Colorado Travel Guide

Explore the culturally and naturally significant places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, safety measures, and transportation options in Colorado. Plan your trip now.


Colorado, located in the Rocky Mountains, is a dream destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers. The state is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and plenty of outdoor activities. In this comprehensive guide, we will take you through the must-see attractions, best outdoor adventures, food and drink options, places to stay, safety measures, and transportation options. So, let’s get started!

Introduction to Colorado

Covering an area of 104,185 square miles, Colorado is the eighth-largest state in the United States. The state is famous for its beautiful mountains, forested plateaus, rivers, canyons, and breathtaking landscapes. Colorado has a rich history with diverse cultures, from the Native Americans who first inhabited the region to the Western pioneers who arrived in the late 19th century. The state’s capital, Denver, is a vibrant city with a thriving art and food scene.

List of Places to Visit in Colorado

Colorado is packed with plenty of attractions that are worth visiting. Here is a list of culturally and naturally significant sites in Colorado.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Mesa Verde National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects some of the best-preserved native American architectural sites in the country.

  2. Denver Art Museum: A museum with impressive collections of American Indian, pre-Columbian, and contemporary art.

  3. Molly Brown House Museum: A museum dedicated to the Titanic survivor Margaret Brown’s life and her contribution to women’s rights.

  4. Colorado State Capitol: A stunning gold-domed building constructed in the 1890s and has three hundred sixty-five steps leading to the top.

Natural Attractions of Colorado: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Rocky Mountain National Park: A national park located in northern Colorado, famous for its scenic views, hiking trails, and wildlife.

  2. Garden of the Gods: A natural landmark that boasts stunning red rock formations and hiking trails.

  3. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve: A national park located in Southern Colorado, famous for its impressive sand dunes.

  4. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: A national park with steep cliffs, narrow spires, and deep canyon views that will leave you in awe.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Colorado

Colorado is a paradise for hikers and bikers with an amazing array of trails in its mountains and forests. Here are some of Colorado’s best hiking/biking trail routes:

  1. The Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness: Over 100 miles of trails in the Elk Mountains to explore beautiful scenery.

  2. Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway: A 63-mile scenic drive featuring beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and fishing spots.

  3. Pikes Peak: A famous 14,115 ft mountain that can be hiked through the Barr Trail or driven through the Pikes Peak Highway.

  4. Animas River Trail: A biking trail that follows the Animas River from Durango to Silverton, passing through scenic destinations.

Best Things to Do in Colorado: Activities and Tours

Colorado offers multiple activities based on preferences, be it visiting museums, hiking, experiencing nature, or indulging in tasty food. Here are some of the best things to do in Colorado:

  1. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset to explore the breathtaking views of the Rockies.

  2. Visit Ghost Towns: Visit the historic mining towns of Cripple Creek and Victor to learn more about Colorado’s fascinating gold-rush era.

  3. Ski and Snowboard: Colorado is famous for its skiing and snowboarding resorts, such as Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts.

  4. Brewery Tours: Explore Colorado’s excellent beer scene by taking brewery tours in Denver, Fort Collins, and other urban centers in the state.

Week-Long Itinerary for Colorado

Here is an itinerary to make the most of your one-week trip to Colorado:

Day Destination Activities
1 Denver Sightseeing, Exploring Museums
2 Colorado Springs Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak
3 Durango Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, Animas River Trail
4 Telluride Local Sightseeing, Hiking Trails
5 Mesa Verde National Park Cultural Exploration, Hiking Trails
6 Glenwood Springs Hot Springs, Cavern Tours
7 Rocky Mountain National Park Hikes, Wildlife Exploration

Food and Drink Scene in Colorado

The food and drink scene in Colorado is diverse, with influences from Mexican, Native American, and French cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes and beverages of Colorado.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Denver Omelet: A classic American breakfast dish made of eggs, cheese, onions, and ham.

  2. Rocky Mountain Oysters: A unique dish made from bull or sheep’s testicles fried to perfection.

  3. Green Chile: A flavorful dish with green chilis, which is a staple in Colorado.

Local Beverages

  1. Colorado Craft Beer: The state is famous for its excellent craft beer scene, producing brands like Boulder Brewing Company and Odell Brewing.

  2. Colorado Wine: The state has many award-winning wineries, such as Balistreri Vineyards, Infinite Monkey Theorem, and Sutcliffe Vineyards.

Where to Stay in Colorado: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Colorado has an array of accommodation options catered to backpackers, luxury-seeking travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best places to stay in Colorado:

  1. The Broadmoor: A luxurious resort hotel spread across 3,000 acres in Colorado Springs with a golf course, spa, and several pools.

  2. The Curtis: A boutique hotel located in downtown Denver with modern rooms and themed floors.

  3. Hostel Fish: A stylish hostel located in the heart of Denver’s hip Rino district.

What to Buy in Colorado: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Colorado has several unique gift shops, craft stores, and local markets that offer a wide range of souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the things you can buy in Colorado:

  1. Artisanal Cheese and Meat: Colorado has a thriving food scene producing award-winning artisanal cheese and meat products, which are perfect to bring home.

  2. Handcrafted Pottery: There are several pottery studios in Colorado that offer handmade mugs, vases, and other ceramic products.

  3. Jewelry: Native American Tribes like the Ute Indian Tribe in Colorado offer amazing handmade jewelry and unique souvenirs that make ideal keepsakes.

Local Culture and Customs of Colorado

The local culture of Colorado is influenced by its history, geography, and environment. Some of the cultural practices that you can observe in Colorado are Native American Powwows, farmers’ markets, and cultural festivals.

Best Time To Visit Colorado

The best time to visit Colorado is during the months of March to May or September to October, as the weather is temperate, and the crowds are thin.

Do’s and Don’ts of Colorado

Do:

  1. Respect the natural environment, its wildlife, and the rules of the parks.

  2. Do try adventure activities such as hiking, biking, and skiing.

  3. Do dress in layers; the temperature in Colorado can vary significantly, even during the same day.

Don’t:

  1. Don’t forget to take safety precautions while hiking, biking, or skiing; be aware of the weather conditions and carry essential gear.

  2. Don’t forget the sunscreen; the sun in Colorado can be harsh.

  3. Don’t ignore the signs and warnings of closed trails or park areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Colorado

Colorado is a safe state to explore, but it is still essential to abide by safety measures while engaging in outdoor activities. Winter sports in Colorado’s mountains can be dangerous, so it’s important to pay attention to the terrain and weather.

Health in Colorado

Colorado has a higher altitude than most states, and visitors may experience altitude sickness, dehydration, and respiratory problems. So, it’s essential to keep hydrated and take precautions to acclimate to the altitude.

Getting to Colorado: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Colorado

Denver International Airport is Colorado’s primary airport, but the state has several smaller airports, such as Colorado Springs, Aspen, and Durango-La Plata County.

Bus Stations Near Colorado

Several bus companies, such as Greyhound and Amtrak, offer services to major Colorado cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo.

Other Options

Driving is an excellent choice to explore Colorado’s natural beauty, offering numerous scenic drives and byways. However, it is essential to plan well, keep essentials stocked, and follow safety rules while driving.

How to Get Around in Colorado

Several rental car companies, bus services, and trains operate throughout the state. Biking is also a favorite mode of travel for outdoor enthusiasts.

Where to Go Next from Colorado: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico have several charming and historic locations that you can visit from Colorado. Here are some of the nearby destinations and their attractions:

  1. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona is a stunning site with breathtaking views of the canyon and Colorado River.

  2. Arches National Park in Utah has over 734 natural sandstone arches and unique rock structures.

  3. Santa Fe in New Mexico offers a rich cultural and artistic scene, featuring historic adobe architecture, art galleries, and museums.

Conclusion

Colorado is a dream destination for outdoor adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. From stunning outdoor adventures to cultural and culinary experiences, the state has so much to offer. Plan your trip to Colorado, follow the safety measures, and enjoy all that this beautiful state has to offer.

Sunrise at Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez Sunrise at Mesa Verde National Park near Cortez A midsummer Columbine (the state flower) on Arapahoe Pass Trail near Boulder A midsummer Columbine (the state flower) on Arapahoe Pass Trail near Boulder View from Telluride ski slopes. View from Telluride ski slopes. The Durango (Colorado) The Durango (Colorado) Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site near La Junta Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site near La Junta Fall Foliage on the Grand Mesa, Colorado Fall Foliage on the Grand Mesa, Colorado Rocky Mountain Oysters Rocky Mountain Oysters Semillon grapes await pressing, Palisade Semillon grapes await pressing, Palisade Pikes Peak viewed through an arch at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs Pikes Peak viewed through an arch at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs Mountain goat on Mount Huron near Leadville Mountain goat on Mount Huron near Leadville


    Denver Area
    Eastern Plains
    Front Range
    Northwestern Colorado
    South Central Colorado
    Southwestern Colorado