7 Best Places You Must Visit On Your Trip To Colorado

Colorado state is a very breathtakingly diverse tourist destination that is full of natural beauty and mixed city lifestyle, which is found in the western part of the United States. Colored like the true color of the American outdoors with its snow-capped mountains, picturesque alpine towns, ice-crystal lakes and rolling plains, Colorado is the ideal American outdoors. The state boasts of four seasons each with something different to offer to its visitors, be it the best ski skiers in winter, wild flower laden trails in spring, golden aspens and vibrant festivals in fall and summer respectively.

You are either a thrill-seeker who needs to explore rugged mountains, a photographer who wants to take postcards of stunning landscapes, or a person who only wants to lose himself or herself in the world of art, food, and culture. Colorado opens its arms to your coming. Its variety guarantees that each traveler will make something to fall in love with, whether it is adventure, tranquility, or inspiration.

Considering the list of seven places that every traveler must visit in Colorado is a must.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the iconic and most awe-inspiring sites in the U.S., it is the masterpiece of nature. Just close to Estes Park, this large area is a paradise of alpine meadows, high altitude lakes, pine forests and rugged mountain heights that thrust up against the sky.

The park has more than 350 miles of hiking trails, which are of all levels. The calm Bear Lake Trailhead is an ideal place to start with, as it would provide a reflection of the massive mountains. Those who are more adventurous can overcome the Longs Peak, which is a difficult journey of 14,259 at the summit of the mountain and is rewarding to those who succeed in climbing it with stunning scenery spanning the Continental Divide.

Take a ride up the Trail Ridge Road, one of the highest paved roads in North America and observe spectacular sceneries that change into lush forests to alpine tundra. Wildlife lovers will be able to see elk, moose and bighorn sheep among the wild animals that are free to move about in the wilderness. During the summer with wildflowers or in winter with snow-silence, the park will bring an experience that will not be forgotten to meet the raw nature.

2. Denver

Denver, the capital and the biggest city in Colorado, is the place where the city life is combined with outdoor activities. The city, which is situated one mile above the ocean level, has over 300 days of sunshine every year, and hence it serves as an ideal entry point to the Rocky Mountains and the world.

Visit the Denver Art Museum that also hosts a large number of Native American art and modern exhibits or go to the Museum Of Nature and Science to have interesting planetarium shows. The Larimer Square in the city is full of old charm with its lined boutiques, fine dining places, and patios lined with strings that are brought alive at night.

The Denver food scene is on fire – between the trendy rooftop breweries, to farm to table restaurants that provide a flavor of local Colorado cuisine. You should not fail to visit Union Station which is a splendid train terminal that has been carefully restored to become a cultural, food and entertainment center in the city. In Coors Field, Rockies fans can watch a baseball game, and in Empower Field at Mile High, they can watch Broncos. To the art lovers, the RiNo Art District is full of vibrant murals and artistic studios which represents the youthful vibe of the city.

3. Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a beautiful city, which is at the base of the great Pikes Peak, and it perfectly blends the beauty of nature and historical sites. The most renowned of its attractions is the Garden of the Gods, a free public park whose red rock formations are dramatic, and which appear to have been carved by the hands of the deities. These sandstone spires are imposing and create a high contrast with mountains that have snow on them.

Amongst these geological wonders, visitors can either hike, climb rocks or even ride on horses. The Pikes Peak Highway provides a picturesque ride which ascends to the 14,115 feet summit that is the driving force behind the song America the Beautiful. The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is a special place to the animal lovers as the visitors are provided with a unique experience of feeding giraffes using their hands whilst they have a panoramic view of the city below.

History enthusiasts may visit the U.S. Air Force Academy which is a contemporary architectural masterpiece or the Manitou Cliff Dwellings where ancient houses that have been preserved narrate the history of early Puebloan life.

4. Aspen

When they consider Colorado, it usually brings to mind the name Aspen, the glitzy mountain resort that is supposed to be associated with the highest-level skiing, meeting famous people and enjoying a comfortable lifestyle in the Alpine. Aspen is a picturesque place all year round situated in the center of the Rocky Mountains.

During the winter season, the town is turned into a snowy fairyland where four major resorts include Aspen mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk, to ensure that any degree of skill is met. Then, spend the night after one day on the slopes in the apres-ski of one of the classy lodges or seafood restaurants that dot the picturesque streets.

In summer, it is changed to green nature and outdoor adventure. Hikers and bikers can hike or bike to the most legendary mountains, the Maroon Bells, two prominent mountains that are visible in the mirror-like clearness of a pure alpine lake, and commonly referred to as the most photographed mountain in North America. Cultural events such as the Aspen Music Festival have also been held in the town and this attracts the world performers and musicians. And it doesn’t matter whether you are taking a glass of wine by the fireplace or rafting the still lake, Aspen has its definition of luxury in the midst of the marvel of the natural world.

5. Boulder

Boulder is a city that is a dream of every outdoor enthusiast and a paradise of free spirits only an hour drive away to Denver. The city has a carefree, green sensory feel with the dramatic Flatirons as its backdrop.

The morning can be spent hiking Chautauqua Park Trails, which are in blossom in the spring and turn golden in the fall. Next, walk down Pearl Street Mall, which is a busy pedestrian area with local businesses, street performers, and lovely cafes. The food culture of Boulder is outstanding, with the focus on organic, sustainable cuisine, including bakeries, vegan bistros, etc.

The youthfulness of the city is a result of the University of Colorado Boulder that brings an academic and cultural touch. The outdoors are endless: in winter or spring, one can rock climb, ride a bike, or practice yoga in the park, and since Boulder is very wellness-centered and creative, it is an inspiring and motivating place to be.

6. Durango

Durango, southwestern Colorado is an attraction site to tourists who want to combine mixes of history, adventure, and nature. This historic town still has the Old west charm but with the comforts of the modern world. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is the crown jewel of any trip that is a historic steam train ride that takes riders through the spectacular canyons and mountainous landscapes and which makes the ride one of the most scenic rides within the nation.

Close at hand is Mesa Verde National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains centuries-old cliff dwellings constructed by the Ancestral Puebloans over 700 years ago. It is a wonderful insight into the primitive world and human resourcefulness. The streets of the town of Durango are paved with Western-style saloons, art galleries and cozy inns that help one go back in time.

River rafting on the Animas River, biking the scenic trails, and a jeep tour into the rugged San Juan Mountains, are other things that can be done by outdoors lovers. Culture, history and adventure combine and make Durango a unique and enriching place to stop.

7. Telluride

Telluride is a charming town perhaps concealed in the most distant canyon of Colorado. It used to be a 19th century mining town but has now turned into a global sports resort during the winter season and a summer festival center, although it has managed to retain its ancient character.

In winter, Telluride turns into a snowy utopia, and it is no secret that there are some of the best ski countries in the U.S. The Telluride Ski Resort provides both easy beginner trails and the black diamond trails that are very exciting. In summer again the town changes, and wild flowers cover the mountains, falls are running down the cliffs, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival fills the valley with music and happy folk.

It is best of all because the Telluride Gondola that links the historic town with the Mountain Village has panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and most importantly, it is free. A walk through the historic district of Telluride is like a walk in the movie set, with its Victorian buildings that are in good condition, their boutique shops, and welcoming cafes. Telluride is the jewel in the crown of Colorado due to its luxurious and intimate atmosphere to people who would like to find such a place.

Colorado: Symphony in Nature and Culture

Aspen snow-capped peaks to the Boulder artistic sides, the scene of the entire state of Colorado can be experienced in no other way than in Colorado. Each of the destinations has its own story; it is the story of adventure, beauty, and strength. Be it when you are up on a mountain top, enjoying live music and the starlight, or when you are just enjoying the fresh mountain air, Colorado makes you feel alive.

It is not just a state but an emotion, a magnificent getaway that can be returned to again and again.