Colorado is a dream for outdoor lovers: jagged peaks, red rock formations, ancient cliff dwellings, alpine lakes, and desert dunes all inside one state. Below are the top 10 tourist attractions in Colorado with what to see, how to plan, and quick tips to help you get the most from each stop.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park — alpine peaks & scenic drives
Why go: Iconic high-country scenery, wildlife (elk, bighorn sheep), alpine lakes, and easy-to-difficult hiking options.
Must-do: Drive Trail Ridge Road (seasonal), hike to Bear Lake, or summit Longs Peak for experienced climbers. Note: the park uses a timed-entry reservation system during busy months—check current rules and book early. National Park Service
Best time: Summer–early fall for clear roads and wildflowers; fall for brilliant aspen color.
Nearby base towns: Estes Park (east), Grand Lake (west).
2. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) — dramatic red sandstone
Why go: Towering red rock fins, easy walking trails, great for photography, rock climbing, and accessible visitor exhibits.
Must-do: Stop at the Visitor & Nature Center for maps and exhibits—park access and visitor center information (hours, maps, ADA services) are online. The park is free to enter and open year-round with visitor center hours that vary seasonally. gardenofgods.com
Best time: Sunrise or sunset for the best light on the rock formations. Combine with a trip to nearby Pikes Peak or Cave of the Winds.
3. Mesa Verde National Park — Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings
Why go: Some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America—an extraordinary cultural and archaeological experience.
Must-do: Ranger-led cliff dwelling tours require reservations (many tours open in May and fill quickly); plan ahead and check recreation.gov for reservations. National Park Service
Best time: Late spring through early fall (tour season). Nearby town: Cortez / Mancos.
4. Maroon Bells (near Aspen) — the most photographed peaks in Colorado
Why go: Mirror-like alpine lakes framed by two dramatic peaks—stunning for photographers and hikers alike.
Must-do: Bring a camera, arrive early (parking is limited), or take the shuttle during summer months. Fall color here is legendary.
5. Pikes Peak — “America’s Mountain”
Why go: Drive, take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway (seasonal), or hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Front Range and plains.
Must-do: If driving, check road and weather conditions; the summit is high and can be windy and cold year-round.
6. Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve — towering sand dunes
Why go: The tallest dunes in North America set against a mountain backdrop—sandboarding, stargazing, and surreal landscapes.
Must-do: Walk the dunes at sunrise or sunset; try sandboarding; bring lots of water and sun protection. (Great Sand Dunes regularly appears on lists of Colorado must-sees.) Tripadvisor
Best time: Late spring–early fall. Night skies are excellent for stargazing.
7. Garden State/Hot Springs towns — Glenwood Springs & Pagosa Springs
Why go: Soak in natural hot springs after a day of hiking or skiing. Glenwood Springs has the world’s largest hot springs pool; Pagosa Springs is known for deeply relaxing mineral waters.
Must-do: Reserve a soak on busy summer and ski-season weekends.
8. Denver & the Front Range — culture, food, and museums
Why go: The Mile-High City mixes craft breweries, museums (Denver Art Museum, History Colorado), Larimer Square, and easy day trips into the mountains.
Must-do: Explore Denver’s neighborhoods, take a quick drive to Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a concert or a walk.
9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park / Colorado National Monument
Why go: Dramatic sheer cliffs, narrow gorges, and dramatic overlooks—great for scenic drives, photography, and quiet hikes. Highly recommended for travelers wanting dramatic, less-crowded canyon scenery. Tripadvisor
10. Ski towns & alpine resorts — Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride
Why go: World-class skiing and winter culture, plus vibrant summer festivals and hiking. Each town has its own character—Vail (alpine village), Breckenridge (historic mining town), Aspen (luxury + culture), Telluride (remote and scenic).
Must-do: Book winter stays well in advance; summer festivals and concerts also draw crowds.
Quick 3-Day Sample Colorado Itinerary
Day 1: Denver arrival → Red Rocks / Larimer Square → drive to Boulder (overnight)
Day 2: Early to Rocky Mountain National Park (timed entry in high season) → Estes Park → Sunset at a viewing point. National Park Service
Day 3: Drive to Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak (Colorado Springs) or swap with Great Sand Dunes if heading south. gardenofgods.com+1
Practical Travel Tips & FAQs
Entry & Reservations: Many top Colorado national parks and popular areas require reservations or have seasonal restrictions (for example, Rocky Mountain NP’s timed-entry system and Mesa Verde’s ranger-led tour reservations). Book early during summer and fall. National Park Service
Altitude: Many Colorado attractions are at high elevation. Drink water, avoid heavy exertion your first day, and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
Best time to visit:
Summer: hiking, access to high roads (Trail Ridge Road, Maroon Bells)
Fall: aspen color (mid–late September in many ranges)
Winter: skiing and hot springs
Getting around: Rent a car for the greatest flexibility; some mountain towns have shuttles and seasonal public transportation.
Final tips
Prioritize reservation-dependent stops (Rocky Mountain NP, Mesa Verde) early in your planning. National Park Service
Mix “must-see” highlights (Rocky Mountain NP, Garden of the Gods, Mesa Verde) with quieter gems (Black Canyon, Great Sand Dunes) to avoid crowds. For an official travel hub and seasonal events, consult the Colorado tourism site. Colorado.com