Colorado’s earliest residents moved here centuries ago. Ancestral Pueblo people carved their homes into the sides of cliffs. The dwellings date to the 1190s. Get a glimpse of how they lived and farmed until about 1300 by exploring Mesa Verde National Park in southwestern Colorado.

Places that are recommended to visit:

Denver

Colorado’s largest city, Denver, offers an eclectic mix of attractions, from trendy eateries to impressive museums. A combination of cityscape and nature, Denver is more than just a base for exploring Colorado’s other treasures. Spend a day at the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science or the Denver Zoo and check out Larimer Square.

 

Colorado Springs 

Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, is an ideal destination for travellers looking for cultural attractions. Surrounded by the majestic mountains of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs’ beautiful scenery is only highlighted by the city’s extraordinary art galleries in Manitou Springs, the planes at the Air Force Academy, the world-class Olympic training centre, and the rugged Old West feel found in Old Colorado. 

 

Aspen

The city of Aspen boasts beautiful surroundings with panoramic views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Visitors can also find many upscale boutiques, interesting museums, and great hiking trails. After a day of adventure in Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands or Buttermilk, relax at the world-famous and therapeutic Glenwood Springs.

 

Boulder 

Located just 30 minutes from Denver, Boulder has plenty of lush parks and beautiful scenery, perfect for a weekend getaway. Visitors who explore the area will be delighted to discover many stores, breweries and cafes in a city with a hippie vibe. Visitors can also head to the trails along Boulder Creek Trail, El Dorado Canyon National Park and the Flatirons. 

 

Vail 

Vail is a small town with plenty of options, but it’s one of the most beloved ski spots in the country, where it’s not uncommon to see a celebrity or two. This narrow alleyway between Gore Ridge and Sawatch Ridge is home to the largest ski resort in the United States. 

 

Estes Park

Estes Park is the base camp of Rocky Mountain National Park, less than 2 hours from Denver. Here you’ll find unspoiled wilderness with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, from scenic hikes and bike trails to wine tastings and spa treatments. Take the Estes Park cable car to the top of a small peak and enjoy spectacular views of the valley and downtown.

 

Breckenridge 

Breckenridge is a historic town famous for its fantastic ski resorts. Breckenridge is known as a ski Mecca and is surrounded by stunning peaks. In addition to skiing, snowshoeing, sledging, tubing, and even dog sledging are available from one of the many companies throughout town.

 

Steamboat Springs 

It’s a fun place to stay for all types of travellers. While skiing and snowboarding at Mount Werner is the city’s most popular attraction, visitors can also check out the lively cultural scene at the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra or the Steamboat Art Museum. Summertime is perfect for tubing on the Yampa River, where visitors can hike to iconic landmarks like Rabbit Ears or try their hand at trout fishing along the river.

 

Durango 

Durango is an attractive destination to explore throughout the year and offers plenty of activities for any season. Explore Mesa Verde National Park archaeological sites and visit the Henry Strater Theater and the oldest theatre in Colorado. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven in Durango, from rafting to horseback riding, fishing and snowboarding.

 

Telluride 

Visitors flock to the city park on the southeastern edge of town because of the abundance of activities available, such as pools, tennis courts, fishing ponds and campgrounds, which are famous for the city’s annual festivals and events. Bear Creek Falls and the Bride’s Veil offer many scenic hiking trails, while the Telluride Historical Museum and the Sheridan Historic Opera House are two cultural attractions.

 

Crested Butte

Soak in the fresh mountain air after climbing the 11,875-foot Silver Queen to see Crested Butte Bay from above, visit the hiking downtown with its many local stores, or choose between summer and fall on mountain biking and the area’s many trails. Those with children can head to the Trailhead Children’s Museum, Crested Butte Mountain Heritage Museum, or in the summer swim and hike on Lake Meridian.