Colorado Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Colorado travel guide?

Then you’re in the right place!

Colorado, the Centennial State, is certainly a place for adventurers. This state has a place for every kind of outdoor activity you can imagine, from some of the top ski resorts in the world to canyons to trails for hardcore mountain biking.

The awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains are definitely the state’s biggest draw but there’s so much more to explore in Colorado. If you’re looking for some great vacation ideas, we’ve got you covered.

Any Colorado vacation guide will tell you to make a stop in the state’s capital of Denver to take advantage of a whole host of indoor and outdoor activities. The Mile High City has one of the most exciting culinary scenes in the United States with new eclectic eateries popping up every year.

Thre are also a ton of offbeat things to do in Denver; drink your way through the cities many breweries, explore the famous dispensaries, and have a laugh at a quirky improv show.

Need a little fresh air? The Denver area features plenty of trails, allowing you to hike Mount Falcon, Red Rocks, and more.

Colorado’s other cities like Ouray and Breckenridge also have lots to offer travelers. Read on for more trip ideas!

Of course, any trip to Colorado isn’t complete without a time spent in the mountains.

Rocky Mountain National Park offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with these majestic mountains. There’s nothing quite like hiking up one of the foothills and enjoying the view below.

Not much of a hiker but still want the mountain experience? Head to Pike’s Peak outside Colorado Springs where you can ride the historic Cog Railway up to the top.

And definitely check out Colorado’s famous ski towns like Vail and Aspen. Even if you’re not one for winter sports, there’s plenty to enjoy.

Wherever you plan to go, we’ve got plenty of travel tips for you in this guide.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Colorado in the United States.

Note: This ultimate Colorado guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Colorado Map

Use this Colorado tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Breckenridge Travel Guide

If you’re in need of a Breckenridge visitor guide, the following blog posts share fun tips for exploring this Colorado destination!

Denver Travel Guide

Looking for a Denver tourist guide? These posts can help!

Grand County Travel Guide

This section shares tourist information for those wanting to vacation Colorado in Grand County!

Vail Travel Guide

These posts can help you plan the perfect Colorado vacation!

Ouray Travel Guide

No Colorado tourist guide would be complete without mentioning Ouray, a small city packed with fun!

Other Colorado Places To Visit

These Colorado tourism posts can help you discover unique local experiences and fun destinations!

Tips For Visiting Colorado

The following advice can help you travel Colorado state with ease!

Best Colorado Tours

Explore local culture with a Colorado tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Jeep Tour – Foothills & Garden of the Gods from Colorado Springs
• Sunrise Balloon Ride from Colorado Springs
• Discover Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver or Boulder
• Boulder Hike and Beer from Denver
• Glacier Hiking & Geothermal Cave Pools Day Tour in Idaho Springs from Denver
• Extreme Sledding in Breckenridge
• 1-Day Gunnison River Gorge Rafting Trip from Hotchkiss
• Visit Red Rocks Park, Continental Divide & Breckenridge from Denver
• Full-Day Mesa Verde National Park Tour with Guide from Durango

Renting A Car In Colorado

Need a rental car for your Colorado trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Public Transportation In Colorado

Getting around Colorado by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! You can use this tool for all of your public transportation needs when traveling around Colorado.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Colorado Hotels

Click here to browse the best Colorado travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Colorado Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Colorado tour. When visiting Colorado — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Colorado travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

Colorado Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Colorado.

Q: What is the best month to go to Colorado?

The best time to visit Colorado depends on what you want to do while you’re there. The state experiences all four seasons and each one has its perks for travelers.

If you’re planning on taking advantage of the many winter activities Colorado has to offer like skiing and snowboarding, you might want to visit later in the season to avoid the crowds.

You can absolutely wait up to an hour for a lift during the peak of winter! Conditions are usually still good in March and April and you’ll have much more space to yourself on the mountains.

Similarly, you’ll be able to avoid the summer crowds and take advantage of Colorado’s warm-weather activities by visiting in May or September, the shoulder seasons for the summer.

Q: How much money do you need for a trip to Colorado?

Most travelers spend about $150 USD per day on accommodations, food, attractions, transportation, and other expenses in Colorado.

If you’re planning on visiting more than one city in Colorado, definitely check out Omio to find the best fares on transportation between cities and save a little extra cash.

Q: How many days do you need in Colorado?

Most experts recommend planning four to seven days to explore Colorado. This will give you time to visit the state’s major cities like Denver and Boulder as well as major attractions like Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado Springs.

With some extra time, you can explore some of the states smaller parks or even hit the slopes for a day of skiing or snowboarding.

Q: What are the best things to do in Colorado?

No USA trip would be complete without visiting Colorado, and here’s why:

Colorado’s mountains and natural wonders are definitely the state’s most popular attractions, and for good reason.

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States and boasts over 100 peaks over 100,000 feet high, tons of hiking trails for trekkers of all levels, and amazing wildlife like elk and sheep.

Pikes Peak, located just outside Colorado Springs, is also a favorite of travelers to Colorado. This mountain is one of a few peaks in the Southwest that stands over 14,000 feet high and is very easy to visit. You can drive up to the summit or take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway to enjoy the views from the top.

Also located in Colorado Springs is Garden of the Gods, a National Natural Landmark known for its towering rocks that resemble skyscrapers. The truly adventurous can try their hands at rock climbing but you can also easily enjoy the views from the walking trails that wind through the park.

Moreover, Colorado has a rich history that dates all the way back to prehistoric times. At Dinosaur National Monument in Northwest Colorado, you can find incredibly well-preserved remains of dinosaurs embedded into rocks and the petroglyphs left behind by ancient civilizations.

For (somewhat) more recent history, head to Mesa Verde National Park, home of Cliff Palace. This incredible Ancestral Pueblo dwelling is built right into a cliff and is one of the most incredible sights in the southwest.

Colorado’s ski towns are not to be missed, even if you’re visiting outside of the season. Aspen is a great spot to visit year-round. Beyond the world-class mountains, the town is a top destination for art, restaurants, and shopping.

Vail, another top mountain destination, has much of the charm of an alpine village and boasts plenty of wellness activities like mountain yoga and skiing — though there are many things to do in Vail in summer, too! Plus, it’s home to some of the best bike rides in the world.

Breckenridge also blends the charm of an 1850s Gold Rush town with modern amenities like world-class spas, distilleries, and shopping.

Q: How do I prepare for a trip to Colorado?

The main thing you’ll need to prepare for is the altitude.

Much of the state sits at a high elevation and if you’re not used to it, altitude sickness can sneak up on you. Hydration is key when you’re in Colorado, so bring a water bottle and be sure to drink it.

Along those lines, your alcohol tolerance will probably be lower in Colorado than it is at home. Go easy on the booze if you want to actually remember your trip.

Also, try not to front-load your trip with activities. You’ll need a day or so to adjust to the altitude and doing too much too fast will wear you out quickly.

Despite its reputation as a winter destination, Colorado actually gets more sunny days than most states in the U.S. Sun protection is key, especially if you’re in the mountains. Be sure to wear sunscreen and re-apply often. Hats and sunglasses are also must-haves, regardless of your activities for the day.

Finally, know that the weather in Colorado can change at any minute. Be prepared for whatever the skies may bring; dress in layers, carry an umbrella, and be flexible with your plans. Keep an eye on the weather, too, so you can plan your day accordingly.

Q: Where is Colorado?

Colorado is a state in the Mountain West region of the United States in North America. It shares borders with seven US states including Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Wyoming

Q: Where should I stay in Colorado?

There are so many great places to stay in this US state! To start, you might check out this list of hotels in Colorado with private hot tubs.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Colorado?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Colorado, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Colorado?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink in Colorado.

Q: What is the local currency in Colorado?

The local currency in Colorado is the US Dollar (USD).

What would you add to this Colorado travel guide?

Enjoyed this ultimate Colorado travel guide? Pin it for later!