What to do and see in Colorado, United States: The Best Lookouts

January 16, 2022 Veronika Gaddis

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. Forest Canyon Overlook

Trail Ridge Rd. about 14 mi southeast of Alpine visitor center, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO +1 970-586-1206 http://www.nps.gov
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 56 reviews

Forest Canyon Overlook

Reviewed By Steve5863 - Avon, United States

Coming from the east, Forest Canyon Overlook is the first major overlook along Trail Ridge Road above the tree line and is probably the best overlook along the road. From the parking area, the fenced in overlook extends away from the road for a few hundred feet (100m) giving one many different views of the surrounding mountains, tree covered valleys below, and the alpine surroundings. The morning I visited in early October, I was treated to the surrealistic experience of clearing snow shower that left behind a candy coating of snow and clouds receding through the valleys below.

2. Shadow Mountain Fire Lookout

Jericho Rd., Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
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0%
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Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Shadow Mountain Fire Lookout

3. Independence Pass

Hwy 82, 20 miles E of Aspen, Aspen, CO 81611 +1 970-925-3445 http://www.independencepass.org
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,695 reviews

Independence Pass

Reviewed By 688juddc - Aspen, United States

Everyone should check out the Continental Divide and Independence Pass - also a fantastic bicycle ride up from the Aspen side - best early in the day or in the off-seasons, due to narrow sections and sometimes heavy traffic. There are a lot of places to pull off and admire the scenery, take pics, or go for a little hike - especially alongside the creek, at the Grottos - where there's a plunge pool (not safe in times of heavy water runoff). Also several camping sites exist closer to the Aspen side where the scenery is all amazing...

4. Warner Point

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National Park, CO http://www.nps.gov/blca/
Excellent
83%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 36 reviews

Warner Point

Reviewed By OSU_Fan1967 - Dublin, United States

Nice, easy hike at the end of South Rim road that provides you an opportunity to get out of the car, stretch your legs a bit and hike to a beautiful point/overlook. The 14 stop nature guide and corresponding booklet are a nice touch and very worthwhile.

5. Sapphire Point Overlook

Swan Mountain Road, Breckenridge, CO 80424 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whiteriver/recarea/?recid=40879
Excellent
81%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 113 reviews

Sapphire Point Overlook

Reviewed By pasowine - Paso Robles, United States

This Overlook is just a few miles north of Breckenridge - easy to get to. The overlook has amazing views of Lake Dillon. There is a wonderful loop trail that the overlook is on. You can head left or right from the parking lot and you will come to the overlook shortly. Easy hike for people - saw families picnicking as well on the picnic tables at the eastern side of the loop trail.

6. Mancos Valley Overlook

Mesa Top Ruins Road, Mancos, CO 81328
Excellent
100%
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0%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Mancos Valley Overlook

Reviewed By mljack - Austin, United States

The Mancos Valley Overlook is the first turn out on the main road after you entered Mesa Verde National Park. There is a fantastic view of the Mancos Valley and the La Plata Mountains. There is a picnic table there as well.

7. Farview Curve Overlook

Trail Ridge Rd. about 18 mi west of Alpine visitor center, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
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0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 20 reviews

Farview Curve Overlook

Reviewed By rachellK1474MP - Newark, United States

If you come into the park from the Grand Lake entrance, it's really cool to stop at this overlook and see the valley you just drove through. There's plenty of parking and great views of the Never Summer Mountains.

8. Collegiate Peaks Scenic Overlook

US Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO http://www.collegiatepeaksbyway.org
Excellent
65%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Collegiate Peaks Scenic Overlook

Reviewed By timothys495

One of the best scenic overlooks you'll ever see. It's amazing to stop here after climbing one of the 14ers as you can reference it's location on the map/sign at the overlook. Great perspective!

9. Deadman Lookout

Red Feather Lakes, CO http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwgAykeaxcN4jhYG_h4eYX5hPgYwefy6w0H24dcPNgEHcDTQ9_PIz03VL8iNMMgycVQEAHcGOlk!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfME80MEkxVkFCOTBFMktTNUJIMjAwMDAwMDA!/
Excellent
73%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 11 reviews

Deadman Lookout

10. Lobo Overlook / Radio Tower

U.S. Hwy 160 near Wolf Creek Resort, Pagosa Springs, CO http://visitpagosasprings.com/campaign/bestdrives.html
Excellent
64%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Lobo Overlook / Radio Tower

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