Colorado is a must visit destination no matter what season you find yourself looking for adventure. Whether it’s during the warm summer months, snow-filled winter months, or anytime between, there’s a spot in Colorado just for you and your family. I’ve asked some of my favorite travel and lifestyle bloggers for their recommendations on the best places to visit in Colorado right now. Get your calendar ready!
Best Places to Visit in Colorado
Keystone
Most travelers think of Keystone, Colorado as a wintry destination. It’s true that Keystone is a renowned ski resort town. Look for snowy activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, snowtubing and, of course, skiing and snowboarding. It’s also home to the world’s largest snow fort, featuring mazes and slides! Keystone is particularly kid-friendly, hosting Kidtopia each winter with activities like crafts, children’s music classes, parades, and opportunities to meet Avalanche the Rescue Dog.
Keystone, however, is just as much fun once the snow melts. Outdoorsy activities abound like fishing, horseback riding, hiking, gondola rides, and mountaintop yoga sessions. Keystone Resort’s Friday Afternoon Club gives vacationers an opportunity to take in mountaintop views while listening to live music, playing lawn games, and enjoying food and drinks. Kidtopia gets a summery spin in the River Run Village with opportunities for fun like a bounce house, climbing wall, miniature golf, bungee trampoline and more. Be sure to book a Keystone Wagon Ride Dinner with Keystone Stables for a memorable dinner served with a side of cowboy games and songs.
Recommended by: Colleen Lanin of TravelMamas.com
Royal Gorge
No trip to Colorado would be complete without a stop to see the Royal Gorge. Of course if you stop to see the Royal Gorge you need to walk across the Royal Gorge Bridge. There are several ways to enjoy the Gorge. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your visit.
The Royal Gorge Bridge sits 956′ feet above the Arkansas River. Walking across the bridge is truly amazing. Don’t worry though… If you aren’t daring enough to walk across the bridge you can ride across the Gorge in a gondola. The gondolas will take you 2200′ across the gorge while you are suspended 1200′ above the Arkansas River. The views are AMAZING. Consider riding the Gondola across then walking back. This way you get to experience both. They also have a zipline if you’re feeling extra adventurous!
Recommended by: Melissa Garcia of ConsumerQueen.com and RoamingMyPlanet.com.
Vail
Located two hours from Denver, Vail, Colorado is one destination families will return to time and time again. This mountain town has something for all ages. Whether families enjoy hiking, adventure sports, shopping, or simply relaxing, Vail has it all, and shouldn’t be missed.
There are five villages in Vail: Lionshead, Vail, West Vail, Cascade, and East Vail. Plan on staying in Lionshead or Vail for the easiest access to amenities, but know that all of the communities are connected by Vail’s free bus system. The bus runs year round, so park the car and plan on using a combination of the bus and walking while in town.
Lionshead and Vail Villages offer most of the activities, restaurants, and shops in Vail. It feels like a large community rather than a vacation destination, and most of the central core has pedestrian friendly areas. During summer in Vail, don’t miss Epic Discovery Park at the top of Vail mountain which offers adventures in all shapes and sizes. The gondola ride to the top offers stunning views and Epic offers zip lines, a ropes course, and alpine slide. Another fun thing to do in town is to ride a bike or take a walk along Gore Creek which runs through the heart of town. Be sure to stop at the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, one of the highest botanical gardens in the world. For a unique experience, try lunch with the llamas or go white water rafting. Vail truly has something for everyone.
Recommended by: Kirsten Maxwell of KidsAreATrip.com.
Breckenridge
Head to Breckenridge, Colorado for year-round family-friendly activities, stunning mountain scenery and unique shopping that can be found in its vibrant downtown. It’s a destination not
to miss!
The Breck Connect Gondola provides free transportation and scenic views between town and the Peak 8 Base area. Breckenridge provides amazing winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tubing. The fun doesn’t end when winter is over. During the summer, guests can experience Breckenridge Epic Discovery. Guests can hike through the treetops, climb, slide, bounce zip line and more at this popular attraction. Take a ride on the Gold Runner Coaster and Alpine Slides to experience breathtaking views of Breckenridge.
Main Street Breckenridge is another must-see destination for tourists. With over 200 shops, boutiques and restaurants this area provides something for everyone. Main Street Breckenridge is filled with creative photo opportunities and kid-friendly play structures. The Blue River Plaza is a great central location where older kids can splash in the shallows of the Blue River.
Visitors can learn how a gold rush town turned into an international resort destination. Step back in time and visit a variety of free history museums or take a guided tour to learn more about Breckenridge’s rich history. Fall in love with all that Breckenridge has to offer!
Recommended by: Michelle Hancock of ModernMomLife.com.
Colorado Springs
Located very near the center of the state, Colorado Springs has so many fun things to see and do! Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills or educational activities, there are more than 60 area attractions for people of all ages. Find (or reignite) your sense of adventure when you plan a memory-making trip to the beautiful city of Colorado Springs!
Instantly transport yourself back to the late 1800s and early 1900s when you enter the Ghost Town Museum! The museum is a fun, historic look back to an old west town. The buildings and authentic artifacts were rescued from the Pikes Peak region (where the Museum is located) and have been preserved so we can take a step back in time. You’ll find hands-on activities for all ages and plenty of relics to peruse. I could spend days looking at all the neat artifacts but my family was good with just 2-3 hours. Check the Ghost Town Museum website for discounts, closures, and days of operation.
Pike’s Peak. America’s Mountain. No matter what you call it, there are several ways to access the top of Pike’s Peak Mountain. I highly recommend the Pike’s Peak Cog Railway. You won’t need to focus on the road ahead – simply enjoy the scenery and look for the wagon wheel ruts! When you travel by car to the top, you can stop as many times as you’d like to look around and take in the sights. Additionally, you can hike, bike or take a private shuttle to the top. You’ll find an all-new Summit Visitor Center where you’ll want to try donuts made at over 14,000 feet above sea level! You’ll want to allow about half a day for your adventure. Admission varies, depending on your mode of transportation to the summit.
Recommended by: Sara Phillips of SensiblySara.com.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is the perfect place for an adventure-filled summer vacation. Its nickname is Ski Town, USA, but this small, laid-back town located in northern Colorado has a lot more to offer than skiing down the slopes.
Steamboat Springs is a nature lover’s dream! Spend your days floating down the Yampa River, hiking up to Fish Creek Falls in Routt National Park, riding through a forest of Aspen trees on horseback, relaxing in the historic hot springs, and ending the night at the action-packed rodeo.
Looking for a unique adventure? Taking a hot air balloon ride is a fantastic way to view the town from 1,000 feet above! The 45-minute ride with Wild West Balloon Adventures offers you a birds eye view of Yampa Valley and Flat Top Mountains. Rides include snacks, champagne celebration, and flight certificate.
Recommended by: Chastity Beene of CowboysLifeBlog.com.
Denver
Denver is a great family destination, whether you’re staying local throughout your trip or driving in from one of the nearby ski resorts. Denver has something for everyone, whether you want to take in a live music show at the Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre or watch one of their six professional sports teams play a game. They also have a top-notch zoo- the aptly named Denver Zoo- which is home to over 3.000 animals.
The Denver Zoo has an 84-acre campus full of great exhibits that let you get a great view of a variety of animals, like lions, flamingos, frilled lizards and more. You’ll see the animals every great zoo has, but will also be introduced to species you’ve likely never heard of before, like the lesser kudu, fishing cat, and the aye-aye. In addition to providing a way to see unique animals in person, the zoo helps to protect species threatened by habitat loss.
For those visiting the Denver Zoo with children, don’t miss The Zofnass Barclay Family Nature Play Trail. Give kids a break from walking and let them find bugs, dig in the soil, make their own paths and more.
Recommended by: Shell Feis of {Not Quite} Susie Homemaker.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is located in the central Rocky Mountains of Colorado, just 120 miles west of Denver and 20 miles east of Vail/Eagle Airport off of Interstate 70. Colorado isn’t only a “Winter Wonderland,” as the state offers activities for every season. The picture-perfect views of the Rocky Mountains alone will leave an everlasting impression on you.
Activities that showcase what the hills of Colorado have to offer include open-air Jeep tours an exciting way to see the surrounding remote mountain landscape. Horseback riding is another way to explore the land. Take a leisurely trot all over the Beaver Creek Mountain, through fields of Aspen and wildflowers.
Ziplining is an exhilarating experience. Afraid of heights? Maybe the Beaver Creek Rodeo is more your speed. Wear your cowboy hat and ring those cowbells to get in the spirit! Beaver Creek Village is another must see for your family vacation. Here you’ll find restaurants, bars, art shows and concerts. Of course, Beaver Creek mountains offers a wonderful winter experience with plenty of trails for that entire family.
Recommended by: Tee Burgess of ThatsItLa.com.
Boulder
If you’re a nature lover and looking for the best places to visit in Colorado, Boulder is definitely one to consider! It’s only 30 minutes from Denver but feels like an escape from the everyday. Home to a fun and vibrant community that is literally always on the move!
The Flatirons are one of the most iconic sights in Boulder! They are striking, slanted, reddish-brown sandstone formations that make up a portion of Boulder’s foothills on the west side of town. So, get your adrenaline pumping on a hike or even rock climbing, through the Flatirons, Eldorado Canyon State Park, or Chautauqua Park.
Although Boulder nestling at the base of the Rocky Mountains and sitting at a high elevation doesn’t mean that mountain climbing is all there is to do. A few days in Boulder just isn’t going to be enough. Both its cityscapes and mountainscapes will draw you in.
Boulder is filled with great eateries and impressive views not to be missed. Relax and experience some window shopping along the Pearl Street Mall or visit the Leanin’ Tree Museum of Western Art. No matter how you choose to experience Boulder, devote some time to unwinding with your favorite cup of tea or the local ale at the famous “The No Name Bar,” one of Boulder’s hidden gem!
Recommended by: Myrah Duque of MamacitaOnTheMove.com.
Telluride
Telluride, Colorado is a small and charming walkable town, but don’t let its size fool you, as Telluride is full of heart-pumping adventure. The fearless might decide to tackle the Via Ferrata or arrive in Telluride the most daunting way – by landing at the airport which features a more than 1,000 foot drop on a cliff at the end of the runway! Even those long ago found excitement in Telluride as Butch Cassidy and his gang robbed a bank there.
The restaurants and shopping will not disappoint in town, but be sure to access the free gondola for the ride up to Mountain Village. It’s there you’ll find luxury accommodations like the Fairmont Heritage Place or the Madeline Hotel and spectacular views perfect for sunset watching. Foodies will want to visit during the Telluride Colorado Wine Festival – not to be missed.
Recommended by Debra Muccio (me) of FindingDebra.com.
Mesa Verde National Park
Summer is a great time to get out and explore the world. The beauty of the National Park System is that we have some of the most beautiful terrain on the planet, and Mesa Verde National Park in is no exception. Home of the Ancestral Pueblo people for more than 700 years, this park is situated between Cortez and Durango, in the Southwestern corner of the state.
Beautifully preserved yet still fragile, due to its age, nature of eroding stone and the impact of humanity on the natural landscape, Mesa Verde is a lesser visited National treasure. Be sure to check with the National Park Service site to stay up to date on the sites, exhibits and destinations within the grounds that might be closed or have limited access.
From the Cliff Dwellings cut directly into the rock face to the Ancient Sun Temple, whose story has been kept by the Pueblo Indians of the region, there is so much to see and explore. For this park, you will need a car to get around, and if you choose to bring an alternative vehicle, please plan ahead. You’ll love driving along the steep paths to breathtaking views, seeing the archeological sites that are so unique to this region and experiencing a tiny slice of a civilization whose memory still lives strong in the culture, the community and the region.
Recommended by: Teia Collier of DallasSingleMom.com.
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