At 9,500 feet (2,896 meters) in Summit County, Colorado, Sapphire Point offers scenic views of Dillon Lake and Reservoir, and the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. An easily accessible overlook and day-use area, it’s a popular hiking destination and location for small weddings.
Embrace the spirit of the great Colorado outdoors in Grand Lake, home of the state’s largest natural lake, located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. At an 8,300-foot (2,530-meter) elevation, enjoy brisk mountain air and year-round outdoor activities ranging from hiking and biking to fishing, golfing, and lake tours.
Located just minutes from downtown Aspen, Aspen Mountain—sometimes known as “town mountain” or Ajax—is a skier’s dream come true. Fly down groomed trails and gladed runs all winter long, then return in the summer to bask on the mountaintop sundeck and explore hiking trails studded with wildflowers.
The Georgetown Loop Railroad is a narrow-gauge historic railroad that runs between Georgetown and Silver Plume, Colorado. One of the state’s first tourist attractions, the railroad takes passengers on a 4.5-mile (7-kilometer) ride through spectacular scenery in the rugged Rocky Mountains.
The Breckenridge Nordic Center originated as the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center for skiers with disabilities in a former mining cabin. Eventually, the owner repurposed a lodge for the BOEC then constructed a new facility that’s now the Breckenridge Nordic Center Lodge. For over 50 winter seasons, the Breckenridge Nordic Center has maintained snowshoe and cross country ski trails for guests of all ages and abilities.
At an elevation of 6,800 feet (2,072 meters), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs is aptly called “America’s only mountain zoo.” Its 146 acres (59 hectares) are home to hundreds of animals, including grizzly bears, monkeys, hippos, tigers, elephants, and its renowned herd of giraffes—one of the largest in the world.
From the heart of Washington Park—surrounded by serene gardens, lakes, and lawns—it is hard to believe you are in the middle of Denver, Colorado. The 115-acre (60-hectare) park includes a replica of George Washington’s Mount Vernon garden, an extensive network of running trails, and a boathouse overlooking the lake.
Founded in 1876, the same year that Colorado became a state, the University of Colorado Boulder is the state’s flagship university. Students enroll to participate in the school’s competitive earth and space science programs—many astronauts have graduated from CU Boulder—while visitors come to admire the scenic campus, attend cultural events, or cheer on the Colorado Buffaloes at football games.
This Aspen sanctuary is both a public park and a memorial to the musician John Denver, whose songs like “Rocky Mountain High” capture the spirit of Colorado. Come to relax on the shores of the Roaring Fork River, stroll along the paths, and appreciate the work of the park's namesake in a garden devoted to his music.
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway winds its way from Estes Park at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park to Interstate Highway I-70, past dense forests, pristine lakes, and the towering peaks of Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, and the Indian Peaks. It travels 55 miles (89 kilometers) along the Continental Divide and provides excellent views of the Rocky Mountains’ Front Range.
Chautauqua Park is where Boulder goes for time in nature. Home to the Chautauqua Trailhead—which leads to 40 miles (65 kilometers) of hiking trails—this park showcases just one of the many reasons Boulder is so beloved: fantastic views of the Flatirons. Strikingly slanted, any view in Chautauqua Park is a great one, from the trails to the pickleball court and beyond.
If there’s one image synonymous with Boulder, it’s the Flatirons. Technically the slopes of Green Mountain, the Flatirons are incredibly steep, triangular rock formations reminiscent of a clothes iron. Popular for hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking, the Flatirons are a beloved city backdrop where Boulder goes to play.
One of the oldest canyons in North America, Black Canyon of the Gunnison was carved over a period of 2 million years. Today, the National Park encompasses vertigo-inducing drops and colorful mesas that are sliced in half by the Gunnison River.
History Colorado was established in 1879 and currently operates four historic sites and seven museums, including History Colorado Center. Here you’ll find exhibits, artifacts, and hands-on activities about the history of the state and the American West. The center also hosts regular lectures, rotating exhibits, and other events for kids and adults.
Since 1924, Folsom Field has been the home of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. Named after University of Colorado coach Fred Folsom, the stadium seats more than 50,000 people, and also hosts concerts, graduations, and special events from its hilltop perch on the University of Colorado Boulder campus.
A green oasis east of busy Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park’s 80 acres (32 hectares) consist of grassy lawns, a Greek-style marble pavilion, and winding paths popular among joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers. If you don’t stumble upon one of the many community events held at the park throughout the year, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy among the playgrounds, picnic tables, and views of the surrounding mountains.
Designed by Harry Teague in 1993 as a seasonal amphitheater, the Riverwalk Center was renovated in 2008. Now a 750-seat performance venue in downtown Breckenridge, it hosts events throughout the year. This music hall in Blue River Plaza has indoor concerts in the cooler months and opens its glass doors for outdoor shows when it gets warmer.
In a state known for its alcohol production, Breckenridge Distillery is a relative newcomer to Colorado’s drinking scene. It was founded in 2008 and quickly became an award-winning producer of bourbon, but also produces whiskey, gin, vodka, and rum. Breckenridge Distillery is also a sponsor of the NFL Denver Broncos, as well as holding the title as the world’s highest distillery.
The historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad takes passengers on a spectacular 45-mile (72-kilometer) trip through the gorgeous San Juan Mountains of Colorado, connecting the two towns for which the railroad is named. The steam-powered locomotive is a vintage—though comfortable—train that makes you feel like you’re traveling back in time, while the museum in Durango offers a tchotchke-filled experience to help visitors grasp the history behind their historic ride.
In the heart of downtown Boulder, Pearl Street Mall is a bit like Rodeo Drive, but Colorado-ified. Four blocks long, this flower-lined and exquisitely manicured pedestrian mall is full of luxury outdoor shops, bars, restaurants, art galleries, and an endless lineup of street performers. Whether it’s lunchtime or happy hour in Boulder, it all happens right here.
A fixture of Denver’s LoDo neighborhood, the Dairy Block is a walkable micro-district of bars, restaurants, shops, and a boutique hotel—all with a backdrop of art installations by Colorado creatives. The mixed-use space is named after the old Windsor Dairy and nods to its past with the Denver Milk Market food hall, which, along with a weekly events calendar of Taco Tuesdays and trivia nights, offers something for every crowd.
Tucked in the hinterlands of Colorado Springs, Cave of the Winds Mountain Park is an adventure park and cave system inside the Rocky Mountains. Learn about Colorado’s ancient geology while exploring lamp-lit caverns and narrow passageways. Above ground, aerial thrill rides offer an action-packed way to explore Williams Canyon.
Near downtown Boulder, Flagstaff Mountain makes it easy to enjoy the great outdoors. Part of the city’s open space, it’s home to numerous hiking and biking trails, outcrops for bouldering, viewpoints, and a summit area with accessible trails, a nature center, an amphitheater, picnic areas, and fantastic views.
Head to Boulder County Farmers Markets to discover an array of vendors selling locally-sourced products, ranging from vegetables to baked goods, fruits, cheeses, and much more. There’s also plenty of options if you’re looking for a bite to eat from street food vendors, hoping to grab a great coffee, or just wanting to stock up on delicacies. For some local flavor that comes with a side of live music and fun, there’s nowhere better.
This historic theater in downtown Boulder is renowned for its art deco design and calendar of live performances. Originally opened in 1906, it’s an intimate venue with excellent acoustics, making it a popular destination for both local and touring artists, and enriching the city’s arts scene with concerts, films, and cultural events.
Providing access to Boulder’s vibrant downtown, multiple green spaces, and cultural spots along the way, this scenic, multi-use trail runs for 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) alongside Boulder Creek. It’s a serene route for walking, biking, and jogging, with beautiful views of Colorado’s natural surroundings.
Escape to nature without going completely off the grid in Wonderland Lake Park, an urban oasis 10 minutes away from downtown Boulder. Locals come to this wildlife sanctuary in all seasons to have a picnic, fish in the lake, walk or bike the easy trails around the wetlands, and watch paragliders take off over the open prairies and streams.
The Vail Pass Path is a bicycle pathway that cuts through the Vail Pass, between Vail and Copper Mountain. A popular way to see the area around Breckenridge, the path runs about 15 miles (24 kilometers), though cyclists can extend their ride when continuing on the Vail Pass National Recreation Trail.
While Colorado isn’t short of stunning vistas, Maroon Bells is undoubtedly a favorite, attracting thousands of visitors to the area in the summer and fall months. Part of the White Mountains National Forest and a short drive from Aspen, here you’ll find hiking opportunities for all abilities, ranging from a 2-mile hike near Maroon Lake to more challenging routes around Crater Lake and beyond.
The Aspen Art Museum is an artist-founded institution famous for its thought-provoking exhibits that allow visitors to engage with contemporary and social issues on an approachable level. The museum is exhibition-focused and does not have a permanent collection. However, an all-ages interactive education workshop with books, games, and art activities is tailored for young children.
