Choosing just 7 sites to see in Colorado is tough. National and state parks alone can take up every slot! But there’s so much more to see and do as well. Here are our recommended things to see in Colorado to appreciate nature, history, culture, and more!
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Rocky Mountain National Park
The 415 square mile Rocky Mountain National Park is a must-do for any Colorado-bound traveler. If you love to hike, you can meander on lakeside paths or climb mountain peaks on 355 miles of hiking trails, Prefer to stay off your feet? You can enjoy scenic drives through the park, such as Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road.
Animal lovers rejoice! The park boasts 60 species of mammals such as elk, bighorn sheep, and mule deer. There are also multiple bird, fish, and insect species. You can fish and arrange horseback riding with an authorized stable.
The park has camping options available, or you can stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Telluride
There are many wonderful towns and cities in Colorado, but you just can’t go wrong when you visit Telluride. This Victorian-era town is located in a canyon surrounded by rugged mountain peaks. The downtown area is designated a National Historic Landmark District and features charming historic buildings with nods to the area’s mining heritage.
In the winter, you can enjoy over 2,000 acres of ski trails suitable for all skill levels. You can also visit in the summer when the meadows are covered with wildflowers and active travelers can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and river rafting. In all seasons, enjoy a free ride on a gondola ride between Telluride and Mountain Village.
Love a good festival? Telluride has you covered! There are music festivals, film festivals, art festivals, food festivals, wellness festivals, and best of all, the Nothing Festival. Started by locals who were fed up with all the festivals tourists flock to, the Nothing Festival is a weekend of nothing. Don’t expect to see much, unless you happen to catch the Nothing Parade on a Sunday at 8 p.m. where people parade down the street naked except for accessories such as hats, feature boas, etc. You may also happen to see groups of locals having yard parties in the nude. Not sure this is a spectacle for you? Then avoid visiting around the third weekend in July!
There are great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Garden of the Gods
The Garden of the Gods features amazing sandstone rock formation jutting up from the ground up to 300 feet in the air. There’s no shortage of fun activities available at the Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. It’s free to enter and explore various exhibit and galleries. For a small charge, you can see a 15 minute film in the Geo-Trekker Theater featuring aerial footage and compelling explanation of the geological formation of the rocks.
If you want to spend a bit more money, you can book a vehicle tour, bike tour, or even a Segway tour! There’s also an inexpensive guided nature walk you can sign up for. If you want to explore on your own , there are 21 miles of hiking trails to enjoy. Horseback riding is free if you bring your own horse! If you don’t have a horse, you can book a horseback riding tour.
Pikes Peak serves as the backdrop for these otherwordly formations. While you are in the area, take some time to drive up to the summit of Pikes Peak and visit its brand new visitor center!
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Bishop Castle
Bishop Castle is the inspiration of Jim Bishop who began building it in 1968 and hasn’t stopped construction since. Built solely by Bishop who has no formal architecture training, the castle boasts intricate stonework and ironwork, towering spires, and hidden nooks and crannies. Visitors are allowed and encouraged to explore every inch.
Best of all, Bishop is often present to welcome visitors and enjoys answering questions about his creation. There’s no entrance fee, so it’s truly worth a stop. To top it off, the castle offers views of San Isabel National Forest and the drive to get to the castle is incredibly scenic.
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
The North Pole – Santa’s Workshop
People always ask me where my love of theme parks began, and I think the answer might be The North Pole-Santa’s Workshop amusement park in Colorado Springs! I took my first family vacation when I was three years old, and I vividly remember meeting Santa during that trip.
This vintage amusement park opened in 1956 and has spread the spirit of Christmas to visitors for more than half a century. It features more than two dozen rides suitable for all ages. Make sure to ride the Ferris wheel for great views of the mountains. You can get your Christmas shopping done in the many shops. And of course, you can meet Santa Claus himself!
There are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Stanley Hotel
Visitors to the Stanley Hotel enjoy a magnificent historic hotel set in the awe-inspiring setting of Estes Park, Colorado. You may also enjoy meeting a ghost or two! The Stanley Hotel is well known for it’s paranormal activity. You can even book special “spirited rooms” known to be haunted.
If you don’t want to stay there, sign up for one of their hotel tours. The Historic Tour focuses on the hotel’s history, role in pop culture, and architecture. The Shining Tour focuses on Stephen King’s book and movie inspired by the hotel. The Spirited Night Tour is a ghost tour with stories of all of the hotel’s famous haunts.
If you decide not to stay at the hotel, there are several other great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
Mesa Verde National Park
Featuring 700 year old cave dwellings from the Pueblo people, Mesa Verde National Park is a great place to visit to learn more about the history and culture of the indigenous people of America. To enter the cave dwellings, take a ticketed tour with a ranger. These are offered for the Balcony House, Cliff Palace, and Square Tower House.
Self-guided options are also available. You can visit Park Point, the highest area in the park, for tremendous views of the area. There are several overlooks that provide views of cliff dwellings. You can also take a simple 3/4 mile hike to visit Far View Sites. Other hiking trails are offered as well. And don’t miss taking a drive on the Cliff Palace Loop Road and the Mesa Top Loop Road (download audio tour in advance).
Visit the Mesa Verde Museum to learn more about the Pueblo people. And check out the event calendar to see if a cultural dance or demonstration is offered during your visit.
You can stay at the Far View Lodge or camp in the park. Or there are several great places to stay nearby. There are also several other fun things to see and do while in the area.
What’s on your Colorado trip itinerary?
These are just 7 of the sensational sites to see in Colorado. But the state is full of many more incredible destinations that are worth exploring. Tell us below where you plan to visit!
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