Colorado, a western U.S. state, has a diverse landscape of arid desert, river canyons and snow-covered Rocky Mountains, which are partly protected by Rocky Mountain National Park. Elsewhere, Mesa Verde National Park features Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. Perched a mile above sea level, Denver, Colorado’s capital and largest city, features a vibrant downtown area. ― Google
Summer (June–August):
Perfect for hiking, rafting, festivals, and exploring national parks. Cool in the mountains, warm in Denver and plains.
Fall (September–October):
Gorgeous fall foliage in the Rockies and fewer crowds. Aspen trees turn golden.
Winter (December–March):
Ideal for skiing and snowboarding in places like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge.
Spring (April–May):
Quieter season with some snow still in mountains and blooming wildflowers at lower elevations.
Main Airports:
Denver International Airport (DEN) – Major hub
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) – For southern Colorado
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) – For ski resorts
Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) – For Vail & Beaver Creek
By Car:
Scenic drives are part of the Colorado experience. Rent a car for mountain access.
I-70 connects Denver with the Rockies.
US-550 ("Million Dollar Highway") offers jaw-dropping alpine views.
By Train:
Amtrak California Zephyr passes through Denver, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction.
Rocky Mountain National Park – Alpine lakes, elk, and over 300 miles of trails.
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) – Striking red rock formations and hiking trails.
Mesa Verde National Park – Ancient cliff dwellings of the Ancestral Puebloans.
Great Sand Dunes National Park – North America’s tallest sand dunes.
Aspen & Vail – World-renowned ski resorts and luxury mountain towns.
Maroon Bells (near Aspen) – The most photographed peaks in the U.S.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad – Historic scenic steam train ride.
Denver – Capital city with top-tier museums, sports, and breweries.
Boulder – College town with great food, hiking, and shopping.
Telluride – Remote, stunning mountain town with festivals year-round.
Hiking & Camping:
Bear Lake Trail, Sky Pond, Emerald Lake, Mount Elbert (highest peak in CO)
Numerous backcountry and alpine camping spots
Skiing & Snowboarding:
Aspen, Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Telluride, Steamboat
Whitewater Rafting:
On the Arkansas River near Buena Vista and Royal Gorge
Hot Springs:
Glenwood Hot Springs, Strawberry Park (Steamboat), Pagosa Springs, Ouray Hot Springs
Scenic Drives:
Trail Ridge Road, San Juan Skyway, Peak to Peak Highway
Rock Climbing & Biking:
Boulder Canyon, Eldorado Canyon, and Moab (just over the Utah border)
Festivals:
Telluride Film Festival, Denver Beer Fest, Frozen Dead Guy Days (Nederland), Jazz Aspen Snowmass
Luxury:
The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs) – 5-star historic resort
Hotel Jerome (Aspen) – Elegant and iconic
Dunton Hot Springs – Luxe cabins in a restored ghost town
Mid-Range:
Limelight Hotel (Aspen & Snowmass)
Sonnenalp (Vail)
The Maven (Denver – hip and central)
Budget/Cool Options:
Hostels in Boulder, Salida, and Denver
Cabin rentals in Estes Park, Buena Vista, and Leadville
KOA or National Forest camping – Especially beautiful near Crested Butte and Gunnison
Colorado Specialties:
Green chili – Try it on burritos, burgers, or fries
Rocky Mountain oysters – Not what you think 😅 (bull testicles – adventurous eaters only)
Colorado lamb, bison, and trout
Palisade peaches (late summer)
Craft beer & cider – CO has one of the highest breweries-per-capita rates in the U.S.
Top Spots to Eat:
Frasca Food and Wine (Boulder) – Award-winning Italian
The Wolf's Tailor (Denver) – Inventive, Asian-influenced cuisine
Root Down (Denver) – Airport and downtown location, local-focused
Bin 707 Foodbar (Grand Junction) – High-end Western Slope fare
Bourbon Chicken Shack (Crested Butte) – Great mountain town dining
🏔️ Mountain Mindset: Laid-back, adventurous, and active. Outdoor recreation is a lifestyle.
🍺 Craft Culture: From beer to spirits to cannabis (legal), small-batch and artisanal is the norm.
🧘 Wellness-Oriented: Yoga, natural foods, and hot springs retreats abound.
🪵 Western Heritage: Rodeos, ranches, and historic mining towns mix with new-age and tech scenes.
🎨 Creative Energy: Art galleries, live music, and mural-covered downtowns in places like Boulder and Denver.