When I first visited Colorado, I realized that I could spend months exploring everything the Rocky Mountains have to offer and still not see it all… Now that I live here I realize it will take years of exploring and there are still things to see….
More so than a list of “most popular” places to visit, this list is meant to help you discover unique cool little Colorado towns and landmarks… it’s both, a list of some of the places I’ve been to and some that are still on my bucket list…
#1 Skyline Drive – Cañon City, CO
One of America’s most scenic drives takes you 2.6 miles along a razorback ridge overlooking Cañon City, Colorado offering 360° unobstructed views…
You’ll be riding up a steep cliff side climb on this one way narrow road with mountain views and lush greenery on the valley.
#2 Glenwood Springs, CO – Hot Springs & Caves
If you are looking for a resort city in the Rocky mountains with turquoise water lakes, hot springs and caves, then look into Glenwood Springs, CO
You can ride canyon swings overlooking the Colorado River or roller coasters at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park… or you can relax at Iron Mountain hot springs with mountain scenery…
#3 Breckenridge Troll
This 15-foot tall wooden troll “Isak Heartstone” was built by Danish artist Thomas Dambo during the 2017 Breckenridge International Festival of Arts.
You can look for the Trollstigen trail which is a short flat hike to get to the troll, but if you want to get a little more hiking in, it’s right next to Illinois Creek Trail.
#4 Garden of the Gods
This registered National Natural Landmark features towering red rock formations with Pikes Peak Mountain as a stunning backdrop.
This park sits right between the towns of Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs which is a great starting point to explore Colorado’s front range…
This park is free to visit, and you can drive around in about 20 minutes or spend an entire day exploring various hiking trails around the park. One of the top Colorado attractions to put on your bucket list…
Find an airbnb near Garden of the Gods here
#5 Royal Gorge Bridge & Park
A true Colorado adventure. Take in the views of this 1,200 foot canyon by walking across the Royal Gorge bridge or ride the gondola.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also zip line across the canyon.
This is one of the highest suspension bridges in the world with stunning mountain scenery.
View Royal Gorge vacation rentals…
#6 Telluride, CO
Telluride is a former Victorian mining town that offers some of the best backcountry scenery, golf resorts,and winter sports in the San Juan mountains..
You can enjoy stunning mountain views and find some of the most gorgeous alpine lakes in Colorado.
In the summertime, you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and trout fishing. One of the top colorado vacation spots…
#7 Black Canyon of the Gunnison
This National Park offers a steep-walled gorge along the Colorado River in western Colorado.
You can enjoy stunning views at various lookout points along the rim. A popular stop is the painted wall.
The strenuous hikes are rewarded with stunning views, wildflowers and wildlife…
#8 Great Sand Dunes National Park
Known for huge sand dunes with a picturesque mountain backdrop, this Colorado destination is a bucket list item.
You can play on the sand or explore the backcountry to see forests, wetlands & alpine lakes.
#9 Boulder, CO Flatirons
Boulder, CO is a college town sitting along the front range of Colorado… this town is known for its stellar food scene and shops along Pearl Street Mall…
Just west of town you can hike the Flatirons and enjoy stunning views from these craggy rock formations overlooking the city.
#10 Maroon Bells Aspen, CO
If you want to see the colors of Autumn Fall Foliage, then Maroon Bells near Aspen, CO should be on your bucket list…
You’ll be surrounded by aspen trees, Rocky Mountains and alpine lakes…
If you are looking for a quintessential vacation in Colorado, this may be your spot…
#11 Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings
Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can find historic cliff dwellings and kivas.
You can explore hundreds of cliffs, take tours like Mesa Verde Long House cliff dwellings or hike trails like the petroglyph point trail.
#12 Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are exploring RMNP and enjoying the views of alpine lakes, then you’ll enjoy checking out Bear Lake, Emerald Lake, Sprague Lake, and Dream Lake…
You can drive on Trail Ridge Road and explore nearby towns Estes Park on the east end of RMNP or Grand Lake, CO which are great places to stay in Colorado when visiting Rocky Mountain National Park…
#13 Leadville, CO
The city of Leadville, CO sits at an elevation of 10,152 feet… You’ll find many alpine lakes with Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and plenty of hiking…
A cool little shop to check out is Melanzana which sells handmade outdoor clothing by appointment only at their store in Leadville…
#14 Park County Alma, CO
Alma is a small mountain town just south of Breckenridge where the show South Park is based…
This is a Colorado adventure town where you can enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, and more!
#15 Buena Vista, CO
If you are looking to hike fourteeners, then Buena Vista is a good hub to explore the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness Area…
You can find hot springs, white water rafting, skiing, snowmobiling, and Browns Canyon National Monument.
This fun mountain town is close to the Front Range for an easy weekend trip from Denver or Colorado Springs…
#16 Salida, CO
Salida is a quaint Christmas town in Colorado known for its high country rides featuring challenging terrain trails for mountain bikers…
Known as the “heart of the Rockies” sitting alongside the Arkansas River where you can find hot springs, quaint shops, and dining experiences.
#17 Crested Butte, CO
One of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado is Crested Butte.
An adventure town for winter sports and some of the best mountain bike trails in Colorado with breathtaking mountain views and alpine lakes…
#18 Steamboat Springs, CO
Quaint mountain town known for winter sports at Steamboat ski resort and geothermal hot springs said to have therapeutic properties.
This used to be a summer town known for hunting and fishing, but has now become known as Ski Town, USA…
Off the beaten path, perfect for outdoor lovers and romantic getaways.
#19 Pagosa Springs, CO
Known for its hot springs, Pagosa Springs is a quaint mountain town known for having the deepest geothermal hot spring…
Pagosa Springs is one of the top tourist attractions in Colorado that should be on your bucket list…
You can enjoy other activities like hiking, biking, white water rafting, fishing, horseback riding and more!
#20 Ouray, CO
This high alpine community features stunning mountain scenery that has been nicknamed the “Switzerland of America”…
Sitting at 7,800 ft elevation, you’ll be driving through mountain roads with canyons, waterfalls and hot springs… this is a true hidden gem to add to your Colorado bucket list.
#21 Manitou Springs, CO
This quaint little mountain town is filled with Victorian architecture sitting at the base of Pikes Peak…
You can ride the cog railway to the summit or hike the incline if you’re up for a challenge…
#22 Pikes Peak Mountain
Pikes Peak Mountain is an amazing place for all kinds of outdoors activities. The picture above was taken at Catamount Reservoir where you can go fly fishing. There are endless hiking and mountain bike trails to explore.
You can summit the peak via car, hiking, or ride the cog railway from Manitou Springs, CO.
On the east side of Pikes Peak, you can explore Colorado Springs, and nearby destinations on the front range.
On the west side of Pikes Peak, you’ll find quaint mountain towns like Woodland Park, Divide, Florissant, Buena Vista and Salida which are hidden gems in Colorado.
Let me know in the comments below which places you are looking to visit that you’d like more information on, and activities you’d like me to share!
