bigtravelbuzzColorado is a state located in the western United States, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Here are some of the highlights of Colorado:
Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in Colorado, including towering mountains, deep valleys, and beautiful lakes. Visitors can hike, camp, and explore the park’s wildlife.
Denver: Colorado’s capital city is a vibrant metropolis with a thriving arts and culture scene. Highlights include the Denver Art Museum, the Colorado State Capitol, and the Denver Botanic Gardens.
Mesa Verde National Park: This park is home to some of the most well-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in the United States. Visitors can take guided tours of the dwellings and learn about the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Garden of the Gods: This public park near Colorado Springs features towering red rock formations that are popular with hikers and rock climbers.
Telluride: This charming mountain town is known for its world-class skiing and outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as its vibrant arts and music scene.
Great Sand Dunes National Park: This park features the tallest sand dunes in North America, as well as stunning mountain scenery and plenty of opportunities for hiking and camping.
Durango and the San Juan Mountains: This region of Colorado is home to some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, including the San Juan Mountains, the Animas River, and the historic town of Durango.
Vail: This world-famous ski resort town offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the United States, as well as plenty of summer activities like hiking and mountain biking.
Best Time To Visit Colorado
The best time to visit Colorado depends on what you want to do and see. Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit for different activities:
Skiing and snowboarding: The ski season in Colorado typically runs from November to April, with peak conditions in February and March. If you’re planning a ski trip, aim for the winter months.
Hiking and outdoor activities: The best time to go hiking and enjoy outdoor activities in Colorado is from late spring to early fall, typically May through September. During this time, the weather is mild, and the wildflowers are in bloom.
Fall foliage: Colorado is known for its stunning fall foliage, which typically peaks in late September to early October. This is a great time to visit if you want to see the trees change colors.
Festivals and events: Colorado hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Colorado State Fair in August, the Great American Beer Festival in October, and the Colorado Balloon Classic in September. Check the calendar to see what events are happening during your visit.
It’s also important to note that Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon to experience snow in the mountains during the summer months. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, and check the forecast before you go.
Things to Do in Colorado
Colorado offers a wealth of activities and attractions, ranging from outdoor adventures to cultural experiences. Here are some of the top things to do in Colorado:
Visit Rocky Mountain National Park: This stunning park features over 300 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and opportunities to spot wildlife, including elk and bighorn sheep.
Ski or snowboard at one of Colorado’s many ski resorts: With world-class resorts such as Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone, Colorado is a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding.
Explore the Garden of the Gods: This natural wonder near Colorado Springs features towering red rock formations and offers excellent hiking and rock climbing opportunities.
Soak in the hot springs: Colorado is home to a number of hot springs, including the famous Glenwood Hot Springs, which offers mineral-rich water and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit Mesa Verde National Park: This park is home to some of the best-preserved ancient cliff dwellings in the United States and provides a fascinating look into the history of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Go rafting on the Arkansas River: Colorado is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, with the Arkansas River offering thrilling rapids and stunning scenery.
Explore Denver’s cultural attractions: Denver is home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, including the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and the Colorado State Capitol.
Attend a concert or festival: Colorado hosts a number of music festivals and concerts throughout the year, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Red Rocks Amphitheatre summer concert series.
Drive the scenic byways: Colorado’s scenic byways offer stunning views of the state’s mountain ranges, valleys, and canyons, including the iconic Million Dollar Highway and the Trail Ridge Road.
How to get around in Colorado
Getting around in Colorado is relatively easy, with a variety of transportation options available. Here are some ways to get around in Colorado:
Car: Renting a car is a great way to explore Colorado, especially if you plan to visit the state’s national parks or ski resorts. Major car rental companies are available at the airports in Denver, Colorado Springs, and other major cities.
Public transportation: Colorado also has a number of public transportation options, including buses, light rail, and commuter trains. Denver’s Regional Transportation District (RTD) offers extensive bus and light rail service throughout the Denver metropolitan area.
Ride-sharing services: Services like Uber and Lyft are available in many parts of Colorado and can be a convenient way to get around, especially in cities like Denver and Boulder.
Biking: Many cities in Colorado, such as Denver and Boulder, have extensive bike paths and bike share programs that allow you to rent bikes for short trips.
Walking: Colorado’s cities and towns are generally very pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions and amenities within walking distance.
Shuttle services: Some of Colorado’s ski resorts offer shuttle services to and from nearby airports, making it easy to get to the mountains without a car.
Regardless of how you choose to get around in Colorado, it’s important to be prepared for the state’s sometimes unpredictable weather, especially if you plan to drive or bike. Be sure to check the forecast before heading out, and carry appropriate clothing and gear for the conditions.
Where to eat in Colorado
Colorado is home to a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, with a range of options to suit every taste and budget. Here are some popular places to eat in Colorado:
Mercantile Dining & Provision (Denver): This upscale restaurant features locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
The Kitchen (Boulder): This farm-to-table restaurant serves fresh, locally sourced cuisine, with a focus on sustainable and ethical food production practices.
Frasca Food and Wine (Boulder): This award-winning restaurant serves Italian-inspired cuisine, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and a carefully curated wine list.
Rioja (Denver): This upscale Mediterranean-inspired restaurant serves creative small plates, with a focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.
Flagstaff House Restaurant (Boulder): This fine dining restaurant offers stunning views of the city and serves a range of elegant, French-inspired cuisine.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery (Denver, Boulder, and other locations): This popular breakfast and brunch spot serves creative twists on classic dishes, with a focus on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices.
Beau Jo’s Pizza (multiple locations): This Colorado-based pizza chain is famous for its hearty, mountain-style pies and extensive topping options.
The Buckhorn Exchange (Denver): This historic restaurant is Denver’s oldest and serves classic Western fare, including buffalo, elk, and game meats.
These are just a few examples of the many great dining options in Colorado. Be sure to explore the local food scene and try some of the state’s signature dishes, such as green chile, Rocky Mountain oysters, and Colorado lamb.
Famous street stalls in Colorado
Colorado is not well-known for its street food scene, but there are still some notable street stalls and food trucks that offer delicious eats. Here are some popular street food stalls in Colorado:
Biker Jim’s Gourmet Dogs (Denver): This food cart offers unique hot dogs with exotic meats such as reindeer, rattlesnake, and elk, as well as classic beef and pork dogs with creative toppings.
The Vegan Van (Boulder): This food truck offers 100% plant-based, vegan food, including tacos, burritos, and burgers, as well as gluten-free options.
Pinche Tacos (Denver): This food truck serves authentic Mexican street tacos, with a variety of meat and vegetarian options, as well as fresh salsas and guacamole.
Quiero Arepas (Denver): This food truck specializes in arepas, a traditional Venezuelan dish made of grilled corn cakes stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as pork, chicken, and cheese.
Fat Sully’s Pizza (Denver): This food truck serves large, New York-style pizza slices, with a variety of classic and creative toppings.
Little Yunnan (Denver): This food stall in the Denver Central Market serves traditional Yunnanese cuisine from southwestern China, including rice noodle bowls, dumplings, and bao buns.
Lucky Mary’s Baking & Sweets Co. (Colorado Springs): This food truck specializes in handmade, gourmet cupcakes, with a variety of flavors and seasonal specials.
While these street stalls may not be as famous as those in other cities, they offer a unique and delicious taste of Colorado’s food scene.
Where to stay in Colorado
Luxury accommodation
Colorado offers a range of luxurious accommodation options, from upscale hotels and resorts to cozy mountain lodges and high-end vacation rentals. Here are some of the best luxury accommodations in Colorado:
The Little Nell (Aspen): This 5-star hotel is located in the heart of Aspen and offers ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service spa, fine dining, and luxurious amenities such as heated bathroom floors and in-room fireplaces.
The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs): This historic 5-star resort offers luxurious rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, a championship golf course, a full-service spa, and stunning mountain views.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail (Vail): This 5-star resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service spa, fine dining, and luxurious amenities such as heated bathroom floors and a private mountain-view balcony in every room.
Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch (Beaver Creek): This 5-star mountain resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service spa, fine dining, and luxurious amenities such as a heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, and a private mountain-view balcony in every room.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort (Aspen): This 5-star resort offers ski-in/ski-out access, a full-service spa, fine dining, and luxurious amenities such as an outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, and a private mountain-view balcony in every room.
Dunton Hot Springs (Dolores): This luxurious retreat is set in a restored ghost town and offers cozy cabins, a full-service spa, fine dining, and access to natural hot springs.
These are just a few examples of the many luxurious accommodation options available in Colorado. When choosing a luxury accommodation in Colorado, consider your preferred location, activities, and amenities, and be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Where to stay in Colorado
Budget accommodation
Colorado offers a variety of budget-friendly accommodation options, including hostels, budget hotels, and campsites. Here are some of the best budget accommodations in Colorado:
Hostelling International Denver (Denver): This modern hostel offers dormitory-style and private rooms, free Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, and a rooftop terrace with views of downtown Denver.
The Bivvi Hostel (Breckenridge): This cozy hostel offers dormitory-style and private rooms, a communal kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Silver King Inn & Suites (Durango): This budget hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, free breakfast, an indoor pool and hot tub, and easy access to nearby attractions such as Mesa Verde National Park.
Foot of the Mountain Motel (Boulder): This retro-style motel offers affordable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location near the University of Colorado Boulder and the Chautauqua Park hiking trails.
10 Mile Motel (Frisco): This budget motel offers clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a convenient location near skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trails.
Campsites: Colorado has a wealth of campgrounds in its state and national parks, as well as in private campgrounds. Camping can be a great budget-friendly option, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of Colorado while saving on accommodation costs.
These are just a few examples of the many budget-friendly accommodation options available in Colorado. When choosing a budget accommodation in Colorado, consider your preferred location, activities, and amenities, and be sure to book well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Travel Tips Colorado
Here are some travel tips for visiting Colorado:
Plan for the weather: Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to pack for both warm and cold weather, especially if you plan on visiting the mountains. Make sure to check the forecast before you go and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and precipitation.
Altitude sickness: Colorado’s high altitude can cause altitude sickness, which can range from mild to severe. To avoid altitude sickness, make sure to stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and take it easy for the first day or two.
Rent a car: If you plan on exploring Colorado’s many scenic drives and national parks, renting a car is the best option. Make sure to book your car in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Outdoor activities: Colorado is known for its outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and mountain biking. Make sure to bring appropriate gear and clothing for your chosen activity, and always follow safety guidelines.
National parks: Colorado is home to several stunning national parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park and Mesa Verde National Park. Make sure to plan ahead and make any necessary reservations, especially for popular campsites and hiking trails.
Wildlife: Colorado is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, mountain lions, and moose. Be aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines when hiking or camping in areas with wildlife.
Respect the environment: Colorado’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions, so make sure to do your part to protect the environment. Follow the Leave No Trace principles and always pack out your trash.
These are just a few tips for visiting Colorado. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and outdoor adventures, Colorado has something for everyone.