A baby mountain goat on Mt Evans. He is one of Colorado’s popular summer destinations that requires reservations. Photo by Matt Inden/Miles Image, courtesy of the Colorado Department of Tourism.
Reservations are required for some of Colorado’s top summer attractions. If you want to enjoy these popular spots, now is the best time to start planning. If you go, be sure to respect Colorado’s natural beauty and tranquility. Always leave no trace and be kind in nature.
pikes peak
Colorado’s most famous 14,000-foot mountain has both a road and a cog railway to its summit. Of course, if you’re fit enough, you can hike or bike to the top of this mountain, which stands 14,115 feet above sea level.
Colorado Springs is home to popular summer attractions, including Garden of the Gods in the foreground and Pikes Peak in the background. Reservations are now required to drive up Pikes Peak.Photo: Rick Duvall
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you need to plan ahead.
Starting this summer, you’ll need a reservation if you want to drive to and park at the top of Pikes Peak. Reservations are required from Memorial Day through the end of September. Click here for more information on reservations. Find answers to frequently asked questions.
If you plan on taking the train to the top, it’s a good idea to make a reservation in advance.
Learn more about purchasing tickets to ride the Broadmoor, Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway.
At the top is the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center.
mount blue sky
Colorado has another 14,000-foot mountain with a road leading to the top. It is the newly named Mount Blue Sky. This road goes even higher than the route to the top of Pikes Peak. The peak of Mount Blue Sky is 14,264 feet above sea level, making this highway the highest paved road in North America.
Reservations are also required to drive to the top of Mount Blue Sky. You can also stop by Mount Goliath Nature Center and Summit Lake Park. Mount Blue Sky Road is also one of Colorado’s scenic and historic byways. Read more about this amazing route from the plains to the peaks.
rocky mountain national park
Reservations are required to visit Rocky Mountain National Park. This lake is one of the most popular alpine lakes to hike in Rocky Mountain National Park. Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon of UCHealth.
One of the most visited national parks in the country is also Colorado’s oldest national park. Rocky Mountain National Park, established in 1915, is home to another 14 ells, Longs Peak, and many other spectacular mountains. The park is visited by more than 4.4 million people annually. Another of his famous scenic byways, Trail Ridge Road, takes visitors from Estes Park on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park to Grand Lake on the west side. Trail Ridge Road leads visitors to captivating high-altitude scenery.
Due to high demand, reservations are required to enter Rocky Mountain National Park during peak season from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. To purchase a timed entry pass, visit Recreation.org.
maroon bells
A maroon bell reflected in an alpine lake. Maroon Bells, like many popular summer destinations in Colorado, requires reservations. Photo by Matt Inden/Miles Image, courtesy of the Colorado Department of Tourism.
You’ve probably heard of the Maroon Bells or seen a photo of this iconic pair of red bell-shaped mountains near Aspen. Their claim to fame is being one of the most photographed mountains in North America. Although the peak is 14 meters high, it is dangerous to climb except for very experienced climbers. Still, the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness, the valley where these gaudy mountains are located, is so popular that reservations are required to visit the area from mid-May until late October.
Indian Peaks Nature Preserve
Indian Peaks Nature Preserve is a popular hiking spot that requires reservations near Boulder and Denver. Photo by Cyrus McCrimmon of UCHealth.
One of the most popular nature preserves in the country is located west of Denver and Boulder. Due to its beauty and proximity to major metropolitan areas, Indian Peaks Conservation Area currently requires reservations for both day hikes and camping.
The Brainerd Lake and Long Lake parking lots are excellent gateways to beautiful summer and fall hikes. He is one of the most popular places to hike with dogs in Colorado. (Dogs must be kept on a leash.) As with any high-altitude hike, check the weather in advance and bring enough food, water, rain gear, and extra clothing. Start at about 10,000 feet above sea level and aim for higher elevations if you plan on hiking.
Manitou Incline
The Manitou Incline in Manitou Springs, Colorado is not only a tourist attraction but also a training ground for locals. Reservations are required. Photo: Getty Images.
One of the most popular places in Colorado to test your physical fitness is located in Manitou Springs, just west of Colorado Springs.
The Manitou Incline is an advanced and very steep hike up an old railroad bed. For fit hikers and runners, the Incline is a straight up 2,744-step climb. For incline enthusiasts, he climbs nearly 2,000 feet vertically in less than a mile.
This trail is so popular that reservations are required for the Manitou Incline.
hanging lake
One of Colorado’s most popular hiking trails leads to the tranquil lakes of Glenwood Canyon. Hanging Lake has received so much attention that the U.S. Forest Service has created a reservation system for hiking or biking to Hanging Lake.
