Colorado is known to be one of the most beautiful and stunning states in the United States. Colorado attracts a sizable number of tourists each year, and it’s easy to see why with its breathtaking snow-capped mountains and verdant valleys. In this stunning state, there are many wonderful sites to explore, whether you’re a local or a visitor. Here, we’ll look at Colorado’s top ten tourist attractions. This will serve as a tour guide for those visiting for the first time and those returning for a vacation. Read on for an amazing tour to the Centennial State, including outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and more!
Below are the top 10 best places to explore on your next visit to Colorado:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the most beautiful places in Colorado is Rocky Mountain National Park. It comes as no surprise that this park is one of the most popular and well-liked tourist sites in the state given its gorgeous mountains, breathtaking scenery, and plethora of wildlife.
Rocky Mountain National Park offers a wide range of amazing activities, whether you want to hike, camp, or simply enjoy the scenery. Some of the most well-liked and popular trails are:
- The Bear Lake Trailhead: This trail offers amazing views of Bear Lake and allows access to several other smaller lakes in the area.
- The Emerald Lake Trail: This moderate trail takes you around Emerald Lake and provides you with the chance to see some magnificent mountain views.
- The Alberta Falls Trail: This short but strenuous hike takes you to Alberta Falls, a beautiful waterfall located on the edge of Glacier Creek.
No matter what your interests are or what you will like to enjoy at any time, there’s sure to be something for everyone at Rocky Mountain National Park!
2. The Broadmoor
The Broadmoor is a historic hotel located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The hotel opened in 1918 and was designed by architect J.C. Thompson. Both leisure and business travelers like staying at The Broadmoor because of its luxurious accommodations. The hotel provides a number of attractions and amenities, such as an on-site spa, dining options, and a golf course. A gallery and a museum are also located inside the Broadmoor.urse.
3. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is recognised as one of the top zoos in the United States and is a must-see when visiting Colorado alone or with family. This world-class zoo is located in Colorado Springs and contains over 750 animals from different parts of the world. The highest giraffe exhibit in North America is located at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, it also has a unique and unforgettable indoor/outdoor experience that cannot be missed.
4. Glenwood Spring
Glenwood Springs is one of the top best places to visit in Colorado. The city is located in the Rocky Mountains and offers a variety of fun and adventurous activities for visitors. There are several ski resorts in the area, as well as hiking, biking, and fishing. The city also has a variety of shops and restaurants, therefore when you feel hungry you can eat and also shop for your family.
5. Mesa Verde National Park
Mesa Verde National Park is one of the best places to visit in Colorado. The park contains some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the country. Visitors can explore these cliff dwellings and learn about the culture and history of the people who lived there. The park also has great hiking trails, scenic views, and a variety of wildlife.
6. Denver
Denver, which is the capital of Colorado, is located in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. With an estimated population of 716,492 in 2019, Denver is recognised as the 19th-most populous city in the United States, the fifth-most populous state capital after Phoenix, Arizona, Austin, Texas, and Columbus, Ohio, and the most populous city located west of the Mississippi River.
The Denver downtown district is immediately east of Cherry Creek and approximately 12 mi (19 km) east of the confluence of South Platte River and Cherry Creek. Denver is nicknamed and otherwise called the Mile High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5280 feet or 1609.3 meters) above sea level. The 105th meridian west passes through Union Station and is a common reference point for measurement of elevation.
There are 78 designated official neighborhoods in the City & County of Denver, which collectively cover 155 square miles (400 km2).
7. Aspen
Aspen is a town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, United States. The town is situated in Pitkin County, at an elevation of about 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) above sea level. Aspen is known for its picturesque and beautiful scenery, ski resorts, and luxury hotels. The town was founded in 1879 as a silver-mining camp. It fastlly became one of the richest silver-mining districts in the United States.
However, by 1893, the silver mines had played out and the town’s economy collapsed. Aspen then became a resort destination for wealthy Americans who built luxurious mansions and hotels. Today, Aspen is a popular tourist destination for visitors and locals to enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. It is also home to different art galleries and museums.
8. Vail
Colorado is one of the most popular states in the US for outdoor enthusiasts and with so many great and fun places to visit. Vail is a world-renowned ski resort that offers excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as a variety of other winter activities. With a wide variety of stores, eateries, and pubs, the town of Vail is also a great destination to explore. Vail is an excellent launching point for exploring the nearby hiking and mountain bike trails in the summer.
9. Breckenridge
Breckenridge is one of the top best places to visit in Colorado. The town is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains and offers beautiful and stunning natural scenery, a variety of outdoor activities, and a rich history.
Breckenridge was founded in 1859 during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush and was originally named after James B. Breckinridge, who served as Vice President of the United States from 1857 to 1861. Today, the town is home to about 4,500 people and is a popular tourist destination for its skiing, snowboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and fishing opportunities. Apart from its outdoor recreation, Breckenridge also boasts a lively après-ski scene with numerous bars and restaurants.
10. Durango
Durango is a town in southwestern Colorado and the county seat of La Plata County. The town is a Home Rule Municipality that is the most populous town between Albuquerque, New Mexico and Salt Lake City, Utah. Durango was founded by the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad in 1880. The United States Census Bureau reports that the town has a total area of 6.8 square miles (17.6 km2), all land.
The state’s Native American roots, its past as a mining and ranching state, and its more recent influx of residents from other regions of the country are just a few of the diverse influences that have shaped Colorado’s culture. Numerous locals and visitors partake in outdoor pursuits like hiking, skiing, and camping, reflecting the state’s vibrant outdoor culture.
The population of Colorado is diverse and has a wide range of origins. The state boasts a sizable Hispanic population in addition to a large proportion of citizens who have moved there from other regions of the nation. Colorado is home to many musicians and artists, and the state also has a strong arts and music scene.
The state’s capital, Denver, is also known for its growing food scene and the number of microbreweries and distilleries. Colorado is also known for its legal marijuana industry which draws many visitors. Overall, the people of Colorado are known for their friendly and open nature and the state is considered welcoming to all.
Colorado is definitely a place with great cultural heritage, in addition, it also provides locations for skiing, hiking and camping. Do well to consult this list so as to make the most out of your visit to Colorado.
