Have you ever wanted to travel to Colorado? After visiting my family in Colorado for the first time about six years ago, I discovered that it was such a beautiful state with so much to see and do. Here are 5 places (in no particular order) that I think everyone should check out at least once in their lifetime:
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is the perfect place to go in Colorado if you’re looking to see amazing scenic views of the Rocky Mountains from snow capped mountains to the rolling tundra. You might even be able to catch some views of the wildlife. According to 72.6% of visitors the scenery is the main attraction of the park.
Rocky Mountain National Park Photo Credit: National Park Foundation
2. Pikes Peak
Located near Colorado Springs is Pikes Peak. Pikes Peak is a Colorado 14er, measuring at 14,115 feet, that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Visitors can drive to the summit or ride a free shuttle to enjoy the incredible views. You’re so high at the summit it will feel like you are as high as the clouds. On a clear day, you can even see Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Kansas and possibly the curvature of the earth fading into the distance.
Pikes Peak Summit Photo Credit: Alisha Paul
3. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a National Natural Landmark located in Colorado Springs. Drive through or walk the hiking trails to see the 300’ sandstone rock formations that tower over you. The park is free and be sure to pick up your map at the visitor center to learn the names of the rock formations and history of the park.
Garden of the Gods Photo Credit: Alisha Paul
Garden of the Gods Photo Credit: Alisha Paul
4. Royal Gorge Bridge
Be sure to check out Colorado’s Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City. The bridge is America’s highest suspension bridge standing 956 feet above the Arkansas River. Enjoy the views of the gorge and the beautiful horizon as you’re walking across the bridge, and be sure to take a selfie at the location of your state flag along the bridge. Everyone who visits is encouraged to do this and post the selfie to social media.
View from Royal Gorge Bridge Photo Credit: Alisha Paul
Selfie of my Mom & I with the Alabama State Flag on the Royal Gorge Bridge Photo Credit: Alisha Paul
5. Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain is a foothill in Denver measuring 7,377 feet where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Denver skyline. It is a must to see at night when the city is all lit up.
View of Denver Skyline from Lookout Mountain at night Photo Credit: u/d-rav
Colorado has become one of my favorite places to visit not only because I get to see my family but because of the beautiful scenery. A few places, like Durango, Silverton, Telluride, Gunnison, and more are still on my Colorado “bucket list.”
Where are your must-see views in Colorado? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
References
Garden of the Gods. (n.d.). Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center. Retrieved September 7, 2020 from https://www.gardenofgods.com/.
National Parks Foundation. (n.d.) On top of the world: Rocky Mountain National Park. Retrieved September 7, 2020 from https://www.nationalparks.org/explore-parks/rocky-mountain-national-park.
Pikes Peak Region Attractions. (n.d.). Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain. Retrieved September 7, 2020 from https://www.pikes-peak.com/attractions/pikes-peak-americas-mountain/.
Rocky Mountain National Park. (n.d.). Mountain Scenery. Retrieved September 7, 2020 from https://rockymountainnationalpark.com/things-do/scenery.
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park. (n.d.). Royal Gorge Bridge. Retrieved September 7, 2020 from https://royalgorgebridge.com/rides-attractions/royal-gorge-bridge/.
U/d-rav. (2015). The view from Lookout Mountain last night! Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/Denver/comments/3ksqq6/the_view_from_lookout_mountain_last_night/.
Visit Golden. (n.d.). Golden’s famous lookout mountain. Retrieved September 7, 2020 from https://www.visitgolden.com/places-to-go/lookout-mountain/.
September 12, 2020 at 10:48 am
Now I want to go to Colorado!
September 13, 2020 at 7:54 pm
You definitely should!
September 12, 2020 at 2:57 pm
My Mom and Aunt went on vacation at Colorado Trails Ranch in Durango, Colorado. They had the best time fly fishing, horse back riding, sight seeing, and enjoying campfire cookouts. My Mom said the staff was friendly and fun, and the food was amazing. I hated I didn’t get to go along with them, but I hope to go in the future with my Mom, my 2 sons and my husband. My Mom is itching to go back lol!
Another place I’d love to visit, and maybe even stay for a destination Christmas, would be Estes Park, Colorado. The town looks so magical and gorgeous nestled in the mountains with all of the Christmas lights and decorations. Aside from it looking like a Winter Wonderland, the town has all kinds of things to do from shopping, eating local food, and art galleries. The place seems like an awesome family friendly place to visit.
September 13, 2020 at 7:53 pm
That sounds like a fun trip! Estes Park is beautiful! We drove through there and had lunch on our way out of Rocky Mountain National Park, then we stopped by The Stanley Hotel (Stephen King’s inspiration for The Shining).
September 13, 2020 at 6:53 pm
What great placed. I have always wanted to go to Colorado and wondered what there was to see there.
September 13, 2020 at 7:57 pm
There’s really so much to see and do that’s just short drives from the major cities.
September 25, 2020 at 9:58 pm
I went to Red Rocks a few years ago. It was in the daytime and there was a lot of activity going on. I saw a lot of jogging up and down the steps and also people just taking it easy.
I would love to go back and see a concert at night…. It’s on my list!