Explore Colorado

Where purple mountain majesties were born.

Person hiking along the Cascade Peak Trail in Indian Peaks Wilderness.
maroon bells hikes
wildflowers of southwest colorado
maroon bells hikes

Explore Colorado

Where purple mountain majesties were born.

Explore Colorado like a local.

Jagged peaks pierce the sky like daggers reaching for the heavens. On the ground, you’re treated to a rainbow of color with lush green valleys and wildflower blooms catching the mountain breeze.

 

Colorado is one of the biggest mountain adventure capitals in the world. If breathtaking altitude is what you seek, then you’re in the right place.

Must-See locales

Must-See locales

Colorado is home to enough adventures to last a lifetime (I’ve lived here for 15 years and I’m still exploring new things). These hot spots are home to some of the top scenery in the Centennial State.

lakes in rocky mountain national park - sky pond

01

Estes Park

Home to Rocky Mountain National Park, this iconic mountain town is a must-see for first-time visitors. Best for: National Park enthusiasts, hikers, wildlife lovers, photographers.

beat hiking trails in ouray

02

Ouray

With the jaw-droppingly beautiful San Juan Mountains as your backdrop, Ouray earns its name “the Switzerland of America.” Best for: Road trippers, 4×4 enthusiasts, butt-busting hikes.

The best Vail hikes Colorado has to offer

03

Vail

Featuring views of the rugged Gore Range and the iconic Holy Cross Wilderness, Vail is a year-round adventure mecca. Best for: Skiers & riders, luxury travelers, advanced hikers, backpackers.

View of the stunning natural landscape in and around Grand Junction Colorado.

04

Grand Junction

The Grand Valley area (Fruita, Palisade, and Grand Junction) deliver a different flavor of Colorado with stunning desert landscapes. Best for: Mountain bikers, road trippers, desert scenes, and fall through spring travel.

05

Aspen

Aspen has a price tag to match its killer views. Best for: Luxury travelers, ultra runners, backpackers, hikers, photographers.

06

Breckenridge

With 4 ski resorts within a 30-minute drive, Breckenridge is an excellent home base to explore the Rockies. With three major towns nearby, there’s a lot to see. Best for: Non-motor boaters, families, skiers & riders, beginner and moderate hikers.

scenic drives near denver and the view from the Mt. Evans Sceniic Byway.

07

Denver

Even a quick weekend trip to Denver gives you a chance to experience the high country. Best for: People making a short trip, day trippers, rock climbers, low altitude hikes, road biking, road trip starting point.

colorado springs hikes

08

Colorado Springs

Home to Garden of the Gods and the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, Colorado Springs has lots of ways to explore the outdoors.  Best for: families, and those interested in tourist attractions over outdoor challenges.

Best time to visit Colorado

Colorado is incredible year-round. For outdoor activities, July and August are excellent months. The mountains are snowy from November through mid-June. Landscape photographers will love to come for the aspen leaves from mid-September through early October. While skiers and riders should plan their visit from January through March. 

With 58 peaks over 14,000 feet and over 2,000 known alpine lakes, Colorado is a hiking and backpacking mecca.

Hike like a pro in Colorado

You don’t need to be an expert hiker to see jaw-dropping mountain landscapes in Colorado. But you DO need to be in the know. Dangerous thunderstorms plauge the summer and hazardous avalanche conditions exist all winter.

loveland pass - cupid peak
Climbers scaling a rock wall along the Telluride Via Ferrata.

Best time to visit Colorado

Colorado is incredible year-round. For outdoor activities, July and August are excellent months. The mountains are snowy from November through mid-June. Landscape photographers will love to come for the aspen leaves from mid-September through early October. While skiers and riders should plan their visit from January through March. 

With 58 peaks over 14,000 feet and over 2,000 known alpine lakes, Colorado is a hiking and backpacking mecca.

Hike like a pro in Colorado

You don’t need to be an expert hiker to see jaw-dropping mountain landscapes in Colorado. But you DO need to be in the know. Dangerous thunderstorms plauge the summer and hazardous avalanche conditions exist all winter.

Unique Colorado Experiences

Colorado has countless bucket list experiences to choose from. Leisurely scenic drives to testing your skills on some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48, there’s an adventure for everyone.

Unique Colorado Experiences

View of a lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in the summer.

Rocky Mountain National Park

RMNP (as us locals call it) is of the top most-visited national parks in the country. Watching the sunrise at Emerald Lake is an experience you soon won’t forget. 

hanging lake hike

Hanging Lake

Yes, Hanging Lake really does look like this – if you know when to visit. This easy to moderate hike is a must-do in late spring and early summer, when the snowmelt makes the waterfalls pop.

Million Dollar Highway in Fall

The Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of tarmac that winds its way from Ouray to Durango. Perfect for families and road trips, you don’t even have to leave your vehicle to get incredible mountain scenery.

Sun setting on the red rocks on the Perkins Trail in Garden of the Gods.

Garden of the Gods

Take a stroll through an unforgettable red rock landscape at Garden of the Gods. Accessible trails are perfect for those who need a little more stability.

winter vacations in Colorado

Maroon Bells

Everyone flocks to this iconic viewpoint to take this signature photo, but there is so much more to see at the Maroon Bells. Here’s how.

colorado road trip

Colorado National Parks

Colorado is home to 4 national parks, each with their own unique flavor. Did you know Colorado has the tallest sand dunes in North America? Or the steepest canyon? Experience the diversity of Colorado’s landscapes by visiting these parks.

free activities in colorado

Colorado will take your breath away – literally. Being prepared for the altitude and taking time to acclimatize will work wonders for your adventures. Stay hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol until you’re adjusted, and live by the motto “hike high, sleep low.”

Beating the Crowds in Colorado

The locals know to wake up for the alpenglow. Traffic and crowds plague Colorado's landscapes. But pre-dawn starts deliver the solitude you're looking for. Calculate your start time by assuming a hike time of 30 minutes per mile or 1 hour per 1,000 feet gained, whichever is greater.

Do I Need a parks pass to visit Colorado?

There are two kinds of parks passes in Colorado - the state parks pass and the America the Beautiful Parks Pass. If you plan on visiting state parks for more than 8 days, then snagging an annual pass is worth the cost. For the America the Beautiful Pass, that really depends there are 12 sites, including 4 national parks that take the pass. If you plan on visiting all 4 (or have plans to visit other parks), then an annual National Parks Pass is worth the money!

free activities in colorado

Do I need a Parks Pass?

There are two kinds of parks passes in Colorado - the state parks pass and the America the Beautiful Parks Pass. If you plan on visiting state parks for more than 8 days, then snagging an annual pass is worth the cost. For the America the Beautiful Pass, that really depends there are 12 sites, including 4 national parks that take the pass. If you plan on visiting all 4 (or have plans to visit other parks), then an annual National Parks Pass is worth the money!

Quick tips for visiting

Colorado will take your breath away - literally. Being prepared for the altitude and taking time to acclimatize will work wonders for your adventures. Stay hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol until you're adjusted, and live by the motto "hike high, sleep low."

Beating the Crowds in Colorado

The locals know to wake up for the alpenglow. Traffic and crowds plague Colorado's landscapes. But pre-dawn starts deliver the solitude you're looking for. Calculate your start time by assuming a hike time of 30 minutes per mile or 1 hour per 1,000 feet gained, whichever is greater.

Essential Gear

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Here’s a look at a few must-have essentials for your trip to Colorado. I’ve been obsessed with each of these items for over a decade!

Essential Gear

America the Beautiful Parks Pass
A photo of an America the Beautiful parks pass that is good at 12 colorado recreation areas, monuments, and national parks.

Pee Funnel

An image of a pee funnel used to help those who squat to pee, urinate standing up.

Microspikes

An image of a shoe with rubber and chain spike devices that go over the shoe to provide traction in the snow.
Meg hiking a mountain with a helmet on while wearing a white sweatshirt, black sunglasses, and a backpack.

Meet Meg Your Local Colorado Expert

I've lived in Colorado for 15 years. As an avid hiker, climber, backpacker, and mountaineer I'm an absolute local expert in all things Colorado. I've been to the top of over 60 mountains, hiked over 10,000 miles, and climbed over 150 pitches in the great Centennial State. And I'm not stopping anytime soon.

Meet Meg Your Local Colorado Expert

Meg hiking a mountain with a helmet on while wearing a white sweatshirt, black sunglasses, and a backpack.

I’ve lived in Colorado for 15 years. As an avid hiker, climber, backpacker, and mountaineer I’m an absolute local expert in all things Colorado. I’ve been to the top of over 60 mountains, hiked over 10,000 miles, and climbed over 150 pitches in the great Centennial State. And I’m not stopping anytime soon.

Even More Colorado Adventures

Ready to take your adventures further? Here’s a look at some of the hottest posts on the blog to fuel your travel lust.

Even More Colorado Adventures

View of Black Canyon of the Gunnison from Chasm View.

Weekend Getaways from Denver

View of Ptarmigan Lake surrounded by mountains covered in snow.

Incredible Alpine Lakes

wildflower hikes near denver

Best Hikes in Colorado

rocky mountain national park from denver international airport

Ultimate Colorado Road Trip

A local's guide to the most scenic drives in Colorado. Drives with amazing and unique mountain scenery including the best views in Colorado. #travel #colorado #inspiration

Incredibly Scenic Drives in Colorado

things to do in colorado fo free

The Most Beautiful Places in Colorado

South Arapaho Peak in winter

Join the Community

Stay organized with the ultimate Colorado packing list. Easily tailored for a camping road trip or an easy-going weekend away in the mountains, this packing list is perfect for your next big adventure.

Join the Community

South Arapaho Peak in winter

Your colorado travel blog

Explore the most that Colorado has to offer. I’m out and about every week bringing you the latest in incredible Colorado adventures. Here’s what’s hot off the press on the blog.

Your colorado travel blog

Vibrant red rocks jutting out of the landscape and surrounded by green grass and trees on a bright day with a blue sky with clouds in the sky.

10 State Parks Near Denver to Check Out this Season

Only guide you'll ever need to 10 epic state parks near Denver.
Read More →
Meg is climbing the face of a mountain in Colorado National Monument on a sunny day.

Highly Under-Rated Hidden Gems in Colorado According to a Long-Time Local

The only local's guide you'll need to the best hidden gems in Colorado.
Read More →
A woman is holding a blue snowboard behind her back and has a turquoise jacket on. She has long dark hair, is wearing a white helmet, and is looking at the snow covered mountains and slopes of Colorado.

Colorado in March: What You Really Need to Know from a Local

Everything you need to know about Colorado in March from a local.
Read More →
View of the mountains in Colorado in summer on a bright sunny day. You can see large green meadows filled with wildflowers and the mountains in the distance.

Secret Challenging Hikes in Colorado You Won’t Find on Any Best-of Lists

Shhh...I'm giving away my top secret hikes that are sure to challenge you...
Read More →
Aerial view of the Lariat Loop and one of the top Golden attractions.

21 Mega Fun Things to Do in Golden CO

A super savvy local's guide to 21 of the all time best things to do in Golden Co in 2024.
Read More →
things to do near estes park

Mega Epic Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park Guide with Secret Local Tips

A massive local's guide on everything you need to know about getting from Denver to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Read More →