While Denver and Aspen might be the first places that come to mind when planning a Colorado trip, this mountain state offers countless destinations that deserve equal attention – from quiet mountain towns to desert landscapes that most visitors never get to experience. Each spot brings its own mix of outdoor adventure and local charm, often without the usual tourist crowds you’ll find at the main hotspots.
From historic mining communities to laid-back valley towns, here are 19 places across Colorado that deserve a spot on your travel list, whether you’re looking for mountain views, desert exploration, or just a peaceful escape into nature.
Rocky Mountain National Park
My first visit to Rocky Mountain National Park was during a crisp autumn morning in 2018. One of Colorado’s most cherished wilderness areas, the park spreads across 265,461 acres of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks make up most of the landscape here, along with the famous Trail Ridge Road winding through its heart. The park’s abundant wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep, roam freely across meadows and forests, while hikers tackle the 300+ miles of trails that offer views spanning from dense pine forests to mountain peaks reaching above 12,000 feet.
Garden of the Gods
I first encountered Garden of the Gods on a road trip through Colorado Springs in 2015. A collection of towering red rock formations jutting up from the earth, this public park sits at the foot of Pikes Peak mountain. Ancient sandstone pillars and fins rise 300 feet into the blue Colorado sky, creating a landscape that looks more like Mars than Earth. The 1,300-acre park offers hiking trails that wind between the rocks, while skilled climbers can often be spotted scaling the park’s most famous formations like Kissing Camels and Balanced Rock. The visitor center’s terrace provides the perfect vantage point to watch the rocks change color as the sun sets behind the mountains, painting the entire garden in warm golden light.
Mesa Verde National Park
Step back in time at Mesa Verde National Park, home to some of the best-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in North America. You can explore over 5,000 known archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings where Ancestral Puebloan people lived for more than 700 years. Take a ranger-guided tour of the famous Cliff Palace, where you’ll climb ladders and learn about the daily lives of the people who called these stone structures home. For a memorable experience, book a twilight tour of Cliff Palace during the summer months, when the setting sun casts long shadows across the ancient walls and brings the past to life.
Aspen
When people ask me about Colorado’s most famous mountain towns, Aspen always leads the conversation. This former silver mining camp turned luxury ski destination draws visitors year-round with its perfect mix of outdoor adventure and high-end comfort. The four separate ski areas offer runs for every skill level, while the summer months bring hikers and mountain bikers to tackle the trails around Maroon Bells. Downtown’s Victorian-era buildings now house designer boutiques and top-notch restaurants, but you don’t need deep pockets to enjoy Aspen – the surrounding White River National Forest offers free hiking trails and camping spots that let you experience the Colorado Rockies without the premium price tag.
Vail
Many travelers head to Vail for its world-class ski slopes, but this charming mountain town offers much more than just winter sports. Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail boasts miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through aspen groves and alpine meadows. In summer, the mountain comes alive with outdoor concerts at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, while the pedestrian-friendly Vail Village draws visitors with its European-inspired architecture, cozy restaurants, and boutique shopping. Whether you’re hitting the back bowls in winter or exploring wildflower-dotted trails in summer, Vail provides year-round entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
I always recommend Great Sand Dunes National Park to anyone exploring Colorado’s diverse landscapes. Located in the southern part of the state, this unique park features North America’s tallest sand dunes, rising up to 750 feet against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Visitors can sled down the massive dunes, splash in Medano Creek during spring months, or take a scenic hike through this unexpected desert-like environment in the heart of Colorado.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
If you’re searching for natural wonders in Colorado, you can’t miss the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Located in western Colorado, this dramatic gorge plunges 2,000 feet down to the Gunnison River, with some of the steepest cliffs in North America. The black rock walls appear almost painted with streaks of pink and gray, while the narrow canyon creates shadows that dance across its face throughout the day.
Telluride
Many visitors flock to Telluride for its world-class ski slopes, but this former mining town tucked away in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains offers much more than winter sports. The historic downtown district, lined with Victorian-era buildings and surrounded by towering peaks, provides a perfect blend of Old West charm and modern mountain living. In summer, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival draws music lovers from across the country, while the extensive trail network attracts hikers and mountain bikers looking to explore the rugged alpine terrain. Whether you’re taking a scenic ride on the free gondola connecting the town to Mountain Village or exploring the local shops and restaurants, Telluride delivers authentic Colorado experiences throughout the year.
Breckenridge
Ever wondered what a perfect mountain town looks like in postcards? That’s Breckenridge for you, nestled in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains at 9,600 feet above sea level. This former gold mining town turned ski paradise draws crowds year-round, with winter bringing skiers and snowboarders to its five peaks and 187 trails. In summer, the historic Main Street comes alive with festivals, while hikers and mountain bikers take to the surrounding trails. The Victorian-era downtown, with its colorful buildings and local shops, tells stories of the 1850s gold rush days, and you’ll find plenty of cozy spots to warm up with hot chocolate after a day in the mountains.
Bet You Didn’t Know:
Did you know that Breckenridge’s charming Main Street is the largest historic district in Colorado, with most of its buildings dating back to the Gold Rush days of the 1800s? The town sits at a lofty 9,600 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest towns in the United States – so high that regular recipes need to be adjusted since water boils at a lower temperature up there.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs first caught my attention during a winter road trip through Colorado in 2018. Nestled in the Yampa Valley of northern Colorado, this mountain town sits between aspen-covered hills and natural hot springs that dot the landscape. The town got its name from the bubbling hot springs that make a chugging sound like an old steamboat, which you can still hear at the Old Town Hot Springs downtown. Main Street here looks like it was plucked from an old Western movie, with historic buildings now housing local shops and restaurants. The Steamboat Ski Resort draws powder-seekers in winter, while summer brings hikers and mountain bikers to its endless network of trails. What really sets this place apart is how the local cowboys and ski bums share the streets in perfect harmony, creating a unique blend of Western heritage and mountain town cool.
Colorado Springs
Just over an hour south of Denver sits Colorado Springs, a city that perfectly blends outdoor adventure with urban comfort. Like many Colorado cities, it has plenty of hiking trails, craft breweries, and mountain views. But what sets it apart is the dramatic backdrop of Pikes Peak and the fascinating red rock formations of Garden of the Gods. Military presence runs deep here, with both the Air Force Academy and multiple bases calling the Springs home. Because of its location at the eastern edge of the Rockies, the city draws both outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs, who come to explore everything from the old gold mining district of Cripple Creek to the well-preserved Victorian buildings in Old Colorado City.
Denver
I always tell first-time visitors to Denver to explore the Mile High City’s unique blend of urban culture and outdoor adventure. Located at exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, Colorado’s capital offers everything from the artsy RiNo district with its colorful murals and craft breweries to the historic Larimer Square lined with Victorian buildings. The city serves as an ideal base for day trips to the Rocky Mountains, while attractions like the Denver Botanic Gardens and Denver Art Museum keep culture lovers busy within city limits.
This is interesting:
Did you know that Denver sits exactly one mile above sea level, earning its nickname “The Mile High City” – and there’s even a special row of purple seats at Coors Field baseball stadium marking the exact elevation of 5,280 feet? The city gets an impressive 300 days of sunshine per year, which is more than Miami or San Diego, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the nearby Rocky Mountains.
Boulder
Step into Colorado’s most charming college town, where the Rocky Mountains meet academic spirit in Boulder. The Pearl Street Mall sits at the heart of downtown, offering four blocks of local shops, street performers, and plenty of spots to grab a craft beer or farm-to-table meal. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 150 miles of hiking trails at Chautauqua Park, where the iconic Flatirons create a dramatic backdrop against the sky. For a unique afternoon activity, join the locals at Boulder Creek, where you’ll find people tubing down the water in summer or relaxing on its grassy banks with a good book. The Boulder Farmers Market, running since 1986, is the perfect place to sample local produce and artisanal goods while mingling with friendly residents.
Durango
Take a trip back in time when you visit Durango, a charming mountain town known for its historic narrow-gauge railroad. The Durango & Silverton Railroad offers memorable rides through the San Juan Mountains, letting you experience travel just like the settlers did in the 1880s. Head downtown to stroll along Main Avenue, where Victorian-era buildings house local shops, breweries, and restaurants. For outdoor fun, hit the slopes at Purgatory Resort in winter or explore the countless hiking and mountain biking trails during summer months. Don’t miss Mesa Verde National Park, just an hour away, where you can explore ancient cliff dwellings.
Glenwood Springs
Ever soaked in hot springs while snow falls gently around you? That’s just another winter day in Glenwood Springs, a mountain town tucked away in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley. Home to the world’s largest mineral hot spring pool, this laid-back spot draws visitors year-round to its therapeutic waters. You can spend your mornings hiking the hanging lake trail, afternoons riding the alpine coaster at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, and evenings unwinding in steamy natural pools. The historic Hotel Colorado, nicknamed the “Grand Dame” of the Rockies, stands as a reminder of the town’s early days as a wellness retreat for wealthy travelers in the 1890s.
Crested Butte
My first visit to Crested Butte was during a summer road trip through Colorado in 2018. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, this former mining town sits at an elevation of 8,909 feet, surrounded by wild meadows and rugged peaks. The historic downtown area features colorful Victorian buildings lined along Elk Avenue, where locally-owned shops and restaurants create a welcoming small-town atmosphere. Known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte bursts into life each July when thousands of alpine flowers blanket the mountainsides, drawing photographers and nature lovers from across the country. The nearby Mt. Crested Butte ski resort offers 1,547 acres of terrain for winter sports, while the surrounding wilderness serves up more than 750 miles of mountain biking trails that have earned the town its reputation as one of Colorado’s top outdoor playgrounds.
Pikes Peak
Many travelers flock to Pikes Peak for its famous summit that towers 14,115 feet above sea level, but this Colorado destination offers much more than just mountain views. The area features the world’s highest cog railway, which carries visitors to the top in comfort, and the Pikes Peak Highway lets adventurous drivers navigate the winding road to the summit themselves. While the mountain peak draws the crowds, the surrounding region boasts excellent hiking trails, pristine alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Whether you’re interested in tackling the challenging Barr Trail to the top or simply want to enjoy a scenic drive through the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak provides year-round activities for both casual sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Maroon Bells
I first visited Maroon Bells in Colorado on a crisp autumn morning in 2019. Nestled in the heart of the Elk Mountains near Aspen, these twin 14,000-foot peaks create one of the most photographed landscapes in North America. The mountains rise above Maroon Lake, which acts like a mirror, perfectly reflecting the rugged peaks and surrounding aspen groves. During fall, the mountainsides come alive with golden aspens, while summer brings fields of wildflowers that dot the hiking trails around the lake. The 1.9-mile Maroon Lake Scenic Trail offers an easy walk with front-row views of the peaks, making it a favorite spot for both casual visitors and serious hikers looking to experience Colorado’s natural beauty.
Royal Gorge
Located in central Colorado, the Royal Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the state, carved over millions of years by the persistent Arkansas River. The dramatic cliffs rise 1,000 feet above the rushing waters below, creating a natural masterpiece that draws visitors from across the country. The Royal Gorge Bridge, suspended high above the canyon floor, has been a cornerstone of adventure here since 1929. Visitors can walk across America’s highest suspension bridge, take the aerial gondola for panoramic views, or get their adrenaline fix on the zipline that races across the gorge. Down at river level, white water rafting trips navigate the churning rapids, while the scenic railroad offers a more relaxed way to experience the canyon’s raw beauty from the comfort of restored vintage cars.
