Top 10 Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA

Last Updated: Aug 10 , 2024 | Travelmoo Diary

Colorado is a year-round destination that captivates the imagination and inspires the soul with its dramatic landscapes and natural beauty. This state is stunning, and its diversity is remarkable, ranging from the majestic Rocky Mountains to rolling hills, beautiful alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and the high desert of the Colorado Plateau.

The mountain towns beckon skiers, hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and various outdoor enthusiasts, but they are also great places to experience peace and enjoy the mountain environment.

Visitors will find the best ways to explore the wonderful spots the state offers through scenic drives along parks and state highways.

To gain a better understanding and appreciation of the cultures that once inhabited the region and the dinosaurs that once roamed this land, several national parks and monuments can be visited.

Colorado is an unbeatable destination that will make you rethink your future travel plans. Use our list to include the best places to visit in Colorado in your travel plans.

1. Catch a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

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This place will take your concert experience to the next level. The bleacher-style seating at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is carved into a hillside and is surrounded by a circular sandstone formation. Visitors highly praise the sound quality of this venue, calling it one of the best and most unique places to see live performances. Concerts typically take place from April to November; check the event schedule to see when your favorite artists are performing.

Even if you can’t attend a show, Red Rocks is a great place to visit during the day. There are several hiking trails around the concert area, including the easy Trading Post Trail (1.4 miles) and the moderate Red Rocks and Morrison Slide Trail (3 miles). Additionally, from the high seats, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. In the summer, the venue also hosts drive-in movie events and morning yoga sessions.

2. Ski in Aspen

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Every year, millions of visitors come to this city, located about 200 miles west of Denver, for its ideal skiing conditions and vast slopes. Aspen Snowmass is one of Colorado’s top ski destinations and one of the largest ski resorts in the country, making it one of Aspen’s most popular attractions. The resort features over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain across four mountains—Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk—and nearly 50 chairlifts, making it a prime destination for intermediate and advanced skiers. There are also some trails for beginners, with many opportunities for lessons.

Even if you’re not a skiing enthusiast, Aspen’s après-ski scene makes it worth visiting. You’ll find skiers crowding into the city’s lounges, taverns, and high-end dining spots at the end of the day.

3. San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and the Million Dollar Highway

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A fantastic scenic drive starts in the old mining town of Silverton and extends to the town of Ouray, known as the Million Dollar Highway. It is a 46-mile long, two-lane highway that runs along the edge of the mountains in some parts and offers inspiring views of cliffs and valleys across the stunning mountain peaks. It is one of Colorado’s most scenic mountain drives.

If you have the time, you can turn it into a longer route by driving the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. The Skyway is a full-day trip you’ll want to do in good weather, though it can be done in both winter and summer.

Starting from Durango, the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway is a full loop that will take you to Silverton, along the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, to Placerville, south to Telluride, Dolores, Mancos, and then back to Durango.

If you’re short on time or only planning to go one way, you can drive from Durango to Silverton and then continue along the Million Dollar Highway to Ouray, and then on to Montrose or north to Grand Junction. Some notable stops along the way include the towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride.

At an elevation of over 9,300 feet and surrounded by mountains, Silverton has a main street with some shops and restaurants. It can be very busy in the summer, but in winter, many businesses are closed and the town can feel like a ghost town. On the edge of town, Silverton Mountain is an old-school ski “resort” offering excellent backcountry downhill skiing opportunities for advanced skiers.

4. Breckenridge

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If you’re looking for an easy getaway from Denver, head to Breckenridge and enjoy some of the best skiing conditions in the state. Breckenridge Ski Resort features 187 trails and 35 lifts, along with several terrain parks. The free gondola, which runs from the town center to the base of the ski mountain, is a great way to take in the mountain views, even if you’re not planning to hit the slopes.

Downtown Breckenridge offers a range of dining, drinks, and desserts, as well as clothing stores, souvenir shops, and a vibrant arts district. The surrounding area has various hiking and biking trails, such as the highly rated McCullough Gulch Trail, Hoosier Pass Loop, and the Sawmill Reservoir Trail.

5. Mountain Biking Trails near Fruita

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For mountain bikers, Colorado is a paradise, with excellent trails throughout the state. Unfortunately, the mountainous climate limits the season in many areas. However, the town of Fruita near Grand Junction offers a climate that allows you to extend your mountain biking season into the shoulder seasons and winter. It’s a quirky small town with enough character to make you want to stay a while and come back.

The mountain biking trails around Fruita are among the best in the state. Notably, the 18 Road Trails, including the infamous Zippity Do Da Trail and Kokopelli Loops, stand out. This is desert terrain, with trails running along ridges and cliffs or offering views over the Colorado River.

This area has become an alternative for many mountain bikers to Moab, Utah. In the spring, you can even combine activities: mountain biking in Fruita one day and skiing at Beaver Creek or Vail—less than a two-hour drive away—the next.

6. Go leaf peeping

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Autumn in Colorado is particularly attractive because the trees, especially aspens, begin to change color. You can hike among bright yellow, orange, and red leaves in many mountain destinations, such as Kebler Pass, which is 65 miles from Denver (but be warned, it’s one of the most popular leaf-watching spots). To avoid the crowds, head to Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, which boasts one of the largest and most photographed aspen forests in the country. The leaf-watching season typically runs from September to mid-October, but the exact timing depends on various factors, such as an early cold snap.

Insider Tip: If you’re heading to Kebler Pass, spend some time in the charming town of Crested Butte. Secret Stash offers a variety of pizzas and their popular and delicious “Crack Fries.

7. Telluride

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A mining town that flourished in the late 1800s, this town in southwestern Colorado still retains its Wild West charm. The main street is lined with small shops and restaurants, set against the dramatic backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. You won’t find many fast-food restaurants or chain stores here, but you will find plenty of outdoor activities in Telluride. The town offers significant skiing options at the Telluride Ski Resort, and the free gondola is a great activity, providing a scenic ride up the mountain.

Although there are many types of adventures here in the winter, the spring, summer, and fall months make this town particularly special. Telluride has a rich arts district and is a popular destination for festivals, including those for film, jazz, and bluegrass. Visitors enjoy Telluride for its small-town atmosphere and history.

8. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve

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North America’s tallest sand dune is here at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado, an impressive sight that many visitors don’t encounter. The Star Dune, at 750 feet high, is especially tall, particularly when you consider climbing it, and the distant mountains create a stunning backdrop.

You can climb the dunes or test your skills by sandboarding across the sands. On hot days, children and even adults enjoy splashing in Medano Creek, which flows beside the base of the dunes. Hiking trails run through the forested edges of the dunes.

The four-wheel-drive Medano Pass Primitive Road opens up some unique terrain, with car camping sites along the road. Regular camping is available at Pinon Flats Campground, which offers both tent and RV campsites.

9. Denver

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Denver is full of educational museums, trendy restaurants, historic sites, and top-notch views. To get a taste of culture, visit the Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, and the Denver Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, enjoy a Broadway show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. If you’re traveling with children, the Denver Zoo is a great spot, as is the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Various unique tours, such as brewery outings and graffiti tours, can help you experience as much of Denver as possible. For a budget-friendly activity, plan a picnic at City Park, which offers views of the surrounding mountains and plenty of space for children to run around.

In the evening, stroll through Larimer Square and explore the breweries and bars. Some top-rated breweries include Great Divide Brewing Company and Ratio Beerworks. The Five Points area is a great place to explore in the evening, known for its vibrant nightlife, live music performances, and notable street art. Denver has plenty of accommodation options, ranging from high-end hotels like the Four Seasons Hotel Denver to boutique hotels like Hotel Teatro, as well as more budget-friendly choices.

In November, celebrate Denver Arts Week, where artists, filmmakers, performers, and more come to Denver to showcase their creative projects. The entire neighborhood, such as the RiNo Art District, transforms into an alfresco art museum where artists paint colorful murals on store fronts and walls. One of the most notable events during Denver Arts Week is the Denver Film Festival, which features critically acclaimed films and a star-studded red carpet event.

10. Mount Evans Scenic Byway

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Another 14,000-foot peak in Colorado, Mount Evans has an elevation of 14,271 feet, and the Mount Evans Scenic Byway nearly reaches its summit. It is the highest paved road in the United States, reaching an elevation of 14,130 feet.

From the top and along the way up, the views are spectacular, with meadows, lakes, and sloping mountains stretching into the distance, beyond the tree line. The area is so open and exposed that there are good opportunities to see wildlife, especially bighorn sheep.

From Denver, you can reach the top of Mount Evans, which is about 60 miles away, in under two hours. Keep in mind that it is a seasonal road that is closed during the winter.