The colorful and diverse open landscape gives Colorado its charm. This state earned its name as the “centennial state” because it joined the USA one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Colorado is rich with Native American history, mountain views, and wildflower fields. Explore a spooky ghost town in one of America’s oldest Western mining towns or catch live music at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
Known for its unique red rocks and ski resorts, Colorado is one of the best states in America for winter and summer vacations. With over 40 state parks and four national parks, Colorado has endless outdoor activities for all ages, like white water rafting, mountain biking, and kayaking.
1. Check Out the Must See Parks
Colorado has some unbelievably grand must-see attractions, most of which are accessible by Colorado’s scenic byways. These parks offer scenic landscapes perfect for capturing long-lasting memories with the whole family.
Mesa Verde National Park
The preservation of the home of the Pueblo Indians makes the Mesa Verde National Park a World Heritage Site. This ancient site houses thousands of archeological sites including pithouses, masonry towers, and farming structures.
For another side trip, 10 minutes northwest of Colorado Springs, Manitou Cliff Dwellings is a centuries-old Indian Pueblo you can tour in the park to learn about Colorado’s native history.
Rocky Mountain National Park
The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range in America, with one of the highest peaks, stretching from Canada to New Mexico. You can grab more info on this natural wonder by stopping by the park’s visitor center.
Become one with nature in the Rockies with family-friendly activities, such as scenic drives, horseback riding, and hiking trails. If you’re truly the outdoorsy type, plan a camping trip by the Glacier Basin.
The Royal Gorge Bridge And Park
Just over two hours South of Denver is the seemingly impossible Royal Gorge Bridge, which hangs suspended over the Arkansas River. This bridge made of steel and Timber wood planks welcomes you as you drive over it into the park.
Fun things to do in the park include goldpanning with the kids and riding the carousel. Hit up the visitor center to find the best lookout views of the bridge and gorge for photos. When hunger strikes, grab a meal from Café 1230 and watch some brave souls ride the zip line.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
The Great Sand Dunes are an impressive natural feat. These dune peaks are formed from high-speed winds blowing across the San Juan Mountains. You may want to look into jeep rentals if you’re interested in taking a 4WD tour along the Medano Pass Road in the park.
One of the best ways to experience the dunes is to hang ten on a sandboard down the sandy waves. Kids will like sand sledding and playing in Medano Creek at the bottom of the dunes. Other activities include hunting, fishing, hiking, and backpacking.
2. Visit Colorado In the Winter
The Rocky Mountains make Colorado a world-renowned skiing and snowboarding destination. Vail and Aspen play host to some of the best resorts and spas. In the summer, you can witness abundant green forests and flowing rivers; in the winter, you’ll be transported to a white winter wonderland getaway.
Vail
Settled at the base of the Rocky Mountains is the village of Vail. Loaded with shops, restaurants, cafes, and events like Vail Resorts Snow Day and the Vail Film Festival.
Plant the spa day of your dreams at Bloom Spa at the Sebastian Vail. Treat yourself to a signature facial and massage. Feel revived after breaking a sweat in the state-of-the-art sauna and steam room. Afterward, put your feet up in the relaxation lounge with a beverage and snack from The Gambit Bar or Lenora.
Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or hot tub with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. This spa is ready to pamper you with world-class service.
Although Vail’s ski terrain is aimed at expert skiers, there are non-ski options available at the Vail Nordic Center, like fat tire biking through a designated eight-mile path, a fun yet challenging activity that is sure to get your blood pumping.
Beaver Creek
Compared to Vail’s black diamond runs, Beaver Creek’s well-groomed blue and green runs are better suited for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The quaint town of Beaver Creek offers major ski resorts, a local gold club, and a lake trail.
The Exhale Spa at Hyatt Beaver Creek is a cozy yet sophisticated ski resort geared toward rejuvenating your mind and body with natural elements. This spa is decked out with a soothing whirlpool, a top-of-the-line sauna to sweat your stress away, and a zen relaxation lounge stocked with complimentary beverages.
Take advantage of the instructor-led pilates, yoga, and strength training classes. Upgrade your full-service spa day with a custom Fusion massage or True facial to feel revitalized after a tough workout or day in the snow.
For shopping and trendy restaurants, head an hour west to Glenwood Springs. After a morning on one of the many high-end golf courses, unwind in the luxurious natural hot springs this city has to offer.
Aspen
Aspen is a mountain town with four ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk (for beginners). You can shop ‘til you drop at designer stores in town and enjoy activities besides skiing, like snow-shoeing and fly fishing.
W Aspen combines the natural beauty of the scenic mountains with its sleek and modern design. The rooftop heated outdoor pool is the main attraction at this resort because of its view of the slopes and poolside service from the Wet Deck Bar.
You’ll feel well taken care of with complimentary sunscreen, towel service, lockers, and access to the fitness center. Book a cabana to elevate your comfort with plush seating and a dedicated server. The cabanas are equipped with chairs and tables for up to six people so bring your friends along, too!
For a memorable road trip, you can take a four-hour drive southwest from Aspen to Silverton, a once-booming mining town. Once in Silverton, you can purchase a roundtrip train ride ticket to Durango and back on the Narrow Gauge Railroad, a National Historic Landmark.
3. Explore the Bustling Cities
Boulder
Boulder is a city with a major arts scene featuring over a dozen art galleries, amphitheaters, and festivals. The natural landscape offers breathtaking views of the Flatirons. Less than an hour’s drive away is the town of Estes Park for even more views of the Rocky Foothills.
The Halcyon in Cherry Creek is the perfect medium between being immersed and nature and lively city charm. This resort offers a day room for recharging your batteries between travel days or escaping the summer heat. The day rooms are stocked with complimentary Matouk bathrobes, Nespresso machines, and Johnathan Adler bathing products.
At this resort, the lounge chairs are first come, first serve. Sip on a hand-crafted cocktail beside the Spanish blue tiled rooftop pool. Plan a day trip to Fort Collins, one of the last Northern cities in Colorado before the Wyoming border, to discover the Old Town’s houses from the 1800s and take a ride on the vintage trolley.
Denver
The mile-high city is a family-friendly town with year-round golden sunshine, a vibrant downtown, and spirited Bronco fans. Denver has plenty of museums and restaurants to fill your day with activities.
Take in the great outdoors at the Omni Interlocken Hotel. You can spend a tranquil pool day in either of the two outdoor heated pools encircled by vast greenery and calm waterfalls.
Keep up on your workout routine at the fully equipped fitness center lined with full-length windows so you don’t miss a minute of the scenery. As the sun goes down, snuggle up by the outdoor firepits with drinks and snacks from the Tap Room.
Spend a day in Colorado Springs, an hour outside Denver, for more outdoor adventure at the Garden of the Gods park. This park is special for its rare environmental features, like its red rock formations and activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and hiking.
This park is home to a range of different animals like black bears, elk, turkeys, and prairie falcons since the park is met by the Great Plains grasslands, American Southwest woodlands, and Pikes Peak Mountain forest.
See the Best of Colorado With ResortPass
Ultimately, the scenic landscape, ski resorts, and unique historic sites make Colorado a prime getaway for outdoor adventure and restorative relaxation.
Access the best hotels and spas between travel days to some of the state’s must-see attractions with ResortPass.
Start your exploration in Fort Collins, rest in a day room at the Halcyon in Cherry Creek in Boulder, then make your way down until you reach the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Don’t wait. Download the ResortPass App to plan your Colorado visit now.
