The places, most named first
From the 5 guides that rank for "best places to visit in colorado"
Named by 4 of 51. Rocky Mountain National ParkTrail Ridge Road is the highest continuously paved road in the US, with alpine views and wildlife.Fall is elk mating season, and September or October means less traffic on Trail Ridge Road.Best time to visit Rocky Mountain National ParkNamed by 3 of 52. DenverDenver has concerts, breweries and local shops, with mountains close enough for a day hike.Even Denver sits a mile up, so altitude is worth planning for.Best time to visit Denver
Named by 3 of 53. Estes ParkEstes Park works as a day trip from Denver and is the mountain town gateway to the national park.The town is a spot to look for wildlife, and the Stanley Hotel is a draw.
Named by 2 of 54. Crested ButteKnown as the wildflower capital of Colorado, with hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and paddle boarding in summer.The drive to Crested Butte is a real detour, but one the author recommends.
Named by 2 of 55. Steamboat SpringsSummer options include the gondola with views over the Yampa Valley and hot air balloon rides.Fish Creek Falls is a 280-foot waterfall just outside the historic downtown.
Named by 2 of 56. TellurideA remote winter town in the southwest, praised for mountain scenery that rivals the Alps.Mountaintop restaurants such as Alpino Vino sit at nearly 12,000 feet.
Named by 2 of 57. OurayNicknamed the Little Switzerland of Colorado, set between cliffs in Uncompahgre National Forest.The best Million Dollar Highway views run about 25 miles between Ouray and Silverton.
8. BoulderThe Boulder Creek Trail runs 7.2 miles across town, and tubing the creek is a summer option.Hiking the Flatirons at Chautauqua Park gives views of the city.
9. Manitou SpringsThe Manitou Incline is 2,744 stairs and needs a reservation.The hike took about 3.5 hours round trip; start early to beat the summer sun.
10. Great Sand Dunes National ParkIt has the tallest dunes in North America and is about 230 miles south of Denver.Summers are scorching, while sand stays comfortable all day in fall.
11. Pagosa SpringsA winter hot springs town, five hours from Denver and an hour from Durango airport.Pairs soaking with skiing at Wolf Creek or snowmobiling.
12. NederlandA foothills town about 30 minutes west of Boulder.Hosts the Frozen Dead Guy Days festival every mid-March.
13. Fort CollinsA city for biking from brewery to brewery in summer.
14. BreckenridgeListed as a stop on a month-long Colorado road trip route.
15. VailListed as a stop on a road trip route along I-70.16. AspenPart of the road trip route; mountain roads make short distances slow.
17. Colorado SpringsA road trip stop; most towns on the route sit above 6,000 feet.Best time to visit Colorado Springs
18. Grand JunctionIncluded as a stop on the western leg of the route.
19. Mesa Verde National ParkNamed as a bonus stop on the Colorado road trip.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name June to September as the best time to visit Colorado.
