Colorado is likely one of the finest states in America for highway tripping and tenting. A daring assertion, I do know, however when you see the range and sweetness I’m positive you’ll agree!
The Rocky Mountains straddling the center of the state give technique to the huge desert and pink rock plateaus within the west. Within the south, the panorama turns arid, and small rural cities give it a singular character. Colorado’s numerous surroundings simply doesn’t cease!
Dwelling to the biggest quantity of “fourteeners” (mountains larger than 14,000 toes) in the US, Colorado is a beacon for out of doors fanatics from everywhere in the world. In summer season, the state presents tenting, mountain biking, and climbing; and in winter it is likely one of the finest locations for snowboarding and snowboarding in the US.
Beneath are 10 finest stops on your Colorado highway journey the place you will see that a few of the most lovely surroundings within the Centennial State:
1. Denver
Denver is the biggest metropolis in Colorado and is an ideal leaping off level on your adventures within the Rockies.
Over the past decade, Denver has grown from a sleepy city into one of the vibrant cities within the western USA. In the present day it boasts world-class breweries (go on a tour you probably have time), eating places for all tastes, and loads of historic landmarks ( Larimer Sq., Union Station, and 16th Road Mall are among the many hottest ones ).
And should you crave some tradition, go to Denver Artwork Museum, or the well-known Denver Mint – a museum that chronicles the historical past of gold and silver cash manufacturing again within the days of Colorado’s mining increase. End your day within the RiNo (River North), a former industrial space that has undergone a change and is now one of many coolest elements of the town with avenue artwork, bars, eating places, and cafes.
Nicknamed “The Mile Excessive Metropolis,” Denver sits a mile above sea stage and has over 300 days of sunshine per 12 months, so it’s a good suggestion to carry some sunscreen. It’s a pedestrian-friendly metropolis, and since you may be strolling lots, the very last thing you need is to get a sunburn earlier than your massive highway journey.
PRO TIP: To proceed your Colorado highway journey from Denver, you possibly can both proceed south alongside Interstate-25 earlier than arriving at Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park and persevering with west from there, or it’s also possible to head north towards Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park with a cease in Boulder after which hop on Interstate-70 and in addition proceed your journey from there.
2. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park (with a cease in Boulder)
Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park is an unmissable cease in your Colorado Road Trip Itinerary. It’s one of the scenic nationwide parks within the state and it presents breathtaking surroundings at any time of the 12 months.
However don’t rush to get there: As you drive to RMNP, you’ll go Boulder, a university city with a grand out of doors tradition and a booming tech scene.
After checking native shops and grabbing a chunk alongside Pearl Road, discover climbing trails across the Flatirons – beautiful rock formations that dominate the panorama of this city. Or take a difficult hike to Mount Sanitas to check your stamina.
Now onto Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park! I like to recommend allocating most of your day for Boulder and arriving at Rocky Mountain within the night, so you have got not less than at some point to discover this majestic place. After an extended day of climbing, you possibly can keep in Estes Park, the gateway to RMNP, nonetheless, ensure to e book your room prematurely because it’s extraordinarily well-liked throughout the excessive season!
3. Colorado Springs/Backyard of the Gods
Positioned on the foothills of Pikes Peak mountain, Backyard of the Gods about 1 hour and 20 minutes south of Denver.
Backyard of the Gods is a mixture of unbelievable surroundings, comparatively simple climbing trails, and quirky rock formations that overlook Pikes Peak. Also known as one of the well-liked hikes in Colorado, Backyard of the Gods has over 15 miles of climbing trails that vary from simple to average.
The most effective issues concerning the Backyard of the Gods is that it’s free!
The proprietor of the park, Charles Perkins, needed to donate this place to the general public, nonetheless, he died earlier than he might try this. Later, his household fulfilled his want by donating the park to Colorado Springs.
Backyard of the Gods is gorgeous at any time of the 12 months, nonetheless, summer season tends to be the busiest season, as with many different locations in Colorado. Winter is a superb time to snap some cool photographs because the pink rocks get lined with white powder creating great surroundings all through the park. Fall brings some lovely colours and milder temperatures, and spring is heat sufficient however not but crowded.
PRO TIP: If you wish to take good photographs, attempt to go to the Backyard of the Gods throughout golden hour on a vibrant sunny day when the brilliant pink rock formations will create an exquisite distinction with the blue sky.
And if you’re nonetheless craving journey after wandering across the Backyard of the Gods, you may get to the highest of Pikes Peak that may be accessed by automobile or by foot.
E-book your keep in Backyard of the Gods right here.
4. Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park
Colorado isn’t all forest, mountains, and lakes!
Head to Nice San Dunes Nationwide Park in southern Colorado and you will see that the best mountains of sand in all of North America! Positioned on the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, these majestic sand dunes stretch for 30 sq. miles.
Sand sledding and sandboarding are a few of the hottest actions right here. So seize a sand sled at one of many space’s rental shops and slide down a tall sand dune! Or take a leisurely hike alongside a sand dune, have a picnic, and arrange your tenting spot for the night time to get pleasure from this enigmatic and tranquil place.
Because of its distant location in rural Colorado, the Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park can be one of many prime places for stargazing, with many darkish fanatics coming year-round.
The Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park is situated about 35 miles away from Alamosa. Whereas it’s typically dry and heat throughout winter, winter brings cooler temperatures, so be ready!
5. Mesa Verde Nationwide Park
Positioned within the southwest nook of Colorado, Mesa Verde Nationwide Park was created to protect the archaeological websites that chronicle the heritage of the Ancestral Pueblo individuals who lived right here from 600 AD to 1300 AD. Translated as “Inexperienced Desk”, Mesa Verde presents a mixture of centuries-old historical past that may be seen in a whole lot of cliff dwellings.
Guests can study concerning the historical past of this place and discover a whole lot of historic cliff dwellings as a part of a guided tour (tickets might be bought on the park’s customer middle), or take a self-guided tour of the Step Home at Wetherill Mesa at your individual tempo.
And should you don’t really feel like strolling across the archaeological websites, you possibly can go to many viewpoints and overlooks alongside the 6-mile Mesa Prime Loop Road on the Chapin Mesa.
It’s a good way to grasp the distinctive historical past of the world as a result of the entire websites are organized in chronological order. When you’re left wanting extra, take a look at the Chapin Mesa Archaeological Museum – an awesome different to being exterior when it will get too sizzling in summer season.
Whenever you tour the park, don’t contact the dwellings. These historic constructions are fragile and might be simply broken.
And should you resolve to go for a hike, Chapin Mesa additionally has a number of trails equivalent to spruce canyon trailheads and the petroglyph level path.
6. Telluride
Telluride has change into one of many premier locations for winter sports activities in North America. After mining within the area waned by the 1970s, the city was reinvented with the assistance of locals who constructed the world’s first ski resort. However Telluride’s spirit of Previous West continues to dwell on to at the present time and you may really feel it the second you step within the metropolis’s downtown.
In the present day this small city is taken into account one of many high locations for recreation in Southwest Colorado, because of its Victorian-era allure, climbing, mountain biking in the summertime, and snowboarding and snowboarding in winter. Folks from everywhere in the world come right here to expertise the unbelievable ambiance.
However in addition to being an outdoorsman’s paradise, Telluride can be a serious vacation spot for festivals throughout summer season months. A few of the most distinguished occasions right here embody MountainFilm, Telluride Bluegrass Competition, and Telluride Movie Competition.
Telluride lodging come at a premium worth, particularly throughout the excessive season. Take a look at close by cities Ridgeway, Ouray, or Montrose for budget-friendly choices. And if you want to camp, head to the beautiful Alta Lakes exterior of Telluride.
7. Aspen
Likelihood is you have got in all probability heard of Aspen even you probably have by no means been to Colorado. Whereas Aspen is a superb place to go to at any time of the 12 months, it’s snowboarding that has made it so well-known.
Folks from everywhere in the world come right here to hit the well-known Aspen slopes in areas equivalent to Aspen Highlands, Aspen Mountain, and Snowmass Ski Resort amongst others.
Nonetheless, it’s not simply the winter season that gives loads of issues to do. In fall, guests come to snap photographs of the long-lasting Maroon Bells, the 2 majestic peaks mirrored within the nonetheless waters of the Maroon Lake – one of the photographed locations in Colorado; or hike the Rio Grande Path – one of many best trails close to Aspen.
PRO TIP: Whereas Aspen tends to have extra dear lodging, close by cities Carbondale, Basalt and Glenwood Springs have extra budget-friendly lodging.
8. Glenwood Springs
Aspen’s neighbor to the north, Glenwood Springs, is dwelling to world-famous sizzling springs the place you possibly can soak in mineral-filled waters. The city additionally presents a vibrant out of doors and cultural scene. Guests get pleasure from rafting down the river by way of the scenic Glenwood Canyon, biking the 14.4-mile Glenwood Canyon Recreation Path, and climbing the world’s scenic trails.
Hanging Lake is likely one of the most lovely hikes close to Glenwood Springs, nonetheless, it has fallen a sufferer to its personal reputation, because it started attracting 1000’s of holiday makers each day. Consequently, native officers created a reservation system and a bunch of guidelines that didn’t exist years in the past.
If you wish to get pleasure from Hanging Lake, I like to recommend making your reservation for a weekday.
9. Independence Cross
The highest go in North America, Independence Cross, is a should for anyone who involves Colorado. Positioned at an elevation of 12,095 toes, it begins close to Leadville, stretches all the best way to Aspen, and traverses by way of the Continental Divide.
Whereas the go is barely 32 miles, take your time when going over it. The views alongside the best way are breathtaking and the 2 lane-road winds alongside sharp curves. Whereas the highway is closed in winter, it’s one of the well-liked locations in Colorado throughout summer season with holidays and weekends being the busiest days.
Along with having fun with the surroundings alongside the best way, it’s also possible to get pleasure from a number of trails situated proper off the go. The most effective climbing trails within the space is named Misplaced Man Path that gives entry to the attractive alpine meadows and lakes.
10. Breckinridge/Frisco
Breckenridge and Frisco are a basic Colorado cease within the coronary heart of the Rocky Mountains.
Positioned close to a number of fourteeners (or mountains with the elevation larger than 14,000 toes), Frisco is a year-round trip spot that was a mining city within the outdated days. Whether or not you wish to get pleasure from a hike to the Quandary Peak (East Ridge is the best route that’s good for novices, whereas West Ridge is extra appropriate for consultants), have some enjoyable at Frisco Journey Park snowboarding or tubing. Frisco has all of it!
The neighboring Breckenridge is a small mountain city with the charming Predominant Road the place you will discover shops, pubs, and eating places amongst different issues. And whereas most individuals have come to affiliate Breckenridge with snowboarding, the city additionally presents many different actions equivalent to whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and climbing. As well as, the city has a wealthy ming historical past and plenty of well-preserved buildings from that period.
In case you are visiting Breckenridge in summer season, climbing is an absolute should. The space is dwelling to a whole lot of unbelievable climbing trails with beautiful wildflowers, alpine lakes, and which make this vacation spot so well-liked.
Much like Telluride and Aspen, Breckenridge motels might be dear. Fortunately, there are many choices for dispersed tenting within the space. As well as, it’s also possible to attempt close by Frisco and Silverthorne.
Whereas these places are nice for individuals who are simply beginning to discover Colorado, you would spend weeks and even months exploring this scenic state. Whether or not you come to Colorado in winter to get pleasure from snowboarding or snowboarding within the Rockies, or hike and mountain bike in summer season, you may be blown away by the great thing about the state.
In regards to the writer: Daria created The Discovery Nut, a journey weblog centered on adventurous locations world wide, to share her favourite locations and to encourage everybody to get out of their consolation zone and discover extra. “If it’s a scenic vacation spot with beautiful nature and superb tradition, it undoubtedly appears like a Discovery Nut type of place!”
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