8 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Colorado, USA
Colorado is a destination that you can visit regardless of the season. It is known for its dramatic landscape and natural grandeur. This state is truly spectacular and features a variety of attractions such as the majestic Rocky Mountains, rivers, streams, rolling hills, and the famous desert of the Colorado Plateau. Those who are up for an exciting adventure like skiers, hikers, climbers, mountain bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts are very much welcome to explore Colorado. It also offers a great venue to soak up some tranquility and enjoy the mountain vibe. Be ready to witness the amazing sites the state has to offer as you drive through parks and state highways.
If you’re decided to spend a week or less of your vacation in Colorado, you can reach this state by booking a flight with Frontier Airlines. And as you start your journey and want to check the status of the flight and some significant airport information, you can make use of the popular live flight tracking system. Besides, you will be aware of the details about the aircraft such as speed, altitude, arrival and departure times, cancellations, and even flight delays.
We like to help you in achieving a remarkable vacation to Colorado, the main reason why we’ve listed down some of the top-rated attractions and destinations that you should not miss.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the popular national parks in the entire United States and is located just a few miles if you’re coming from the town of Estes Park. Be ready for the stunning view of the soaring mountain peaks, forests, alpine lakes and meadows, and even the diversity of wildlife in their natural habitat. The highest peak in the park is known as Longs Peak which is approximately 14,000 feet.
If you’re visiting the park, the main driving route is Trail Ridge Road. And if you’re into hiking, the park has an extensive system for hiking trails with different paths that may take less than a half-mile up to full-day or even multi-day hikes. If you’re lucky enough you can spot some elk, deer, bighorn sheep, or critters.
Other activities that you can try in the area include camping, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, and bouldering. During the winter season, travelers often visit the place to snowshoe or cross-country ski. Some ranger-led tours are being offered here.
The appropriate time to visit Vail and Nearby Mountain Townsis during winter since it is one of the top ski resorts that you can find in Colorado. It caters to all levels of skiers. Stay at the town located on the base of the ski hill can give you the feeling of being in the heart of the Alps. You can find luxury hotels, designer stores, and fine-dining restaurants in this high-end resort. Other ski resorts that are accessible in the area include Breckenridge and Beaver Creek. These small towns also have a full range of restaurants, cafes, and accommodations for a traveler like you.
Be ready to be blown away by the themes of Verde National Park’s cliff dwellings. It is nestled in a dramatic setting and you will surely notice that the area incredibly preserved its ruins. If you want to climb ladders right up to the heart of the dwelling, you can join the ranger-led tours which are available during the summer season. If you do not want such a level of activity, you can get a spectacular view of the site from a nearby viewing deck.
You can find here the Ancestral Pueblo who is known as the inhabitants of the dwellings’ way back 600 to 1300 AD. Numerous archaeological sites also lie within the park. If you’re going to drop by the area, it is just located near the towns of Cortez and Mancos. It will take about a 45-minute drive from the highway up to the site.
The famous Garden of the Gods included in the list of the registered National Natural Landmark known for its unique landscape of rough stone towers and fins. It stands 300 feet from the earth. The area also features some massive boulders and rock loads with distant mountains that serve as its backdrop, which completes the enormous view of the area. If you want to get up close to the rock formations or wander around the surreal scenery, there are 15 miles of trails available. Don’t worry these are just short and easy. Other activities that you can engage yourself with include biking, horseback riding, and Segway tours.
Pikes Peak in Pike National Forest is known for its snow-capped peak that is seen from the nearby town of Colorado Springs. It is also one of the visited mountains worldwide. Pike peak is accessible to the average person wherein you can drive to the summit off highway 24, just west of Colorado Springs. It may take you about an hour and a half to reach the peak. Be ready to be mesmerized by the views it offers from the top. If you want, you can take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway which may take up to 3 hours roundtrip for a scenic experience.
Durango and the Silverton Narrow Gauge Railways is known for its lovely setting that can be found at the base of the surrounding mountains. You will find some well-stored and grand old buildings that are now being used as hotels and restaurants. Travelers often visit the area during the summer season. There is a historic train that can take you to the valley coming from the Durango to the town of Silverton. Other activities that you can do in the area include hiking and biking. During the winter season, it became a full ski town.
San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway and the Million Dollar Highway is a 46-kilometer two-lane highway that offers a mesmerizing view of the mountainside and the jaw-dropping cliffs. If you want to drive and roam around Colorado, it is one of the best routes that you should choose. If you have ample time, you can proceed to drive a much longer route to reach the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. Some highlights that you will find along the way include the towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride. Silverton Mountain is an old-school ski resort and has an avenue for advanced skiers while the Ouray holds the title of being the Switzerland of America known for its hot springs. The Telluride, on the other hand, is known for its beautiful mountain towns wherein it features a gondola that can bring you to the top of the mountain for a better view of the area.
The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a fabulous and rugged-looking canyon that implies a feeling of being undiscovered. There are cliff walls that rise from the Gunnison River, which in return creates a narrow and dramatic canyon. Its depth is around 2,00 feet. The main activity that you do in the area is to simply gaze out over the canyon and appreciate the beauty of the environment. You can wander along the walking paths or designated hiking trails on the rims.