Map view
Saint Mary's Glacier, Arapaho National Forest
- Saint Mary's Glacier is a semi-permanent snowfield located in the Arapaho National Forest, near Idaho Springs
- Despite its name, it is not a true glacier; it has been reclassified as a snowfield because it does not exhibit the movement characteristic of glaciers
- The area is popular for hiking, offering views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and an alpine lake
- The snowfield maintains snow throughout the year, making it a unique destination for outdoor enthusiasts at any time
Maroon Bells
- The Maroon Bells are two prominent peaks located in the Elk Mountains of Colorado
- These peaks are renowned for their distinctive bell shape and striking wine-colored appearance, which is due to their composition of mudstone
- The area surrounding the peaks includes Maroon Lake, which offers picturesque views, especially during the fall when the aspens change color
Aspen/Snowmass
Best time to visit: Jan-Feb, Dec
- Aspen/Snowmass is a renowned winter resort complex consisting of four distinct ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and Aspen Highlands
- Each mountain offers unique terrain and experiences for skiers and snowboarders of all levels
- Aspen/Snowmass is known not only for its skiing but also for its remarkable scenery, luxury accommodations, and wide range of winter activities
Beaver Creek Resort, Avon
- Beaver Creek Resort is a premier alpine ski destination located near Avon, renowned for its meticulously groomed ski runs, and atmosphere that caters to skiers of all levels
- The resort features an alpine village with fine dining options and shopping
- In addition to winter sports, Beaver Creek is a popular summer destination, offering activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and high-altitude golf
Warner Point Nature Trail, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Walk difficulty: moderate
- The Warner Point Nature Trail is a scenic hiking trail located in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- It offers views of the Black Canyon, particularly at the lookout point, which overlooks the deepest part of the canyon
Main Street, Breckenridge
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Nov-Dec
- Main Street in Breckenridge, is a historic thoroughfare that serves as the center of the town
- It boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and retail stores, offering everything from local crafts to high-end apparel
- The street often hosts events and activities, with options for live music and nightlife
- Main Street has been designed to be pedestrian-friendly, with sections closed off to vehicle traffic
- The street runs through the center of Breckenridge, with views of the surrounding mountains, particularly the ski area's Five Peaks
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Best time to visit: Jan-April, Nov-Dec
- Breckenridge Ski Resort is a prominent alpine ski destination located in Breckenridge, recognized for its extensive skiable terrain, covering approximately 2,908 acres across five peaks, making it one of the largest ski resorts in the United States
- Breckenridge is notable for having the highest chairlift in North America, reaching an elevation of 12,840 feet
- Originally a mining town, Breckenridge has transformed into a world-renowned winter sports destination
- Breckenridge Ski Resort also has a vibrant town atmosphere with dining, shopping, and various winter activities
Pikes Peak
- Pikes Peak is classified as a "fourteener," which refers to peaks that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation
- Historically, Pikes Peak was home to the Ute Indians and even earlier to the Clovis Culture
- The mountain is also famous for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, an annual automobile race that challenges participants to ascend the mountain
National Museum of World War II Aviation, Colorado Springs
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct
- The National Museum of World War II Aviation is located at Colorado Springs Airport in Colorado Springs
- Opened in 2012, it is dedicated to documenting and showcasing the significant role that military aviation played during World War II
- The museum is home to 20 fully restored, flying World War II aircraft and frequently hosts additional aircraft for exhibitions
#34 in Best Attractions in the USA
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct
- Garden of the Gods is a public park located in Colorado Springs
- It is renowned for its dramatic red rock formations, which rise prominently against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains
- The park's elevation is around 6,400 feet (1,951 meters) above sea level, and it showcases a variety of landscapes, including ancient sea remains and glacial formations that date back millions of years
#41 in Best Attractions in the USA
Mount Blue Sky
- Mount Blue Sky, formerly known as Mount Evans, is the highest peak in the Mount Evans Wilderness, and reaches an elevation of 14,130 feet (4,302 meters)
- The mountain is part of the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, which is notable for being the highest paved road in North America
- The scenic route offers views of alpine lakes and granite formations, and is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience Colorado's high mountain environment
- The area is also known for its diverse wildlife, including mountain goats and bighorn sheep
Denver Museum Of Nature and Science
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- The Denver Museum of Nature and Science is a prominent natural history and science museum located in Denver
- The museum hosts various exhibitions that explore topics related to nature, science, and the universe, including displays on dinosaurs, gems, minerals, and the cosmos
- It also features a planetarium that provides shows about astronomy and space exploration
Denver Botanic Gardens
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- Denver Botanic Gardens is a prominent public botanical garden located in the Cheesman Park neighborhood of Denver
- Established in 1951, it features a diverse array of attractions, including a glass-enclosed conservatory housing various plant species, multiple themed gardens showcasing different plant types and designs, and a sunken amphitheater for summer concerts and events
- The gardens are recognized for their extensive collection of plants, particularly those from cold temperate climates
#17 in Best Museums in the USA
Denver Union Station
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- Denver Union Station is the main railway station and central transportation hub in Denver
- Originally opening in 1881, the station has undergone several transformations, particularly in the late 20th century when train travel declined, leading to a period of disuse
- However, a major revitalization effort began in 2001, culminating in a grand reopening in 2014 as a vibrant shopping, dining, and cultural destination
Denver Art Museum
Best time to visit: April-May, Sept-Oct
- The Denver Art Museum is an art museum located in Denver, established in 1893
- It has grown to become one of the largest art museums between Chicago and the West Coast
- The museum has an extensive collection of over 70,000 works of art, featuring a diverse range of styles and periods
- Notably, it has a significant collection of Native American art and is recognized for housing the only major Asian art collection in the Rocky Mountain region
Perkins Central Garden Trail, Garden of the Gods
Walk difficulty: easy
- The Perkins Central Garden Trail is a scenic loop located in the Garden of the Gods park near Manitou Springs
- The route meanders through red rock formations, allowing hikers to experience the park's most distinctive geological features up close
Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- The Great Sand Dunes Visitor Center is located at the entrance of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- The center includes exhibits that provide information about the unique landscape and ecology of the dunes
- The Great Sand Dunes National Park is known for having the tallest sand dunes in North America, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, sandboarding, and photography
Medano Creek, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Medano Creek is a seasonal stream located within the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- It is notable for its unique surge flow, where the water moves in rhythmic waves across sandy terrain
- The creek typically begins to flow in late March to early April, peaks around June, and then dries up by August, depending on snowpack and rainfall
- This makes it a popular destination for recreational activities such as picnicking and floating on rafts
#41 in Best Beaches in the USA
Keystone Resort
- Keystone Resort is a prominent ski resort located in Keystone, renowned for its extensive skiing and snowboarding opportunities
- The resort features three main mountains: Dercum Mountain, North Peak, and the Outback, along with five bowls that cater to various skill levels
- The resort features a wide range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to condos, along with award-winning dining experiences
- Keystone is one of the few resorts that offers night skiing, allowing guests to enjoy the slopes after dark
#15 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
Cave of the Winds Mountain Park, Colorado Springs
Best time to visit: March-May, Sept-Oct
- Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is located in Colorado Springs, where it offers a variety of activities, including cave tours, an obstacle course, zip lines, and climbing walls
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a renowned open-air concert venue located near Morrison, and is famous for its remarkable natural acoustics and natural scenery, making it one of the most iconic music venues in the world
- The amphitheater is a geological marvel, formed by two massive red rock formations known as Ship Rock and Creation Rock, which contributes to its exceptional acoustics
- Red Rocks hosts a variety of performances, from rock concerts to classical music, attracting top-tier artists such as The Beatles, U2, and Sting
- The venue is part of a larger park that offers hiking and biking trails, dining options, and educational exhibits about its history and geology
Box Canyon, Ouray
- Box Canyon Falls is a waterfall located near Ouray, that is the culmination of Canyon Creek as it flows into the Uncompahgre River
- The waterfall plunges approximately 285 feet (87 meters) into a narrow gorge with steep quartzite walls
- Visitors can reach the falls via a short trail leading to the base or a steeper trail that ascends to the top
- Box Canyon Falls is situated within a small, privately owned park that offers various viewpoints of the waterfall
Purgatory Resort
- Purgatory Resort is a ski resort located in the San Juan Mountains, approximately 25 miles north of Durango
- Established in 1965, it offers a diverse range of winter and summer activities, making it a year-round destination
- In addition to winter sports, Purgatory offers mountain biking, a mountain coaster, and an alpine slide during the warmer months
#16 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park
Best time to visit: June-Sept
- Trail Ridge Road is a scenic highway located within Rocky Mountain National Park
- The road spans approximately 48 miles (77 km), connecting the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake
- It is renowned for being the highest paved road in any U.S. national park, reaching an elevation of 12,183 feet (3,713 meters)
Emerald Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
Walk difficulty: moderate
Best time to visit: June-Sept
- The Emerald Lake Trail is a hiking route located in Rocky Mountain National Park, where hikers will encounter three alpine lakes, culminating in the final lake: Emerald Lake, which is situated at an elevation of 10,111 feet
- The trail includes a variety of terrains, such as forests, mountain views, and boardwalks
- It also features wood and stone steps, waterfalls, and potentially snow, depending on the season
Lake Haiyaha, Rocky Mountain National Park
Walk difficulty: moderate
Best time to visit: June-Sept
- The Lake Haiyaha Trail is a scenic hiking route located in Rocky Mountain National Park, near Estes Park
- The trail begins at the Bear Lake Trailhead, leading hikers to stops at Nymph Lake and Dream Lake along the way
- The hike offers stunning views of the surrounding Glacier Basin area, especially as you approach Lake Haiyaha, which is known for its striking blue waters and rocky surroundings
Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes via Nymph Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park
Walk difficulty: moderate
Best time to visit: June-Sept
- Nymph, Dream, Emerald, and Haiyaha Lakes are a series of alpine lakes located in Rocky Mountain National Park that can be accessed via the Nymph Lake Trail
- The trail provides views of the surrounding mountains and forests, as well as each lake's unique features
Lost Lake via Hessie Trail, Roosevelt National Forest
Walk difficulty: moderate
- Lost Lake via Hessie Trail is a hiking route located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Nederland, known for its alpine scenery
- The hike begins at the Hessie Trailhead, which is situated at an elevation of 9,000 feet, and ascends to 9,800 feet at Lost Lake
Steamboat Ski Resort, Steamboat Springs
Best time to visit: Jan-March, June-Aug, Dec
- Steamboat Ski Resort is a prominent ski area located in Steamboat Springs, known for its excellent skiing conditions
- Steamboat is famous for its Champagne Powder, a light and dry type of snow that enhances the skiing experience
- The area has a rich history in winter sports, with an 84-year Olympic heritage, contributing to its reputation as a training ground for future Olympians
#10 in Best Ski Resorts in the USA
Fish Creek Falls Trail, Medicine Bow–Routt National Forest
Walk difficulty: moderate
- Fish Creek Falls is a waterfall located about 5 miles east of Steamboat Springs, within the Routt National Forest
- The waterfall features a dramatic drop of approximately 280 feet, and was formed by glacial activity during the last ice age
- The area offers several hiking trails, including a dirt path that leads to the base of the falls
Telluride Mountain Village Gondola
Best time to visit: Jan-early April, June-Sept, Dec
- The Telluride Mountain Village Gondola is a scenic mode of public transportation that connects the towns of Telluride and Mountain Village
- It is the first and only free public gondola system in the United States, designed to provide easy access between the two towns without the need for cars
- Originally built to improve air quality by reducing vehicle traffic, the gondola has been operational since 1996, and offers 360-degree views of the San Juan Mountains
Bear Creek Falls via Bear Creek Trail, Bear Creek Preserve
Walk difficulty: moderate
- Bear Creek Falls is a waterfall located near Telluride, accessible via Bear Creek Trail
- The waterfall is around 70 to 250 feet high, depending on the source, and cascades dramatically down a rocky cliff
- The hike offers views of the surrounding mountains and rugged cliffs
Telluride Ski Resort, Mountain Village
- Telluride Ski Resort is a premier ski destination located in the San Juan Mountains, that spans over 2,000 skiable acres and features a diverse range of terrain suitable for all skill levels
- The resort is renowned for its scenery and has been rated as one of the top ski resorts in North America by various publications
- It is located near the historic town of Telluride and the modern alpine community of Mountain Village
- In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Telluride offers a variety of winter activities, including snowmobiling and heli-skiing
Vail Ski Resort
Best time to visit: Jan-March, June-Sept, Dec
- Vail Ski Resort is a premier ski destination located near the town of Vail, where it is renowned for being one of the largest ski resorts in the world and the second largest single mountain ski resort in North America
- The highest point at Vail reaches 11,570 feet (3,527 meters), and caters to various skill levels from beginners to advanced skiers
- Vail Ski Resort also boasts a village atmosphere among the mountain scenery, with numerous dining options, shops, and accommodations