Top Things to do in Colorado
Top Hotels in Colorado
- 1. Best Western Plus Peak Vista Inn & Suites
- 2. Grand Hyatt Denver
- 3. Monarch Casino Resort Spa - Black Hawk
- 4. Le Meridien Denver Downtown
- 5. Best Western Plus Executive Residency Fillmore Inn
- 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Trinidad
- 7. The Oxford Hotel
- 8. Origin Hotel Red Rocks
- 9. SCP Colorado Springs Hotel
- 10. Warwick Denver
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What to do and see in Colorado, United States: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
Colorado is home to no less than twenty-six ski resorts such as those in Vail and Breckenridge; other winter activities include snowboarding, sledding, sleigh rides, snow hiking and snowmobiling. The state is blessed with national parks, grasslands and forests where in warmer weather you can enjoy hiking, mountain biking or rock climbing. Wildlife abounds, from bears to moose and raccoons to wolverines. More interested in local history? Head for either the Ute Indian Museum or the Koshare Indian Museum, and don't miss the forts such as Fort Garland and Bent's Old Fort. For a complete change, why not take a ride in a hot air balloon from South Park Valley or Boulder and admire Colorado's picturesque landscape from above?
Restaurants in Colorado
1. Kebler Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 462 reviews
The drive from Crested Butte to Paonia passes West Beckwith Mountain, the best spot in the state to view foliage. With 50 square miles of golden aspens.
Reviewed By K2149OJmichaelm - Buffalo, United States
I spent 16 days from the end of September into October traveling in Colorado ,I was hoping to see the aspens in fall color and got my wish ,one of my favorite spots to see them, lodging can be tricky if you wait to book and it does get crowded but well worth seeing .
2. Grand Mesa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 720 reviews
The world's largest flat-topped mountain is covered with stream fed lakes.
Reviewed By Flyer668926 - Grand Junction, United States
A gorgeous paradise 45 minutes from Grand Junction..The largest flat plateau in the world with over 200 lakes..The temperature is 25 to 30 degrees cooler in the summer than Grand Junction..Great hiking, horse back riding, fishing and camping.I have been going to this area for 50 years and still love it!
3. Colorado National Monument
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,724 reviews
This monument, 23,000 acres of canyons, plateaus and massive towers of naturally sculpted monoliths, includes Balance Rock, a 600-ton boulder perched on a rock pedestal. Two entrances are located outside the cities of Fruita and Grand Junction, Colorado.
Reviewed By NyonyaLady - Albuquerque, United States
My hubby grew up here and it is my third visit to the national monument. So when we were visiting our friend in Fruita, we thought it would be a great idea to take a leisure drive to enjoy the stunning views. We were glad that we did cos on this trip we had an incredible experience witnessing a herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, ewes and rams resting on a flat rock surface before the Independence Monument. It was just amazing! The historic and scenic Rim Rock Drive covers twenty-three unforgettable miles of the monument as you journey through a winding a twisting adventure of spectacular red rock canyons, sleek drop offs and colorful panoramic views of majestic landscapes and unrefined beauty. Massive and intimidating, yet striking and colorful formations of natural red rock seem to close in on you during many of the twists and turns along the way until suddenly it opens up to fascinating scenes that overlook the distant and wide-open plains of Colorado. The road itself can seem a bit intimidating, several narrow tunnels and sections like Dead Man's Curve certainly require your attention, and when the weather permits you'll find yourself sharing the limited space with daring cyclists who come here seeking the extremely difficult and tenacious climb. Numerous overlooks along the way offer areas to pull over and take in the magnificent views of some of the more well-known landmarks such as Balanced Rock, Monument Canyon, Grand View or even Coke Ovens Overlook and in the middle of all of this stands alone, Independence Monument. It's a flat top peak and if you look closely you might recognize it as the rock from the Chevy commercials. There's a visitors center closer to the western edge near Fruita and it offers restrooms along the way, but more importantly it provided us a deeper look into this truly incredible phenomenon and the fascinating evolution it has endured. So, if you're ever driving through this part of Colorado and you have some extra time, I highly recommend getting to know this powerful and great natural beauty of the Amercan West.
4. Bear Creek Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 406 reviews
Scenic waterfalls that tumble down into Telluride's box canyon in the San Juan Mountains.
Reviewed By wgm51 - Albuquerque, United States
This is a relatively easy trail - about 2.5 miles to the Falls starting at the end of S. Pine Street. The trail does climb most of the way but is not steep until very near the Falls. It is a beautiful hike and you can walk right up to the base of the Falls at the end. Go early to avoid the crowds since this trail is very popular.
5. Hanging Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,186 reviews
Reviewed By debsA9982ZB
This is a very pleasant surprise when staying in Glenwood Springs CO. The location is an environmental protected area, allowing only specific numbers of visitors. Reservations are needed as bus takes you to the trailhead and from there your adventure begins. The trail winds and switchbacks up the cavern walls, the views are amazing and the quiet is covered by the running brook you criss cross over by small bridges as you ascend. The hike is strenuous at times, recommendation to take your time and breath in experience. Hanging Lake is peaceful, a place to reflect, the short detour to Sprouting Rock is well worth the effort brings a smile and gives a needed cooling spray.
6. Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By ransom007 - Anaheim, United States
The museum has free parking. You enter and pay the admission fee in the gift shop. There are 2 hangars and an outdoor display area. The docent gave me a thorough tour of the first hangar which is primarily about World War I and World War II. There are several aircraft on display and much other in the way of exhibits and information. There are also videos playing. I was then allowed to tour the outdoor exhibits (almost exclusively aircraft) and the second hangar. Hangar 2 had more modern aircraft and includes a great deal of memorabilia from NASA. COVID-19: masks and social distancing are required for visitors and the staff members were masked.
7. Benson Park Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 603 reviews
Largest juried outdoor sculpture show in the United States, takes place each year over the second weekend in August.
Reviewed By archerymom
This is an amazing park with lovely handicap accessible access to all sculptures and eating areas. Lovelier in summer months, and home to the annual International Sculpture in the Park held on the second weekend of August, it is a wonderful destination year round to take a brisk walk or leisurely stroll around the ponds. It is indeed one of Loveland's finest parks and each year they add several amazing sculptures so there is always a surprise
8. Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 805 reviews
The only 1,000 foot vertical shaft gold mine tour in the U.S.; the vein was discovered by Mollie Kathleen Gortner in 1891.
Reviewed By tamarah32 - Granite Falls, United States
We had a lot planned for the day, so we arrived at 8:45, hoping to get on the first tour of the day, when they opened at 9 am. While we were on the first tour, they decided to start at 9:30 instead of right away, which was slightly annoying. We had 45 minutes to wander the property while waiting. There are a few cute displays of old mining equipment and a nice gift shop, but 10 minutes would have been plenty. Note: The bathroom in the gift shop was surprisingly nice and clean. The hoist was a little jiggly, but to be expected given it was a working jib built to haul workers and mining equipment in and out. My husband liked that it was a bit of a rough ride, as he enjoyed the feeling of going deep into the earth (we rode the Strataca hoist into the salt mines a few days prior, and that one was smooth, more like a hotel elevator). It sure beats going up or down the shaft, using the historical methods described on the tour, though. It’s a fast ride, so even if you’re claustrophobic, you should be okay for that minute or two. The other levels are lit up, so you can see them as you descend, which was pretty cool. As far as the tour itself, though, it was fascinating. Sarah was our guide; she was amazing with actual mining experience. Full of enthusiasm, and really knew her stuff. She told us the history of the mine and shared plenty of stories to help us really feel like what it may have been like mining there in the 1800s. We enjoyed how the tour takes you through a timeline of how mining started in the early days and throughout the years, with really well laid out displays. One of the coolest things about the tour is that she actually demonstrated how the tools and machinery operated. My husband and I felt like it was worth the $25/person fee and would definitely recommend the tour to anyone travelling through the area. Note: This is called "Gold Mine Tours, Inc" on Google.
9. Yankee Boy Basin
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 457 reviews
Surrounded by several mountain peaks (Potosi Peak, Teakettle Mountain, Cirque Mountain, Stony Mountain, and Gilpin Mountain), Yankee Boy Basin is a popular scenic area visited by hikers, photographers, four-wheelers and nature lovers.
Reviewed By Tuxtails - Savannah, United States
We camped in the area and then drove all the way up to Sneffel's trailhead, such a beautiful area with lake, waterfall and flowers. I would love to come back and explore and hike more.
10. Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 889 reviews
Reviewed By darci2015 - Dallas, United States
A ton of fun! Our tour guide David gave an in-depth overview into the distillation process of Stranahan’s single malt whiskey as well as the history of the brand. We also learned about bottling and how the barrels are made. We were provided three different tastings and you get to keep the free tasting glass as well as a nice discount on bottles you purchase at the distillery. I would highly recommend if you are a whiskey lover!
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