Colorado is one of the most popular states for tourists, and for good reason. This Rocky Mountain destination features some of the best attractions that visitors can enjoy year-round.
No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s definitely something to see and do here. From factory tours to dune climbing, we’ve hand-picked the most popular attractions to fit your itinerary. These activities are in secluded areas, so be prepared for crowds and go on weekdays if possible. All can be enjoyed all year round.
Here are some of Colorado’s best tourist attractions, in no particular order.
royal gorge
Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, Colorado. Photo by Roy Niswanger
This massive canyon is located in Canon City, about an hour’s drive southwest of Colorado Springs, and offers a variety of activities around the canyon. The highlight is not only the canyon itself, but also the suspension bridge that rises 955 feet above the Arkansas River that cuts through the canyon. At Royal Gorge Bridge & Park, you can cross over to the other side and play a variety of games on the cliffs.
During peak summer season, commercial whitewater rafting tours depart daily through the Royal Gorge. You can also travel to the bottom of the gorge on the Royal Gorge Route Railway. Or you can soar over the sky on the Royal Gorge Zipline. There are many ways to experience this unique region of Colorado.
rocky mountain national park
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Photo by Neil Wellons.
It is the most visited national park in Colorado and one of the most visited national parks in the National Park Service, with approximately 4.5 million visitors. Rocky Mountain National Park, abbreviated as RMNP, stretches on both sides of the Continental Divide from Estes Park to Grand Lake. You can drive the entire route on either route via Trail Ridge Road, but not during the winter when this high-elevation road is closed.
Another option for views between towns is the one-way Old Fall River Road, which crosses the watershed from Estes Park. In addition to these auto tours, countless hiking and outdoor experiences are available, from waterfalls and wildlife to camping under his million stars. Learn more about the area by stopping at the visitor center and reading interpretive signs that explain the highlights along the way.
garden of the gods
Garden of Gods in Colorado.Cinematography: Joel Tonian
Just as towering skyscrapers draw people to Denver, people come to Colorado Springs for its natural charm. The tourist options in Olympic City are many, and one of them is free. The Garden of the Gods welcomes over 4 million visitors a year.
Some of the main activities you can do while driving through or parking are hiking, rock climbing, and visiting museums.
This national natural landmark is probably one of the best free walking spots in the entire world. Be sure to visit this attraction as you explore the sights of Pikes Peak Country. At the very least, take an auto tour of the park and stop at an observation deck or two to admire the giant red sandstone boulders jutting out of the ground.
pikes peak
If you’ve never been to the area, try driving up Pikes Peak (pictured above towering over Garden of the Gods). You’ll have to pay to do it, but it’s worth it. Where else are you over 14,000 feet above sea level? Mount Evans Byway is another one. There are also hiking options. But Pikes Peak is the most famous, with a gorgeous new visitor center at the top.
There’s also a cog railway that runs from Manitou Springs to the summit. The Pikes Peak Highway, which starts at Cascade, and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, which starts just before, welcome visitors year-round, weather permitting. Along the way, there are several parks where you can enjoy the high country atmosphere at the alpine lakes.
Great Sand Dunes
Great sand dunes in Colorado. Photo by Patrick Emerson
It’s just sand, but it’s piled up very high in the Rocky Mountains, far from the beach or ocean side. Located in the stunningly unusual San Luis Valley, just a short drive from Alamosa, this national park and preserve has only one major attraction. It’s a huge pile of sand blown in from afar.
The Great Sand Dunes were formed when sand was brought into the San Luis Valley along with other sediments via rivers and streams. It was blown by the wind and pushed up into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where opposing wind currents helped form high dunes at certain bends of the mountain range.
You can go outside anytime, but some people prefer to go outside after dark when the sky is clear. More active travelers might hike to the top of Stardune, the largest in the park, and try their hand at sand surfing along the way. There’s also a campground on site for off-roading and hiking, as well as the seasonal Medano His Creek pictured above, perfect for water play. Zapata Waterfall is nearby.
downtown denver
Across the block from the 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver. Photo by Kent Kanose
Have you checked out downtown Denver yet? This is usually the question a new tourist asks when trying to give suggestions on the big things to see. Once you’re there, the easiest area to get around the capital is by centering around the 16th Street Mall.
This pedestrian-friendly, mile-long promenade connects Union Station, where trains and buses take you to fun spots, with the nearby State Capitol. You can visit either of these historic buildings, although the latter offers official tours. Best of all, if you get tired of walking, there’s a free bus that runs along the promenade, stopping at every block in the city.
There are also several parks and the beautiful Cherry Creek Trail, which starts at Confluence Park. On the other side of 16th Street, near the Capitol, is Civic Center Park. In the heart of downtown, Skyline Park hosts a variety of attractions depending on the season, including a beer garden and an ice skating rink in winter.
Red Rocks
Red Rocks, Colorado. Photo credit: daveynin
The right way to experience this iconic outdoor music venue is to see a show there. But that’s not always possible. Luckily, when it’s not in use, you can stop by and treat it as a free park year-round. Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater is the perfect place to view the Great Plains and metropolitan skyline below.
Located in the rolling hills of Morrison, it’s a convenient place to take in the views and get around a bit. Local people use it as a place for exercise. Some people walk or run down the line (shown above). Others simply walk up to the top or the stage and back up to enjoy the atmosphere. Stop by the Colorado Music Hall of Fame below the main stage.
coors brewery
Table Mountain and Coors Brewery. Photo by Simon Foote
Coors Brewery attracts beer lovers of all kinds from around the world. Located in the Old West town of Golden, at the base of the Front Range mountains. The town itself is a major destination for people to stroll downtown, shop, eat, and sightsee. But taking a Coors Brewery Tour is on the vacation itinerary for many fastidious people.
Free tours are offered every day of the year, with free beer at the end. You’ll see how beer is made at one of Japan’s leading beer producers, and sample some of their signature beers and, if possible, limited edition beers. If you want a faster experience, go on a weekday, preferably early in the day. Or you can go with the last call.
mesa verde
Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Photo credit: Scrubhiker (USCdyer)
Tucked away in the southwestern part of the state, Mesa Verde is an enchanting place worth visiting. The area is dotted with ancient Pueblo ruins, as well as old houses built on top of plateaus and cliff sides. It was inhabited and houses were built there for several centuries until it was abandoned around 1300.
The park’s Far View Lodge offers camping and lodging. The town of Cortez is less than 15 minutes from the park entrance. Be sure to take a fully automated tour and stop at all the unique observation decks for amazing views. For the best interactive experience, book at least one or two guided tours to the cliff dwellings.
Hanging Lake
Hanging Lake, Colorado. Photo by Max and Dee Berndt.
Ten miles east of Glenwood Springs, tucked away on a long hiking trail, you’ll find the stunning Hanging Lake. Due to its immense popularity, you’ll need a permit and reservations to trek out to the lake and waterfall.
Once you’ve reserved a spot, Hanging Lake is accessible all year round. Naturally, it peaks in the summer, but winter hiking and snowshoeing can bring its own charm, depending on the hardness of the snow already there. It’s been designated a national natural monument due to its spectacular hanging garden plant communities.
Breckenridge Historic District
Downtown Breckenridge shops at dusk. Photo by Seth Youngblood
Even people who don’t ski or snowboard will come and love the town of Breckenridge. Only 1.5 hours from Denver and located in equally beautiful Summit County, we have easy access to other cool towns and attractions. In addition to four impressive ski resorts, Summit County has plenty to offer for a multi-night trip or a day trip from Denver.
Breckenridge has a pedestrian-friendly downtown lined with blocks of quaint shops and restaurants aimed at tourists. Most of the stores are in historic buildings, and there are many museums and ruins to visit. The ski resort is one of the busiest in the state, and in the summer it’s busy with mountain biking and adventure parks for all ages.
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Photo by Stefan Selena
A jewel of the Southwest, the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad draws people from all over the world to enjoy a ride on the alpine train. One train depot is located in the colorful and vibrant mountain town of Durango, and the other is in the remote, high-altitude town of Silverton. Everything about this experience feels historic.
A variety of train trips are offered throughout the year, including Christmas and other holiday-themed trips. You can take the train round-trip or one-way from Durango to Silverton, or alternatively take a bus back along captivating Highway 550 for a shorter, more scenic ride.
All of the places are crowded with tourists, but they are all places that I am glad I went to. These are among the top tourist attractions in Colorado.
