Colorado Travel Guide
Rocky Mountain hiking, ski towns and craft beer.
Why visit Colorado
Colorado is the Rocky Mountain state: more than 50 peaks above 14,000 feet, world-famous ski resorts, four national parks, historic mining towns and a capital, Denver, that sits exactly one mile above sea level. Summer brings hiking, wildflowers and festivals; autumn turns the aspens gold; winter is the ski season. Altitude and mountain weather shape every trip here, so this guide focuses on where to go, when, and how to travel sensibly at elevation.
The best places to visit in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
Just north of Denver near Estes Park, Rocky Mountain National Park offers alpine lakes, wildlife such as elk and moose and Trail Ridge Road, which climbs above 12,000 feet and is the highest continuous paved road in the United States. Trail Ridge Road closes for the winter and usually reopens in late spring. In busy seasons the park has used timed-entry reservations, so check the National Park Service website before you go.
Denver and Boulder
Denver blends craft breweries, a strong food scene, the Denver Art Museum, Union Station, Larimer Square and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a natural rock venue just outside the city. Boulder, about 30 miles northwest, has the Flatirons rock formations, the Pearl Street pedestrian mall and easy access to hiking.
Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods
South of Denver, Colorado Springs is home to the free-to-enter Garden of the Gods park, with red rock formations against the backdrop of Pikes Peak. You can drive or take the cog railway up Pikes Peak (14,115 feet) when open. Check road and railway status before travelling.
Ski towns: Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat and Telluride
Colorado's resort towns are busy in winter and just as appealing in summer, when lifts open for hiking and mountain biking and towns host music and food festivals. Breckenridge and Vail are the closest to Denver, Aspen and Telluride the most remote, and Steamboat Springs mixes a Western ranching feel with a big ski area. Maroon Bells near Aspen is among the most photographed scenes in the state; a shuttle or reservation system often applies in season.
Mesa Verde, Durango and the southwest
Mesa Verde National Park preserves ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings; some require ranger-led tours. Nearby Durango is the base for the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a heritage steam train through the San Juan Mountains. The "Million Dollar Highway" between Silverton and Ouray is spectacular but has steep drop-offs and little guardrail, so take it slowly.
Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Great Sand Dunes National Park has the tallest dunes in North America, set against snow-capped peaks. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a deep, narrow gorge with dramatic overlooks. Together with Rocky Mountain and Mesa Verde, they make up Colorado's four national parks.
Glenwood Springs and Crested Butte
Glenwood Springs is known for its hot springs pool and Glenwood Caverns, and Crested Butte is a colourful mountain town known for summer wildflowers.
Best time to visit Colorado
- Winter (December–March): ski season. Some resorts open in November and others stay open into April.
- Spring (April–May): "mud season" in many mountain towns, when some businesses and high roads are closed; Denver and the Front Range are pleasant.
- Summer (June–August): best for hiking, camping and festivals. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so start early and be below treeline by early afternoon.
- Fall (September–October): golden aspens, usually peaking from mid-September at higher elevations, with cooler, quieter days.
Getting around Colorado
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main gateway and lies about 25 miles northeast of downtown. From Denver, most mountain destinations are 1.5 to 4 hours by car. Interstate 70 is the main route into the mountains and can be slow on winter weekends and holiday periods. In winter, state traction laws may apply on mountain highways, so rent a vehicle with appropriate tyres or all-wheel drive. Shuttles run from Denver to several ski towns, and Amtrak's California Zephyr stops in Denver and Glenwood Springs.
Altitude and mountain safety
- Altitude sickness: Headache, nausea and fatigue are common above about 8,000 feet. Drink plenty of water, go easy on alcohol the first day, and consider spending a night in Denver to adjust before going higher. Descend if symptoms get worse.
- Sun: UV is stronger at elevation, even on cool days.
- Weather: mountain weather changes quickly. Lightning is a real danger above treeline in summer afternoons.
- Wildlife: keep a safe distance from elk, moose and bears; store food properly when camping.
- Backcountry winter travel: avalanche risk is real. Check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center forecast and carry the right gear and training.
What to eat and drink
- Green chile – a southwestern-style stew or sauce found across the state, often over burritos.
- Craft beer – Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins are well-known brewing towns.
- Palisade peaches and Olathe sweet corn – regional summer produce sold at farm stands.
- Colorado lamb and bison – common on mountain-town menus.
A 7-day Colorado itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Denver; spend the afternoon in LoDo and Union Station.
- Day 2: Red Rocks, then Boulder's Pearl Street and the Flatirons.
- Day 3: Rocky Mountain National Park (Trail Ridge Road when open) and Estes Park.
- Day 4: Drive over to Breckenridge or Vail.
- Day 5: Hike or ski in the mountains; soak in Glenwood Springs on the way if time allows.
- Day 6: Head to Colorado Springs for Garden of the Gods.
- Day 7: Pikes Peak (if open), then return to Denver.
Colorado travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Colorado?
Summer for hiking, early fall for aspen colour and December through March for skiing. Spring can be muddy in the mountains.
How many days do I need?
Four to five days covers Denver, Boulder and Rocky Mountain National Park. A week lets you add a ski town and Colorado Springs.
Will I get altitude sickness?
Many visitors feel mild symptoms above 8,000 feet. Hydrate, rest the first day and go up gradually.
How many national parks does Colorado have?
Four: Rocky Mountain, Mesa Verde, Great Sand Dunes and Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Do I need a car?
It is the most flexible way to travel, especially in summer. Some ski towns can be reached by shuttle from Denver airport and are walkable once there.
Is Colorado good in summer as well as winter?
Yes. Summer offers hiking, biking, rafting and festivals, often with fewer crowds and lower prices than peak ski season.
Do I need reservations for national parks?
Some parks and attractions use timed-entry or shuttle reservations in busy seasons. Check official websites before you go.
What should I pack?
Layers, sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, rain gear and sturdy shoes. In winter, add warm waterproof layers.
Colorado events and seasonal highlights for 2027
Well-known annual events and seasons, with typical timing. Exact dates and ticket details change every year, so confirm on each event's official website before you book.
- Pikes Peak International Hill Climb – Typically late June · Pikes Peak Highway. Racing up the mountain road; check for road closures.
- Telluride Film Festival – Typically Labor Day weekend · Telluride. An invitation-style film festival in a mountain box canyon.
- Great American Beer Festival – Typically late Sept – Oct · Denver. One of the country's biggest beer gatherings.
- Aspen fall color – Typically late September · Aspen and the high country. Golden aspen leaves peak at different times by elevation.
Past event guides
Archived from earlier years – use for ideas and confirm current dates on each event's official site.
Prices, hours and event dates change. Confirm details with official sources before you travel. See our editorial policy.
