The Essential Colorado Travel Guide: Discover the Best of the Rockies

Introduction to Colorado

From towering mountains and natural wonders to vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage, Colorado offers a unique mix of experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the United States. A paradise for outdoor lovers, offering a mix of natural beauty and urban charm, with its rich Ancestral Puebloan heritage, including multiple historic sites, Colorado is also great destination for exploring and road trips.

If you’re looking for a year-round destination with something for families, couples and solo travellers alike, you’ll find Colorado has much to offer. Read on to discover the state that is the gateway to the Rockies, and experience its many breath-taking locations, diverse landscapes and fascinating frontier history.

Geography and Climate IN COLORADO

The state of Colorado boasts incredibly diverse geography with everything to be found from towering mountains and alpine lakes to high plains and low deserts. Because of this, the state’s climate varies greatly depending on the region. Generally the mountainous regions benefit from mild summers and cold winters but summers can be hot in the plains and, in some of the most elevated areas, freezing in the winter.

Four seasons of adventure

Colorado is unique in that it offers outdoor activities and cultural events year round, and no matter when you choose to visit, you’ll find there’s plenty to see and do – especially outdoors.

Summer is a great time for hiking, camping, and outdoor adventures in Colorado. Come winter, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the state’s mountain resorts is a must. Spring is a great time for wildlife viewing and photography in Colorado’s national parks, and autumn is a popular time for hiking and leaf peeping in the state’s mountain towns.

National Parks and Monuments IN COLORADO

Colorado is home to a number of national parks and monuments that are well-known throughout the USA, and worth a trip in and of themselves. The most famous, Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the country, with over 350 miles of hiking trails across terrains ranging from high alpine tundra to low grassy valleys. A haven for nature lovers, this park is a great introduction to the entire range that stretches across the United States into Canada – and a must on any Colorado itinerary.

The state is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Mesa Verde National Park. Offering a fascinating look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people who made this area their home for over 700 years, Mesa Verde National Park protects nearly 5,000 known archaeological sites, many of which are some of the best preserved in the whole of the United States.

Lesser known, but no less great is the Colorado National Monument which is a breath-taking red rock mecca for rock climbing and scenic drives; Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park which offers stunning views, challenging hikes and excellent stargazing opportunities; and Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is a unique destination for hiking and sandboarding within the state.

Cities and Towns IN COLORADO

Colorado has a range of world-class cities and towns to explore, each with its own unique offering. Start with Denver: the mile-high state capital is a hub for art galleries, museums, restaurants and professional sporting events. The next largest city is Colorado Springs: a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with the impressive Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods just minutes from the city centre.

Then come the many towns dotted across the state, many of which have Wild West or frontier history like Telluride and Durango, which is a great base for exploring the San Juan Mountains and Mesa Verde.

Charming mountain towns abound, each one special in its own way with distinct nature and a one-of-a-kind feel, like Aspen, with its beautiful scenery and world-famous ski slopes; Glenwood Springs which is home to both history and geothermal delights; and Grand Junction, which offers unparalleled access to some of Colorado’s most beautiful outdoor settings like the Colorado National Monument, the Grand Mesa and Rattlesnake Arches.

And for those interested in Colorado’s abundant natural hot springs, mountain villages like Pagosa Springs and Steamboat Springs offer rest and relaxation.

Historic Districts IN COLORADO

Colorado’s history goes back to what is commonly referred to as the Wild West, with the onset of the railroad and the discovery of silver and gold. Many towns across the state were first developed because they were either stops on the railway or mining sites, and many have continued to develop to this day.

Telluride, a stunning town set in a box canyon in the Rocky Mountain high country, is a designated National Historic Landmark District thanks to the significant role it played in the history of the American West. Durango is famous for its railroad history, specifically, the Durango and Silverton Narrow-Gauge Railroad and a myriad of striking historic landmarks. Ghost towns like St. Elmo and Ashcroft are also a great way to explore the state’s mining history.

Most towns and cities have beautifully preserved historic districts like Glenwood Springs, Colorado Springs and Pagosa Springs. And for visitors looking for some cultural history, the Denver Art Museum is a must with a collection of over 70,000 works of art spanning centuries.

Outdoor Activities IN COLORADO

Colorado is one of the USA’s ultimate year-round destinations for outdoor adventure, so if you like the great outdoors, you’ll never be without fun things to do. Hiking and backpacking are two of the state’s most popular activities as no matter where you are in the state, chances are you’ll be within short reach of a trail. For famous trails, Rocky Mountain National Park has over 300 miles of hiking trails; the Colorado Trail which starts outside of Denver and continues to Durango is a 486-mile trail; and the famed Continental Divide Trail is a 740-mile hiking trail that spans the entire state (and then some).

As popular as hiking and backpacking are during the warmer months, skiing and snowboarding are equally popular during the wintertime. With world-class ski resorts like Aspen, Vail and Telluride, and thousands of acres of skiable terrain, a skiing or snowboarding holiday in Colorado is a must for winter sport aficionados.

Mountain biking is another popular activity and a great way to explore the state’s trails and scenic drives. For those interested, bike rentals can easily be found in the state’s major cities and towns, with some even offering guided bike tours. And for more advanced cyclists, cycling events like Tour of Colorado and Boulder Bike Tour are a great way to experience the state’s cycling culture.

Horse riding is also popular in Colorado and equestrian lovers will delight in the many options to explore the state’s natural beauty on horseback. The San Juan Mountains, located right outside the former Wild West outpost of Durango, offer beautiful trails for horseback riding, although trails can be found across Colorado’s countryside and national parks.

Last but not least, visitors will definitely have a chance to experience water-based activities in this land-locked state as whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular sports along Colorado’s winding rivers. Among Colorado’s many lakes, kayaking, canoeing, boating and fishing are favourites too. Glenwood Springs is a wonderful destination for rafting on the Colorado River.

Getting Around Colorado

Colorado is easily accessible from the UK with direct flights to Denver, where the international airport offers seamless connections to regional airports, such as Colorado Springs and Grand Junction.

Once you’ve arrived within the state, renting a car is a great way to explore Colorado’s scenic drives and national parks. But, if you are visiting Denver or other major cities and towns, you’ll find it easy to get around with public transport. Biking and walking are also great ways to explore Colorado’s cities and towns as many have pedestrianised areas and bike paths. Visitors will also find shuttle services in resort towns and national parks to help them get easily around.

Accommodation Options IN COLORADO

Colorado has an impressive range of accommodation options for every traveller, trip and budget. Hotels and resorts are available in the state’s major cities and resort towns offering all manner of experiences from comfortable and cosy to luxurious and catered for – with many also offering suites for visitors travelling in larger groups.

Hostels and budget hotels are easy to find in Colorado’s major cities for the budget-conscious traveller, and visitors who would like to stay at a more premier location for less should look to Colorado’s off-season for better deals.

Camping is a popular option across Colorado’s national and state parks, and lodges and cabins are a great way to experience the state’s natural beauty as these accommodations are situated within the national parks.

For something truly unique, consider a stay at one of Colorado’s 30+ guest ranches. These offer an immersive Western experience, often with horseback riding, home-cooked meals and sweeping mountain scenery – perfect for travellers seeking both adventure and authentic charm.

Food and Drink IN COLORADO

Visitors to Colorado will find much to enjoy in the state’s culinary scene. Colorado is home to one of the USA’s most famous food festivals: Aspen Food & Wine. This annual June event showcases the top chefs and restaurants across the country, and is well worth attending if in town.

Across the state, diners will find an emphasis on farm-to-table dining with many of the ingredients locally produced. Some cities, like Denver, also have a food truck and market-style dining scene which reflects the state’s diverse population, offering a wide range of culinary options from burgers and tacos to sushi and international dishes. Travellers with dietary requirements will find most restaurants accommodating.

Colorado is also known for its craft beer culture with it’s capital city home to more breweries than anywhere else in the nation – and even the smaller resort towns can boast a good pint. Those who prefer a wine tasting will enjoy a stay in Grand Junction which is home to some of Colorado’s most delightful vineyards.

Local Events and Festivals IN COLORADO

Colorado’s cities and towns have an impressive range of events and festivals throughout the year. From local gatherings to nationally and internationally-renowned festivals, visitors to the state might just choose to visit when a particular date is set.

Music festivals like Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Jazz Festival and Bonnaroo are world-renowned and attract thousands of visitors each year.

No music lover should miss Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Park just outside Denver — a legendary open-air venue set amongst towering red sandstone formations. With concerts, yoga sessions, film nights and daily performances ranging from local acts to global stars, there’s almost always something happening in this iconic setting.

Food festivals like the famous Aspen Food & Wine Festival and Denver Food + Wine showcase the best of both local and national cuisine.

Winter festivals like Snowdon in Durango and Cripple Creek Ice Festival in the Pikes Peak region boast winter fun, while the Winter X Games in Aspen shows off the world’s best competitors in winter sports.

Cultural events like Denver March Powwow, the Colorado Renaissance Festival, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and the Outdoor Festival and Summit in Denver are a great way to experience the state’s varied cultural heritage.

Scenic Drives IN COLORADO

For those who enjoy a good long drive or road trip, Colorado offers various scenic drives across the state. Some notable journeys include Tail Ridge Road which starts in Estes Park and traverses Rocky Mountain National Park. At an elevation of 12,183 feet this is a stunning drive with alpine views on the highest continuously paved road in the United States.

Others include the San Juan Skyway, a scenic trip through southwestern Colorado passing through the towns of Durango and Telluride all the way to the entrance of Mesa Verde National Park, and Million Dollar Highway which is a particular stretch of this Skyway boasts dramatic views through the surrounding San Juan Mountains.

For those travelling between Grand Junction and Telluride, the Grand Mesa Scenic Byway is a beautiful detour on your journey through western Colorado, and for those looking for an alternative route to Tail Ridge Road, Peak to Peak Highway is a 55-mile journey known for its stunning views of the southern Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide. The Unaweep-Tabeguache Scenic Byway, an off-the-beaten-path stretch between Grand Junction and Telluride also offers spectacular mountain views, including Gateway Canyon, and makes for a worthy detour.

Wildlife Viewing IN COLORADO

Colorado is home to over 900 species of wildlife, making it one of the best places in the USA to spot indigenous birds and animals, including bears, mountain lions, and wolves. Whether you’re interested in wildlife photography or just want to see wildlife in its native habitat, Colorado offers excellent opportunities for both.

Start with Rocky Mountain National Park which is home to the widest range of wildlife in the state, and is a great place to spot elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Larger animals like bears, mountain lions and wildcats might prove elusive, but you never know who will pop out of hiding.

Birdwatching is a popular activity across Colorado’s national parks and wildlife refuges, so you might want to bring or rent is a pair of binoculars.

Wildlife viewing tours are available in all major cities and ski resorts across Colorado, and can easily be arranged should you prefer a guided or in-depth experience.

Stargazing IN COLORADO

For those interested in stargazing, Colorado offers some some of the darkest skies in the USA thanks to a high altitude, dry climate and relatively low light pollution. Visitors will find Colorado’s national parks and wildlife refuges are ideal places to see the stars, including the breath-taking Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, the phenominal Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park which offers ranger-led stargazing programmes; Mesa Verde National Park especially for those staying on-site at Far View Lodge; and Chimney Rock National Monument just outside of Pagosa Springs. Here, between May and October, visitors can take part in weekly Night Sky programmes which include interactive talks, telescope viewings and easy hikes for better views of dark sky features and ancient sites.

Telescopes and binoculars are available for rent in major cities and resort towns across Colorado, but if you have your own pair of binoculars, we’d highly advise bringing them along.

Safety and Precautions

As with any holiday where outdoor activities are involved, it’s always a good idea to take safety measures and precautions – and a visit to Colorado is no different. Follow these simple steps on your trip to the Centennial State and you’ll be in for a good time:

• Weather conditions can be unpredictable in Colorado’s mountains so make sure you check the forecast before heading out, and pack lots of light layers to feel comfortable no matter the conditions.
• Seeing wildlife in its natural habitat is often a once in a lifetime experience, but encounters can be dangerous, so try to always be aware of your surroundings.
• Altitude sickness is a risk in high-elevation areas so keep this in mind the higher you explore.
• Staying hydrated is always a good idea, so make sure you always have a water bottle on hand when hiking or exploring. The same goes for sunscreen.
• Check road conditions and weather forecasts before embarking on a trip to avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Responsible Travel

Home to hundreds of species of native flora and fauna, Colorado encourages its residents and visitors to engage in responsible travel to respect the state’s natural environment and wildlife. When visiting, you can do this simply by:

• Following rules and regulations in national parks and protected areas.
• Being mindful of cultural heritage and historic sites.
• Reducing your impact on the environment by using public transportation and recycling.
• Supporting local businesses and communities, when possible.

READY TO BOOK YOUR COLORADO HOLIDAY?

Are you ready to plan your trip to Colorado and experience all that the state has to offer? Have a look at our choice of itineraries or speak to one of our USA travel experts today to plan your bespoke Colorado holiday.

Explore our Colorado itineraries here.

Image credits: Visit Grand Junction, Visit Estes Park (John Berry), Steve Weaver, Travel Shooters, Visit Denver, Anthony D’Amato, visitglenwood.com, Tim O’Hara, Colorado Tourism Office, Classic Visions Photography.