It’s definitely not a secret that Colorado is my favorite state in the United States. As someone who lives in Dallas…Colorado amazes me every.single.time. Plus, I love the cheap (and quick) round trip tickets from DFW to Denver! Here are 19 Colorado vacation areas that you NEED TO visit! It’s the ultimate Colorado Bucket List!
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Table of Contents
1. Idaho Springs
- Where to stay in Idaho Springs: Uplift Inn
Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Idaho Springs is known for its charming downtown and outdoor adventures. It’s the perfect place to explore historic sites, take a scenic drive on the Mount Evans Byway, hike your first 14er, or enjoy a soak in the Indian Hot Springs. It’s hard to believe this quaint mountain town is just one hour away from Denver!
Idaho Springs Bucket List:
- Hike Grays Peak
- Soak in Indian Hot Springs
- Drive the Mount Evans Byway
- Go white water rafting down Clear Creek
- Tour a Gold Mine
- Shop along Miner Street
- Hike to St. Mary’s Glacier
- Visit a brewery
- Ski at Echo Mountain
- Picnic at Echo Lake
- Conquer a Ropes Course
2. Canon City
- Where to Stay in Canon City: Little Canyon Inn
Adventure seekers, make your way to Canon City for thrilling experiences, including white-water rafting through the Royal Gorge, exploring the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park (which is surprisingly dog-friendly!), or taking a scenic train ride on the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
Canon City Bucket List
- Ride on the Royal Gorge Railroad
- Explore Royal Gorge Bridge Park
- Bighorn Sheep Canyon Whitewater Rafting
3. Rocky Mountain National Park
- Where to stay near Rocky Mountain National Park: The Stanley Hotel
Rocky Mountain National Park is a top Colorado vacation area that everyone should visit at least once. This iconic national park is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Highlights include the hike to Emerald Lake (personal fav), Alberta Falls, and the chance to spot elk and bighorn sheep.
After a day of adventuring, grab a room in the nearby Estes Park. It’s one of the most picturesque mountain towns in all of Colorado.
Tip! If visiting during Peak Season (May-October) be sure to reserve an advance time slot for entry!
Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park Bucket List:
- Hike to Emerald Lake
- Hike to Alberta Falls
- Tour the famous Stanley Hotel (bonus points if you are able to spend a night here)
- Take a scenic drive down Trail Ridge Road
- Picnic at Sprague Lake
4. Breckenridge
- Where to stay in Breckenridge: Grand Timber Lodge
A world-class ski resort in the winter, Breckenridge is also a charming mountain town with a historic Main Street filled with shops and restaurants. Enjoy year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and festivals. Do not miss a visit to the famous downtown troll, Isak!
Breckenridge, CO Bucket List
- Visit the Breckenridge Troll
- Go Skiing
- Take a Ghost Tour
- Hike to McCullough Gulch Falls
- Outdoor Escape Room
- Hike to Mayflower Gulch (in picture)
- Explore Main Street
- Drive Boreas Pass Road
- Hike a 14er (Quandry Peak)
- Fat Bike Beer and Distillery Tour
5. Steamboat Springs
- Where to stay in Steamboat Springs: The Steamboat Grand
Known for its legendary Champagne Powder snow, Steamboat Springs offers excellent skiing and a friendly Western atmosphere.
In the summer you can enjoy hot air ballooning, mountain biking, and hiking. However, winter in Steamboat Springs is truly magical as you can soak in the relaxing Strawberry Park Hot Springs (a personal fav of mine) and fly down the slopes.
Steamboat Springs Bucket List
- Stroll through the Yampa River Botanic Park
- Soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs
- Explore Medicine Bow-Rout National Forest
- Go Skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort
- Soak in Old Town Hot Springs
- Ride the Steamboat Howler Alpine Slide
6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Where to stay near Black Canyon of Gunnison: Minecart Motor Lodge
Nature enthusiasts will be in awe of the sheer cliffs and deep, dark canyons of the Black Canyon. Hiking, rock climbing, and stargazing are some of the ways to experience this unique national park.
Black Canyon of Gunnison Bucket List
- Drive the South Rim Road
- Visit the Painted Wall
- Stargaze at Dragon Point
- Hike the Warner Point Trail
- Fly Fishing in the Gunnison River
- Take a Boat Tour
7. Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Where to Stay near Great Sand Dunes National Park: The Gratitude Inn
Visit the tallest sand dunes in North America, set against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Sandboarding, hiking, and splashing in Medano Creek are popular activities. It’s a must on any Colorado bucket list and Thor’s favorite vacation ever.
Tip! There’s no where to rent sand boards in the park, be sure to do so before arriving!
Great Sand Dunes National Park Bucket List
- Slide the dunes
- Camp & Stargaze under the stars
- Hike to the highest point (Star Dune)
- Hike to Zapata Falls
8. Glenwood Springs
- Where to stay in Glenwood Springs: The Hotel Denver
Home to the historic Glenwood Hot Springs Pool and the mesmerizing Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs is an ideal destination for relaxation and outdoor adventure. It’s just 2.5 hours from downtown Denver, and less than one hour from Aspen.
Glenwood Springs Bucket List
- Adventure at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park
- Soak in Iron Mountain Hot Springs
- Relax at Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves
- Go Whitewater rafting
- Tour the Frontier Historical Museum
- Ski at Sunlight Mountain Resort
- Hike to Hanging Lake
- Soak in Glenwood Hot Springs Pool
9. Telluride
- Where to stay in Telluride: Camel’s Garden Hotel
This picturesque mountain town is famous for its world-class ski resort, stunning box canyon setting, and vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Telluride Film Festival. It’s one of the very best Colorado vacation areas for adventure-lovers.
Telluride Bucket List
- Conquer the Via Ferrata
- Try Ice Climbing
- Stand up Paddleboard
- Take the Telluride Gondola
- Hike the Jud Wiebe Trail
- Tour the Telluride Historical Museum
- Hike the Blue Lakes Trail
- Hike to Bridal Veil Falls
10. Ouray
- Where to Stay in Ouray: Hot Springs Inn
Located just 50 miles from Telluride, Ouray is dubbed the “Switzerland of America”. It’s a picturesque mountain town with hot springs, ice climbing in the winter, and scenic drives through the San Juan Mountains. It’s home to some of the most picturesque hikes in all of Colorado.
Ouray Bucket List:
- Ouray Via Ferrata
- Box Canyon Waterfall
- Tour the Ouray Alchemist Museum
- Ice Climbing
- Hike the Perimeter Trail
- Soak in the Ouray Hot Springs
11. Colorado Springs
- Where to stay in Colorado Springs: The Mining Exchange
Colorado Springs is rich in natural beauty with the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, along with a deep military history and cultural offerings. It’s also a wonderful dog-friendly stop on any Colorado road trip!
Colorado Springs Bucket List
- Go Ziplining
- Drive to the top of Pikes Peak
- Adventure at Cave of the Mountain Park
- Hike to Rainbow Falls
- Garden of the Gods Segway Tour
- Explore Garden of the Gods
- Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Conquer the Manitou Incline
- Explore the Manitou Cliff Dwellings
- Check out the Ghost Town Museum
- Jeep Tour
12. Aspen
- Where to stay in Aspen: Hotel Jerome
Calling all ski-enthusiasts! Aspen is a year-round playground for the elite with excellent skiing, hiking, arts, and a stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.
Aspen Bucket List
- Hike to Maroon Bells
- Drive through Independence Pass
- Ski at Snowmass
- Aspen Ghost Tour
- Ride the Silver Queen Gondola
- Whitewater raft down the Roaring Fork River
- Explore the Ashcroft Ghost Town
13. Golden
- Where to stay in Golden, CO: Table Mountain Inn
Home to the Coors Brewery, Golden offers a taste of the Old West in a modern setting. Explore its history at the Colorado School of Mines Geology Museum or take a hike in the nearby foothills. It’s only 15 miles from downtown Denver, so it could make an excellent day trip or weekend getaway!
Golden Bucket List
- Tour the Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
- Tour the Coors Brewery
- Explore Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Canoe, kayak, or tube at Clear Creek White Water Park
14. Morrison
- Where to stay in Morrison: Cliff House Lodge B&B
Known for the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison is a small town with a big musical reputation. Catch a concert here or explore nearby Dinosaur Ridge for geological wonders. I especially enjoyed a quiet picnic at the peaceful Bear Creek Lake Park (followed by ice cream on the main street of course!)
Morrison Bucket List
- Attend an event at Red Rocks Amphitheatre
- Tour the Morrison Natural History Museum
- Compete in a Go-Kart Race
- Explore Dinosaur Ridge
- Picnic at Bear Creek Lake Park
15. Frisco
- Where to stay in Frisco: Frisco Inn
A charming mountain town near Lake Dillon, Frisco is a hub for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. It’s also a gateway to the nearby ski resorts in and near Summit County! It’s an underrated Colorado vacation area that doesn’t see as many tourists as the neighboring Breckenridge.
Frisco Bucket List
- Rent an E-bike
- Tube at the Frisco Adventure Park
- Wine taste at the Continental Divide Winery
- Hike Mount Royal
- Hike Quandry Peak
- Ski at the Frisco Nordic Center
16. Vail
- Where to stay in Vail: The Sebastian Vail
A premier ski destination, Vail offers exceptional skiing and a European-style village with fine dining, shopping, and cultural events. Summers bring hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor concerts. It’s definitely one of the most luxurious Colorado vacation areas!
Vail Bucket List
- Ski at the Vail Ski Resort
- Shop at the Vail Farmers’ Market
- Horseback ride at Vail Stables
- Go Snowmobiling
- Segway tour
- Explore the Vail Nature Center
- Ride the Alpenrose Gondola
- Hike to Booth Falls
17. Durango
- Where to stay Durango: Doubletree by Hilton
Durango beckons with its rich history, thrilling white-water rafting experiences through the Royal Gorge, and as a gateway to the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde National Park, making it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and history buffs.
Durango Bucket List
- Drive the Colorado Million Dollar Highway
- Explore the San Juan National Forest
- Spend time in the Historic downtown
- Walk or bike the Animas River Trail
- Zipline
- Take a scenic waterfalls Jeep tour
- Tour Mesa Verde National Park
- Ski at the Purgatory Resort
18. Denver
- Where to stay in Denver: Sheraton Denver Downtown
Denver offers a blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventures, with proximity to the Rocky Mountains and vibrant cultural attractions. Thanks to its major airport, it’s easy to get to and a great home base for so many adventures. It’s really the ultimate spot for a weekend getaway!
Denver Bucket List
- Tour the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
- Watch a game at Coors Field
- Explore Meow Wolf
- Stroll around the 16th Street Mall
- Play at Elitch Gardens
- Check out the Denver Art Museum
- Mural hunt in the RiNO neighborhood
- Explore the Denver Botanic Gardens
- Visit the Denver Zoo or Aquarium
19. Boulder
- Where to stay in Boulder, CO: Hotel Boulderado
Boulder should be on your Colorado bucket list for its unique blend of outdoor adventure and a city vibes, offering world-class hiking and rock climbing while fostering a vibrant cultural scene. The arch trail in Chautauqua park is one of my favorites!
Boulder Bucket List
- Stroll around the Pearl Street Mall
- Have tea at the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse
- Catch a show at the Boulder Theater
- Fat tire bike tour
- Shop at the Boulder Farmers Market
- Explore Chautauqua Park
- Bike at Valmont Bike Park
See more things to do during 3 days in Boulder!
Colorado Vacation Areas recap!
There ya have it! 19 of the very best Colorado Vacation areas to visit. From skiing down the world-class slopes in to hiking in the Switzerland of America, the options for adventures are endless. Be sure to save this Colorado Bucket List to start planning your next getaway!
What other Colorado vacation areas would you add to this list?
More Colorado Getaways! (Keep Reading!!)
- One Weekend in Denver
- One Weekend in Colorado Springs
- Dog-friendly Things to do in Colorado Springs
- Dallas to Denver Road Trip
- Bucket List Colorado Hikes
- One Weekend in Breckenridge
- One Weekend in Idaho Springs
- Dog-friendly Colorado Road Trip
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