Colorado Time Zone Map
If you’re looking for a destination that offers both natural beauty and a vibrant city scene, look no further than Colorado. Located in the Mountain Time Zone, Colorado is a state that is full of surprises. From the stunning Rocky Mountains to the bustling city of Denver, Colorado has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that Colorado has to offer.
Top Attractions
Colorado is home to some of the most stunning natural attractions in the country. Some of the top attractions that you won’t want to miss include:
Garden of the Gods
This stunning park is home to towering sandstone rock formations that are over 300 million years old. The park offers hiking trails, rock climbing, and guided tours.
Rocky Mountain National Park
One of the most popular parks in the country, Rocky Mountain National Park offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, as well as hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and camping.
Mesa Verde National Park
This park is home to some of the best-preserved Native American cliff dwellings in the country. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the history and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people.
Hidden Gems
While the top attractions in Colorado are certainly worth a visit, there are also plenty of hidden gems that are less well-known but just as beautiful. Some of these hidden gems include:
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
This park is home to some of the steepest and most dramatic canyons in the country. Visitors can hike, camp, and even go whitewater rafting.
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
This park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, and offers a unique experience for visitors who want to sandboard or hike the dunes.
Maroon Bells
Located just outside of Aspen, the Maroon Bells are two peaks that are surrounded by pristine alpine lakes and meadows. Visitors can hike, bike, or take a scenic drive to see the stunning views.
Food Scene
Colorado is home to a diverse food scene that offers something for everyone. Some of the top restaurants in the state include:
Frasca Food and Wine
This Boulder restaurant offers a seasonal menu of Italian-inspired cuisine, as well as an extensive wine list.
Root Down
This Denver restaurant offers a farm-to-table menu of globally-inspired cuisine, as well as a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
El Taco de Mexico
This Denver institution serves up some of the best Mexican food in the state, including delicious tacos and burritos.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling to Colorado doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips to help you save money on your trip:
Stay in a hostel
Hostels are a great way to save money on accommodations, and there are plenty of options throughout the state.
Eat at food trucks
Colorado is home to a thriving food truck scene, with plenty of affordable options for meals.
Take advantage of free activities
There are plenty of free activities throughout the state, including hiking, visiting parks, and attending festivals and cultural events.
Outdoor Adventures
Colorado is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Some of the top outdoor adventures in the state include:
Skiing and snowboarding
Colorado is home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, including Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen.
Hiking and backpacking
With over 40 state parks and 4 national parks, Colorado offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and backpacking.
River rafting
The Arkansas River offers some of the best whitewater rafting in the country, with plenty of outfitters offering guided trips.
Family-Friendly Activities
Colorado is a great destination for families, with plenty of activities that both kids and adults will enjoy. Some of the top family-friendly activities in the state include:
Denver Zoo
The Denver Zoo is home to over 4,000 animals from 600 species, and offers interactive exhibits and educational programs.
Great Wolf Lodge
This family-friendly resort in Colorado Springs offers an indoor water park, mini golf, and other activities for kids of all ages.
Garden of the Gods Park
In addition to hiking and rock climbing, Garden of the Gods Park offers a Junior Ranger program for kids that includes scavenger hunts and other activities.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For those who want to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations, Colorado offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path experiences. Some of the top options include:
Ghost towns
Colorado is home to several ghost towns that offer a glimpse into the state’s mining history, including St. Elmo and Animas Forks.
Hot springs
There are several hot springs throughout the state that offer a relaxing soak in natural mineral water, including Strawberry Park Hot Springs and Mount Princeton Hot Springs.
San Luis Valley
This remote valley in southern Colorado offers stunning views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, as well as several small towns and unique attractions like the UFO Watchtower.
Natural Wonders
Colorado is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the country. Some of the top options include:
Great Sand Dunes
In addition to being a hidden gem for outdoor adventures, Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve offers stunning views of the tallest sand dunes in North America.
Garden of the Gods
The towering sandstone rock formations in Garden of the Gods are a natural wonder that shouldn’t be missed.
Maroon Bells
The stunning peaks and alpine lakes of the Maroon Bells are a natural wonder that can’t be missed.
Vibrant Nightlife
Colorado is home to several cities that offer a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the top options include:
Denver
The city of Denver offers plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues for a night out on the town.
Boulder
The college town of Boulder offers a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
Aspen
The upscale ski resort town of Aspen offers plenty of options for a night out, including bars, restaurants, and clubs.
Local Markets
Colorado is home to several local markets that offer a unique shopping experience. Some of the top options include:
Boulder Farmers’ Market
This farmers’ market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, as well as artisanal breads, cheeses, and other products.
Denver Union Station Farmers’ Market
This farmers’ market is located in the historic Denver Union Station, and offers a variety of local products and crafts.
Colorado Springs Farmers’ Market
This farmers’ market offers a variety of fresh produce, as well as local honey, jams, and other products.
Beaches and Mountains
Colorado offers both stunning mountain scenery and beautiful beaches. Some of the top options include:
Rocky Mountain National Park
This national park offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, as well as alpine lakes and meadows.
Boulder Reservoir
This reservoir offers a beach area, as well as opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Blue Mesa Reservoir
This reservoir is the largest body of water in Colorado, and offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water activities.
Cultural Immersion
Colorado is home to a diverse range of cultures, and there are plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion. Some of the top options include:
Denver Art Museum
This museum offers a wide variety of art from around the world, as well as educational programs and events.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center