Sophia May
Scenic Attractions In Colorado – Colorado is one of the most popular states for tourists, and for good reason. It showcases some of the best attractions visitors can discover year-round at this Rocky Mountain location.
Whatever your type of traveler, there’s plenty to see and do here. From visiting a factory to climbing a sand dune, we’ve rounded up the most popular tourist attractions for your itinerary. These are events off the beaten path, so expect crowds and go on a weekday when you can. All this can be enjoyed all year round.
Scenic Attractions In Colorado
This giant canyon is an hour southwest of Colorado Springs in Canyon City and has many activities built around it. Not only is the highlight of the gorge itself, which rises 955 feet above the Arkansas River flowing through it, but also the suspension bridge above it. The Royal Gorge Bridge and Park allows visitors to walk across and play many games on the rocks.
Spectacular Scenic Drives In Colorado
Commercial rafting tours depart daily during peak summer season down the Royal Gorge. You can also travel along its lower part on the Royal Gorge Railroad. Or soar high on a zip line over the Royal Gorge. There are many ways to experience this unique region of Colorado.
It is Colorado’s most visited national park and one of the most visited by the National Park Service, with approximately 4.5 million visitors. Abbreviated as RMNP, Rocky Mountain National Park encompasses both sides of the Continental Divide, from Estes Park to Grand Lake. You can hike the entire trail in either direction along Trail Ridge Road, but not in the winter when the high mountain road closes.
Another scenic option between towns is the Old Fall River Road, a one-way option from Estes Park across the watershed. In addition to these game drives, there are countless hikes and outdoor activities, from waterfalls and wildlife to camping under a million stars. Stop by the visitor center and read the explanatory signs that explain the highlights along the way to get to know the region better.
Just as tall skyscrapers draw people to Denver, people come to Colorado Springs for its natural attractions. There are many interesting things to choose from in the Olympic City, and one of the best is also free. The Garden of the Gods is open to a wide variety of visitors, over four million a year.
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Driving, parking and sightseeing, rock climbing or visiting a museum are some of the main activities.
This national natural landmark is probably one of the most amazing free tours in the world. Be sure to check out this list of attractions when visiting Pikes Peak landmarks. At the very least, drive through the park, stop at an overlook or two, and admire the giant red sandstone boulders poking out of the ground.
While in the area, if you haven’t already, head to Pikes Peak (pictured above, overlooking the Garden of the Gods). You’ll pay for it, but it’s worth it. Where else will you go above 14,000 feet? Mount Evans Byway is another. There are also hiking options. But Pikes Peak is the most famous and has a new visitor center at the top.
There is also a cog railway from Manitou Springs to the top. Both the Pikes Peak Highway, which starts in Cascade, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which leaves a little earlier, welcome tourists year-round, depending on the weather. There are several parks along the way where you can hang out and enjoy the country vibe at one of its alpine lakes.
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It’s just sand, but very high up, and in the Rocky Mountains, far from the beaches and ocean coast. A short drive from Alamos, in the incredibly quirky San Luis Valley, this National Park and Reserve really does have its star attraction, giant mounds of sand brought in from afar.
The large sand dunes were created when sand was carried by rivers and streams, along with other deposits, into the San Luis Valley. It was displaced by the wind and collided with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where headwinds helped turn them into high dunes on a certain curve of the summit.
You can go there anytime, some say the best time is after dark when you can see the sky. The more energetic hikers will climb to the top of the park’s largest star dune, and on the way down, perhaps try their hand at sand surfing. The site also has a campground, several off-road trails, hiking, and the seasonal Medano Creek pictured above for snorkeling. Zapata waterfall is a little further down the road.
Have you ever been to downtown Denver? This is often a question from new tourists when they try to offer them interesting things to see. Once there, you can easily stroll around the capital with the 16th Street Mall.
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This boardwalk connects Union Station, where most trains and buses go to entertainment venues, with the State Capitol building. You can visit any of these historic buildings with the official tours they offer. And the best thing is that when you get tired of walking, a free bus runs along the embankment with stops in each of the city blocks.
There are also several parks and the beautiful Cherry Creek Trail that starts at Confluence Park. At the opposite end of 16th Street is Civic Center Park near the Capitol. Depending on the season, Skyline Park downtown is home to a variety of attractions, such as a brewery and an ice skating rink.
The sure-fire way to experience this iconic outdoor music venue is to catch a concert there. However, that’s not always possible, so luckily when you’re not using it, you can go for a whole year and treat it like a free park. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater is a fun place to take in the Great Plains and the panorama of the metropolis below.
Located in Morrison in the hills, this is a convenient place to enjoy the views and exercise. Residents use it as a place to practice sports. Some walk and run through the rows (as shown above) or simply lean closer to the top or stage and enjoy the vibe. Enter the Colorado Music Hall of Fame, located below the main stage.
Best Places To Visit In Colorado
Coors Brewery brings together beer lovers from all over the world. It is located in the Old West town of Dourados, at the foot of the Front Mountains. The city itself is the main place for people to stroll downtown, shop, dine and sightsee. However, a trip to Coors Brewery is on many fun-lovers’ vacation agenda.
Free tours run daily throughout the year and end with a free beer. You’ll see how beer is brewed at one of the best breweries in the country, and then try some of their unique and, hopefully, limited edition beers. Depart on a weekday and preferably earlier for a faster experience… or maybe one last call.
Tucked away in the southwestern part of the state, Mesa Verde is a fascinating place to visit. It is dedicated to the ancient ruins of the Pueblo, ancient estates built on both mesa tops and rocks. They were inhabited and built on centuries before being abandoned around 1300.
Far View Lodge offers camping and overnight accommodation. The city of Cortes is less than fifteen minutes away from the park entrance. Be sure to 4WD for amazing views, stopping at all the unique vantage points. Be sure to book at least one or two clifftop tours for an unforgettable interactive experience.
Must Visit Small Towns In Colorado
Ten miles east of Glenwood Springs, away from the long haul, is the incredible Hanging Lake. Due to its immense popularity, permits and reservations are required to hike to the lake and waterfalls.
You can visit Hanging Lake all year round once you make a reservation. Of course, summer is the peak, but hiking or snowshoeing in winter, depending on the amount of snow, brings its own magic. It is a National Natural Landmark because of its magnificent community of hanging garden plants.
Even people who don’t ski and snowboard visit the town of Breckenridge and love it. Just 1.5 hours from Denver, it is located in equally impressive Summit County, making it easy to access other interesting cities and attractions. In addition to its four spectacular ski resorts, Summit County offers so much more for a multi-day trip or just a day visit from Denver.
Breckenridge has block after block of quaint shops and a variety of restaurants catering to the tourist masses in its pedestrianized downtown. Most companies are located in historic buildings with abundant