A Brief Guide to Colorado
Colorado offers a stunning contrast of landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains to the bustling streets of Mile High City. No matter your preferred travel style, we'll help you plan your itinerary to make the most of these suggestions for a Colorado tour. Experience the great outdoors, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Best Time to Travel to Colorado
Colorado offers unique travel experiences throughout the year, but September and October are generally considered the ideal time to visit. During this period, the aspen trees transform into dazzling gold, creating one of the nation's most beautiful scenic drives. From November through March, it's the perfect time for skiing, with world-renowned ski resorts available.
Best Cities and Attractions in Colorado
Most trips to Colorado are centered around several major cities. Here are some of the best places to travel in Colorado.
Denver
Denver is the capital and major transportation hub of Colorado, with an exceptionally walkable downtown area. You can visit Union Station, a historic transportation hub that's now a destination for dining and shopping. If you enjoy music, head to Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, a geological wonder and world-class music venue. Don't forget to shop at the 16th Street Mall.
Colorado Springs
Just an hour's drive from Denver, nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak, this area boasts abundant natural beauty. Particularly noteworthy is Garden of the Gods, featuring towering red sandstone rock formations against a backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains. The U.S. Air Force Academy is also located here, where visitors can tour the renowned Cadet Chapel.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Accessible from the town of Estes Park, this national park is the crown jewel of the state. It offers dramatic alpine scenery, wildlife viewing, and the spectacular Trail Ridge Road, which takes you above the treeline.
Transportation in Colorado
Driving: This is the most common way to explore Colorado, but navigating mountain roads can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the terrain.
Tour Organization: An excellent and worry-free option. Professional drivers handle navigation, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than the road. This is especially important when visiting multiple destinations like the Rocky Mountain National Park and the Royal Gorge Bridge in a single trip.
Public Transit: Denver has a reliable light rail system connecting the airport to downtown, but reaching mountain towns requires a car or shuttle service.
Colorado Trip Itineraries
If you're looking for some Colorado trip ideas, here are some itineraries you can consider.
5-Day Colorado Travel Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Denver and head to Union Station for lunch. Afterward, visit Larimer Square, the city's oldest neighborhood.
Day 2: Depart Denver for Estes Park, then enter Rocky Mountain National Park. Drive along the spectacular Trail Ridge Road, taking in breathtaking views. If time permits, visit the historic Stanley Hotel.
Day 3: Visit Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, stroll among the massive sandstone rock formations. Then head to Colorado Springs and take a walk through the Garden of the Gods.
Day 4: Climb Pikes Peak via the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway. Afterward, explore Manitou Springs at the base of the mountain and sample its natural carbonated water.
Day 5: If time permits, visit the Denver Botanic Gardens or the Denver Art Museum to explore the art collections.
Nearby Sightseeing
Colorado’s central location makes it a perfect jumping-off point for a broader American West adventure. Many Colorado tours extend their reach to include iconic landmarks in neighboring states.
Yellowstone & Grand Teton (Wyoming): Often combined with Colorado trips, these parks offer geothermal wonders and dramatic mountain peaks to the north.
Mount Rushmore (South Dakota): A popular add-on for history buffs, located northeast of Denver.
Canyonlands National Park (Utah): Just across the western border, these parks offer a stark, red-rock contrast to the alpine greenery of the Rockies.