Colorado Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Colorado showing skyline, snow and a city
Colorado
Colorado
Chautauqua Park as well as an individual female
Colorado

Trek into the Rocky Mountains, hit some of the best skiing slopes in the U.S. or explore trendy, modern cities in Colorado, a state of exceptional natural beauty. 

In Colorado, the mountains are inescapable. The towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains are the most highly concentrated here in the “Centennial State,” making it a permanently popular destination with travelers seeking adventure, winter sports and wildlife-watching opportunities. Discover the other side of Colorado, however, in Old West towns, desert scenery and thriving 21st-century cities.

Travel through the history of Colorado in destinations such as Mesa Verde. This ancient cliff-side settlement was first inhabited by the Pueblo people in the 7th century. European settlers first arrived here in the late 1500s.

Explore the city of Denver to experience Colorado’s more recent history, as well as the state at its most modern. Visit the Black America West Museum to browse exhibitions that show how African-American people helped settle this part of the country. At the History Colorado Center learn about Denver’s role in gold rushes. The Denver Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Science and Nature offer a look at contemporary Denver.

Travel to Boulder for access to the majestic Rocky Mountain National Park. Boulder is the home of multiple craft breweries, art galleries and markets, making it a welcoming stop on your journey into nature.

Hike, kayak or bike your way through the national park. Numerous adventure sports options are available for thrill seekers, although it’s equally possible to spend sedate days fishing or strolling into spectacular wilderness. Watch for moose roaming the landscape and bring your camera for shots of crystalline lakes set against dramatic peaks.

Return to Colorado in winter for a range of exhilarating winter sports. Resort towns such as Aspen and Vail offer direct access to the slopes, where you can ski and snowboard down trails that suit all abilities.

Fly into Denver International Airport or drive along dramatic mountain roads to reach the Centennial State. Visit Colorado at any time of year for a thrilling experience of its beautiful scenery. Fall and spring offer milder temperatures and a panoply of colors in the mountains. Winter and summer are the best times for adventurous activities.

Popular cities in Colorado

Golden Triangle showing an administrative building and heritage architecture
Denver
Known for Sports, Theatres and Museums
Denver is calling! Discover its theatre, museums, art and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Union Station
  • Coors Field
  • Colorado Convention Center
Estes Park featuring mountains, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Estes Park
Known for Mountains, Nature and Natural parks
This high-altitude settlement, set in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, offers mountain-town charm, wonderful wildlife watching and four-season outdoor adventure.

Reasons to visit

  • The Stanley Hotel
  • Historic Estes Park
  • Bear Lake Trailhead
Colorado Springs which includes a garden, outdoor art and a fountain
Colorado Springs
Known for Universities, Mountains and Gardens
Get away to Colorado Springs! Enjoy the gardens, mountains and theatre.

Reasons to visit

  • Garden of the Gods
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Breckenridge
Breckenridge
Known for Skiing, Mountains and Hiking
Breathtaking mountain scenery, a thriving arts scene and a network of beautiful rivers make this town much more than a winter ski destination.

Reasons to visit

  • Breckenridge Ski Resort
  • Main Street
Glenwood Springs which includes swimming and a luxury hotel or resort
Glenwood Springs
Known for Hot springs, Excursions and Rivers
Relax in hot springs or ski down snowy trails at this Colorado resort town that’s close to some of the best ski fields in the world.

Reasons to visit

  • Glenwood Hot Springs
  • Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
Durango - Purgatory which includes street scenes, night scenes and a city
Durango
Known for Rivers, Mountains and Hiking
This town is a wonderland for outdoor adventure lovers. Located in the middle of the Animas River Valley, it is characterized by its dramatic natural landscape.

Reasons to visit

  • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
  • Purgatory Resort