Colorado’s scenic landscapes, laidback attitude, and artsy spirit are reason enough to make the trip to the Southwestern state. Millions of visitors flock to Colorado every year in hopes of hiking and rock climbing in the warmer months and skiing and snowboarding when the weather cools down.
With so many amazing options for adventure in the state, figuring out which cities to visit can be daunting.
These are the best cities in Colorado for everything from charming downtowns to glitzy apres ski:
1. Crested Butte
Crested Butte is often called the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” In the summer, the meadows around the town explode with color as thousands of wildflowers bloom against a backdrop of towering peaks. Take a hike on the Snodgrass Mountain Trail or the Lupine Trail to experience this natural beauty firsthand. If you’re visiting in July, go to the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival, where you can join guided hikes, photography workshops, and even flower-inspired art classes. Cyclists can take on the 401 Trail to experience one of the most beautiful rides in the country, filled with fields of wildflowers.
When winter rolls around, Crested Butte transforms into a powder paradise. Known as “Colorado’s Last Great Ski Town.” The Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers some of the most impressive skiing and snowboarding in the state. The town itself stays true to its roots, with no flashy high-rises or pretentious vibes—just a welcoming, down-to-earth community that’s all about enjoying the great outdoors.
2. Denver
Denver is one of the few cities in the US that seamlessly blends the natural world with the manmade one. One of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city, the RiNo (River North) Art District is practically an open-air museum with buildings covered by colorful street art. Dining options here are among the city’s best—start your day at Stowaway Kitchen, then end it at major tom or Beckon. Before dinner, grab seats at one of the best rooftop bars in Denver to see the sunset over the mountains.
A short drive from Downtown Denver, Red Rocks Park offers easy hiking and an iconic amphitheater carved into stone formations that regularly hosts concerts. For better mountain views, head around the corner from Red Rocks to the Mount Morrison Trail, one of the most challenging hikes near the city. If lucky, you might overhear a Red Rocks amphitheater sound check while on the trail.
3. Telluride
Tucked away in a box canyon surrounded by towering peaks, this former mining town has become a haven for adventure seekers. Kick off your day with a ride on the Telluride Gondola—the only free public transportation of its kind in the country. The views from this 13-minute ride up to Mountain Village are spectacular, with the San Juan Mountains spreading out before you in all their glory. Telluride’s beauty doesn’t end there. Bridal Veil Falls is one of the best hikes in Colorado, leading to a 365-foot waterfall—the tallest free-falling cascade in Colorado.
In the afternoon, take some time to explore Telluride’s history. Start with a visit to the Telluride Historical Museum, housed in a former hospital dating back to 1896. Then, check out the Sheridan Opera House, a historic venue still hosting film screenings and comedy shows. When dinner time rolls around, make your way to 221 South Oak. This upscale yet unpretentious restaurant, run by “Top Chef” alum Eliza Gavin, serves up creative dishes made with local ingredients and a lot of love.
4. Boulder
Located at the foot of the Flatirons, it’s easy to see why artsy Boulder is beloved and one of the best places to visit in Colorado. Kick off your day with a sunrise hike at Chautauqua Park, where trails like the Royal Arch Trail and the Flatirons Loop offer breathtaking views. After working up an appetite, head to Lucile’s Creole Cafe for a Cajun-Creole breakfast or The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse, transported straight from Tajikistan for an early lunch in unique surroundings.
Wandering down Pearl Street Mall is unavoidable in Boulder. The quaint, open-air pedestrian mall is an eclectic mix of local souvenir stores, popular brands, and farm-to-table dining. Meander into Heady Bauer, a carefully curated vintage store, for amazing vibes and fun fashion finds or to jam out at the shop’s music space.
5. Colorado Springs
Situated at the base of the iconic Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is best known for the Garden of the Gods, a surreal collection of red rock formations. Check out the Balanced Rock and the Kissing Camels, two of the park’s most famous landmarks, which can be seen from the road or accessed by hiking.
While in Colorado Springs, drive up Pikes Peak Highway to the summit of America’s Mountain. At 14,115 feet, the top offers panoramic views that stretch for miles. You might catch a glimpse of the Denver skyline on a clear day. Alternatively, head to North Cheyenne Cañon Park and hike the Seven Bridges Trail or the Helen Hunt Falls Trail for some of the top waterfall views in the area. For a challenge, the Manitou Incline offers a workout with 2,744 steps leading to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with unbeatable views of the city below.
6. Aspen
Aspen, Colorado, is the crown jewel of the Rockies for its blend of mountain views and refined luxury. Start your day with Nutella crepes at Jour de Fête before hitting the slopes at Aspen Mountain—also known as Ajax—for skiing and snowboarding. If skiing isn’t your thing, take a ride down the alpine coaster at Aspen Snowmass or grab a snow tube to coast down the mountains.
In the warmer months, Aspen offers plenty of hiking. Take on the Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed spots in North America. The hike to Crater Lake offers jaw-dropping views of the twin peaks, especially in the fall when the aspens turn a brilliant gold. For something more leisurely, the Rio Grande Trail provides a scenic riverside path that’s perfect for walking or biking.
7. Vail
Vail is synonymous with skiing and snowboarding. Vail Ski Resort boasts over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain, with runs for every skill level. Non-skiers aren’t left out of the winter fun. There are plenty of other winter activities, such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or ice skating at the Arrabelle Ice Rink in Lionshead Village. After, unwind with a visit to the Sonnenalp Spa to take a dip in the indoor-outdoor pool or enjoy a soak in the hot tub with stunning mountain views.
During the summer, Vail becomes a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. The Berrypicker Trail is a favorite for its wildflower-filled meadows and breathtaking views of the Gore Range. For an even more beautiful experience, take the Gondola One up to the top of Vail Mountain, where you can hike the numerous trails, enjoy a picnic with a view, or take in the panoramic vistas from the Epic Discovery Adventure Ridge.
8. Breckenridge
Breckenridge Ski Resort is one of Colorado’s most beloved ski destinations. It’s a playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain and five majestic peaks. In the summer, these same slopes transform into lush hiking and mountain biking trails, with stunning wildflowers and panoramic views at every turn.
Stroll through the Breckenridge Historic District’s preserved Victorian buildings that harken back to the town’s gold rush days. For a deeper look into the town’s history, visit the Breckenridge Welcome Center—a museum where you can dive into the town’s fascinating past, from its mining roots to its rise as a winter sports hub. Art enthusiasts will find plenty to love at the Breckenridge Arts District, where you can explore galleries or take a workshop. Round out your day with a night at the Breckenridge Theater for a mix of plays, concerts, and film screenings.
9. Durango
Start your day in Durango with a Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad ride. Chugging along the Animas River and winding through the jaw-dropping San Juan Mountains, the historic steam engine and vintage coaches make you feel like you’re in an Old West movie.
There’s no better way to experience what Durango has to offer than by hiking at Mesa Verde National Park. A short drive from town, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings in the country. Trek through the park’s rugged landscapes, explore ancient ruins like Cliff Palace and soak in the history that dates back over 700 years. In the afternoon, take on the rapids of the Animas River for everything from mild floats to wild rapids, depending on the season. The thrill of navigating the churning waters with the stunning mountain backdrop is an experience you won’t forget.
10. Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is a mountain town that’s as laid-back as it is legendary. You can’t visit Steamboat without skiing or snowboarding at Steamboat Ski Resort, where the champagne powder covers over 3,700 acres of terrain.
No trip to Steamboat Springs is complete without a visit to the Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Tucked away in a secluded valley, these natural hot springs offer the perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes. The pools are fed by natural hot springs and surrounded by stunning pine forests, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The springs are clothing-optional after dark, adding a bit of intrigue to your evening soak.
11. Grand Junction
If you’re looking to escape the typical Colorado mountain town scene and dive into something a bit more offbeat, Grand Junction is where you need to be. You’ve got the Colorado National Monument right in your backyard, with its dramatic canyons in this city. Hike the Devil’s Kitchen or take an awe-worthy ride along Rim Rock Drive. Hit the trails at Lunch Loops for some of the most incredible mountain biking in the state, or take a stroll along the Riverfront Trail, which winds through town alongside the Colorado River. And if you’re up for a challenge, tackle the Tabeguache Trail, a 142-mile route that connects Grand Junction to Montrose, offering some of the most remote and fantastic scenery in Colorado.
Grand Junction is also the heart of Colorado’s wine country. Spend a day touring the local vineyards in nearby Palisade, where you can sip on award-winning wines while taking in views of the surrounding orchards and the Book Cliffs. Stop by Colterris Winery for some bold reds, or head to Maison la Belle Vie for a relaxing afternoon in their idyllic outdoor tasting room. If you’re more of a beer person, don’t worry—Grand Junction’s got you covered, too. The city’s craft beer scene is booming, with spots like Rockslide Brewery serving up creative brews that are just as interesting as the landscape.
12. Glenwood Springs
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that hot springs in Glenwood Springs are kind of a big deal. Glenwood Hot Springs Pool is the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, soothing weary travelers since 1888. For a more intimate experience, check out Iron Mountain Hot Springs, where you can soak in one of 16 smaller pools, each with its own temperature and vibe. The riverside setting makes it even more magical, especially as the sun sets over the mountains.
You’re in the right place if you’re up for some adventure. The town is home to Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, a one-of-a-kind theme park perched on a mountaintop. Ride the Alpine Coaster as it twists and turns down the mountainside, or brave the Giant Canyon Swing, which launches you out over Glenwood Canyon at 1,300 feet above the Colorado River. Explore the park’s namesake caverns—guided tours take you deep into the earth to see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers that feel like they’re straight out of a fantasy novel.
13. Estes Park
Perched at 7,500 feet, Estes Park’s mountainous location lends itself to some seriously impressive views. Over 355 miles of trails that range from easy walks to arduous backcountry adventures can be accessed at Rocky Mountain National Park nearby. For an easy stroll, hike around Bear Lake. Serious hikers can take on challenging Longs Peak, the tallest summit in the national park. If you’re not wanting to hike, take a drive along Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S.
Estes Park itself is a blend of cozy mountain vibes and a touch of old-school charm. Pick up edible souvenirs while in town at The Taffy Shop, where they’ve been hand-pulling saltwater taffy since 1935. If you’re into history (and maybe a little bit of a thrill), check out The Stanley Hotel. This iconic hotel is the inspiration behind Stephen King’s “The Shining.” The hotel boasts old-world elegance—and ghost tours.
14. Fort Collins
Fort Collins is known for its outdoor activities like those at the Horsetooth Reservoir. Just a short drive from downtown, this spot is ideal for hiking and kayaking. The Horsetooth Rock Trail is a popular hike that offers panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape. If you’re visiting in the summer, dive in for a refreshing swim or paddleboard session in the clear blue waters.
After getting outside, reward yourself with a taproom visit. Fort Collins’ craft beer scene is home to over 20 breweries, including New Belgium Brewing, the company behind the iconic Fat Tire Amber Ale. Odell Brewing Company is another local favorite known for its innovative brews, like 90 Shilling Ale and Drumroll American Pale Ale. Both breweries have spacious taprooms and outdoor patios, perfect for relaxing with a cold one.
The US is full of amazing hiking for all ability levels
From coast to coast, America is full of thrilling hikes that offer even better views—regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an expert on the trails.
15 Best Hikes in the US for Epic Views
These are the most beautiful states in America
Did your state make the list?
15 Most Beautiful US States, Ranked
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
