Top Things to do in Colorado
Top Hotels in Colorado
- 1. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 2. Grand Hyatt Denver
- 3. Monarch Casino Resort Spa - Black Hawk
- 4. Le Meridien Denver Downtown
- 5. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
- 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad
- 7. The Oxford Hotel
- 8. Origin Hotel Red Rocks
- 9. SCP Colorado Springs Hotel
- 10. Warwick Denver
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Colorado That You Shouldn't Miss
Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado
1. Grand Mesa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 720 reviews
The world's largest flat-topped mountain is covered with stream fed lakes.
Reviewed By Flyer668926 - Grand Junction, United States
A gorgeous paradise 45 minutes from Grand Junction..The largest flat plateau in the world with over 200 lakes..The temperature is 25 to 30 degrees cooler in the summer than Grand Junction..Great hiking, horse back riding, fishing and camping.I have been going to this area for 50 years and still love it!
2. Garden of the Gods
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17,122 reviews
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, this National Natural Landmark and popular park features stunning geological formations, rock climbing, nature trails and the Garden of the Gods Visitor & Nature Center.
Reviewed By BrooklynDodgers13 - Henderson, United States
This is a tourist attraction. It is a lovely natural Red rocked City Park with lots of hiking ???? trails, beautiful rock formations such as the Siamese Twins, Sentinel Spires, the Scotsman, Giant Footprints, Cathedral Spires and of course, Balanced Rock. There are many ways to explore the Park. There are Jeep ???? Tours, you can hike, climb rocks or take the 1909 Trolley ???? like we did. The driver told us a lot of interesting historical facts. The only problem was she didn’t stop for any photos so we had to take them on the go. The Gift Shop was large with lots of merchandise. I purchased Huckleberry tea!
3. Colorado National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,724 reviews
This monument, 23,000 acres of canyons, plateaus and massive towers of naturally sculpted monoliths, includes Balance Rock, a 600-ton boulder perched on a rock pedestal. Two entrances are located outside the cities of Fruita and Grand Junction, Colorado.
Reviewed By NyonyaLady - Albuquerque, United States
My hubby grew up here and it is my third visit to the national monument. So when we were visiting our friend in Fruita, we thought it would be a great idea to take a leisure drive to enjoy the stunning views. We were glad that we did cos on this trip we had an incredible experience witnessing a herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, ewes and rams resting on a flat rock surface before the Independence Monument. It was just amazing! The historic and scenic Rim Rock Drive covers twenty-three unforgettable miles of the monument as you journey through a winding a twisting adventure of spectacular red rock canyons, sleek drop offs and colorful panoramic views of majestic landscapes and unrefined beauty. Massive and intimidating, yet striking and colorful formations of natural red rock seem to close in on you during many of the twists and turns along the way until suddenly it opens up to fascinating scenes that overlook the distant and wide-open plains of Colorado. The road itself can seem a bit intimidating, several narrow tunnels and sections like Dead Man's Curve certainly require your attention, and when the weather permits you'll find yourself sharing the limited space with daring cyclists who come here seeking the extremely difficult and tenacious climb. Numerous overlooks along the way offer areas to pull over and take in the magnificent views of some of the more well-known landmarks such as Balanced Rock, Monument Canyon, Grand View or even Coke Ovens Overlook and in the middle of all of this stands alone, Independence Monument. It's a flat top peak and if you look closely you might recognize it as the rock from the Chevy commercials. There's a visitors center closer to the western edge near Fruita and it offers restrooms along the way, but more importantly it provided us a deeper look into this truly incredible phenomenon and the fascinating evolution it has endured. So, if you're ever driving through this part of Colorado and you have some extra time, I highly recommend getting to know this powerful and great natural beauty of the Amercan West.
4. Mount Evans
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,532 reviews
Reviewed By lilianc160
I think I've said it all in the title. Getting there from Denver area is a scenic drive in itself. The grove is amazing. Goats can be seen. It is awesome.
5. Rocky Mountains
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 516 reviews
Scenic Colorado mountain range.
Reviewed By goofy8sl - Appleton, United States
Beautiful and fun to drive through to view wildlife (elk and mule deer in the fall), awesome drive up the one-way dirt Old Fall River Road, amazing aspens in the alluvial fan/endo valley area, cool to stop by the ranger stations/visitor centers and learn as much as you can about the mountains and wildlife. Rangers are more than happy to answers your questions. Become a junior ranger and learn about the ecosystems which make up the Rocky Mountain National Park, hike around Sprague Lake and Bear Lake (my favorite!), stop at Many Parks Curve, check out Moraine Park in the evening to watch the elk herds and just enjoy the beauty of nature.
6. Hanging Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,186 reviews
Reviewed By debsA9982ZB
This is a very pleasant surprise when staying in Glenwood Springs CO. The location is an environmental protected area, allowing only specific numbers of visitors. Reservations are needed as bus takes you to the trailhead and from there your adventure begins. The trail winds and switchbacks up the cavern walls, the views are amazing and the quiet is covered by the running brook you criss cross over by small bridges as you ascend. The hike is strenuous at times, recommendation to take your time and breath in experience. Hanging Lake is peaceful, a place to reflect, the short detour to Sprouting Rock is well worth the effort brings a smile and gives a needed cooling spray.
7. Cache La Poudre River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 413 reviews
Colorado's only designated National Wild and Scenic River provides thrilling whitewater and paddling adventures.
Reviewed By pastorvanee
Our family enjoyed a 10.5 mile bike ride in Ft Collins. Our loop began near the beautiful flower gardens on the CSU campus and included other open areas and ovals on the campus before following the RR to catch the Poudre River trail heading east ,downstream. Around our 6-7 mile mark we followed a trail to connect to the Spring Creek trail and followed it back west, upstream to CSU again. What a great scenic and relaxing bike ride! Ft Collins is as "cool and hip" as Boulder and even more beautiful. CSU campus is a beautiful place to see and just be.....soak in the peace and beauty of the stunning gardens and be renewed in the strength and majesty of the magnificent Rocky Mountains!!!
8. New Belgium Brewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,247 reviews
A 100% employee-owned brewery recently named the nation's best brewery tour by USA Today's 10Best. Full tap selection featuring year-round favorites and small-batch beauties. Free tours (book in advance to claim a spot) and a different food truck every day. Kids welcome, but must be 21+ to sample our delicious beers. Well-behaved dogs on a leash also welcome. Indoor bars, outdoor patio and lawn. Electric vehicle charging available.
Reviewed By Ozefish479 - Los Angeles, United States
The rating is solely for the beer, which is some of the most innovative and highest quality in the USA. They have so many styles you are sure to find one (likely many more) that you love. The bar and outside areas are excellent and sipping a great beer in the winter sun is a highlight of any trip to Fort Collins. Now for the tour, which had been on our bucket list since my son started attending CSU. He was finally 21 so we were good to go. Fear and trepidation entered my heart when the first announcement from the tour guide was that he spoke too fast. I think that’s what he said but he spoke so fast I could only catch every third word. So off we went. The beer samples were great but the information was mostly indecipherable.
9. Flatirons
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,107 reviews
Reviewed By kelshutch - Baltimore, United States
Beautiful area, great for walking. It's a big far/steep for toddler legs, so be prepared to carry little ones. But even if you don't get very far before turning around, the trip to see the park is worthwhile. Great couple of hours of sunshine, fresh air, and hiking for our family.
10. Trail Ridge Road
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,391 reviews
Reviewed By JMJR2K - Independence, United States
I’ve been driving Trail Ridge road for many years and discover something new and different each time. There are amazing views all around- High mountain lakes, hikes, bighorn sheep, elk, moose, ptarmigans, marmots, deer-you name it. While you won’t see all of the wildlife all the time, usually you’ll stop with others and get out your camera for at least one of these critters. On the weekends, everyone else has the same idea to make the drive so it’s terribly crowded. There are three entrances with the Kawanuchee side the least crowded for entry. The Alpine Visitor Center is a cool place to relax and take in the Picturesque views and there is a museum there that covers the early geological and evolutionary history of the area. As you would imagine, there is a souvenir shop with trinkets and clothing as well as a concession area with food and drinks. Just a beautiful park you won’t want to miss!
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