Colorado Western Slope Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Montrose showing tranquil scenes
Montrose which includes landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring landscape views and tranquil scenes
Montrose showing tranquil scenes
Montrose featuring animals and wild flowers

Separated from the state’s biggest metropolises by the Rocky Mountains, this remote region encompasses desert terrain, wine country and scenic expanses of red rock.

Encompassing the communities west of the Continental Divide, the sparsely populated Western Slope region has a much different vibe to Colorado’s more cosmopolitan east. Discover vast canyons and dusty desert-like landscapes, prehistoric petroglyphs and dinosaur fossils, as well as some of the best ski resorts in the U.S.

With Colorado’s biggest cities located on the other side of the Rocky Mountains, Western Slope’s biggest lures are more rural, as opposed to urban, in nature. Marvel at the steep-sided cliffs and rushing river of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the region’s natural highlights, or hit the hiking trails that lead through the stark redrock-dotted landscape of Colorado National Monument. Discover a landscape of forests, meadows and lakes around Grand Mesa, which at 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers), is the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. The triple waterfalls, verdant foliage and excellent hiking trails at Rifle Falls State Park are also worth seeking out.

History, both natural and human, also abounds. Learn about the ancestral Pueblo people at the UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park, which is peppered with thousands of archaeological sites, including some truly remarkable 100-plus-room cliff dwellings. Inspect fossilized remains at the Dinosaur National Monument, where bones of prehistoric creatures can be found embedded into exposed rock.

If you crave some more urban-style diversions, head for the region’s biggest city, Grand Junction. Browse the shops on Main Street and look for Art on the Corner, a downtown public sculpture exhibit. Just outside of Grand Junction is the Grand Valley, the epicenter of the state’s thriving wine industry. Enjoy tours and tastings at more than 20 wineries.

In winter, snow sports enthusiasts flock to the Western Slope to enjoy the region’s reliable powdery snow. Popular resorts include Telluride, Powderhorn and Silverton.

To get to Colorado’s Western Slope, fly into Denver International Airport and drive from there. Alternatively, take a domestic connecting flight into Grand Junction Regional Airport. Consider renting a car for the freedom to fully explore all this fabulous region has to offer.

Where to stay in Colorado Western Slope

Beaver Creek which includes landscape views, a small town or village and snow

Beaver Creek

Beaver Creek is a destination visitors seek out for its captivating mountain views, stunning ski slopes and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Beaver Creek Ski Area or Vilar Performing Arts Center while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Beaver Creek
Vail Ski Resort featuring landscape views, snow and mountains

Vail Village

If you're spending some time in Vail Village, Vail Ski Resort and Gondola One Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Vail Village
Breckenridge featuring outdoor art, street performance and snow

Historic District

5/5(2 area reviews)

The picture-perfect mountain views and popular ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Historic District. A stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Breckenridge Arts District might round out your trip.

Historic District
Aspen showing snow and mountains

Downtown Aspen

While visiting Downtown Aspen, you might make a stop by sights like Wagner Park and Silver Queen Gondola.

Downtown Aspen
Breckenridge Ski Resort which includes snow and a house

Peak 8

2/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Peak 8 include the skiing and mountain views. Make a stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Four O'Clock Ski Run while you're exploring the area.

Peak 8
Default Image

Peak 9

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The picture-perfect mountain views and popular ski slopes are top of the list for many visitors to Peak 9. A stop by Breckenridge Ski Resort or Peak 8 SuperConnect Lift might round out your trip.

Peak 9
Grand Vista Hotel

Grand Vista Hotel

3.5 out of 5
2790 Crossroads Blvd, Grand Junction, CO
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Grand Junction. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,436 reviews)
"All great except for the surprise $14 parking charge!!!!!!!!! BEWARE !!!"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Grand Vista Hotel
Hotel Colorado

Hotel Colorado

3.5 out of 5
526 Pine St, Glenwood Springs, CO
The price is AU$250 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
AU$250
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Glenwood Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,971 reviews)
"Grand, historic charm characterize the experience here. The hotel was built in 1893, so the building had its quirks, but these add to the distinctive atmosphere. Our room was very comfortable, clean and spacious. Again the building is quite old, and our suite did not have a thermostat nor an exhaust ..."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Hotel Colorado
Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center

Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
620 Village Rd, Breckenridge, CO
The price is AU$288 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
AU$288
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star spa resort in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 8 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,031 reviews)
"Clean, slightly dated. Found it confusing to navigate at times."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Beaver Run Resort & Conference Center
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Gant

The Gant

4 out of 5
610 SOUTH WEST END STREET, Aspen, CO
Stay at this 4-star boutique condo in Aspen. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (925 reviews)
"One night stay, we enjoyed Aspen."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

The Gant
Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan

4 out of 5
557 Stan Miller Dr, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free ski shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,553 reviews)
"We love visiting this hotel in the fall - very nice and clean."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hyatt Vacation Club at The Ranahan
River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality

River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality

3 out of 5
100 South Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO
Stay at this 3-star ski aparthotel in Breckenridge. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,637 reviews)
"For the price it's a great place."

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

River Mountain Lodge by Breckenridge Hospitality
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Colorado Western Slope

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