Colorful Colorado is a one-of-a-kind place. From the breathtaking scenery to the quaint mountain towns, there is no shortage of things to do and places to see. In fact, planning a trip here can be a bit daunting.
But with so many options, what are the absolute must-do Colorado adventures?
While the list of things to do could certainly go on and on, we’ve managed to condense it to our top eight. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good view, we’ve tried to include a little something for everyone.
So, without further ado, here are eight must-see places in Colorado.
Getting Around Colorado
To start off, it’s a must that you know how you will get around the state. Colorado is fairly large, and with so many places to see, getting from one place to another can be tricky. It’s helpful to plan out how you will move around before going on the big trip.
Renting a car is by far the easiest and most budget-friendly way to get from place to place. You can get cheap car insurance in Colorado on your rental, and it will give you the freedom and peace of mind to venture to every corner of the state.
Having your own vehicle will also save you from paying for extra flights and expensive rides.
Colorado Bucket List on a Budget
If you’ve ever daydreamed about taking a trip to Colorado, you probably had mountain towns, ski resorts, and scenic drives on your mind. We can assure you that all of these are covered in our Colorado bucket list, and they don’t have to come at the expense of everything in your wallet.
One of our best budgeting tips for Colorado is to find a base location in a vacation rental and use your rental car to travel from place to place. It saves you from having to move around too much and it means you are able to make your accommodations feel like home.
With your own car, you can also go to the grocery store and pick up some essentials to save you from eating out every day.
#1 – Denver
No list of places to visit in Colorado would be complete without Denver. The mile-high city is not only Colorado’s capital but also a city that has so much to offer to any type of traveler. Denver is a great place to start your trip off since it’s home to Colorado’s main airport.
It also makes for a great place to serve as a home base while you travel and explore the other areas nearby. With no shortage of accommodations and plenty of restaurants, Denver is sure to provide everything you need.
#2 – Breckenridge
About 1 hour and 35 minutes from Denver is the picturesque mountain town of Breckenridge. Because of its quaintness and close proximity to Denver, Breckenridge could easily be a day trip. Leave early in the morning and head back in the evening.
Snowsports lovers get ready. “Breck” offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding resorts. If you’re not up to hitting the slopes, have no fear. You can spend your time exploring the historic downtown and shopping in the cute boutiques or simply cozy up in the ski lodge with a steamy cup of hot chocolate and enjoy the mountain views.
#3 – Vail
Another famous Colorado mountain town, Vail is definitely a Colorado favorite for many. It’s located at the base of Vail Mountain in White River National Forest and is most known for Vail ski resort. The town offers endless outdoor activities and fun.
Vail is about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Denver and just a quick 45-minute drive from Breckenridge.
#4 – Boulder
Boulder is an easy 45-minute drive from Denver, (making it another great day trip from a home base location in Denver) at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Boulder is home to fun shops, restaurants, and cafes galore, and one of Colorado’s most famous universities, the University of Colorado Boulder.
Boulder has the perfect combination of city and nature. You can explore the breweries and shop on Pearl Street one day and then go for an epic hike the next. It’s the perfect place for someone who wants to mix things up from day to day.
#5 – Rocky Mountain National Park
One hour and 35 minutes from Denver and just 1 hour from Boulder you’ll find Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s the ultimate place to experience all that the Colorado landscapes have to offer. There are a variety of walks and hikes for people of all ages and levels.
Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road are two notable driving trails that will take you by towering trees and flowing rivers. As for hikes, the Keyhole Route is one of the most famous and will guide you up the unbelievable rock formations. And make sure you don’t miss the view at Bear Lake.
#6 – Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs might be most known for its high elevation. It sits 6,035 feet above sea level and for that reason, it has become a popular place for athletes to train. It’s also the perfect stop for tourists during your Colorado vacation if you want to take in a city that’s not as well-known as other large cities, like Denver.
There are some great hiking trails all around Colorado Springs, from Pikes Peak to Garden of the Gods. Garden of the Gods is great for thrill-seeking mountain climbers. Also notable is the Broadmoor Seven Falls, where you’ll find seven unique waterfalls.
#7 – Crested Butte
Crested Butte is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Of course, like many other Colorado towns, it’s known for its skiing and snowboarding. But Crested Butte is also a wonderful destination in the snowless months, as it offers some of the best mountain biking trails in the U.S.
#8 – Mesa Verde National Park
Last, but certainly not least, is Mesa Verde National Park. While this park can sometimes be overshadowed by the more famous Rocky Mountain National Park, it is definitely worth visiting during your time in Colorado. The landscape is quite different from other locations in Colorado.
It’s known for the well-kept cliff dwelling and the huge Cliff Palace and offers hikes that pass many archeological sites and overlooks. If you’re a history buff or archaeology enthusiast, this should be No. 1 on your Colorado bucket list.
Explore Colorado as Long as You Can
Travel is one of the best ways to get inspired, and Colorado’s nature will leave you refreshed and recharged. You might even find that simply experiencing Colorado tourism isn’t enough. The undeniable beauty and varying landscapes in Colorado can be quite convincing. It could very well tempt you to extend your stay indefinitely.
If you’re thinking about relocating, you’ll have to trade in that rental car for something a little more permanent and trade in your suitcases for boxes. Luckily, you can get Colorado car insurance at a great rate, and you’ll be waking up to those mountain views every day.
