time to Visit Colorado
Colorado is a year-round adventure destination with skiing, snowboarding and other snow activities in the winter, and hiking, biking and summer adventures from late spring to early autumn (snow dependent).
For this Colorado itinerary, we’d say June to September is the best time. Many of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer are harder to access earlier in the year because of snow. Come June, the weather is warmer, most hiking trails are clear of snow, mountain roads reopen, and the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Saying that, autumn is a great time to visit Colorado, especially when the aspens turn those striking shades of gold and orange. Just be aware that snow can arrive surprisingly early in the mountains. We visited at the end of September, and although we were hiking in shorts to Emerald Lake, we almost couldn’t drive the Trail Ridge Road because of snowfall at the top. Luckily, it reopened around midday at the last minute.
How Many Days Do You Need for a Colorado Itinerary?
Colorado is a huge state, and driving distances almost always take longer than you expect. Partly because the mountain roads are narrow and winding, but also because you’ll want to stop at every viewpoint and take photos.
For this Colorado road trip itinerary, we’d recommend at least a week, preferably closer to 10 days, so you can explore at a slower pace and spend a couple of days in places like Denver, Glenwood Springs, Aspen and Colorado Springs.
How to Get Around Colorado
For this Colorado road trip, you definitely need a car. Some of the best places to go in Colorado are difficult (or impossible) to reach by public transport, especially the quieter off-the-beaten-track spots.
Having a car also gives you complete freedom and flexibility. You can travel at your own pace, take scenic detours whenever something catches your eye and arrive at the hotspots earlier than the day-trip crowds.
If driving isn’t an option, the best thing to do is to base yourself in Colorado Springs or Denver and take organised day trips from there. Both cities have plenty of tours that take you into the mountains and to some of Colorado’s most famous sights.
Another great option is joining a multi-day tour. Most include transport, accommodation and your itinerary, so you can simply relax and completely enjoy your Colorado road trip without worrying about the logistics.
Currency
The currency used in Colorado is the US Dollar. At the time of writing, 1 USD is equal to around 0.74 GBP.
Visa For the US
As a UK passport holder, you’ll need an ESTA visa waiver to enter the US for 90 days for tourism.
If you hold a different passport, check the official US Government website for the latest requirements before travelling.
What Plug Do I Need For the US?
In the US, you’ll need plug types A or B. Both have two flat parallel pins, while type B also has a grounding pin.
The US also operates on a lower voltage (120V compared to 230V in the UK), so you may need a voltage converter. Learn from my mistake and don’t plug your GHDs straight in unless they’re compatible – mine blew up and tripped the fuse in our accommodation.
We hope this guide has helped you plan your Colorado itinerary and decide which places are actually worth prioritising. If you have any questions while planning your trip – or just want to say hi – leave us a comment below 😊
And if you’d like to follow along with our travels in real time, including hidden gems and behind-the-scenes-scenes moments, come and find us on Instagram.
You can also check out some of our other USA travel guides below for more road trip ideas, itineraries and inspiration.
