Denver, the Mile High City, so named because it sits at 5,280 feet above sea level or one mile high, has been rocking since the late 1850s, when gold was discovered around Cherry Creek. Today, it is one of America’s hottest cities to live and play in and a great place to visit in Colorado.
With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop and more than 300 days of sunshine per year, Denver is a visually appealing metropolis, filled with a variety of sights and attractions for everyone, from families to couples. Whether you are wandering the Denver Art Museum, doing some shopping and gallery-hopping in Cherry Creek North, or visiting animals at the Denver Zoo, day or night, there is no shortage of things to do.
1. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Situated in southern Colorado’s San Luis Valley, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most famous and fantastical locations on our list. The name should be a pretty obvious giveaway of what you’ll see here. It boasts the tallest sand dune in the country. And, yes, the rumors are true…you can indeed go sandboarding and hiking (duh). That’s not all! The Medano Creek and peaks of Sangre de Cristo round out the otherworldly landscape. A word to the wise: hit up Great Sand Dunes National Park early in the morning because it gets super hot.
2. Garden Of The Gods
The most visited attraction in the Pikes Peak region and a National Natural Landmark, Garden of the Gods will make you believe in a higher power. This celebrated Colorado Springs destination is famed for its enormous sandstone formations that seem to touch the sky. Be sure to bring your camera to snap photos of gravity-defying boulders like Kissing Camels, Balanced Rock, Tower of Babel, Cathedral Spires, Three Graces, Sleeping Indian, Siamese Twins, Scotsman and Pig’s Eye. Fortunately, these million-dollar views don’t cost a fortune. Quite the contrary, it’s actually free to explore the Garden of the Gods!
3. Crested Butte
Perched at an elevation of 8,909 feet, Crested Butte is a charming small town in the Rocky Mountains. People flock to this winter wonderland to ski and snowboard on the storied slopes of Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Far from a place that hits its highest note in the winter, Crested Butte delights during all four seasons. Hailed as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, it’s incredible come spring when the blooms create the most vividly picture-perfect panorama. Another scenic selling point? The Quaking aspen trees erupt into a fiery cornucopia of harvest hues in the fall.
4. Mesa Verde National Park
Visually striking and historically significant, UNESCO-listed Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado is not to be missed. It’s home to thousands of impressively preserved Ancestral Pueblo sites—including the Cliff Palace, the largest cliff dwelling in North America. The Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum showcases exhibits on the Ancestral Pueblo life and culture. Besides its archaeological value, Mesa Verde National Park brims with natural beauty. Those looking to add eye-popping canyon views to the mix should drive the six-mile Mesa Top Loop Road. You can see several interesting rock carvings walking along the rugged Petroglyph Point Trail.
5. Bridal Veil Falls
You could accuse us of waxing poetic over the beauty of Bridal Veil Falls. And to that, we’d say “guilty as charged.” But seriously, who wouldn’t get swept up in the magnitude of Colorado’s tallest cascades as it spills down a box canyon overlooking Telluride (which we should mention is a truly dazzling destination in its own right). The two-mile trek out to Bridal Veil Falls affords travelers plenty of time to build up excitement. While the journey back provides an opportunity to remark on the sheer majesty of what you just witnessed.
6. Hanging Lake
By now we’ve established that Colorado isn’t lacking in stunning locales. However, Hanging Lake manages to stand out from the rest. Located near Glenwood Springs, this National Natural Landmark and popular tourist attraction remains a remarkable example of a travertine geological formation. Prepare to be impressed by the crystal-clear water, moss-covered rocks and gently cascading falls. Getting to Hanging Lake takes a fair amount of effort. It’s accessible via a scenic—albeit steep and strenuous—backcountry hike. Don’t expect to cool down once you arrive, swimming of any kind is strictly prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem.
7. Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells, just outside of Aspen, are two recognizable and camera-ready fourteeners (mountains taller than 14,000 feet above sea level). Despite being one of the most photographed areas in all of Colorado, pictures don’t do justice to these Mother Nature-made treasures—and, frankly, neither do words, though we’ll give it a shot. The combination of sparkling lakes, rivers, meadows, forests, seasonal blooms and, of course, a duo of peaks create a picturesque setting unlike anywhere else on the planet. And obviously, a post of Maroon Bells is basically guaranteed to garner lots of likes on Instagram.
8. Rocky Mountain National Park
Few places capture the hearts of so many people from different walks of life as Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, we can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t be moved by its many mountains, aspen forests, rivers and tundra. Those with mountaineering and hard-core climbing experience can attempt to scale the Keyhole Route that leads up to 14,000-foot Longs Peak. For others, a photo of the prominent summit from a distance will suffice. If you fall into the latter group, head to Bear Lake to take in the splendor of the alpine scenery.
9. Rifle Falls State Park
Some destinations just have a way of capturing your heart and never letting go. Rifle Falls State Park definitely falls (pun intended) into that category. Best known for its 70-foot triple waterfall, 38-acre Rifle Falls State Park, in Garfield County, also has a deciduous forest, wetlands, limestone caves, fishing ponds, groomed hiking trails as well as thirteen drive-in and seven walk-in campsites. The wildlife situation is pretty epic too. Visitors frequently peep deer, elk, coyote, moose and native birds. Do you blame us for being just a tad bit obsessed?
10. Pikes Peak
There’s stiff competition for the title of most beautiful place in Colorado. And while we can’t say for sure which spot takes the cake, Pikes Peak is definitely in the running. Dubbed “America’s Mountain,” this fourteener (in case you forgot, that’s a summit higher than 14,000 above sea level) brings the beauty of its iconic vistas to the masses. By that, we mean that you don’t have to survive some rigorous, quad-torching hike to the top. Just hop aboard the world’s highest cog train, sit back, relax and soak in the panoramas. You’re welcome.
11. TheBroaDmoorSeven Falls
While not the tallest, The Broadmoor Seven Falls is widely regarded as the Centennial State’s most famous series of cascades. As the name of this privately-owned attraction suggests, this soul-stirring natural phenomenon flaunts seven waterfalls (Bridal Veil, Feather, Hill, Hull, Ramona, Shorty, and Weimer). What its moniker fails to mention? The water gushes 181 feet down from South Cheyenne Creek. Talk about impressive! You’ll often hear people call The Broadmoor Seven Falls “the Grandest Mile of Scenery in Colorado.” That’s because the surrounding landscape wows with a mix of forests, prairies, valleys and rock formations.
12. Red Rocks Park And Amphitheatre
If you travel to Denver and don’t catch a show at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, were you even really there? Jokes aside, this iconic entertainment venue is one of the most impressive sites in the states. The remarkable juxtaposition between natural and manmade really sets it apart. Fiery rock formations beneath the star-flecked night sky and a stage that’s welcomed some of the most talented musical acts of all time. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre also hosts other types of awesome live events like yoga and classic drive-in movies.
